G Vilos1, K Latendresse, B S Gan. 1. Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although electrosurgery is one of the most commonly used technologies in the operating room, its electrophysical properties, including the potential for complications, are poorly understood by many surgeons. METHODS: We describe the experimental simulation of a highly unusual complication that occurred during a surgical procedure requiring concurrent use of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery. RESULTS: Capacitive induced current from an activated monopolar electrode to the bipolar cord was reproduced and consistently led to full-thickness burns in our experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should be familiar with the principles of electrosurgery, its electrophysical properties, and possible complications.
BACKGROUND: Although electrosurgery is one of the most commonly used technologies in the operating room, its electrophysical properties, including the potential for complications, are poorly understood by many surgeons. METHODS: We describe the experimental simulation of a highly unusual complication that occurred during a surgical procedure requiring concurrent use of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery. RESULTS: Capacitive induced current from an activated monopolar electrode to the bipolar cord was reproduced and consistently led to full-thickness burns in our experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should be familiar with the principles of electrosurgery, its electrophysical properties, and possible complications.
Authors: Paolo Bifulco; Rita Massa; Mario Cesarelli; Maria Romano; Antonio Fratini; Gaetano D Gargiulo; Alistair L McEwan Journal: Biomed Eng Online Date: 2013-08-12 Impact factor: 2.819