Enraf Nonius Curapuls 970 Mode D'emploi page 23

Any patient with an implanted electronic device (for
example a cardiac pacemaker) should not be sub-
jected to any treatment with shortwave equip-ment
and should not remain in the vicinity of a machine
in operation.
Implanted metals
Metal concentrates electromagnetic energy. To
prevent any undesirable concentrations around a
metal implant and the resulting dangers (burns),
continuous shortwave therapy should basically not
be used. Consult also the therapy manual 'Pulsed
and Continuous Shortwave Therapy' (chapter on
Relative Contraindications).
Electromagnetic interference
The Curapuls 970 produces an electromagnetic field
that is designed to generate thermal and biological
effects in tissues and joints of the human body. In
free air, the strength of this electromagnetic field
generated from the electrodes, cables and treated
patient is reduced quadratically with the distance.
This electromagnetic field can affect electronic cir-
cuits of equipment positioned in the vicinity.
This electromagnetic interference is in almost all
cases the cause of so-called direct radiation on the
statutory permitted frequency of 27.12 MHz. Despite
the fact that the affected equipment is not tuned to
this frequency, detection appears in several circuits
due to the strong radiation, causing the modulation
of the electromagnetic wave to become audible
and/or visi ble (through the neon checklight). With
low- and medium-frequency physiotherapy equip-
ment this modulation might become perceptible to
the patient as well.
The susceptibility to electromagnetic interference
of equipment from the various manufacturers can
be very different. This is due to the fact that some
manufacturers are still shielding their equipment
insuf ficiently against external electromagnetic fields.
Should interference arise, we advise consulting the
manufacturer concerned.
We recommend paying attention to the following
items in order to minimize the chance of electro-
magnetic interference.
• The larger the distance between the short
wave unit and other equipment, the smaller
the electromagnetic interference. Place your
shortwave unit and the patient under treatment,
at least 2 metres from surrounding equipment
and/or oblong metal objects.
• The capacitive electrodes must be placed at a
distance of less than 8 mm from the skin. In this
way the leakage current is minimal.
• Make sure that no oblong conductive (metal)
objects are present in the direct vicinity because
they can operate as secondary antennae
(especially objects with a length of approximately
5.5 metres).
• Use a separate mains group (phase) for the
shortwave apparatus. Keep mains leads wide
apart.
• Never coil up a mains lead for shortening when a
shortwave apparatus is operating in the vicinity,
or use extension cords.
• Take care that the mains lead of the shortwave
apparatus does not come in the vicinity of the
patient and/or electrode leads. Either spread
the lead out on the floor or put excess lead
underneath the shortwave unit.
• Use only a completely metal-free treatment chair
with footrest or a wooden couch when treating
with shortwave diathermy equipment.
• Use an optimal treatment method. Make sure that
your patient is comfortable and relaxed and that
electrodes and cables are properly fixed.
• HF interference will be considerably reduced
when the Circuplode magnetic field electrode
is used. When the Curapuls 970 is placed in a
Faraday cage HF interference will be completely
eliminated.
• The intensity should only be adjusted when a
patient is to be treated and when the electrodes
have been placed.
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