When using electrosurgery the doctor or nurse should minimize the risks of potential injuries to the patient. In order to accomplish this, the electrosurgical devices used, including bipolar active electrodes and vessel occluding devices, should be used correctly.
Bipolar technology uses an active electrode and return electrode in the form of a two-poled instrument like forceps or scissors. This is different than monopolar units, which only have one pole.
The more information you have about what will happen, the more of the unknown can be eliminated. The unknown is often what scares many people the most.
The bipolar device also provides exact hemostasis or dissection at the surgical site with less potential stimulation or current spread to nearby body parts. For this procedure, molded, fixed-position pin placement bipolar cords should be used.
If you have both monopolar and bipolar devices, you should keep their cords stored separately so as to prevent any misconnections of active and return electrodes. If the cords get mixed up and a bipolar active electrode cord is connected to a monopolar device, a monopolar current may be activated and cause a patient injury.
There are also ultrasonic devices that can be used. These have a generator that produces ultrasonic energy and mechanical vibrations instead of the electrical energy that is typically used.
Ultrasonic devices cut and coagulate by using the mechanical energy and heat that is generated to change the natural properties of protein and the formation of a coagulum. A blade can be used for exact dissection, coagulation, or breaking apart tissue without damaging any surrounding tissues.
There are some ultrasonic dissectors that have an aspirator that removes tissue or fluids from the surgical field. When using this device, medical personnel should be aware that they do not need a dispersive electrode while the ultrasonic device is in use.
The first question you may want to consider asking is what the operation itself entails for you. Find out what will happen during the procedure.
In addition to aerosols, bio-aerosols are also a common thing produced by ultrasonic devices. This can be hazardous for both the patient and medical personnel.
Bio-aerosols have odorless, toxic gases, vapors, viruses, and dead and live cellular debris, such as blood fragments. With such threats, surrounding people are at risk for respiratory, ocular, dermatological, and other health related problems.
Patients or medical personnel run the risk of contracting mutagenic and carcinogenic symptoms. In order to prevent inhalation, some safety measures that can be incorporated include smoke evacuation systems and wall suction with an in-line ultra low penetration air filter.
Another risk to the safety of patients and personnel is Argon Enhanced Coagulation technology, also known as AEC. Each type of AEC has detailed written operating instructions that come with the unit.
In order to create the safest environment, these instructions should be followed. All safety measures for monopolar electrosurgery should be used when using the technology.
You should also be able to get recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances who may have had to make the same decision as you. It is important that you select someone with a good reputation to give you a second opinion, or it could be faulty and mislead you.
The system should be activated to clean the air from the argon gas line and electrode. This cleaning should take place before use, after any moderate delays during use, and between uses.
This will help prevent any delays in coagulation and will minimize the risk of gas embolism. When operating in an open cavity, failing to clean the argon gas line could increase your risks of blocking a blood vessel.
The flow of the argon gas should be limited to the lowest level possible, while still ensuring that it will provide the desired clinical effect. When the initiation of ionization of the argon gas is delayed due to air bubbles in the line, the flow will most likely be directed at the tissue without simultaneous coagulation.
Bipolar technology uses an active electrode and return electrode in the form of a two-poled instrument like forceps or scissors. This is different than monopolar units, which only have one pole.
The more information you have about what will happen, the more of the unknown can be eliminated. The unknown is often what scares many people the most.
The bipolar device also provides exact hemostasis or dissection at the surgical site with less potential stimulation or current spread to nearby body parts. For this procedure, molded, fixed-position pin placement bipolar cords should be used.
If you have both monopolar and bipolar devices, you should keep their cords stored separately so as to prevent any misconnections of active and return electrodes. If the cords get mixed up and a bipolar active electrode cord is connected to a monopolar device, a monopolar current may be activated and cause a patient injury.
There are also ultrasonic devices that can be used. These have a generator that produces ultrasonic energy and mechanical vibrations instead of the electrical energy that is typically used.
Ultrasonic devices cut and coagulate by using the mechanical energy and heat that is generated to change the natural properties of protein and the formation of a coagulum. A blade can be used for exact dissection, coagulation, or breaking apart tissue without damaging any surrounding tissues.
There are some ultrasonic dissectors that have an aspirator that removes tissue or fluids from the surgical field. When using this device, medical personnel should be aware that they do not need a dispersive electrode while the ultrasonic device is in use.
The first question you may want to consider asking is what the operation itself entails for you. Find out what will happen during the procedure.
In addition to aerosols, bio-aerosols are also a common thing produced by ultrasonic devices. This can be hazardous for both the patient and medical personnel.
Bio-aerosols have odorless, toxic gases, vapors, viruses, and dead and live cellular debris, such as blood fragments. With such threats, surrounding people are at risk for respiratory, ocular, dermatological, and other health related problems.
Patients or medical personnel run the risk of contracting mutagenic and carcinogenic symptoms. In order to prevent inhalation, some safety measures that can be incorporated include smoke evacuation systems and wall suction with an in-line ultra low penetration air filter.
Another risk to the safety of patients and personnel is Argon Enhanced Coagulation technology, also known as AEC. Each type of AEC has detailed written operating instructions that come with the unit.
In order to create the safest environment, these instructions should be followed. All safety measures for monopolar electrosurgery should be used when using the technology.
You should also be able to get recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances who may have had to make the same decision as you. It is important that you select someone with a good reputation to give you a second opinion, or it could be faulty and mislead you.
The system should be activated to clean the air from the argon gas line and electrode. This cleaning should take place before use, after any moderate delays during use, and between uses.
This will help prevent any delays in coagulation and will minimize the risk of gas embolism. When operating in an open cavity, failing to clean the argon gas line could increase your risks of blocking a blood vessel.
The flow of the argon gas should be limited to the lowest level possible, while still ensuring that it will provide the desired clinical effect. When the initiation of ionization of the argon gas is delayed due to air bubbles in the line, the flow will most likely be directed at the tissue without simultaneous coagulation.
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Want to find out more about electrosurgery equipment, then visit Megadyne's site on how to choose the best electrosurgical device for your surgical needs.
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