4 Veterinary Electrosurgical Safety Considerations

The Bovie Medical Corporation is a leader in electrosurgical equipmentincluding many veterinary applications.  Because of the healing advantages for animals and the long term cost benefits for the practitioner, the use of tools for veterinary electrosurgery is on the rise. When making the move to electrosurgery, it's important to learn how to use the devices properly to get the results you desire.  And, it’s important to be safety minded when taking advantage of these advancing technologies.  

Whether you’re considering a purchase, or have already implemented these tools in your practice, you should give careful consideration to safety.  Here are four items to think about.

1. Fires

The combination of an electrical spark and flammable gases means an explosion or fire can happen if you’re not vigilant about your safety measures.  With an increase in the attention to appropriate safety measures, fire hazards have been reduced over the years.  The most effective action taken to help reduce this danger is eliminating anesthetic gases from the operating room, and removing other flammable objects that might be present.  Alcohol preps can ignite if an active electrode is nearby.  An active electrode might spark a fire if inadvertently placed on sponges or near other flammable materials.

2. Unintended burns at the electrode site

Although the veterinarian’s goal is to make the procedure as painless as possible for the animal, unintended burns can happen and seem to be the least understood hazard in surgery.  There are different ways a patient might be burned - improper pad placement could cause contact between a live electrode and tissue, or unintended contact could happen due to faulty insulation on a live electrode through deterioration from normal wear and tear.  Make sure the equipment isn’t faulty.  A safe practice is to carefully inspect the active electrode.  Should a crack or other deterioration be noted, dispose of it, and replace it.  Using extra caution during the procedure can help avoid unintended burns at the electrode site.

3. Unintended burns at an alternate site

Because electrosurgery involves electricity, other possible danger points should be given attention.  In electrosurgery, electricity passing between an insulated electrode and a metal trocar could cause an inadvertent injury.  These alternate path burns can be avoided and are rarely an issue.  Today's isolated units are unquestionably safer than the old fashioned ground reference machines.

4. Smoke

Electromedical devices used in electrosurgery can produce a noxious smoke.  The Association of Operation Room Nurses (AORN) is one group who recommends taking actions to remove the smoke from operating rooms and other practice areas. A smoke evacuation system can help remove the smoke generated by these devices, and help staff and patients avoid inhalation.  

Alarming, but controllable.  

The safety hazards mentioned here do exist, but all are preventable with proper attention.  By providing ongoing education for staff, these dangers can be avoided, and even eliminated altogether.  Education should focus on the proper care and handling of the electrosurgical equipment used in the office.  The most effective safety system in electrosurgery is a knowledgeable staff and vendor.