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Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform User’s Guide
General Warnings and Precautions
While using electrosurgery, the user and patient should not be allowed to come into direct contact
with grounded metal objects (e.g., surgical-table frame, instrument table, etc.). If this is not
possible during certain procedures (e.g., those in which noninsulated head frames are used), use
extreme caution to maximize patient safety:
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Use the lowest power setting that achieves the desired effect.
•
Place the patient return electrode as close to the surgical site as possible.
•
Place dry gauze between the patient and the grounded object if possible.
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Continually monitor the contact point(s).
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Do not use metal needle monitoring electrodes.
Precaution
Read the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided with this energy platform and
associated accessories before using. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not
included in this manual.
Read the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before
using. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual.
Always use the lowest power setting that achieves the desired surgical effect. The active electrode
should be utilized only for the minimum time necessary in order to lessen the possibility of
unintended burn injury. Accidental and unintended burn injury has occurred during procedures in
small surgical fields and on small appendages. Pediatric applications and/or procedures performed
on small anatomic structures may require reduced power settings. The higher the current flow and
the longer the current is applied, the greater the possibility of unintended thermal damage to
tissue, especially during use on small structures.
For surgical procedures where the current could flow through delicate parts of the body, the use
of bipolar techniques may be desirable in order to avoid unwanted coagulation.
Connect only Covidien-approved devices. Using devices from other manufacturers may cause
equipment malfunction or patient injury.
Examine all instruments and connections to the system before using. Improper connection may
result in arcs, sparks, instrument malfunction, or unintended surgical effects.
Do not operate the generator for clinical use while cables are connected to the utility WiFi
receptacle or Ethernet receptacles on the back of the generator. This may cause a system error that
would halt the procedure and require restarting the generator.
Do not turn the activation tone down to an inaudible level. The activation tone alerts the surgical
team when the energy platform is delivering RF energy.
When using a smoke evacuator in conjunction with the VLFT10GEN, set the system volume control
at a level that ensures the activation tones can be heard.
A non-functioning VLFT10GEN may cause an interruption of surgery. A backup system should be
available for use.
Warning
