FAQs Archive | Page 2 of 2 | McGan Technology

Q: How does the size of the hole, or defect, in the insulation of electrosurgical instrument effect the leak of the RF voltage?

The smaller the hole, the crack or defect the more concentrated the voltage the more potential for a deeper non-intended tissue burn

Q: Which McGan Electrode should be used and when?

There are three types of electrodes that are offered by McGan and they are easily interchanged to obtain the best detection results on various electrosurgical instruments. The Ring electrode is used to test circular (rod) type instrument (e.g. laparoscopic instrument) and provides 360 degree results as long as the wires in the ring are in or close proximity to the insulation. The Brush electrode is used to test areas of electrosurgical instruments or a flexible or non-circular instruments that cannot be tested by the ring or Tri-Hole electrode. For example, these include bi-polar forceps, endoscopic, or other non-circular insulated instruments. The Tri-Hole electrode is used to test circular (rod) type instruments (e.g. laparoscopic instrument) that has a diameter of 3, 5 or 100mm. It will provide 360 degree results as long as the diameter of the instrument is in contact or very close proximity to the conductive core within the hole. Note: The spark is contained within the hole and therefore cannot been seen however the alarm sounds and alarm indicator flashes on test unit when a defect is detected.

Q: Are the McGan Integrity Testers units easy to operate?

Yes they are very easy to set up in usually less than 2 minutes and the key parts are color coded to avoid any issue. Example: Green wire to green port- Red wire to red port, insert the chosen electrode into the handle (or base unit of the Handle-held unit), set the kilovolts if needed to the correct setting for the devise under test. Begin testing