Covidien Force FX-C, User Manual

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Selecting the Power Setting
Dur
ing Surgery
Force FX Electrosurgical Generator C User’s Guide 5-3
Selecting the Power Setting
During a surgical procedure, the amount of current delivered during a given time period
determines the amount of heating that occurs under the electrode. All Covidien patient
return electrodes are designed for use during traditional surgical procedures and duty
cycles (on time compared to off time). Users should consult Chapter 9,
Technical
Specifications , for the recommended maximum duty cycle specifications.
It is not possible to foresee what combination of current and duty cycle may be safely
used in every situation, such as when higher currents and/or longer duty cycles are used
on procedures such as tissue lesioning, tissue ablation, tissue vaporization, and
procedures where conductive fluid is introduced into the surgical site. Under these
conditions there can be greater risk that the heating under a fully applied return
electrode may be high enough to injure the patient.
When using a Covidien generator or patient return electrode during these types of
surgical procedures the user should seek written guidance from the manufacturer of the
active accessory regarding the currents and duty cycles that can be expected as well as
detailed user instructions. In some instances, the application of additional patient return
electrodes may help mitigate the increased risk.
Changing the Power Setting
Verify the power settings for the selected mode with the surgeon. You can change the
power setting when the generator is on, including when it is activated.
To increase the power, press the up arrow (
Δ
) button for the selected mode.
To decrease the power, press the down arrow (
∇
) button for the selected mode.
When you press and release the power button, the power changes by one setting (1, 5,
or 10 watts), based on the settings available for the selected mode. The available power
settings are listed in Chapter 9,
Technical Specifications .
To reach the maximum or minimum power setting for the selected mode, press and hold
the up arrow (
Δ
) or down arrow (
∇
) button. The setting changes slowly at first, then
more rapidly. Release the button when the desired setting is displayed. If you try to set
the power above the maximum setting or below the minimum setting for the selected
mode, a tone sounds.
Warning
Confirm proper power settings before proceeding with surgery. Use the lowest power setting
possible for the minimum time necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Never increase the power settings without first checking both the active electrode and the patient
return electrode and their connections. Use the active electrode or forceps only for the minimum
time necessary to achieve the desired surgical effect in order to minimize the possibility of burns.
This is especially true in pediatric and neonatal patients or in any patient where small appendages
are involved.