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Electrical Safety in the Perioperative Environment

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Electrical Safety in the Perioperative Environment

There are numerous ways electricity is employed in the operating room environment, such as X-ray machines, electrosurgical units, monitors, surgical table and lights, endoscopic cameras and monitors, lasers, and robotics. Each piece of machinery comes with certain safety precautions when using them in the perioperative environment. Since almost all injuries in the OR result in human error, it is important to follow these precautions to ensure patient and operating staff safety. The electrosurgical unit (ESU) generated current that is used to cut or coagulate tissue, including fat, fascia, muscle, internal organs, and vessels. Current flows from a generator to a device that delivers…show more content…
Because laser light does not spread, the laser is ideal for precise surgical applications. The light produced is absorbed by tissue which, in turn, is consequently “harmed”. So it is important to take similar precautions when using the ESU when using lasers. Always check the power cords for frays, and check to make sure all switches are functioning properly. Also, make sure not to use any inflammable agents
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