AORN Journal
Volume 83, Issue 3 , Pages 657-664, March 2006

Electrosurgical burns in pediatric patients undergoing liver resection with saline-enhanced radiofrequency technology

  • Janis M. Richtmyer, RN

      Affiliations

    • Janis M. Richtmyer, BSN, MS/HSA, was the interim director of perioperative services at Children's Hospital of Central California, Madera, Calif, at the time this article was written.

ABSTRACT 

•USE OF SALINE-ENHANCED radiofrequency (RF) technology reduces blood loss in infants undergoing liver resection. Radiofrequency systems continuously deliver much higher currents for longer periods of time than conventional coagulation instruments and thus increase the risk of complications.

•THREE INFANTS undergoing liver resection with the newer RF technology at one facility experienced electrosurgical unit (ESU) dispersive pad burns. As a result, an experiment was performed on animal subjects to determine best ESU dispersive pad placement on infants and to gather data on device impedance.

•RECOMMENDATIONS to prevent burns include central placement of the ESU dispersive pad and activating warming devices only after resection is complete. AORN J 83 (March 2006) 658–664.

 

 This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.A minimum score of 70% on the multiple-choice examination is necessary to earn 1.6 contact hours for this independent study.Purpose/Goal: To educate perioperative nurses about safe use of saline-enhanced radio-frequency technology for pediatric patients undergoing liver resection.

PII: S0001-2092(06)60193-2

doi:10.1016/S0001-2092(06)60193-2

AORN Journal
Volume 83, Issue 3 , Pages 657-664, March 2006

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