Monopolar
2-8
ForceTriad User’s Guide
Patient Return Electrodes
Inadvertent Radio Frequency (RF) Burns
Warning
Do not attempt to use patient return electrodes that disable the REM system. The
ForceTriad energy platform’s REM system will function correctly only with contact
quality monitoring (CQM) split-style patient return electrodes. Any other patient
return electrode products may cause patient injury or product damage.
The safe use of monopolar electrosurgery requires proper placement of the
patient return electrode. To avoid electrosurgical burns beneath the patient return
electrode, follow all directions provided with the product.
Do not cut a patient return electrode to reduce its size. Patient burns due to high
current density may result.
A patient return electrode is not necessary in bipolar or LigaSure procedures.
To avoid patient burns, ensure that the patient return electrode firmly and
completely contacts the skin. Always check the patient return electrode
periodically and after the patient is repositioned and during procedures involving
long periods of activation.
Use of duty cycles greater than 25% (10 seconds active followed by 30 seconds
inactive) will increase the risk that heat build-up under a return electrode may be
high enough to injure the patient. Do not continuously activate for longer than one
minute.
Notice
Capacitive pads and other non-CQM patient return electrodes may not work with
the ForceTriad energy platform.
Important
A statement of compatibility from the CQM patient return electrode manufacturer
should be obtained prior to the use of a non-Valleylab CQM patient return
electrode.
Warning
Electrodes and probes used with monitoring, stimulation, and imaging devices (or
similar equipment) can provide a path for high frequency current even if the
electrodes or probes are isolated at 50-60 Hz, insulated, and/or battery operated.
Do not use needles as monitoring electrodes during electrosurgical procedures.
Inadvertent electrosurgical burns may result.
To reduce the risk of an inadvertent electrosurgical burn at the electrode or probe
site, place the electrode and/or probe as far away as possible from the
electrosurgical site and/or patient return electrode. Protective impedances
(resistors or RF inductors) installed in the monitoring leads may reduce the risk of
such burns. Consult the hospital biomedical engineer for further information.
Summary of Contents for ForceTriad
Page 1: ...User s Guide ForceTriad Energy Platform...
Page 6: ...vi ForceTriad User s Guide...
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