[Update on electrical safety of equipment used in surgery and interventional medicine]

Update on electrical safety of medical equipment used in Surgery and Interventional Medicine. Expanding on the theme of relevant operating safety has become extremely topical as a result of the broad diffusion of electro-medical equipment in medical and surgical practice. This aspect is related to the technical features of the equipment, to regulations to be observed inside medical facilities, to the correct use of the equipment. The article suggests a setting-up of the problem, outlining the physiological and pathological effects of electric currents on the human body and indicating regulations in force as to electric safety of electro-medical equipment and of facilities used for medical and surgical purposes, and examines common clinical situations at electrical risk.