Bowa ARC 300, Operating Manual

Page: 23 / 116

2 Safety
900-350_IFU_V2.6_10296-S13-20100111-EN ARC 300 / ARC 350 Operating manual
23
2.5.2. Application of the neutral electrode
In the monopolar HF method, the neutral electrode feeds the current
introduced into the patient's body at the surgical site back to the HF
device.
X To prevent a rise in temperature at the current emergence point,
the following conditions must be ensured:
•
sufficiently large contact surface between the neutral
electrode and the patient's body
•
high electrical conductivity between the neutral electrode
and the patient's body
X To prevent the patient being burned by the neutral electrode, you
must comply with the following conditions:
•
Select the application point for the neutral electrode so
that the current paths between the active and neutral
electrodes are as short as possible and run longitudinally
or diagonally to the patient's body (because muscles are
more conductive in the direction of the fibrils).
•
During surgery in the thoracic region, not run the current
path transversely across the patient's body and ensure
that the patient's heart is never in the path of the current.
•
Depending on the surgical site, apply the neutral
electrode at the nearest upper arm or thigh if at all
possible.
•
In the case of self-adhesive disposable electrodes,
comply with any further manufacturer specifications
regarding the point of application.
•
Ensure that the application point is free of scar tissue
and bony prominences.
•
Ensure that there are no implants (e.g. bone nails, bone
plates, endoprostheses) in the current path.
•
Ensure that no short circuits can occur at the neutral
electrode connection.