3-D Potential Distribution Measurement in Electrosurgery by a Flexible Multielectrode System

To analyze the electric field around bipolar resectoscopes, used in urology, in terms of reasons for late complications after a surgical treatment a flexible multielectrode system was developed to measure the 3-D potential distribution. A high spatial resolution is achieved with the least possible individual measurements under the conditions of a quasi-static electric field. A flexible arrangement and positioning of the measuring points in the vertical direction of the experimental environment enable an adjustable spatial resolution and the selection of the region of interest. The existing influence of the multielectrode system on the measuring results is described and a correction method is presented to achieve significant results. Thus, the multielectrode system is usable for a comparative study of bipolar resectoscopes varying in the arrangement of resection and return electrode.