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Electrical Hazards
| Electrical monitoring equipment that is connected to a patient may result in delivery of leakage (extraneous) currents that produce thermal injury (burns) or cardiac dysrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation). Prevention of electrical injury to patients and operating room personnel requires elimination of extraneous voltage sources, especially in the presence of connections (electrolyte-filled connecting tubing to a central venous pressure monitor) that result in complete circuits through tissues. For example, as little as 2OmA of 60 Hz applied directly to the endocardium can produce ventricular fibrillation. The high frequency current produced by the electrosurgical unit, however, does not produce cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitors must be designed such that leakage currents are conducted to ground and not to the patient. Line isolation monitors detect leakage current and alert the anesthesiologist, by an audible alarm and the appearance of a red warning light, to discontinue use of the malfunctioning monitor until appropriate repairs are performed. |
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