Inadvertent Radio Frequency Burns; Ensure Proper Connections; Accessories - Covidien Force FX-C User Manual

General

Inadvertent Radio Frequency Burns

Warning
Electrodes and probes used with monitoring, stimulation, and imaging devices (or similar
equipment) can provide a path for high frequency current even if the electrodes or probes are
isolated at 50–60 Hz, insulated, and/or battery operated.
To reduce the risk of an inadvertent electrosurgical burn at the electrode or probe site, place the
electrode and/or probe as far away as possible from the electrosurgical site and/or patient return
electrode. Protective impedances (resistors or RF inductors) installed in the monitoring leads may
reduce the risk of such burns. Consult the hospital biomedical engineer for further information.
Do not use needles as monitoring electrodes during electrosurgical procedures. Inadvertent
electrosurgical burns may result.
In some circumstances, potential exists for alternate site burns at points of skin contact (e.g.,
between the arm and the side of the body). This occurs when electrosurgical current seeks a path
to the patient return electrode that includes the skin to skin contact point. Current passing
through small skin to skin contact points is concentrated and may cause a burn. This is true for
grounded, ground referenced, and isolated output generators.
To reduce the potential for alternate site burns, do one or more of the following:
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact points, such as fingers touching leg, when positioning the patient.
• Place two to three inches of dry gauze between contact points to ensure that contact does not
occur.
• Position the patient return electrode to provide a direct current route between the surgical site
and the return electrode which avoids skin-to-skin contact areas.
• In addition, place patient return electrodes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Potential for alternate site burns increases if the return electrode is compromised. Covidien
recommends the use of REM Polyhesive patient return electrodes and Covidien generators with
the REM system.

Ensure Proper Connections

Caution
Examine all accessories and connections to the electrosurgical generator before using. Ensure that
the accessories function as intended. Improper connection may result in arcs, sparks, accessory
malfunction, or unintended surgical effects.

Accessories

Warning
Do not wrap the accessory cords or patient return electrode cords around metal objects. This may
induce currents that could lead to shocks, fires, or injury to the patient or surgical team.
3-4 Force FX Electrosurgical Generator C User's Guide