Systems and methods for transmitting energy through patient tissue involve the use of an indifferent pad assembly in conjunction with an ablation probe. Systems may include an electrical surgical unit having a power output connector, a first power return connector, and a second power return connector. Systems may also include an ablation probe coupleable with the power output connector of the electrical surgical unit, and an indifferent pad assembly having a conductive mechanism coupled with an electrical and thermal insulator mechanism, and a wire assembly coupled with the conductive mechanism. The wire assembly can include a first connector coupleable with the first power return connector of the electrical surgical unit, and a second connector coupleable with the second power return connector of the electrical surgical unit.