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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018381
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Electrical Hazards in Endoscopic Services
Publication History
Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)
Summary
Despite the extensive use of endoscopic diagnostic procedures, the proper standards aimed at preventing electrical hazards are generally little known and inadequately observed.
Cases of electrical injury ensuing from endoscopic manoeuvres may have gone unreported either to avoid legal consequences, or owing to incorrect identification of the true cause of the injury.
The authors describe the most important safety standards dealing with the risks connected with the use of both endoscopic devices and electrosurgical units, and recommend that in the future more attention be paid to identifying and preventing these risks.
Key words:
Endoscopy - Electrical hazards - Safety standards - Macroshock and microshock - Electrosurgical systems