8-8
Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform User’s Guide
Correcting Malfunctions
Pacemaker interference.
Intermittent connections or
metal-to-metal sparking.
Check the active and patient
return electrode cord
connections.
It may be necessary to
reprogram the pacemaker.
Current traveling from active
to return electrode during
monopolar electrosurgery is
passing too close to
pacemaker.
Consult the pacemaker
manufacturer or hospital
cardiology department for
further information when use
of electrosurgical appliances is
planned in patients with
cardiac pacemakers.
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.
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator
(ICD) activation.
ICD is activated by energy
platform.
Stop the procedure and
contact the ICD manufacturer
for instructions.
Situation
Possible Cause
Solution
