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6.3.1.5 Set output to 90.
6.3.1.6 Depress the CUT Footswitch.
6.3.1.7 Using a smooth, brush-like motion, make several incisions of various lengths and depths.
Then de-activate the electrode and observe the results. You will note that the power
setting has been too high, causing sparking and noticeable discoloration along the cutting
track.
6.3.1.8 Reduce the output power intensity to 10. You will notice the electrode either will not cut at
all, or it will cut only with some pulling and dragging. Note, if cutting does occur, tissue
shreds adhere to the electrode.
6.3.1.9 Repeat the above procedure for output power intensity settings of 70 to 80, etc., until such
point when no discoloration occurs and there is no visible sparking. The radiosurgical tip
should not encounter resistance. The cut should be micro-smooth without sparking and
without drag. These results normally occur at an output power of 20 to 50. Continue to
practice using slow, medium, and fast cutting strokes at each of the settings to acquire the
dexterity and confidence required for an actual operation on a patient.
6.3.4
Pre-Operative Coagulation Practice
Surgitron 4.0 Dual RF/120 IEC can be used to seal off small blood vessels. Move to the HEMO mode
(Partially Rectified Wave). The ball electrode is normally used since it provides extended coverage of the
tissue surfaces. Prior to performing Coagulation, the tissue should be wiped clean of blood so that the area
needing treatment can be viewed. Direct pressure will help to locate bleeders. Intermittent gentle contact
with the tissue is performed until bleeding stops. The same meat specimen used for cutting may be used
for coagulating practice. Effective coagulation is achieved when the treated area appears on the meat as
blanched spot of approximately 2 mm diameter with a minimum penetration into the tissue. Feather-light
touching of the ball electrode is all that is necessary to coagulate bleeders efficiently
6.3.4.1 Place the beef on the Antenna Plate.
6.3.4.2 Insert the ball electrode into the Handpiece.
6.3.4.3 Set the output power intensity to 10.
6.3.4.4 On the Surgitron 4.0 Dual RF/120, set to “HEMO”.
6.3.4.5 Position the ball electrode in light contact with the beef.
6.3.4.6 Depress the “COAG” Footswitch or the blue button on the Three-Button Fingerswitch Handpiece.
6.3.4.7 Repeat the above procedure with power settings of 20, 30, & 40. Contact should be 2 to
3 seconds.
6.3.4.8 Switch to the OFF position to disconnect power.
6.3.5
Control of Bleeding - HEMO
Abnormal bleeding is not a problem in radiosurgery. A wide range of coagulation or hemorrhage
control can be obtained by utilizing the partially rectified modulated wave with different techniques.
All forms of hemorrhage must be stopped first by some form of direct pressure - air, compression,
or hemostat. When bleeding has momentarily stopped, final sealing of the capillaries or large
vessels can be accomplished by brief application of the partially rectified modulated waveform.
There are two types of hemo electrodes: ball electrodes, and thick needle electrodes.
6.3.6
Bipolar
The Surgitron 4.0 Dual RF/120 IEC can be used for bipolar coagulation procedures. The power
should be lowered to 10 or 20 depending on the procedure.
6.3.7
Electrode Sterilization
