maxium® smart C Electrosurgery Unit with maxium® smart Beam
80
Revision 1
11.2
Monopolar Coagulation Currents
Forced Clamp
The Forced Clamp coagulation current type is preferably applied indirectly via surgical instruments (e.g.
hemostat, surgical forceps) for hemostasis. The needle, knife or lancet electrode of the electrode handle is
brought into contact with the surgical instrument for activation (recommendation: first bring the active
electrode into contact with the surgical instrument, only then start HF activation). Application is also
possible directly via ball or paddle electrodes of the electrode handle. The current penetrates deep into the
tissue, resulting in volume coagulation.
If the instrument or electrode is only slightly in contact with the tissue, by design some sparking between
the tissue and the electrode will be observed. Thus the tissue at the point of contact will be strongly
desiccated; slight tissue carbonization will take place. Due to quickly occurring coagulation, the effective
depth is limited. Using the effect setting, the voltage can be changed and thus the hemostatic effect slightly
varied.
Basically, under the condition that the same amount of HF energy is required the following apply:
•
Low penetration:
Short application time and correspondingly high HF output power
•
Deep penetration:
Long application time and correspondingly low HF output power
Danger of injury by operating errors!
In case of indirect application via a hand-held instrument, this should be insulated so as not to expose the
surgeon to the HF voltage transmitted directly from the active electrode to the instrument. Despite
common practice it must be kept in mind that the surgical glove is no defined electrical insulation, and
arcing may occur.
Active accessories to be used with this current must be able to withstand an HF voltage of at least 2,000 V
(depending on the selected effect).
