Electrosurgery Without the Smoke and Mirrors

Electrosurgical safety and surgical smoke remain top concerns in the OR, yet myths and outdated practices still cloud the conversation.

At the AORN Guidelines Workshops, Emily Jones, PhD, RN, CNOR, EBP-C, and Renae Wright, DNP, RN, EBP-C, CNOR, Senior Perioperative Practice Specialists at AORN, plan to break it down in their session, Electrosurgery Without the Smoke and Mirrors.

They plan to share the latest updates from AORN’s Guideline for Electrosurgical Safety and give attendees evidence-based strategies to protect their patients, their teams, and their own peace of mind.

Must-Know Updates from the Guideline

An upcoming revision to the electrosurgical guideline will spotlight several changes, including:

• Return electrodes – updated guidance for safe use.
• Multiple ESUs – strategies for when using more than one unit at a time can’t be avoided.
• Implanted electronic devices – what teams need to know.

“Many of the recommendations made in the guideline are applicable to energy devices beyond traditional electrosurgery, although some, like those related to return electrodes, are specific to monopolar electrosurgical devices," Wright said.

“This broader scope is part of the reason for a proposed guideline name change that better reflects modern practice.

Clearing Up Some Myths

Misunderstandings around electrosurgery persist, particularly when it comes to jewelry and implants.

“One common myth is that jewelry or non-electronic metal implants present a high risk to patients during monopolar electrosurgery,” Wright said. “We haven’t seen evidence of documented burn injuries when the device manufacturer’s instructions are followed.”

While jewelry should still be removed to prevent issues like loss, entanglement, or damage, there is less concern for thermal injury.

Staying Ahead of Risks

Along with electrosurgical updates, this session will cover the ongoing challenges of surgical smoke and fire prevention, including:

• Smoke evacuation implementation – why it’s still a problem.
• How teams can advocate for stronger legislation.
• Future innovations – less intrusive smoke evacuation devices and new surgical energy technologies that reduce unintended patient injuries.

Why Attend

From practical tips on smoke evacuation and filtration to strategies for fire risk and injury prevention, this session will equip attendees with tools they can apply immediately in their own ORs.