Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 23 TSC 555 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Electrosurgery Basics
The idea
Electrosurgery uses high-frequency alternating electric current passed through tissue to cut, coagulate and seal it with heat.
In practice
Learn the essentials in order. First, an electrosurgical unit has a generator and a handpiece with one or more electrodes, activated by a switch on the handpiece or a foot pedal. Second, the generator produces different electrical waveforms, and changing the waveform changes the tissue effect. Third, current enters the patient, so the patient is part of the electrical circuit. Fourth, this differs from true cautery, where current heats a wire and never enters the patient. Fifth, electrosurgery can be monopolar or bipolar, and related energy devices include argon-enhanced and ultrasonic devices.
Where people slip
Because the patient is in the circuit, every safety step, the pad, insulation, holster and settings, protects the patient from burns. Electrosurgery is also a leading ignition source in surgical fires.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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