BEAMER System Operating Instructions V1.5 Oct 2010

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

Table of Contents 1

Introduction ...2-1

2

Product Liability & Warranty ...2-1

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

General Information ...2-1 Scope of Delivery...2-1 Warranty ...2-2 Hotline ...2-2

3

Safety Notices and Working Principles...3-1

3.1

Safety Notices and intended use of the Beamer Mate ...3-1

3.1.1

Intended Use of the Beamer Mate... 3-1

3.1.2

Safety Notices of the Beamer Mate ... 3-1

3.2

Safety Notices and Intended Use of the Beamer Plus ...3-4

3.2.1

Intended Use of the Beamer Plus... 3-4

3.2.2

Safety Notices of the Beamer Plus ... 3-5

3.3

Monopolar RF Current Application...3-8

3.3.1

Monopolar Cutting ... 3-9

3.3.2

Monopolar Coagulation... 3-9

3.3.3

Neutral Electrode (NE) ... 3-10

3.4

Bipolar Application of RF Current... 3-11

3.4.1

Bipolar Cutting... 3-11

3.4.2

Bipolar Coagulating ... 3-11

4

General Information Functions & Features of the Beamer Mate ...4-1

4.1 4.2

General Information ...4-1 Front Connectors ...4-4

4.2.1

Monopolar Connectors ... 4-4

4.2.2

Bipolar Connectors ... 4-5

4.2.3

Neutral Electrode Connector ... 4-5

4.3

Connectors on the Unit’s Rear...4-6

4.3.1

Footswitch Connectors ... 4-6

4.3.2

Beamer Plus Interface... 4-6

4.3.3

Serial Interfaces ... 4-7

4.3.4

Equipotential Bonding Connector ... 4-7

4.3.5

Mains Connection ... 4-8

4.4

Controls ...4-8

4.4.1

Power (ON/OFF) Switch... 4-8

4.4.2

Channel Selector Buttons ... 4-9

4.4.3

MENU Button ... 4-9

4.4.4

Rotary Switch with Backlighting... 4-10

V 1.5

3

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

5

Accessories ...5-1

5.1

Beamer Plus...5-1

5.1.1

General Information ... 5-1

5.1.2

Controls, Indicators and Connections ... 5-2

5.1.3

Gas Supply... 5-3

5.1.4

Argon ... 5-4

5.1.5

Connecting Beamer Instruments ... 5-5

5.2

Instruments, Handles, Electrodes, Footswitches and Cables for Beamer Mate and Beamer Plus ...5-5

5.2.1

General ... 5-5

5.2.2

Reusable Connecting Cable for Neutral Electrodes (Part No. CE 200-A04) ... 5-6

6

Setting up the Beamer Mate and the Beamer Plus ...6-1

6.1 6.2 6.3

Setting up the Beamer Mate by itself ...6-1 Setting up the Beamer Mate Together with the Beamer Plus ... 6-2 Installing the Beamer Mate with Beamer Plus on the Beamer Cart ... 6-3

6.3.1

General Information ... 6-3

6.3.2

Components of the Beamer Cart... 6-5

6.3.3

Mounting Instructions for the Beamer Cart... 6-6

6.3.4

Cleaning Instructions Beamer Cart... 6-7

6.3.5

Technical Data Beamer Cart... 6-7

6.3.6

Wiring Diagram Beamer Cart ... 6-8

7

Starting up the Beamer Mate and the Beamer Plus ...7-1

7.1

General Information ...7-1

7.1.1

Initial User Instruction ... 7-1

7.1.2

Validity of these Operating Instructions ... 7-1

7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5

Turning on the Beamer Mate ... 7-2 Turning on the Beamer Plus ...7-3 Connecting the Active Electrodes ...7-4 Connecting the Neutral Electrode (NE) ...7-4

7.5.1

Attaching the Neutral Electrode to the Patient’s Skin ... 7-4

7.5.2

ConMed PCS System... 7-5

7.6 7.7

Argon Filling Level ...7-7 Automatic Functions for Bipolar Coagulation ...7-8

8

Operating the Beamer Mate...8-1

8.1 8.2 8.3

General Information ...8-1 Selecting and Deselecting Working Channels ... 8-1 Setting Working Channel Values ...8-2

8.3.1

Setting the Output Power ... 8-2

8.3.2

Selecting a Current... 8-3

8.3.3

Assigning an Activation Source... 8-4

4

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

8.4

Working with Programs...8-5

8.4.1

Standard Program ... 8-5

8.4.2

Selecting Programs ... 8-6

8.4.3

Modifying Programs ... 8-7

8.4.4

Creating New Programs with the Text Editor ... 8-8

8.4.5

Deleting Programs... 8-9

8.4.6

Program Toggling with SWAP Mode... 8-10

8.5

The Setup Functions of the MENU Function ... 8-14

8.5.1

Selecting the Interactive Language ... 8-15

8.5.2

Sound Settings ... 8-15

8.5.3

Screen Settings ... 8-16

8.5.4

Setting Time Windows ... 8-17

8.5.5

Neutral Electrode ... 8-17

8.5.6

Parameters for Automated Coagulation ... 8-18

8.5.7

Argon Mode... 8-19

8.5.8

Hotline ... 8-19

8.5.9

The Service Menu... 8-19

9

Types of Current, their Properties and Technical Data ...9-1

9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4

Monopolar Cutting Currents...9-1 Monopolar Coagulation Currents ... 9-17 Bipolar Cutting Currents ... 9-27 Bipolar Coagulation Currents ... 9-31

10

Explanatory Notes to Safety Notices and Risk Minimization Measures10-1

10.1 10.2

General Information ... 10-1 Risks Due to Stray Currents ... 10-1

10.2.1

Patient Bypasses ... 10-2

10.2.2

Radio-Frequency Leakage Currents ... 10-3

10.2.3

Leakage Currents via Other Medical Devices... 10-4

10.2.4

Measures for Controlling Stray Current Risks... 10-4

10.3

Current Concentration Hazards ... 10-5

10.3.1

Current Concentration in the Neutral Electrode Region... 10-6

10.3.2

Current Concentration Inside the Body ... 10-7

10.3.3

Measures for Controlling Current Concentration Hazards ... 10-8

10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7

Hazards Due to the Formation of Arcs and Sparks ... 10-9 Hazards Due to High Electric Voltage ... 10-10 Hazards Due to Electromagnetic Interference... 10-11 Hazards Posed by Pressure Cylinders and Argon Gas Flow ... 10-12

10.7.1

Pressure Cylinders... 10-12

10.7.2

Embolism and Emphysemas... 10-13

10.7.3

Additional Insufflation in Endosurgical Applications... 10-13

10.7.4

Contamination of the Surgical Site ... 10-14

V 1.5

5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 10.7.5

Argon Concentration in the Ambient Air ... 10-14

10.8

Miscellaneous ... 10-14

10.8.1

Unintended RF Current Activation ... 10-14

10.8.2

Using the Beamer Mate in Conjunction with Other Devices ... 10-15

10.8.3

Operating Two Electrosurgical Units on One Patient... 10-15

11

Maintenance Instructions ... 11-1

11.1 11.2

Cleaning and Disinfecting ... 11-1 Non-Sterilizable Accessories ... 11-1

12

Troubleshooting ... 12-1

13

Technical Description... 13-1

13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4

Technical Description of the Beamer Mate ... 13-1 Technical Data for Beamer Mate... 13-2 Technical Data for Beamer Plus ... 13-3 Guidelines and Manufacturer’s Declaration on Electromagnetic Compatibility... 13-4

14

Recurrent Safety Checks ... 14-1

15

Ecological Information ... 15-1

15.1 15.2 15.3

Packaging ... 15-1 Ecological Aspects of Operation... 15-1 Disposal of the Unit... 15-1

6

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

1

Introduction

Radio-frequency (RF) currents have been known for more than 100 years. As far back as 1890, Tesla, Nernst and d’Arsonval carried out the first experiments dealing with the physiological effects of high-frequency, high-voltage currents. In 1904, Cook was the first researcher to apply high-frequency currents in surgery when he used sparks for treating hypertrophic tonsils, papillomas and hemorrhoids as well as for removing scars. Since then, RF surgery has become an established medical discipline. Modern medicine would simply be unthinkable without it. Driven by the technological progress and the growing body of medical knowledge, RF surgical devices have undergone continuous improvement and further development. Apart from the surgical qualities of RF currents, the first and foremost aim has always been maximum safety for patients, users and third parties. Enormous worldwide efforts have been undertaken in this field to minimize the hazards posed to all of these groups of persons. ConMed was one of the pioneers in this field, laying important technological groundwork still in use today. Decades of experience in medical RF technology simply speak for themselves. Thus, it goes without saying that the ConMed Beamer Mate is the result of the most advanced technological and medical research. To ensure safe handling and ease of operation, considerable attention has been given to a clear arrangement of all controls and design elements. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that the user will only make full use of the capabilities of the ConMed Beamer Mate and Beamer Plus by thoroughly familiarizing himself/herself with the unit and all of its features and working principles. For this purpose, the operational specifics of this advanced RF surgical unit are explained in detail in the following sections. Should you still need help after studying these instructions carefully, please do not hesitate to contact our headquarters. We will be glad to support you anytime.

V 1.5

2-1

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

2-2

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

2

Product Liability & Warranty

2.1

General Information

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician! We thank you for having decided to buy a ConMed product. This product carries the CE-mark, which means that it satisfies the essential requirements laid down in the EC Directive concerning medical devices. This product is supplied by: ConMed Corporation 525 French Road Utica, New York 13502-5994 USA

2.2

Scope of Delivery

RF generator: •

Beamer Mate

•

Power cord

•

Operating Instructions

Argon Beamer: •

Beamer Plus

•

Connecting cable

•

Pressure reducer

Equipment trolley: •

Beamer Cart

•

Power cord (installed)

•

Basket (installed)

V 1.5

2-1

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

2.3

Warranty

Our Standard Terms and Conditions as updated from time to time shall apply. Within the warranty period, we will fix free of charge – either through our Technical Service or directly at the factory – any defects caused by a manufacturing defect or the use of defective materials. Notice!

The unit may only be repaired by us or a qualified person or firm expressly authorized by us to perform such work. If the repair is performed by a person or firm authorized by us, the repairer is required to issue to the operator of the unit a certificate with details about the nature and scope of the repair work done. This certificate must be dated and signed and include the firm’s details. In addition, repaired devices or components must be clearly marked with the service technician’s ID label in all cases where a party other than the manufacturer of the product performed the work.

2.4

Hotline

Should you have any technical questions or require spare parts, please contact our hotline.

1-800-448-6506 315-797-8375 Additional information on

www.conmed.com

2-2

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

3

Safety Notices and Working Principles

3.1

Safety Notices and intended use of the Beamer Mate

3.1.1

Intended Use of the Beamer Mate

The Beamer Mate is an electrosurgical generator designed for the electrosurgical cutting and coagulating of living human or animal tissue. To this end, the electric energy supplied by the power supply system is converted into high-frequency current providing the required surgical property. The Beamer Mate offers users a host of such currents, each of which has been optimized to meet specific surgical requirements. The safe application of electrosurgery requires the user to know this type of technology and how it can be used in practice for therapeutic purposes. With the Beamer Mate, ConMed provides you with an RF unit that incorporates the most advanced technology, not least for the safety of users and patients. 3.1.2

Safety Notices of the Beamer Mate

3.1.2.1

Conventions WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or damage to property.

Notice!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to property. Or indicates an operating tip.

V 1.5

3-1

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 3.1.2.2

General WARNING! Hazardous Electrical Output This equipment is for use only by trained, licensed physicians. Do not use electrosurgical equipment unless properly trained to use it in the specific procedure being undertaken. Use of this equipment without such training can result in serious, unintended patient injury.

WARNING! Malfunction of Cardiac Pacemaker and other Active Implants Interference produced by the use of electrosurgical devices can cause a pacemaker or other active implants to enter an asynchronous mode or can block the pacemaker effect. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.6

WARNING! Electric Shock Hazard Connect the system power cord to a properly grounded power receptacle. Do not use power plug adapters. Fire Hazard Do not use extension cords. Patient Safety Use the Beamer Mate only if the power-up self-test has been completed as described in this manual, otherwise inaccurate power outputs may result.

CAUTION!

3.1.2.3

Electric Shock Hazard Be sure that connected instruments or connected accessory units have an electric strength from at least the RF-voltages of the used currents (see chapter 9 "Max. periodic RF output voltage")

During Operation WARNING! Patient Return Electrode The safe use of monopolar electrosurgery requires proper placement of the patient return electrode. Detailed Information: see chapter 7.5. Do not cut a patient return electrode to reduce its size. Patient burns due to high current density may result. Check the patient return electrode periodically and after the patient is repositioned and during procedures involving long periods of activation.

3-2

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions WARNING!

Hazardous Electrical Output The higher the output power applied, the higher are the hazards posed by RF surgery. Therefore, be sure to observe the following rules: •

The selected radio-frequency output power should be as low as possible for the particular application.

•

If the usual setting produces unsatisfactory results (insufficient effect), this may be due to poor attachment of the neutral electrode, poor contact in plug-and-socket connections, broken cables (underneath the insulation) or encrusted electrodes. Be sure to check this before increasing the power!

•

The active electrode should be utilized only for the minimum time necessary in order to lessen the possibility of unintended burn injury

•

Malfunction in the RF surgical unit may lead to unwanted output power increase.

WARNING! Danger: Explosion Hazard Do not use electrosurgery in the presence of flammable anesthetics. Danger: Fire Hazard Do not place active instruments near or in contact with flammable materials (such as gauze or surgical drapes) or in the environment of oxygen (O2) or nitrous oxide (N2O). Electrosurgical instruments that are activated or hot from use can cause a fire. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.4

WARNING! For laparoscopic procedures, be alert to these potential hazards: • Laparoscopic surgery may result in gas embolism due to insufflation of gas in the abdomen. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.7.2 • The electrode tip may remain hot enough to cause burns after the electrosurgical current is deactivated. • Inadvertent activation or movement of the activated electrode outside of the field of vision may result in injury to the patient. • Localized burns to the patient or physician may result from stray currens. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.2 • Do not activate the Beamer Mate in an open circuit condition. To reduce the chances of unintended burns, activate the Beamer Mate only when the active electrode is near or touching the target tissue.

V 1.5

3-3

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions WARNING! Electric Shock Hazard Do not touch the patient and the CAN bus connector on the rear side of the Beamer Mate at the same time.

3.1.2.4

After Surgery WARNING! Electric Shock Hazard Always turn off and unplug the Beamer Mate before cleaning.

CAUTION!

Do not reprocess, reuse or “disposable” or “single use only.”

resterilize

instruments

Notice!

Do not clean the unit with abrasive cleaning or disinfectant compounds, solvents, or other materials that could scratch the panels or damage the unit.

3.2

Safety Notices and Intended Use of the Beamer Plus

3.2.1

Intended Use of the Beamer Plus

labeled

The ConMed Beamer Plus is a gas flow controller designed to generate a defined gas flow across a range of 0 to 8 l/min. It can only be operated in conjunction with the ConMed Beamer Mate electrosurgical unit. The gas flow is activated simultaneously with the high-frequency current. The system enables you to set separate flow rates for cutting and coagulation. The gas flow and the electric current are then merged in the patient-side (distal) part of the applicator. Only argon is used as a working gas. Argon offers different functions for cutting and coagulating, respectively. In electrosurgical cutting, argon serves just as a protective gas, while in electrosurgical coagulation it works as a “facilitator” for improved surface coagulation (compared with spray coagulation).

3-4

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 3.2.2

Safety Notices of the Beamer Plus

3.2.2.1

Conventions WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or damage to property.

Notice!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to property. Or indicates an operating tip.

3.2.2.2

General WARNING! Hazardous Electrical Output This equipment is for use only by trained, licensed physicians. Do not use electrosurgical equipment unless properly trained to use it in the specific procedure being undertaken. Use of this equipment without such training can result in serious, unintended patient injury.

WARNING! Malfunction of Cardiac Pacemaker and other Active Implants Interference produced by the use of electrosurgical devices can cause a pacemaker or other active implants to enter an asynchronous mode or can block the pacemaker effect. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.6

WARNING! Pressure Reducer The safety and proper functioning of the Beamer Plus are guaranteed only if a genuine ConMed pressure reducer CB 200-A02 is used! Central Gas Supply When the Beamer Plus is connected to a central gas supply, the system must incorporate additional protection against exceedingly high pressure. Such safeguard must ensure that the input pressure at the Beamer’s gas inlet will not exceed a value of 600 kPa (6 bar, 87psi)!

V 1.5

3-5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

WARNING! Gas Cylinder Never transport argon gas cylinders without the protective cap in place!

3.2.2.3

During Operation WARNING!

Hazardous Electrical Output The higher the output power applied, the higher are the hazards posed by RF surgery. Therefore, be sure to observe the following rules: •

The selected radio-frequency output power should be as low as possible for the particular application.

•

If the usual setting produces unsatisfactory results (insufficient effect), this may be due to poor attachment of the neutral electrode, poor contact in plug-and-socket connections, broken cables (underneath the insulation) or encrusted electrodes. Be sure to check this before increasing the power!

•

The active electrode should be utilized only for the minimum time necessary in order to lessen the possibility of unintended burn injury

WARNING! Danger: Explosion Hazard Do not use electrosurgery in the presence of flammable anesthetics. Danger: Fire Hazard Do not place active instruments near or in contact with flammable materials (such as gauze or surgical drapes) or in the environment of oxygen (O2) or nitrous oxide (N2O). Electrosurgical instruments that are activated or hot from use can cause a fire. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.4

WARNING! Laparoscopic surgery may result in gas embolism due to insufflation of gas in the abdomen. Detailed Information: see chapter 10.7.2

3-6

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 3.2.2.4

V 1.5

After Surgery CAUTION!

Do not reprocess, reuse or “disposable” or “single use only.”

resterilize

instruments

labeled

Notice!

Do not clean the unit with abrasive cleaning or disinfectant compounds, solvents, or other materials that could scratch the panels or damage the unit.

3-7

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

3.3

Monopolar RF Current Application

In monopolar application, the RF current is applied to the surgical site by way of an electrode installed in a handle or other instrument. This electrode is called the “active electrode”. It has a small surface in order to ensure a high current density at the electrode-skin contact point – and thus the electrosurgical effect intended by the user. From the contact point, the current spreads radially, with the density of the current decreasing fast with increasing distance from the contact point – provided the anatomical conditions at the point of contact allow for the formation of a radial current-density or flow field. To close the circuit, the current transferred to the patient is collected with another, largesurface electrode attached to the patient’s skin. The large surface of this electrode ensures a low current density without any physiological effect. This electrode is called “neutral (or dispersive) electrode” (short form: NE).

Active electrode

Flow field

Neutral electrode

Between the active electrode and the neutral electrode, the current forms a flow field on its way through the patient’s body. At some distance from the contact point, the current density of this field is usually so low that it has no adverse effect. However, a living organism is not a homogenous mass because bones and cavities form insulating barriers and the different types of tissue are characterized by different electric conductivities. Therefore, unintended higher current densities (density concentrations) can nonetheless occur, which is why the anatomical conditions of the surgical site need to be taken into consideration. Besides, the current flowing through the patient causes a voltage drop that can cause a whole range of side-effects. For details, see section 10, “Explanatory Notes to Safety Notices and Risk Minimization Measures”. The RF generator for monopolar applications can be optionally activated via the footswitch or via finger switches (pushbuttons) located on the surgical handle.

3-8

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 3.3.1

Monopolar Cutting

The high energy density generated on the surface of the active electrode leads to the formation of a vapor layer between the electrode and the tissue. It is in this layer where the physical processes leading to tissue dissection take place. However, monopolar cutting, also called “electrotomy”, is a process quite different from mechanical cutting because – apart from straight, scalpel-like cuts – electrotomy also enables specially shaped cuts if a correspondingly shaped active electrode is used. Such sophisticated cuts would be impossible with a knife. In addition to cutting currents that enable a pure cut similar to that of a scalpel, there are currents that provide simultaneous coagulation of the cutting edges – and thus hemostasis – when performing the cut. The cutting mode is conventionally marked with the YELLOW color. The Beamer Mate offers 10 different currents for monopolar cutting, each optimized for specific applications.

3.3.2

Monopolar Coagulation

Basically, there are two distinct types of coagulation. The first type is “contact coagulation”, where the high-frequency current is directly transmitted from the active electrode to the tissue, thereby heating it up. This type of coagulation is primarily used for hemostasis in case of major hemorrhages and for denaturing (destroying) volumes of tissue (depth coagulation). A typical example for contact coagulation is the hemostasis of dissected vessels by applying an electric current directly to a vascular clamp. The denaturization of larger tissue surfaces is also called “ablation”, whereas the denaturization of larger tissue volumes is known as “desiccation”. The second type of coagulation is called “non-contact coagulation”. In this case, the current is not delivered to the tissue directly but some distance away from it, breaking through a vapor layer or crossing a gap in air due to its high electric voltage. Thus, energy conversion takes place mainly on the tissue surface, rather than in the deeper tissue layers. Therefore, this coagulation mode is ideal for the hemostatic treatment of superficial, oozing hemorrhages. Coagulation currents of this type are categorized as “spray coagulation” or “fulguration” currents. A special application form of this coagulation mode is the surface coagulation using ionized argon gas (supplied by Argon Beamer). With the specially designed Beamer Plus, an accessory unit is available for controlling the argon gas flow required in this type of treatment. For monopolar coagulation, the Beamer Mate offers 6 currents of both types. The coagulation mode is conventionally marked with the BLUE color.

V 1.5

3-9

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions 3.3.3

Neutral Electrode (NE)

In monopolar applications, a large-surface neutral electrode attached to the patient’s skin is used to lead the current applied to the patient back to the generator. Neutral electrodes are available as disposable or reusable products. The reusable neutral electrodes used nowadays consist of a soft, electrically conductive plastic material that can be easily adapted to body contours. Disposable neutral electrodes consist of a plastic base material covered by a metal film which represents the actual electrode surface. This metal surface is in turn covered with an electrically conductive gel layer that makes the skin contact and enables the neutral electrode to be easily attached to the patient’s skin. A reusable cable is used to connect disposable NEs to the RF generator. Disposable NEs with firmly connected cable are also available. In this latter case, of course, the connecting cable is also a disposable product. Disposable neutral electrodes with a split contact surface allow to monitor the skin contact quality by the generator. The split contact surface enables a small monitoring current to flow from one side of the electrode over the patient to the other side. We strongly recommend using split, monitored adhesive electrodes. The Beamer Mate is capable of monitoring both split and non-split neutral electrodes. The NE status is indicated in the upper right corner of the display. When split electrodes are used, the relative quality of the NE’s skin contact can be monitored in addition, using a graphical “slide” contact indicator that can be selected or deselected as desired.

The reusable neutral electrodes used nowadays consist of a soft, electrically conductive plastic material that can be easily adapted to body contours. These NEs are delivered with a firmly connected cable. Good body contact is ensured either by elastic straps or bandages or simply by the patient’s weight. However, the quality of the skin contact of these non-split NEs is hard to assess and – unlike their split, disposable counterparts – cannot be monitored by the RF generator.

3-10

V 1.5

ConMed Beamer Mate / Beamer Plus – Operating Instructions

3.4

Bipolar Application of RF Current

If one fits an instrument with two electrodes located directly opposite each other and connected to the two poles of the RF generator’s output, the RF current flow will be limited to the tissue area located between the two electrodes. This is what is called “bipolar application”. The flow field generated is basically restricted to the instrument’s tissue contact zone and the current’s depth effect is consequently very limited. A neutral electrode is not required in this case, which also means that the problems typically associated with NEs and the formation of a large flow field are completely eliminated.

Flow field

With the Beamer Mate, bipolar current can be activated via the footswitch or – at the B2 bipolar output – via the handle pushbuttons. Besides, it is also possible to activate bipolar coagulation currents automatically by tissue contact.

3.4.1

Bipolar Cutting

In contrast to the monopolar application technique, the high-frequency current flows directly from one electrode to the nearby second electrode when using the bipolar cutting technique (just as in bipolar coagulation). Again, no neutral electrode is required. The special feature of bipolar cutting is the asymmetric electrode arrangement: a small electrode that performs the cut, and a larger-surface electrode that functions as a “local NE”. The Beamer Mate offers two different bipolar cutting currents.

3.4.2

Bipolar Coagulating

In contrast to monopolar application, bipolar coagulation is always pure contact coagulation. A symmetrical design is usually used for the electrode pair at the distal tips of the instrument. The Beamer Mate offers two different bipolar coagulation currents. Functions & Features of the Beamer Mate

V 1.5

3-11