Diathermy Units
About[]
A shortwave diathermy unit is a device designed to generate radiofrequency radiation and transfer it, via cables and electrodes, to the area to be treated. The units can be operated in either a continuous wave or pulsed mode but both produce heat in deep tissue. Two basic types of electrodes (applicators)are in use, the capacitor-type and the inductor type. In the first case tissue heating is basically due to the radiofrequency electric field, while for the inductive electrodes (coils), heating occurs by a combination of electric field effects and currents induced in the tissue by the magnetic field. The heating profile of the two mechanisms is somewhat different. These devices are capable of generating a sufficiently high level of radiation that there may be cause for concern for the safety of the gonads and, in the case of pregnant patients, the foetus. Improper use of the machine may result in burns and/or scalds and deep tissue or organ damage. Care must also be taken to avoid subjecting the operator and/or the public to radiation levels exceeding those prescribed in the Australian standard AS 2772 ('Maximum exposure levels - Radio-frequency radiation - 300 kHz to 300 GHz'). It must be noted that the level of radiation present in the vicinity of a diathermy unit may be increased by the presence of nearby metallic objects or other units or by reflection from the wall.
Manufacturers[]
- Mettler Electronics Corp
- MEDICHEM ELECTRONICS
- ValleyLab
Models[]
- Auto Therm 390
- MEDILAPMSD-500 - MEDICHEM ELECTRONICS
Second Source Parts[]
Second Source Service[]
References[]