CESO SEMINARS 2002 Insulation and Continuity Testing for Laparoscopic Instruments

1. CESO SEMINARS 2002Insulation and Continuity Testing for Laparoscopic Instruments Presented by Stephen Moule CARSEN GROUP INC.

2. Topics • Background on insulation breakdown and failures • Why tests are performed • Testing for insulation breakdown • Testing for continuity • Types of testers • Hands on tester demonstration • Hand-outs / background information • Q & A

3. Insulation Breakdown • High Voltage from the cautery device • Wear and tear due to normal use • Wear and tear due to abnormal use • Incorrect sterilization techniques • Overuse of single use or limited use instruments.

4. Why tests are performed • Most Hospitals today have no formal testing for Laparoscopic instrument insulation integrity • Testing that does occur is limited to visual and hands on inspection • Estimates are that off site burns occur in 1 to 2 % of all Laparoscopic procedures • Reduces extended hospital stays for patients • Avoids possible litigation

5. Testing for insulation breakdown • Connect the (-) lead of the tester to the banana jack of the instrument • Select the appropriate sized orifice on the test jig • ( 5 mm, 6,5mm, or 10mm ) • Select the high voltage setting on the tester • Activate the tester with the foot switch • Pass the instrument through the jig and back again

6. Insulation Testing Continued • Green light indicates the instrument passed the test • Red light indicates insulation breach • To verify the integrity of the handle, remove the jig • Insert a cable and attach the “ J “ hook • Activate the tester with the foot switch • Pass over the handle assembly with the “ J ‘ hook • “Green” is a pass • “Red” means insulation breach

7. Testing for continuity • Using the lower set of Banana connectors • Insert the cable connections into these connectors • Switch the voltage setting to “Low” • To complete the circuit connect the other ends of the cable to the terminal box • Activate the tester with the button on the face • “Green” means pass • “Red” means insulation breach

8. Tester Types • Portable: • Easy to setup and use, go anywhere • Designed specifically for Laparoscopic testing • High voltage setting of 3000 with a current limiting device • Recommended for end users having no background in electrical testing

9. Tester Types • Bench Top: • Designed for multiple testing • Higher test voltages ( 4KV ) • Older types have no current limiting circuitry • Recommended for use by Biomedical staff

10. Hand-outs / background information • Copy of the Power Point presentation • Copy of reference material • Information sheet on the tester

11. Reference Material • Joni Morford www.communicator.com • www.infectioncontroltoday.com • www.endonurse.com • www.smbe.nsw.au/workshop • www.health.nsw.gov.au

12. Hands-on tester demonstration • Interactive Testing within groups • Check and verify insulation integrity • Check the continuity of cable

14. Q & A • Floor open for discussion. • FAQ’s • Does my hospital have a testing program? • Where is the best location for testing? • Who is best qualified to test?