ICEfx™ Cryoablation System
4-15
4.6.6 Using Cautery (CX needles only)
Needle track ablation is achieved using the Cautery function. During cautery, the needle track is
ablated through the use of thermal energy. Each needle is operated independently using the Cautery
button for the channel and port in which the needle is connected.
CAUTION:
• Needles without CX functionality do not support cautery for the purposes of track ablation.
• Use image guidance to monitor needle location and position to avoid the risk of thermal injury to
adjacent tissue / organs.
• Track ablation produces heat along the distal needle shaft. Use care to avoid thermal injury to
adjacent tissue / organs.
• The needle handle may become warm during track ablation. Pay attention to the needle handle
position. Prolonged contact with warm portions of the needle handle could cause unintended
thermal tissue damage to the patient or clinician.
• The Cautery function should not be initiated if the Active Zone Indicator is visible outside the
patient’s skin.
To use cautery:
1. From the Procedure Screen, press the Cautery button to display the cautery controls.
2. Press the desired needle port (A or B) on each channel containing a needle you wish to track
ablate. Only one needle per channel may activate the cautery function at a given time.
3. Press the Cautery button (Screen 4-11) for the channel to select the cautery duration.
NOTE: The duration for the cautery phase may be selected from 30 seconds to 3 minutes,
adjustable in 30 second increments.
• During the needle warming phase, the timer displays a rotating warming indicator.
• When the cautery threshold is reached, Cauterization automatically begins.
o The timer will display Cauterizing in the upper left.
o The temperature indicator in the upper right of the timer will display the estimated
temperature range for the needle shaft.
NOTE: The shaft temperature range is displayed as a temperature range because tissue
and procedure values aect the temperature.
• When the cautery function has terminated, the timer indicates the status as Stopped and the
temperature display indicates that the needle is Cooling.
4. Press the Start button for the selected channel to start cautery.
5. If desired, press the Start button to re-initiate track ablation on additional sections of the needle
track.
6. After completing track ablation, carefully remove the needle.
CAUTION. Do not remove the needle from the patient until needle cooling is complete. Removing
the needle while it is still hot presents a risk of injury to adjacent tissue and/or organs.
• If needle sticking is experienced, use a slight, gentle twist of the needle followed by slow
withdrawal.
• During needle removal, watch for the 10 mm wide Active Zone Indicator on the needle to
guide needle withdrawal. The Active Zone Indicator is a marked band along the needle shaft,
located 20 mm distal to the heating portion of the needle.
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