Covidien Force FX, Service Manual

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Correcting Malfunctions
Troubleshooting
Force FX Electrosurgical Generator C Service Manual
6-9
Interference with
other devices only
when generator is
activated Metal-to-metal sparking Check all connections to the generator,
patient return electrode, and accessories.
High settings used for
fulguration Use lower power settings for fulguration
or select the Desiccate mode.
Electrically inconsistent
ground wires in the operating
room Verify that all ground wires are as short
as possible and go to the same grounded
metal.
If interference continues when
the generator is activated, the
monitor is responding to
radiated frequencies. Check with the manufacturer of the
monitor.
Some manufacturers offer RF choke
filters for use in monitor leads. The filters
reduce interference when the generator
is activated and minimize the potential
for an electrosurgical burn at the site of
the monitor electrode.
Pacemaker
interference Intermittent connections or
metal-to-metal sparking Check all connections to the generator.
It may be necessary to reprogram the
pacemaker.
Current traveling from active
to return electrode during
monopolar electrosurgery is
passing too close to
pacemaker. Use bipolar instruments, if possible. If
you must use a monopolar instrument,
place the patient return electrode as
close as possible to the surgical site.
Make sure the current path from the
surgical site to the patient return
electrode does not pass through the
vicinity of the heart or the site where the
pacemaker is implanted.
Always monitor patients with
pacemakers during surgery and keep a
defibrillator available.
Consult the pacemaker manufacturer or
hospital Cardiology Department for
further information when use of
electrosurgical appliances is planned in
patients with cardiac pacemakers.
Continued
Situation Possible Cause Recommended Action