Erbe ERBOTOM ICC 350 M, Instruction Manual

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3-3
3.1.3 Unintentional thermal tissue damage due to inappropriate application
Generally speaking, the bipolar coagulation technique should be applied in preference to the
monopolar coagulation technique. This particularly applies to coagulations on straight organs,
on which the high-frequency current flows over longer areas through diameters which are
approximately equal or become even smaller.
Fig.: Thermal damage of lateral tissue
The tissue is always first heated at places on the tissue where the diameter is smallest. If the HF current
flows through the same diameter (a) over longer distances, the tissue coagulates over this entire distance.
If the diameter of the tissue next to the application point of the coagulation electrode is smaller than at the
point of application, coagulation will also occur next to the application point (b).
WARNING
Always make certain that the HF current does not flow through thin tissue structures or vessels
with a small diameter.
3.1.4 Unintentional thermal tissue damage due to inappropriate or
nonapplication of the neutral electrode
With inappropriate or even nonapplication of the neutral electrode, there is a large risk of
unintentional thermal tissue damage both at the application point of the neutral electrode as well
as to other areas on the patient’s body.
The neutral electrode must be applied with its entire surface as closely and reliably as possible to
the operating field on the patient’s body.