Electrosurgical safety Flashcards

1
Q

Types pf current

A
  • Monopolar
    o Current through electrode to tissue then via patient to diathermy pad where the energy is dispersed over a large area to avoid burns
    o Cut setting
  • Low voltage current with high density
  • Low thermal spread
    o Coagulation setting
  • High voltage current with low density
  • High thermal spread
  • Bipolar
    o Current passes between two electrodes via the tissue
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2
Q

Electrosurgical complications at laparotomy

A

o Unintended activation of active electrode on other tissue
o Current diversion
-Electrical energy will find path of least resistance
- Modern systems will alarm if current not returned via return electrode
o Return electrode
- Poorly applied or partially detached electrodes may cause burns as energy dispersed over smaller area
- Modern systems have split-plate technology to reduce this risk

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3
Q

Electrosurgical complications at laparoscopy

A

o Direct coupling
- Current conducted through two non-insulated instruments that are in contact or non-insulated instrument and metal port
o Capacitive coupling
- Transfer of a current through an insulating medium
- Ie monopolar scissors in metal port (separated by monopolar scissors insulation)
o Thermal injury
o Insulation failure

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