Martin maxium & maxium Beamer Operating Instructions
V 2.0
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10.7 Safety
Measures
10.7.1 Intended
Use
The Martin maxium Beamer is a gas flow controller for generating a defined gas flow rate in the
range of 0 to 12 l/min. It has been specially designed for use with the Martin maxium electrosurgi-
cal unit. The gas flow is activated simultaneously with the high-frequency current. The system en-
ables you to set separate flow rates for cutting and coagulating. The gas flow and the electric cur-
rent are then merged in the patient-side (distal) part of the applicator. Argon is used as a working
gas. It has different functions for cutting and coagulating, respectively. In electrosurgical cutting,
argon serves as a protective gas, while in electrosurgical coagulation it works as a “facilitator” for
improved surface coagulation (compared with conventional spray coagulation). To ensure safe
operation, take care to observe the following safety instructions.
10.7.2 Electrosurgery
As the maxium Beamer is exclusively used in conjunction with the maxium HF-surgical unit, all
safety instructions given for the maxium HF unit must be fully observed also when using the max-
ium with the maxium Beamer. This applies specifically to
•
the instructions for correct patient positioning (see section 9.2),
•
the instructions for attaching the neutral electrode (NE) correctly to the patient (see section 9.3),
•
the special instructions for dealing with patients wearing active or passive implants, especially
cardiac pacemakers (see section 9.6).
•
Never place the handle on the patient! As the argon plasma beam can bridge distances
(clearances) of several centimeters, the danger of burns would be even greater for the
patient than in conventional HF surgery if the system is accidentally activated!
•
The argon plasma beam can ignite flammable gas mixtures containing anesthetics, oxygen or
solvents, as well as endogenous gases.
•
The activated system may interfere with other electrical systems, especially those used for pa-
tient monitoring.
10.7.3 Pressure
Vessels
Due to their high internal pressure as well as their weight, the gas cylinders usually used for argon
gas delivery pose a hazard. If cylinders topple over or drop down, this can cause serious injuries,
especially when the angle valve is knocked off in the process and the pressure is released in an
uncontrolled manner. Be sure to observe all pertinent safety and working guidelines and regula-
tions relating to the transportation, storage and installation of such pressurized cylinders (and ap-
plying to other medically used gases as well). Special attention should be paid to the following:
•
Never transport cylinders whose protective cap has been removed!
Be sure to store the
removed cap in an appropriate place next to the cylinder. The maxium Cart provides a special
storage facility (recess) in the floor of the trolley.
