Systematic error compensation for improving accuracy of the electrosurgical unit

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to systematic error correction for improving the accuracy of the electrosurgical unit (ESU), through a method that enables safer operation for both surgeons and patients. The equations for systematic errors encountered during the calibration of the eight ESUs were obtained using regression analysis. The ESU calibration was performed using a power analyzer and the reference power value was selected on the ESU panel; the power value indicated by the ESU was noted from the power analyzer and recorded. The fitted regression models were suitable for predicting systematic errors associated with ESU output power values, as a reduction of about 84 % was noted in cutting power (CuP) and about 74 % for coagulation power (CoP). After correction, systematic error values remained below 1.9 W and 0.4 W in cutting and coagulation power, respectively. The maximum error values obtained were less than those specified for the IEC 60601-2-2 standard for all evaluated ESUs.

Keywords: coagulation; cutting; electrosurgical unit; error compensation; regression modeling.