Guys
When I went into theatre I found two different ESU's being used i.e.Valleylab FX and a Force two.
The patient was lying on their side with the surgeons working front and back and the return electrodes placed on the thigh, one nearer the hip and the other further down the thigh. Like yourselves I have great concern about using 2 different models and the return electrode placement. I think the higher return plate will be the more active of the two due to being closer and the leading edge of the plate could get warm!?
Will it help if the plates are turned side on, to the operating site but placed side by side?
First thing I need to do though is advise the team to use the same models at least. Next would be to trial new units with duel Coag then get them to spend some money and purcahse more approproate kit. Is there info out there in layman terms to help educate on diathermy issues?
Dave
