The illustration above shows the equipment, with two hand pieces plugged into the
monopolar active outputs, forming the parallel portion of the combination series parallel circuit path for simultaneous monopolar electro surgery.
In 2005, I started researching and testing different manufactures ESU’s simultaneous
monopolar coagulation mode. I decided I needed help, so at the time I had a Gold Membership to ECRI’s on line database. I also had the product comparison option as well, which
made my research a bit easier to do. So I only wanted to test units that had disclosed to
ECRI, that they had the simultaneous monopolar capabilities. The 3 that I chose were the
ERBE Vio300D, Conmed System 5000, and Valleylab Force FX.
After reviewing the technical manuals of the three chosen units, I was unable to find a
test procedure for simultaneous monopolar coagulation/cut. In ANSI/AAMI HF18 1993 section 4.1.3 titled “ Service Manual “ , it is recommended that the service manual have, Calibration procedures, and Preventative Maintenance procedures (test procedures).
Simultaneous Monopolar testing method
We now needed to develop a way to test the power output while simultaneously energizing both monopolar out hand pieces. For testing this circuit we simply put a Dynatech 454A
electrosurgical analyzer on each parallel branch of the combination series parallel circuit
that is formed when using this mode. The grounds are tied together so as to simulate a realistic test scenario. By doing this we will be able to read the delivered power of each hand
piece.