Mettler Electronics Sonicator Plus 930 - Precautions for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Mettler Electronics Corp.— Rev.J_09/13/17
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3. If a patient complains of periosteal pain (deep, achy pain) during ultrasonic treatment,
intensity should be reduced to a comfortable level.
4. Any bleeding tendency is increased by heating because of the increase in blood flow
and vascularity of the heated tissues. Care, therefore, should be used in treating
patients with therapeutic ultrasound who have bleeding disorders. Examples of these
are hemophilia, post acute trauma, long term steroid therapy, cumiden or heparin
therapy.
5. Moving technique of the applicator should be used when applying therapeutic
ultrasound at intensities greater than 0.5 W/cm
²
to assure even exposure of tissues to
ultrasound.
6. Heating of the joint capsule in acute or subacute arthritis should be avoided.
7. Electric treatment tables or whirlpools which may come in contact with the patient
during a treatment with the Sonicator Plus 930, should be adequately grounded and
safety tested to insure safe operation with the Sonicator Plus 930.
8. The use of therapeutic levels of ultrasound may delay or prevent callous formation in
a healing fracture.
5.7 Precautions for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
1. Care should be taken in the treatment of patients receiving another type of
electrotherapeutic treatment (such as conventional TENS) or having indwelling
electrodes, lead wires, or transmitters (for electrophrenic pacing or cerebellar or
urinary bladder stimulation). Stimulation currents should not cross the lead wires or
electrodes.
2. It is advisable to insulate patients, preferably by use of a wooden treatment table or
one that is completely padded by non–conductive material. Added safety is provided
if the patient cannot touch any grounded metal parts.
3. Limit treatment intensity to 50 mA (50 V) or less, when using small electrodes (2" X 2",
pencil or smaller), to reduce the chance of thermal burns due to high current density.
Avoid current densities exceeding 2 mA/cm² when using this device.
4. Isolated cases of skin irritation may occur at the site of electrode placement following
long–term application.
5. Avoid placing electrodes directly over open wounds since current density tends to
concentrate in these areas.
6. Use extreme caution when treating desensitized areas or on patients who may not be
able to report discomfort or pain.
7. Use caution in applying electrical stimulation over areas where there is a loss of
normal skin sensation.
8. Adequate precautions should be taken in the case of persons with suspected or
diagnosed epilepsy.
9. Patients should not be left unattended during any treatment.