CSA Z387:19 pdf download – Safe use of electrosurgical medical devices and systems in health care.
Capacitive coupling — the condition that occurs when electrical current is transferred from one conductor (the active electrode), through intact insulation, into adjacent conductive materials. Circuit — a closed-loop path through which current can flow.
Coagulation the clotting of blood or destruction of tissue with no cutting effect (electrosurgical fulguration or desiccation).
Conductor — a material that permits the flow of electrical current.
Current — the flow of electrons moving past a given point per second, measured in amperes.
Cutting — the use of cut waveform to achieve an electrosurgical effect that results in cellular destruction due to vaporization of the cell.
Defibrillator — a device that administers electrical shock in order to arrest fibrillation of the ventricular muscle and restore the normal heartbeat.
Desiccation — the drying or dehydration of tissue with electrosurgery for the purpose of haemostasis and coagulation.
Dispersive electrode — an accessory that directs electrical current from the patient to the electrosurgical generator. It is designed to provide a path of least resistance for the safe exit of the current from the patient.
Note: It is also known as the return electrode, grounding electrode, patient plate, passive electrode or neutral electrode.
Dual dispersive electrode a dispersive electrode composed of two separate conductors.
Note: The dual dispersive electrode should always be used with on ESU capable of dispersive electrode contact quality monitoring (DECQM). The dual-foil configuration, in conjunction with the ESU’s DECQM, allows continuous monitoring of the electrode site impedance within the safety limits of the ESU.
Single dispersive electrode — a dispersive electrode composed of a single conductor.
Dispersive electrode contact quality monitoring (DECQM) a dynamic monitoring circuit measuring the contact impedance of the dispersive electrode. If the dispersive electrode becomes compromised, the circuit inhibits the ESU’s output.
Electrocautery — a surgical technique that uses an electrically heated (wire) device to cut, ablate, or coagulate tissue for therapeutic purposes. The current heats only the electrode and does not go through the patient’s body.
Electrode — a physical device close to or in contact with the patient through which energy is received or transmitted.
Electrosurgery — a surgical technique that uses a high-frequency electrical current passing through the patient to cut, ablate, or coagulate tissue for therapeutic purposes.
Electrosurgical unit (ESU) — a generator that produces high-frequency energy to cut and/or coagulate body tissues.
Endoscopy — examination of the interior of a canal, hollow organ, or potential space by means of a special instrument called an endoscope.
Excision – the complete removal of an organ, tissue, or tumour from a body. Frequency – the number of cycles per second in AC current with respect to the different waveforms (i.e. coagulation, cut, fulguration) of electrosurgery. Fulguration – a noncontact form of coagulation using electrical arcs (sparks). The sparks jump from the electrode across an air or fluid gap to the tissue. Generator – . see Electrosurgical unit (ESU). Ground – a conducting body such as the earth, or an object connected with the earth, that has the ability to neutralize a charged particle; a universal conductor and common return point for electrical circuits. Ground-referenced generator – a system in which electrical current is sent to the patient and follows the path of least resistance back to the ground. The electricity “completes the circuit to the ground” by seeking any grounded conductor in contact with the patient. Haemostasis – the arrest of bleeding. Health care facility (HCF) – a set of physical infrastructure elements supporting the delivery of specific health-related services.CSA Z387:19 pdf download.
