PriMera Scientific Surgical Research and Practice (ISSN: 2836-0028)

Research Article

Volume 1 Issue 4

Effects of Electric Current Produced by Medical Equipment’s on Human Body: Review on Health Hazards Assessment

Samaila B*, Jumare IA and Umar AB

March 27, 2023

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Abstract

Background: Electrical medical devices have become a crucial part of modern healthcare, aiding in diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. However, the exposure of the human body to electrical currents produced by these devices can cause adverse effects, ranging from mild tingling sensations to severe injuries, and even death.

Aim and objective: This systematic review aims to investigate the effect of exposure to electrical current produced by medical equipment on the human body.

Material and Method: The review included studies which investigated the effects of exposure to electric current in healthcare workers, patients, and the general public. The search was conducted using the following keywords: “medical equipment”, “electrical current”, “exposure”, “health hazards”, and “assessment”. The studies were identified through searches of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, using a predefined search strategy. After screening 1240 studies, 43 studies were included in the review. The studies evaluated a range of medical equipment, including electrosurgical devices, defibrillators, electrocardiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging machines.

Result and Discussion: The results of this systematic review indicate that exposure to electrical current produced by medical equipment can lead to a range of adverse effects. These effects include burns, tissue damage, nerve damage, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. The severity of the effects was found to depend on the duration and intensity of the electrical current, the pathway of the current through the body, the electrical resistance of the body tissues, and the individual’s health status. Furthermore, the review identified several risk factors associated with electrical injuries, such as the presence of moisture or conductive materials on the skin, the use of metallic implants, and the proximity of the equipment to vital organs. The review also revealed that various safety measures, including proper equipment insulation, grounding, and the use of safety protocols, can minimize the risk of electrical injuries associated with medical equipment.

Conclusion: The study found that exposure to electric current can cause a range of health effects, including burns, cardiac arrhythmias, nerve damage, and even death. The review also found that the level of risk associated with exposure to electric current varies depending on the type of equipment and the individual’s susceptibility. Exposure to electrical current produced by medical equipment can have significant adverse effects on the human body. Therefore, healthcare providers and medical personnel must be aware of the risks associated with electrical medical devices and implement appropriate safety measures to prevent such injuries. Healthcare workers and patients with pre-existing medical conditions may be at higher risk of adverse health effects. Overall, the review highlights the need for improved safety measures and training programs to reduce the risk of exposure to electric current in healthcare settings. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of injury and to develop more effective prevention strategies.

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