Surgical Cautery
• Electric
cautery is used to destroy superficial skin lesions. The wire tip is raised to
red heat by means of an electric current
• This
heated cautery point is then applied to the tissue area to cause tissue death
through coagulation
• The
current source may be a low-voltage battery or transformer connected the
mains, although the transformer is preferable, as the output is more constant
than that of a battery
• The
transformer has a rheostat knob which may be adjusted to alter the voltage
applied to the platinum point
• The
cautery must not be used any hotter than at red heat, as too high a current
will cause rapid burning out of the cautery wire and reduce its life span
• The
cautery point are various sizes and shapes (Fig. 2.4) are mounted in a heat-resisting
handle to which are connected two wires
• These
wires are then connected to the transformer which must be switched off at the
wall socket
• The
cautery must be connected to the cautery terminals
• After
connecting the wires the transformer may then be switched on.
Any questions be sent to drmmkapur@gmail.com
All older posts are stored in archives for access and review.
Visitors that follow may post contributions to the site.
To create consumer/provider engagement visit www.surgseminar.blogspot.com
