Covidien Force FX-C, User Manual

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Preparing for Monopolar Surgery
4-10 Force FX Electrosurgical Generator C User’s Guide
Using Two Generators Simultaneously
Two generators (and two patient return electrodes) may be used simultaneously on the
same patient, provided the generators are the same type (both are isolated or both are
ground referenced). However, the two generators are not synchronized.
One return electrode frequently acquires a high positive voltage while the other acquires
an opposite negative voltage. When this occurs, the potential voltage difference between
them may cause the current to flow from one patient return electrode to the other. The
current causes no harm if it produces no sparks or high current densities on the patient.
Place each patient return electrode as close as possible to the site of the surgery to be
performed by the generator to which it is connected. Ensure that the two patient return
electrodes do not touch.
Pacemakers
To avoid interference with pacemakers, place the patient return electrode as close as
possible to the site of surgery. Make sure the path the current follows from the site of
surgery to the return electrode does not pass through the vicinity of the heart or the site
where the pacemaker is implanted.
Caution
Do not stack equipment on top of the generator or place the generator on top of electrical
equipment (except a Force GSU unit or a Argon Gas Delivery Unit II). These configurations are
unstable and/or do not allow for adequate cooling.
Warning
Use electrosurgery with caution in the presence of internal or external pacemakers. Interference
produced by the use of electrosurgical devices can cause devices such as a pacemaker to enter an
asynchronous mode or can block the pacemaker effect entirely. Consult the pacemaker
manufacturer or hospital Cardiology Department for further information when use of
electrosurgical appliances is planned in patients with cardiac pacemakers.
If the patient has an internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD), contact the ICD manufacturer for
instructions before performing an electrosurgical procedure. Electrosurgery may cause multiple
activations of ICDs.