ConMed ExcaliburPLUS PC - Patient Preparation Cautions

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* Use only a hospital grade, 3-prong, power
cord rated to meet the specifications in Section
1.2 and all of the requirements for safe
grounding of the unit. The user should veri-
fy that the power receptacle with which this
unit is used is properly grounded and correct-
ly polarized, and of the proper frequency per
Section 1.2. Do not use ground cheater plugs
or extension cords.
* Do not place liquid containers on top of the
unit. Wipe spilled liquids off the unit immedi-
ately. To preclude inadvertent entry of liquids,
do not operate this unit except in its normal
position.
* Confirm that all accessories are properly
connected to the appropriate jacks.
* Potentially hazardous conditions may exist
when accessories of similar connector types are
combined. Be certain that accessories are
appropriate for the type of generator output
used. Use only CONMED/Aspen Labs foot-
switches. Confirm bipolar leads are connected
only to the bipolar jacks. Connecting bipolar
accessories to monopolar outputs may result
in patient injury.
* Do not reuse disposable (single use) acces-
sories.
* Do not use cords as handles; damage to the
insulation and increased risk of burns or other
injury may result.
1.1.2 CAUTIONS For Patient Preparation
* Electrosurgery should NEVER be per-
formed in the presence of flammable anesthet-
ics, flammable prep solutions or drapes, oxi-
dizing gases such as Nitrous Oxide (N70), or
in oxygen-enriched environments. The risk of
igniting flammable gases or other materials is
inherent in electrosurgery and cannot be elim-
inated by device design. Precautions must be
taken to restrict flammable materials and sub-
stances from the electrosurgical site, whether
they are present in the form of an anesthetic,
life support, skin preparation agent, or are
produced by natural processes within body
cavities, or originate in surgical drapes, tra-
cheal tubes, or other materials. There is a risk
of pooling of flammable solutions in body
depressions such as the umbilicus and in body
cavities, such as the vagina. Any fluid pooled
in these areas should be removed before the
high frequency surgical equipment is used.
Due to the danger of ignition of endogenous
gases, the bowel should be purged and filled
with nonflammable gas prior to abdominal
surgery. To avoid the risk of tracheal fires,
never use electrosurgery to enter the trachea
during tracheotomy procedures.
* Only non-flammable agents should be used
for cleaning and disinfection wherever possi-
ble.
* This unit is equipped with the Aspen Return
Monitor (A.R.M.) which verifies that the
return electrode cable is unbroken and con-
nected to the return electrode and to the elec-
trosurgical unit when in Single Pad mode. It
DOES NOT verify that a single pad return
electrode is in contact with the patient. When
in Dual Pad mode, the A.R.M. confirms that
the total resistance is in the preset safety
range. Proper application and visual inspection
of the return electrode are required for safe
operation.
* The use and proper placement of a return
electrode is a key element in safe and
effective electrosurgery. Follow manufacturer's
directions and recommended practices for the
preparation, placement, use, surveillance, and
removal of any return electrode supplied for
use with this electrosurgical unit.
* Apply the return electrode over a well vascu-
larized muscle mass that is thoroughly clean
and dry. Clean and shave site as necessary to
provide adequate electrical connection and per
hospital policy. Avoid placement over scar tis-
sue, bony prominences or other areas where
pressure points on small areas might develop.
* Because of the risk of burns, needles should
never be used as return electrodes for electro-
surgery. The entire area of the return electrode
should be placed so that the entire conductive
area is in firm contact with an area of the
patient’s body that has a good blood supply
and is as close to the operative site as is possi-
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