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What is a Bovie pad?
Bovie pads refer to a specific type of disposable return electrode pad commonly used in electrosurgery. It is named after the medical device company Bovie Medical🔗 Corporation, which specializes in electrosurgical equipment.
A Bovie pad, or Bovie grounding pad, serves as a return electrode in electrosurgery procedures. It is placed on the patient’s body away from the surgical site to provide a safe path for the electrical current to return to the electrosurgical unit. The Bovie pad is typically adhesive-backed, allowing it to securely adhere to the patient’s skin during the procedure.
Bovie pads are designed to ensure proper electrical conductivity and minimize the risk of burns or injuries to the patient. They are disposable, intended for single-use only, to maintain a sterile and hygienic environment during surgeries. These pads are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different surgical needs.
It’s important to note that while “Bovie pad” specifically refers to disposable return electrode pads from the Bovie Medical Corporation, the term is sometimes used more generally to refer to any disposable return electrode pad used in electrosurgery, regardless of the manufacturer.
What is disposable return electrode pads?
Disposable return electrode pads are medical devices used in conjunction with electrosurgical units (ESUs) during surgical procedures. They are designed to provide a safe return path for the electrical current used in electrosurgery.
During electrosurgery, an ESU generates a high-frequency electrical current that is applied to tissue using an active electrode. The disposable return electrode pad, also known as a grounding pad🔗 or neutral electrode, is placed on the patient’s body away from the surgical site. It serves as a connection point for the electrical current to return safely to the ESU.
Disposable return electrode pads are typically adhesive and made of conductive materials such as carbon or silver. They have a sticky backing that adheres to the patient’s skin, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. The pads are designed for single-use only to maintain hygiene and prevent the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
These pads are an essential component of the electrosurgical setup as they help to minimize the risk of burns or injuries to the patient. They provide a low-resistance pathway for the electrical current to return to the ESU, preventing it from flowing through unintended pathways within the patient’s body.
Types of Bovie Pads | Disposable return electrode pads
There are two types of Bovie Pads: solid return electrode and split return electrode. Here’s the difference between them:
- Solid Return Electrode: A solid return electrode is a complete electrode pad with a single conductive area. It is typically square or circular in shape and adheres to the patient’s skin with a sticky backing. The solid return electrode provides a large surface area for conductivity, allowing the electrical current to evenly return to the electrosurgical unit. This type of return electrode is suitable for most surgical procedures.
- Split Return Electrode: A split return electrode consists of two or more separate conductive pieces placed in different locations to provide the return path. These conductive pieces are often connected to the electrosurgical unit via insulated cables. The design of the split return electrode allows the current to return through multiple areas, reducing the risk of high-density current in a single conductive region. This type of electrode is suitable for cases where more precise current distribution is required or for specific surgical scenarios such as cardiac surgery.
In summary, solid return electrodes are suitable for most surgeries and provide a wide conductive area. Split return electrodes allow current to be divided among multiple areas, making them suitable for cases that require more precise current distribution or have specific requirements. The choice of which type of return electrode to use should be based on the surgical requirements and the recommendations of healthcare professionals.
Product Type of Bovie Pads
ESRS or A1202 Return Solid Pads Disposable Electrode
Return electrodes are utilized for a safe return of electrosurgical energy from the patient body.
Bovie disposable, single-use return electrodes are manufactured with a super adhesive hydrogel for secure patient application.
- Solid adult return electrodes (grounding pads), no cable
- 50 Disposable grounding pads per box
- Manufacturer’s Product ID: ESRS or A1202
ESRSC Return Solid Pads Disposable Electrode with 2.8M Cable
Return electrodes are utilized for a safe return of electrosurgical energy from the patient body.
Bovie disposable, single-use return electrodes are manufactured with a super adhesive hydrogel for secure patient application.
- Solid adult return electrodes with 2.8M cable
- 50 Disposable grounding pads per box
- Manufacturer’s Product ID: ESRSC
ESRE Return Split Pads Disposable Electrode
Return electrodes are utilized for a safe return of electrosurgical energy from the patient body.
Bovie disposable, single-use return electrodes are manufactured with a super adhesive hydrogel for secure patient application.
- Split adult return electrodes (grounding pads), no cable,
- Designed to be used in electrosurgical procedures
- 50 Disposable grounding pads per box
- Manufacturer’s Product ID: ESRE
ESREC Return Split Pads Disposable Electrode with 2.8M Cable
Return electrodes are utilized for a safe return of electrosurgical energy from the patient body.
Bovie disposable, single-use return electrodes are manufactured with a super adhesive hydrogel for secure patient application.
- Split adult return electrodes (grounding pads) with a 2.8M cable
- Designed to be used in electrosurgical procedures
- 50 Disposable grounding pads per box
- Manufacturer’s Product ID: ESREC
Where do you put a Bovie pad?
A Bovie pad, or any disposable return electrode pad, is typically placed on the patient’s body away from the surgical site. The specific placement location may vary depending on the surgical procedure and the recommendations of the healthcare provider or surgeon.
The general guideline is to place the Bovie pad on a flat and fleshy area of the patient’s body that is away from the surgical field. Common locations for placement include the thigh, buttocks, or upper arms, place the pad near the active pencil, shortening the distance decreases the area of the patient’s body the electrical current has to flow through.
The goal is to choose an area where the pad can adhere securely to the skin and ensure good conductivity for the electrical current to safely return to the electrosurgical unit.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any specific guidelines provided by the healthcare team regarding the proper placement of the Bovie pad. They will consider factors such as patient positioning, the type of surgery being performed, and the desired return path for the electrical current.
Can you put a Bovie pad over a tattoo?
When positioning the dispersive electrode during a procedure, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid placing it over bony prominences, scar tissue, hair, metal prosthesis, tattoos, weight-bearing surfaces, potential pressure points, or areas distal to tourniquets.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the dispersive electrode does not come into contact with any metal devices such as jewelry, monitoring leads, or needle electrodes.
P.S.
Why is it called a Bovie?
Bovie Medical takes its name from Dr. William T. Bovie, an American scientist and inventor who is credited with inventing the electrosurgical generator in 1926. Bovie went public in 1983 and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol BVX.
In 2018, Symmetry Surgical, a subsidiary of the Symmetry Medical Inc., acquired Bovie Medical Corporation’s electrosurgical business, which included the Bovie brand and related product lines.
Symmetry Surgical is a leading provider of surgical instruments, devices, and solutions for various medical specialties. The acquisition of Bovie Medical’s electrosurgical business allowed Symmetry Surgical to expand its product portfolio and offer a comprehensive range of electrosurgical tools to healthcare professionals.
