How to Unclog Irrigating Bipolar Forceps

Irrigating bipolar forceps use electricity via an electrosurgical generator unit to cauterize tissue during surgical procedures. The irrigation commonly uses a saline solution discharged through one of the forceps prongs to help to reduce tissue charring. According to research conducted by Shekhar Sharma and colleagues in the "Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery" in 2008, using an irrigated system in electrosurgery reduces tissue contamination on the forceps tips and decreases associated tissue injury from stickiness. However, gross tissue contamination still occurs that can clog the opening on an irrigating bipolar forceps. The method of cleaning the electrosurgical instrument differs from a standard cleaning procedure because you must not use alcohol immersion.

Things You'll Need

• Surgical instrument cleaning basin
• Low-foaming protein-dissolving detergent
• Non-metal surgical instrument cleaning brush
• Demineralized water
• Fine-pointed forceps stylus
• Latex gloves
• Surgical mask
• Surgical gown

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Instructions

• 1

  Pre-clean the irrigating bipolar forceps immediately after the surgical procedure. Hold the forceps under cold to lukewarm running water to wash off tissue and blood.

• 2

  Fill a surgical instrument cleaning basin with a solution of water and a low foaming protein-dissolving detergent with a pH between 7 and 9. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on detergent concentration ratio and water temperature.

• 3

  Immerse the forceps into the detergent solution. Use a non-metal surgical instrument cleaning brush to remove gross tissue or coagulants that clog the forceps irrigation opening. Leave the forceps to soak according to the detergent manufacturer's instructions, but not exceeding 2 hours.

• 4

  Empty the cleaning solution from the basin. Pour demineralized water through the irrigation channel in the bipolar forceps to flush out any debris left by the clog.

• 5

  Use a fine-pointed forceps stylus to remove any loose debris that clogs the opening during the flushing procedure. Flush the channel again with demineralized water to remove small particulates to complete the removal of a clog prior to disinfecting and sterilizing the bipolar forceps.