Valleylab SurgiStat II, Service Manual

Page: 73 / 82

T
roubleshooting
SurgiStat II Service Manual 7-9
Pacemaker interference Intermittent connections or metal-to-
metal sparking 1. Check all connections to the
generator.
2. It may be necessary to re-program
the pacemaker.
Current traveling from active to return
electrode during monopolar
electrosurgery is passing too close to
pacemaker 1. Use bipolar instruments, if
possible. If you must use a
monopolar instrument, place the
patient return electrode as close
as possible to the surgical site.
2. Make sure the current path from
the surgical site to the patient
return electrode does not pass
through the vicinity of the heart or
the site where the pacemaker is
implanted.
3. Always monitor patients with
pacemakers during surgery and
keep a defibrillator available.
4. Consult the pacemaker
manufacturer or hospital.
5. Contact the Cardiology
Department for further information
when use of electrosurgical
appliances is planned on patients
with cardiac pacemakers.
Abnormal neuromuscular
stimulation (stop surgery
immediately) Metal-to-metal sparking Check all connections to the
generator, patient return electrode,
and active electrodes.
Can occur during coag Use a lower power setting for the
Fulgurate mode or select the
Desiccate mode.
Abnormal 50-60 Hz leakage currents Contact your Valleylab Service
Center.
Situation Possible cause Recommended action