INSPECTING THE GENERATOR AND ACCESSORIES
Before each use of the Arthrex O.P.E.S. Electrosurgical Generator, verify that the unit and all accessories are in good working order:
• Inspect for damage to the Electrosurgical Generator and all its connections.
• Verify that the appropriate accessories and adapters are present.
• Inspect all cords and connectors for signs of wear, damage, and abrasion.
• Verify that no errors occur when you turn on the unit.
SETUP SAFETY
WARNINGS:
Hazardous Electrical Output
- This equipment is for use only by trained, licensed physicians.
Electric Shock Hazard
- Connect the generator power cord to a properly grounded receptacle.
Do not use power plug adapters.
Connect the power cord to a properly polarized and grounded power source with the frequency
and voltage characteristics that match those listed on the back of the unit.
Fire Hazard
- Do not use extension cords.
Patient Safety
- Use the generator only if the self-test has been completed as described.
Otherwise, inaccurate power outputs may result.
The instrument receptacles on this generator are designed to accept only one instrument at a
time. Do not attempt to connect more than one instrument at a time into a given receptacle. Doing
so will cause simultaneous activation of the instruments.
Failure of the high frequency electrosurgical equipment could result in an unintended increase of
output power.
Do not use electrosurgical equipment unless properly trained to use it in the specific procedure
being undertaken. Use by physicians without such training has resulted in serious, unintended
patient injury, including bowel perforation and unintended, irreversible tissue necrosis.
For surgical procedures where the high frequency current could flow through parts of the body
having a relatively small cross-sectional area, the use of bipolar techniques may be desirable to
avoid unwanted coagulation.
If the patient has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), contact the ICD manufacturer for
instructions before performing an electrosurgical procedure. Electrosurgery may cause multiple
activation of ICDs.
In some circumstances, potential exists for alternate site burns at points of skin contact (e.g.,
between the arm and the side of the body). This occurs when electrosurgical current seeks a path
to the patient return electrode that includes the skin-to-skin contact point. Current passing through
small skin-to-skin contact points is concentrated and may cause a burn. This is true for grounded,
ground referenced, and isolated output generators.
To reduce the potential for alternate site burns, do one or more of the following:
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact points, such as fingers touching leg, when positioning the patient.
• Place 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in.) of dry gauze between contact points to ensure that contact does
not occur.
• Position the return electrode to provide a direct current route between the surgical site and
the return electrode which avoids skin-to-skin contact areas.
• In addition, place return electrodes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Potential for
alternate site burns increases if the return electrode is compromised. Arthrex recommends
the use of split return electrodes and generators with a contact quality monitoring system.
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Arthrex, Inc.