ABSTRACT
Diathermy devices are surgical instruments used to cut tissues and coagulate blood vessels. In bipolar diathermy the current makes a short journey across the tissue and is returned at a similar density, heating all the tissue between the electrodes. In monopolar diathermy the current exits at a point distant from the site of surgery, so it is important to ensure that the current density is low enough not to cause injury at this point. Hence the neutral plate has a large surface area and is applied over an area of good blood supply so that the current density is low and any heat generated can be dissipated by the blood flow. The hazards of diathermy are Burns-Incorrect positioning of the neutral plate and Electric shocks-Disconnection of the neutral plate may lead to current passing through an alternative route. This can cause electrical shocks and burns to the patient.
