Welch Allyn Electrosurgical Unit - User Manual - Manual (Page 15)

The safety and effectiveness of electrosurgery is dependent upon the skill of the
operator. It is important that the operator read, understand, and follow the operat-
ing instructions supplied with the Welch Allyn Electrosurgical System and thorough-
ly understand the principles and use of radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical sys-
tems.
WARNING: Electrosurgery uses radio-frequency energy to cut and coagulate tis-
sue. Due to the sparking and heat associated with electrosurgery do not use with
flammable anesthetics, or other flammable gases, near flammable fluids or objects
or with oxidizing agents.
• DO NOT use electrosurgery in the presence of flammable gases, flammable liq-
uids, or flammable objects in oxygen enriched atmospheres, nitrous oxide (N20)
atmosphere or in the presence of other oxidizing agents.
• Prevent accumulation of oxygen, nitrous oxide (N20), and flammable gases, under
surgical drapes, or within the area where electrosurgery is performed, and avoid
it in case of thorax or head operations unless safely aspirated.
• Verify that all oxygen connections are leak-free before and during the use of
electrosurgery.
• DO NOT use electrosurgery in the presence of naturally occurring flammable
gases which may accumulate in body cavities such as the bowel.
DO NOT use electrosurgery in the presence of flammable liquids, such as skin
prepping agents. Avoid pooling of flammable liquids near the electrosurgery
site or in human body cavities such as the umbilicus or vagina.
• DO NOT place the electrosurgery active electrode near or in contact with flam-
mable materials, such as cotton, wool or gauze. The active electrode is hot from
use and can cause fire.
• It is possible that the radio frequency can interfere with the electronic circuitry
in the pacemaker. To reduce the risk locate the patient return electrode as close
as possible to the treatment site and ensure that the current path between the
surgical site and the patient return electrode is as far removed from the heart as
possible. For the gynecology procedures locate the patient return electrode on
the patient's upper thigh or under buttocks. Always monitor pacemaker
patients during surgery. In case of doubt ask the pacemaker manufacturer
and/or cardiology department.
• In case of loss of power, turn the system off.
• The possibility exists that the radio frequency can interfere with other medical
equipment when the electrosurgical system is operating. To reduce the inter-
ference, physically separate the device, utilize different electrical outlets that are
hospital grounded, do not allow cables to come in contact with each other, and
utilize shielded devices where possible.
• Adjust the fixed output power level to the lowest power setting that will suc-
cessfully complete the procedure. Refer to the following recommended power
settings for the Welch Allyn Electrodes.
III. ELECTROSURGICAL PRECAUTIONS
14
Electrosurgical Unit • Instruction Manual