W
a
rnings and Pr
ecautions for
Patient and Operating Room
Safety
Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform User’s Guide
2-7
General Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions for Active Instruments
Notice
Make no modifications to the energy platform. Any modifications to the system will void the
warranty.
When testing RF equipment, follow these test procedures. Keep test leads to the minimum length
usable; lead inductance and stray capacitance can adversely affect readings. Carefully select
suitable ground points to avoid ground loop error in measurements.
The accuracy of most RF instruments is approximately 1%–5% of full scale. Using uncompensated
scope probes causes large errors when measuring high-voltage RF waveforms.
Warning
Energy applied to an electrosurgical instrument can convert liquids to steam. The thermal energy
of steam may cause unintended injury in close proximity to the tip of the instrument. Care should
be taken in surgical procedures occurring in confined spaces in anticipation of this possibility.
Do not activate the energy platform in an open-circuit condition. To reduce the chances of
unintended burns, activate the energy platform only when the active electrode is near or touching
the target tissue.
Use the lowest power setting that achieves the desired surgical effect and use a low-voltage
waveform (PURE CUT, BLEND, or Valleylab mode) to lessen the potential for the creation of
capacitive currents.
If energy delivery from the generator cannot be stopped, disconnect the handpiece or power cord.
Do not activate the instrument when not in contact with target tissue as this may cause injuries
due to capacitive coupling.
The surface of the active electrode may remain hot enough to cause burns after the RF current is
deactivated.
Keep the active electrodes clear. Build-up of eschar may reduce the instrument's effectiveness. Do
not activate the instrument while cleaning. Injury to operating room personnel may result.
Precaution
Read the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before
using. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual.
Inspect instruments and cords—especially for laparoscopic/endoscopic instruments—for breaks,
cracks, nicks, and other damage before every use. If damaged, do not use. Damaged instruments
or cords may result in injury or electrical shock to the patient or surgical team.
