S
afetY
3-4
• Maintain the generator volume control to a level that will be audible in a normal
operating room environment. The activation tone is heard while the foot pedal is
depressed, indicating the electrode is activated.
• If possible, avoid the use of needle style electrodes for any physiological monitoring
equipment that may be connected to the patient during electro-surgery.
• Where practical, only use monitoring equipment that incorporates high frequency
current limiting devices during electrosurgical procedures.
• The Handpiece, or electrode cable should be positioned so that it avoids contact with
the patient and any other leads.
•
Should a power supply interruption occur, the generator power settings will revert to the
minimum values when power is re-established should the accessory combination still
be connected.
•
Attempts to bend electrodes can result in electrode fracture or degradation of electrode
performance.
•
Fluids pooled in the body depressions and cavities should be removed before the use
of HF surgical equipment.
Potential Hazards for Arthroscopic Procedures
As visualization may be impaired during arthroscopy, be particularly alert to these potential
hazards:
• An activated Electrode tip may remain hot enough to cause burns after the
electrosurgical current is deactivated.
• Maintain the active Electrode in the field of view at all times. Injuries to the patient may
result from inadvertent activation or movement of an activated Electrode outside the
field of view.
• Use care when inserting and withdrawing the Electrode from a cannula to avoid the
possibility of damage to the devices and/or injury to the patient.
• Continuous flow of irrigant is recommended. Fluid flow assists in removing
vaporization by-products as well as reducing the temperature of the electrode tip
between activations.
• Ensure that the Electrode tip is completely surrounded by irrigant solution during use.
• Outflow is important, especially in small joint spaces.
• Prolonged or unnecessary activation when not in contact with tissue may result in
unintentional damage to surrounding tissue.
AFTER SURGERY
WARNING
Electric shock hazard: Turn off the Generator and unplug the power cord from the AC source
prior to cleaning Generator.
Equipment Disposal
• The VAPR System Generator contains electronic printed circuit assemblies. At
the end of the useful life of the equipment it should be disposed of in accordance
with any applicable national or institutional related policy relating to obsolete
electronic equipment.
• Dispose of any system accessories according to normal institution practice relating to
potentially contaminated items.
