What is a pad site burn?
Pad-site (return electrode) burns. This is a burn that occurs at the adhesive patient return electrode pad. The electrical current passes through the electrosurgical instrument (e.g., surgical pencil), through the patient, then returns to the generator through the return electrode.
What is cautery burn?
Cauterization, or cautery, is a medical technique performed by a doctor or surgeon. During the procedure, they use electricity or chemicals to burn tissue in order to close a wound. It may also be done to remove harmful tissue.
Where should a grounding pad be placed?
The grounding pad is positioned on clean, dry skin over a large muscle mass as close to the operative site as possible. The pad site will be clipped as needed to insure proper contact of adhesive to skin. Do not place the pad on or near implanted metal.
Where do you put a grounding pad?
A small probe with an electric current running through it is used to burn or destroy the tissue. A grounding pad is placed on the body (usually the thigh) before the surgery to protect the person from the harmful effects of the electricity.
Where do you put a cautery pad?
It is a safe procedure. A small probe with an electric current running through it is used to burn or destroy the tissue. A grounding pad is placed on the body (usually the thigh) before the surgery to protect the person from the harmful effects of the electricity.
What does a cauterized wound look like?
During normal healing of this type of wound, you can expect to see a yellowish center with a red surrounding edge. This area will slowly decrease in size as your wound heals until it is completely healed over. The resulting scar will be round and either pink/red, white or purple (on the lower extremities).
Do cauterized wounds heal?
The wound from curettage will take approximately 2–3 weeks to heal over. The scar will initially be red and raised but usually reduces in colour and size over several months.
Do grounding pads expire?
Check expiration date on package. 3M Universal Pads are safe to use for 14 days after package is opened. Do not activate the electrosurgical device or active accessory for more than 60 seconds in any 2-minute period, as this will overload the Universal Pad with current and may result in a patient burn.