Anaes Vivas · Electricity, diathermy & theatre safety
Equipment viva — the diathermy pen and the return plate
An equipment viva on the monopolar diathermy — the active pen (the high current density, the surgical effect), the large return plate (the low current density, no burn), the contact-quality monitor, and the contrast with the bipolar.
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Target exams
ANZCAFRCAABAEDAIC
Prompt
A monopolar diathermy handpiece (the active electrode) and a dispersive return plate. Describe the circuit, the active and the return electrodes, and the safety features of the plate.
Stimulus
This is the monopolar diathermy handpiece (the active electrode) and the matching dispersive return plate. Describe the circuit, the function of each electrode, and the safety features of the plate.
References3ShowHide
- [1]Vilos GA, et al. Electrosurgical generators and monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery. J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 2013.PMID 23659748
- [2]Link T. Guidelines in practice: electrosurgical safety. AORN Journal, 2021.PMID 34181252
- [34181253]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.