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Preventative Maintenance and Quality Checks for Electrosurgical Units

It is advised to following any specific procedures or schedules laid forth by the manufacturer, but here is a list of a few qualitative test that should be included.

Tue Sep 25 2012By Jonathan Payne

Electrosurgical Units (ESUs) are used during surgical procedures to create a high-frequency electrical current that passes through the body. It is imperative to perform regular preventative maintenance and quality checks on these pieces of equipment.  To perform these task an electrical safety analyzer, an electrosurgical unit analyzer,  an oscilloscope, connectors, adapters, active electrodes and/or return electrodes are needed.

It is advised to following any specific procedures or schedules laid forth by the manufacturer, but here is a list of a few qualitative test that should be included:

  • Verify the physical integrity and cleanliness of the chassis.
  • Verify physical integrity of equipment mounts, fasteners, casters and brakes as applicable.
  • Verify the integrity of the AC plug.
  • Verify proper insulation and integrity of the line plug.
  • Verify physical integrity at both ends of line cord for the strain reliefs.
  • Verify integrity of all external circuits, breaker and/or value of external fuse.
  • Be sure to inspect all cables and connectors.
  • Verify supply and connection of dispersive electrodes.
  • Verify the proper operation of all controls and switches.
  • Confirm appropriate volume and operation of volume controls for the audible signal.
  • Check for any leakage from chassis or electrodes to prevent the possibility of operator shock.
  • Verify and document the output waveform characteristics and view waveform on an oscilloscope connected to the appropriate jack on the ESU analyzer.

For more information on electrosurgical units check out our sponsor in this category; SOMA Technology.

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