6
Pacemaker
6.2
Safety Notes
Page 100
A
rt.
no.
: 0-48-
0227
Rev.:
g
DEFIGARD/PHYSIOGARD Touch 7
6.2 Safety Notes
6.3 Guidelines for the Application of External
Pacemakers
These guidelines apply to all pacemakers, irrespective of type and manufacturer.
All electrical devices that deliver energy to patients in any form or have an electrically
conductive connection to the patient are a potential source of danger.
As the user is responsible for the safe application of the devices, observance of the
instructions given in the user manual and of the guidelines below is of utmost
importance.
Pacemakers must only be used under the supervision of trained, qualified and
authorised staff.
Observe the user guide for the pacemaker's operation.
The patient must not be left unattended during pacing.
It is assumed that the patient's ECG and plethysmogram is being monitored to
be able to assess the effect of pacing.
When positioning the patient, take care that no electrically conductive
connections exist between the patient and earthed metal parts (puddles of
water, for instance, are capable of conducting the electrical current). Although
the pacer current output is required to be floating, this is an additional safety
precaution to ensure that the pacemaker current pulse flows only between the
pacemaker electrodes.
Set all values for the pacemaker to position 0, or the lowest value.
Position stationary pacemakers close to the patient.
After each defibrillation, check that the pacemaker is functioning properly.
Shock hazard!
Never touch the pads or the patient's body near the pads while the pacemaker
is in use.
Patient hazard, equipment failure
Equipment delivering electrical energy to the patient at the same time as the
pacemaker can disturb the pacemaker function. Particularly HF surgery
equipment used on a pacemaker patient may cause interference, preventing the
detection of QRS complexes. In this situation, the pacemaker must be set to
fixed-rate pacing (FIX). Also please note that leakage currents could be
transferred to other electric circuits, interfering with the functioning of devices
connected to these circuits.
For safety reasons, the external pacemaker should be disconnected from the
patient in this situation and an internal pacemaker should be used.
Accessories, wearing parts and disposables that affect the safe use of the
pacemaker and that are to be used in conjunction with the pacemaker must be
tested for safety and approved by an authorised test laboratory.
