Electrosurgical units.

Abstract

We evaluated twelve ESUs--three medium-power units (180 W maximum) and nine high-power units--from six manufacturers. Of the medium-power units, two were rated Acceptable, and one was rated Conditionally Acceptable. Of the high-power units, three were rated Acceptable. Of the high-power units, Acceptable, and one was rated Acceptable-Not Recommended. Although we considered performance and human factors, we based our ratings primarily on risk factors such as the level of protection from patient burns, the capability to activate multiple outputs, and the adequacy of activation-tone alarms. Acceptable units have adequate safety features, and Acceptable-Preferred units have a safety feature that we believe is more effective in preventing injuries.