Article

Enhancing safety during procedures is one of our primary professional obligations
to our patients. The vigilant application of basic principles allows
electrodiagnostic medicine consultants to maintain a safe environment for both
patients and office staff. Use of a nerve stimulator in close proximity to the path of wires or catheters that enter the heart or great vessels should be
avoided; a separation of at least 15 cm (6 in) is recommended. Other testing of
nerves in the limbs can be performed safely, particularly in patients with modern
bipolar pacemakers and even with cardiac defibrillation devices in place. Current
must never have a path to flow through the torso.
Proper grounding of
electrodiagnostic equipment should be ensured, and both the instruments and the
wall plugs should be tested periodically. In addition, adherence to the proper
stimulation intensity and avoidance of overstimulation is important not only for
safety but also because it improves measurement accuracy and patient comfort.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS