Manual KanMed Operatherm
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2.4 DIATHERMY EQUIPMENT AND DEFIBRILLATORS
During normal use the Operatherm is not disturbed by this equipment.
However, if diathermy or defibrillation is set at very high outputs, the Operatherm might go into alarm
state. In such a case, switch off the Operatherm and restart and observe that the self test performs as
usual. Note that housing including handle of control unit is electrically connected to earth.
2.5 ECG
EQUIPMENT
Warning: Under unfavourable conditions there is a risk of interference occurring on ECG traces
if ECG electrodes are not applied strictly to the manufactures instructions or if the Heating Pad
text side is facing downwards.
In most cases the problem is solved by making sure that the correct ECG cables and electrodes are
being used and by ensuring that the electrodes have proper skin contact.
2.6 FLUIDS BETWEEN THE PATIENT AND THE HEATING PAD
Any collection of fluids, especially disinfecting fluids, can cause skin irritations.
2.7 ALWAYS USE GEL PADS
The Operatherm Heating Pad shall be covered with Gel P
a
ds
. For operations that will last many hours
and for patients sensitive to pressure (f.i. diabetes), the combination of immobility, skin pressure and
warming may prove an bad combination and you may consider not to use the Operatherm at all.
KanMed Gel Pads will achieve a surface temperature that is about 1-2°C lower than the selected
Heating Pad temperature. The Gel Pads will also increase the contact surface and thereby increase the
amount of heat transferred to the patient
2.8 TEMPERATURE
SETTING
Under normal conditions and with KanMed Gel Pads under the patient the maximum temperature 39°C
should be selected. During long interventions one must consider a lower temperature setting.
If the OR-table surface is hard, blood pressure is low i.e. bad circulation, old patients, patients with
diabetes, etc. 37°C should be the highest temperature.
2.9 USE WITH CHILDREN AND PRE-TERM BABIES
Small children, especially pre-term babies, are easily influenced by surrounding temperatures. They can
get cold fast or may get fever by being warmed too much.
Never ever use the Operatherm without gel pads especially when treating a child.
A Gel Pad acts as a heat buffer and assures an even heat distribution as well as increased heat transfer
and comfort.
2.10 AREAS WITH NO BLOOD FLOW
By planned internal vessel shut off the Heating Pad must be placed where heat is mostly needed. Heat
supply to tissue with no blood flow may increase the risk of tissue damage. Place the pad where there is
circulation alternatively shut the Operatherm off during the period of no blood flow.
2.11 PRE-WARMED GEL PADS
Pre-warmed Gel Pads are very efficient warmers and should preferably be heated to 42°C. KanMed Gel
and Fluid warming Cabinet is made for this purpose. At 42°C there is a very small chance that the warm
gel pads may trigger the over temperature alarm of the Operatherm. If so happens, wait about 10
minutes before switching on the unit again.
2.12 HEATING PAD CONNECTION CABLE.
Never alter the length of the pad cable or repair the pad cable or the pad connector. The pad will
afterwards have an incorrect temperature, which might be higher than displayed on the Control Unit.
Never change the electronics in the Heating Pad connector.
