E-IM54f
P13/37
TD830
ELECTROSURGICAL UNIT
unit. Also do not use active electrode handles that have
cables fitted with ‘hook’ type connectors (those detailed
above are suitable for use with this unit). The absence of
exposed metal parts on pin or jack plug designs reduces
the risk of operator burns compared to cables with the
‘hook’ type design.
Active Cables
4.25 Only active cables supplied by Eschmann should
be used. This is of particular importance, as cables with
inadequate insulation can cause burns due to insulation
failure.
4.26 It is good practice to ensure that active cables are
correctly positioned when in use and are not allowed to
drape across the patient's body or across other cables.
4.27 Active cables of the ‘hook’ type have been replaced
by pin or jack plug designs (REF 83-135-12, 83-137-17,
83-138-06 and 83-138-22) any of these are suitable for
use with this unit. Old style cables with ‘hook’ type
connectors should not be used. The absence of exposed
metal parts on pin or jack plug designs reduces the risk of
operator burns compared to cables with the ‘hook’ type
design.
4.28
Active cables 3 metres long should be used in normal
situations, even if it means repositioning the electrosurgical
unit. Longer types, of 5 metres or more, should only be
used where the electrosurgical output is a fixed distance
from the operation table, e.g. with certain types of pendant
supply, or with lamina airflow curtains. Longer cables
increase the risk of electrical or mechanical hazard.
Active Electrodes
4.29 The correct type of active electrode (see section 7)
should always be used. Electrodes should be kept clean
during use either by wiping with a solvent on a sterile swab
or by using a sterile abrasive pad.
CAUTION
Ensure that the active cable is unplugged from
the unit when cleaning electrodes during a
surgical procedure.
4.30 Ball type coag electrodes should be discarded if the
surface becomes pitted. Do not sterilize electrodes which
are designed as ‘single use disposable’ (also see the leaflet
detailed in section 1, supplied with all accessories ).
Fingerswitches
4.31 For many procedures, ‘on/off’ control of cut and coag
outputs by means of buttons on a fingerswitch offers the
surgeon more precise control. Reusable fingerswitches
have only a limited number of re-sterilization cycles.
Regular testing and inspection is therefore essential. Do
not sterilize and reuse ‘single use’ types.
4.32 Do not connect footswitches to the USER 1 output
of the electrosurgical unit when a fingerswitch is being used
to control the USER 1 output.
Power Control
4.33 Use only the minimum power control setting
necessary to produce the desired electrosurgical effect.
If in doubt start at a low setting and increase the output
in small steps until the desired effect is produced.
4.34 If, during a surgical procedure, the output
appears to drop or the electrosurgical performance
decreases, stop and check the plate electrode for
correct application and connection before increasing
the control setting. Also check all active connections.
4.35 If only one type of output is required, i.e. cut or
‘coagulation’, it is good practice to set the other output
controls to minimum.
Current Paths
4.36 The path of an electrosurgical current through a
patient's body should, whenever possible, be the
shortest path. If it is suspected that this path could be
bypassed, for example between limbs, an insulating
medium should be used.
4.37 It is advisable that skin to skin contact between
parts of the patient's body, for example between the
arms and the trunk, should be avoided. Dry gauze or
other material should be used to provide separation.
Accidental Contact
4.38 Do not allow contact to occur between any part
of the patient's body and any metal or conductive
material, such as parts of the operation table,
anaesthetic screens or drip stands.
Bipolar Electrosurgery
General
4.39 Bipolar coag provides a very safe and precise
means of controlling bleeding in many types of surgery,
and can be used in conjunction with monopolar
techniques where cutting, or higher coagulation powers
are required.
4.40 With bipolar techniques, the electrosurgical
current flows mainly between the tips of the bipolar
forceps or between the contact points of a special
purpose electrode and therefore does not require a
plate electrode. Bipolar electrosurgery is safer than
monopolar, the main safety requirements are:
♦
Always use Eschmann bipolar accessories.
♦
After sterilization, always ensure that the
accessories and cable connector are completely
dry.
♦
Always ensure that accessories are sterilized by
a process compatible with the accessory, consult
the accessory leaflet provided with all Eschmann
accessories (publication number E-IM50 part
number 604802).