maxium® smart C Electrosurgery Unit with maxium® smart Beam
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Revision 1
5.2.2
Current condensation inside the body
Some anatomical structures are of filamentous
nature (e.g. fallopian tubes) or connected to the body
via filamentous structures (blood vessels, ducts).
When monopolar HF current is used, the effect of the
current may have adverse effects along the entire
length of a filamentous structure or affect the
connection to the body off the actual operation field,
causing coagulation in places where it is not desired.
5.2.3
Measures against the risks posed by current accumulation
In order to minimize the risk of burns or other problems in the area of the neutral electrode, during
application of the neutral electrode please mind the following:
•
The neutral electrode must butt against the patient’s body as close to the operation field as possible,
reliably, and with its whole surface. For an operation field on the torso, the upper arms and thighs are
good application sites.
•
Secure contact of the neutral electrode must be ensured for the total duration of the high frequency
application.
•
When applying the neutral electrode to a limb, perfusion must not be affected. Particularly for longer
operation times it must be made sure that the patient does not lie on the cable connection clip of the
neutral electrode (risk of pressure necrosis).
•
The current paths in the body should be as short as possible and run in the longitudinal or diagonal
direction of the body, not across it, the latter particularly not on the chest. Any metal parts in or on the
body should be removed if possible, insulated, or paid special attention to.
•
After any repositioning of the patient, the neutral electrode and its connection must be controlled.
•
Do not apply the neutral electrode above implants or other metal parts, nor above bone protrusions or
scarred tissue. Clean, degrease and epilate the application area. For removal do not use substances
(e.g. alcohol) that desiccate the skin.
•
Do not use adhesive electrodes whose gel layer is injured, nor adhesive electrodes that have been
detached. 2
nd
or 3
rd
degree burns might result. The cable clip for the connection of the adhesive
electrode must cover the gel-free connector straps so that they cannot come into contact with the
patient. Make sure that the cable clip and the connector straps match.
•
For removal, detach the neutral electrode at the edge; do not pull at the cable or the connector strap.
Quick removal of adhesive electrodes may hurt the skin.
•
For work on filamentous structures use bipolar currents, if possible.
