Valleylab SurgiStat II-20, User Manual

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Setup Safety
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SurgiStat II-20 User’s Guide 4 - 3
In some circumstances, the potential exists for alternate site burns at points of
skin contact (e.g., between the arm and the side of the body). This occurs when
electrosurgical current seeks a path to the patient return electrode that includes
the skin-to-skin contact point. Current passing through small skin-to-skin contact
points is concentrated and may cause a burn. This is true for grounded, ground
referenced, and isolated output generators.
To reduce the potential for alternate site burns, do one or more of the following:
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact points, such as fingers touching leg, when
positioning the patient.
• Place 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in.) of dry gauze between contact points to ensure that
contact does not occur.
• Position the patient return electrode to provide a direct current route between
the surgical site and the return electrode that avoids skin-to-skin contact areas.
• In addition, place patient return electrodes according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Potential for alternate site burns increases if the return electrode is compromised.
Valleylab recommends the use of split-plate patient return electrodes and
Valleylab generators with a contact quality monitoring system.
Caution
Do not stack equipment on top of the generator or place the generator on top of
electrical equipment. These configurations are unstable and/or do not allow
adequate cooling.
Provide as much distance as possible between the electrosurgical generator and
other electronic equipment (such as monitors). An activated electrosurgical
generator may cause interference with them.
Nonfunction of the generator may cause interruption of surgery. A backup
generator should be available for use.
Do not turn the activation tone down to an inaudible level. The activation tone
alerts the surgical team when an accessory is active.
When using a smoke evacuator in conjunction with the electrosurgical generator,
place the smoke evacuator a distance from the generator and set the generator
volume control at a level that ensures that the activation tones can be heard.
Notice
If required by local codes, connect the generator to the hospital equalization
connector with an equipotential cable.
Connect the power cord to a wall outlet having the correct voltage. Otherwise
product damage may result.
Warning