Laparoscopic - Electrosurgical Insulation Test Detector - Micromed PD-8K

	Why should the insulation on surgical electrode probes be tested?
	It has been determined that insulation failure of active electrode surgical probes (bipolar and monopolar) is one of the major reasons why patients receive electrosurgical burns to unintended tissues. Even the smallest hole in the insulation of the probe will endanger the patient's safety since the escaping electrical energy will usually cause burns to the patient outside of the surgeon's view. Visual inspection of the integrity of the probe's insulation will often miss the small holes and cracks that occur.
	What are the causes of Pinholes?
	While much care is taken in the handling of these probes they are still subjected to mechanical stress due to the sterilization methods or cleaning agents used, such as alcohol or glutaraldehyde. - These mechanical stresses can produce pinholes, nicks or cracks in the protective insulation of the probe. - Handling of the electrode surgical probe during the surgery may also cause damage to the insulation. - There is also a possibility of defects caused to the probe during packaging or that may occur to it during or after being shipped from the manufacturer.
	Can any other products be tested using the Micromed PD-8K?
	Yes, any conductive element with coating can be tested providing that the conductive element is easily accessible. For example, EKG, EEG probes.
	What should be done to ensure the insulation's integrity?
	A vigorous program of regular inspection of probes' insulation should be practiced. Formal procedures should be set-up to minimize the potential damage to the probe's insulation. This procedure should incorporate the probe's insulation testing on a regular basis. On of the best and most cost effective way to test the probe's insulation's integrity is to utilize the MicroMed PD-8K detection unit. It is suggested that the probe be tested post-surgery in the Sterile Department after the probe has been cleaned and just prior to sterilization.
	What is the overall Benefit?
	With 10's of thousands of unwanted electrosurgical burns occurring every year it is essential to reduce this number to protect the hospital and the physician from liability issues but more importantly to protect the patient from the numerous side effects from these types of burns and the associated costs to the hospital for the extra care required for these cases.
	On what principle does the Micromed Detector operate?
	The unit is a low frequency high voltage generator that delivers a stabilized preset DC output via a probe to an inspection electrode. As the electrode moves over the coating surface, if it encounters a pin hole or bare spot, a small current flows actuating a visible (non-hazardous) spark at the point of contact and a visible and audible alarm in the unit.
	How is the applied voltage pre-set?
	The voltage required is pre-set manually on the unit to a minimum level determined by the thickness of film of the coating product and its generic type ie: PVC, Teflon, FRP or polyethelene. Detailed instructions are set out in the section of this handbook marked Recommended Minimum Voltage. It is important to follow these instructions in setting voltages as some surfaces have a much higher dielectric strength than others - consequently offering a high resistance to the conduction of electricity. Applied test voltages should only be sufficient to detect faults, otherwise overstressing of the dielectric strength may occur with possible surface rupturing.
	What are the minimum and maximum film thicknesses that can be tested with Micromed Detectors?
	This depends on the type of coating applied.
	Do damp coatings or moist and humid conditions affect the operation of the Micromed Detector?
	As wet surfaces are generally conductive, this could affect the unit operationally. Atmospheric moisture is unlikely to do so.
	Is the high voltage application destructive to any of the generally used sealing coatings?
	No! The applied voltage to the coating is non-destructive, provided the voltage applied is within the parameters set down in the Recommended Minimum Voltage section of this handbook for the type and thickness of coating.
	Can I get a shock while operating the unit?
	No! Under normal operating conditions the user should not handling the ends of the ground wire and the electrode wire at the same time. If this occurs then only a mild tingle will be felt by the operator.
If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQ above email us.