Rectifying counts; neurostimulators; double gloving; reprocessing single‐use devices; simultaneous counting

AORN Guidance Statement: Care of the Perioperative Patient With an Implanted Electronic Device

“…The dispersive electrode should be placed in such a way that the current will flow away from the IED. The distance between the dispersive electrode and the active electrode should be as small as possible 17 To prevent EMI, care should be taken not to arc current between the active electrode and another surgical instrument.…”

“…The dispersive electrode should be placed in such a way that the current will flow away from the IED. The distance between the dispersive electrode and the active electrode should be as small as possible 17 …”

“…Current passes from the active electrode of one tip of the forceps through the patient's tissue to the dispersive electrode of the other forceps tip, thus, completing the circuit without entering another part of the patient's body. This means that the current flows only through the area of tissue that is in direct contact with the instrument 17 . Using bipolar electro‐surgery rather than monopolar electrosurgery may be advantageous when trying to avoid possible arcing that could demodulate; however, bipolar electrosurgery is much less powerful than monopolar electrosurgery and may be inappropriate for many surgical procedures.…”

“… The perioperative nurse should follow the instructions of the neurostimulator's manufacturer. To prevent potential injury to the patient, it is important to determine exactly how the device producing the electrical stimulation works and how it may function during a surgical procedure to determine whether the device should be turned off during that time 17 …”

“… Large, reusable, capacitive coupled return electrode systems should not be used 17 The active electrode should be kept at least six inches from the implanted components of the device.…”