Instructions for Use
Electrosurgical Unit Minicutter
28 Revision 08
5.6 Risks from Electromagnetic Interference
Danger from electromagnetic interference!
Radios, cell phones, or other emitters in the immediate vicinity of the device may affect the safe operation
of the
same. For minimum distances from emitting devices, see section 11 “Guidelines and
Manufacturer’s Declaration
Regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)”, page 45.
Electrosurgical units with their high
-frequency output voltages can be powerful sources of interference.
Especially stray currents, which either spread via the power supply or are derived directly from the
patient, constitute strong sources of interference.
During HF activation, disturbance of
monitors may occur.
In patients with active implants such as pacemakers or implanted electrodes, application of the
electrosurgical unit poses a risk caused by an extremely concentrated HF current or its diversion.
Application may result in irreparable da
mage to the active implant or impairment of its function.
following guidelines are to be observed. In case of doubts, qualified advice should be sought.
Contact of the active electrode with metallic parts (implants, endoprostheses, etc.) during
HF activation must be avoided.
Such patients are to be monitored using suitable technology.
A defibrillator as well as an external pacemaker should be kept ready for use.
The selected output power for the electrosurgical unit should be as low as possible.
Do not use the active electrode of the electrosurgical unit closer than 15 cm to the implant or its
electrodes.
Wherever possible, use bipolar technology.
The rules of application, e.g. for the placement of the neutral electrode, must be carefully followed.
Do not apply the neutral electrode above implants, endoprostheses or other metal parts, nor above
bone protrusions or scarred tissue. If necessary, prepare the application site by cleaning and
degreasing it; strong hair growth is to be removed. For removal do not use substances that desiccate
the skin (e.g. alcohol).
In case of metal parts present in the body, such as hip stems, ensure that they are not exposed to HF
currents under any circumstances. HF currents can lead to surface damage (fusing) resulting in a
notching
effect that can cause fatigue fractures of the metal part, even several years later.
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