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ESU 101
Term 1
3 credits

Electrosurgery Principles and Safety

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how electrosurgical units (ESUs) function in the operating room environment. The curriculum delves into the physics behind high-frequency electrical currents used for tissue modification, differentiating between monopolar and bipolar applications. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing various electrosurgical waveforms and their tissue effects. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding return-electrode monitoring technologies, preventing unintended patient burns, and identifying common safety hazards associated with electrosurgical procedures. Through lectures, demonstrations, and practical lab exercises, students will develop the essential knowledge required to safely service and troubleshoot electrosurgical equipment in a healthcare setting, ensuring patient and operator safety.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Introduction to Electrosurgery & OR Environmentlecture
02Basic Electrical Principles for Electrosurgerylecture
03RF Current & Tissue Interactionlecture
04Hands-on Lab: Electrosurgical Equipment Identification & Setuplab
05Monopolar Electrosurgery: Principles & Applicationslecture
06Bipolar Electrosurgery: Principles & Applicationslecture
07Electrosurgical Waveforms & Tissue Effectslecture
08Hands-on Lab: Waveform Analysis & Mode Selection / Midterm Reviewlab
09Return Electrode Technology & Patient Safetylecture
10Burn Hazards: Causes, Prevention & Risk Factorslecture
11Hands-on Lab: Return Electrode Monitoring & Safety Checkslab
12Electrosurgical Unit Alarms & Troubleshooting Basicslecture
13Electrosurgical Safety Protocols & Best Practiceslecture
14Capstone Service Project: ESU Safety & Functionality Auditassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Introduction to Electrosurgery & OR Environment","Week 2: Basic Electrical Principles for Electrosurgery","Week 3: RF Current & Tissue Interaction","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Electrosurgical Equipment Identification & Setup","Week 5: Monopolar Electrosurgery: Principles & Applications","Week 6: Bipolar Electrosurgery: Principles & Applications","Week 7: Electrosurgical Waveforms & Tissue Effects","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Waveform Analysis & Mode Selection / Midterm Review","Week 9: Return Electrode Technology & Patient Safety","Week 10: Burn Hazards: Causes, Prevention & Risk Factors","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Return Electrode Monitoring & Safety Checks","Week 12: Electrosurgical Unit Alarms & Troubleshooting Basics","Week 13: Electrosurgical Safety Protocols & Best Practices","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: ESU Safety & Functionality Audit"]