Capacitive coupling hazard in laparoscopic energy devices is best described by which statement?

• A. Transfer of current from active electrode through insulation to a passive electrode; active electrode can give a charge if it touches a grasper or camera briefly, they store energy, then they contact tissue and injure it.
• B. Direct conduction through tissue from active to passive electrode.
• C. Capacitive coupling hazard statement: transfer of current from active electrode through insulation to a passive electrode.
• D. Capacitive coupling is a beneficial energy transfer.

Answer: (C)

Capacitive coupling hazard occurs when energy from the active electrode couples through the insulation to a nearby passive conductor, such as a grasper or camera, inside the instrument field. This transfer happens via the electric field (like a capacitor) and can occur without direct contact between the active electrode and the passive instrument. The stored energy in that passive device can later discharge into tissue when the instrument touches or moves against tissue, causing an unintended burn. This description precisely captures the mechanism: energy moving through insulation to a passive electrode. It’s not about direct conduction through tissue from active to passive, and it’s not a beneficial energy transfer.