Clinical Issues-January 2017

Area of Science:

• Medical device safety
• Surgical technology

Background:

• Electrosurgery is a common surgical tool.
• Jewelry and implanted electronic devices pose risks during electrosurgery.
• Laser use requires specific staffing protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight risks associated with jewelry during electrosurgery.
• To outline precautions for electrosurgery in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices.
• To define staffing requirements for laser procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of electrosurgical device guidelines regarding jewelry.
• Analysis of safety considerations for cardiac implanted electronic devices during electrosurgery.
• Examination of best practices for laser procedure staffing.

Main Results:

• Jewelry, including body piercings, must be removed before monopolar electrosurgery to prevent thermal injury.
• Electrosurgery, both monopolar and bipolar, requires careful management around implanted electronic devices to prevent interference or damage.
• Appropriate staffing, including laser operators and laser nurses, is crucial for safe laser use.

Conclusions:

• Patient safety during electrosurgery necessitates jewelry removal and careful consideration of implanted electronic devices.
• Adequate staffing is essential for the safe operation of laser devices.