CAUTION!
Beware of Coaxial Bipolar Cable for Tubular Sterilization
Soderstrom investigated sterilization results with various generators and bipolar forceps. In the Letters-to-the-Editor on the subject Hausner responded. These publications are of significant value in the prevention of pregnancies after bipolar tubular sterilization.
We continued and expanded our research and found that some companies (Berchtold, Martin, and Karl Storz) sold bipolar coaxial cables which have an enormous capacitance and thus, may be unsuitable for reliable bipolar tubular sterilization. The detailed report is available upon request, and in the following is a comparison between the coaxial cable by Martin and Storz versus a non-coaxial bipolar cable as provided by ELMED.
|
CABLE TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
CAPACITANCE (pF) |
IMPEDANCE FOR 2 MHz |
IMPEDANCE FOR 550 KHz |
|
ELMED 5302 |
FLAT, BIPOLAR |
178 |
447 OHM |
1625 OHM |
|
MARTIN, KARL STORZ |
COAXIAL, GRAY |
556 |
143 OHM |
520 OHM |
In a coaxial cable the inner conductor and the shielding are conductors. Since the shielding surrounds the inner conductor, a significant current discharge (capacitance) takes place, and if you utilize a sterilization monitor, available from various companies as well as ELMED, you will get incorrect readings, because current keeps flowing within the cable which the monitor cannot differentiate.
A proper bipolar cable, particularly for tubular sterilization, has got to have two independent conductors, each individually jacketed, and parallel molded, utilizing silver plated conductors, and silicone rubber jacketing as produced by ELMED.
Since ELMED repairs a significant amount of bipolar forceps of all manufacture, we detect two common problems in operating rooms. (1) Forceps are used with high voltage generators whereby the insulation in the forceps breaks down, rendering the instrument defective. (2) Moisture remains in the forceps or plug, shorting out the device, rendering the instrument unsuitable to perform a proper sterilization procedure. Make certain that these instruments are absolutely internally dry before use.
ELMED is well equipped to repair all forceps, cables and equipment.
For more details contact:
ELMED INCORPORATED, 60 West Fay Avenue, Addison, Illinois 60101-5106 USA. Telephone Number: (630) 628-0444, FAX Number: (630) 543-2102
We subscribe to cost containment and protection of the environment. Therefore, we manufacture only reusable products Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.