Short-wave diathermy machine

o principles of operation
 function
 use
 scientific principles
o construction
 components
 system diagram
 inputs/outputs
o troubleshooting
 identifying common faults
 replacing components
 rectifying faults
18.4.5 Maintain a short-wave diathermy machine
Unit C18.4 Maintaining Physiotherapy Equipment
Module 279 19 C Medical Instrumentation II

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015

 Diathermy (general)
Diathermy literally means "heating through.” Diathermy is the controlled
production of "deep heating" beneath the skin in:
• subcutaneous tissues (‘under the skin’)
• deep muscles
• joints
for therapeutic / revalidation purposes.

The application of moderate heat by diathermy increases blood flow and

speeds up metabolism and the rate of ion diffusion across cellular
membranes.
The fibrous tissues in tendons, joint capsules, and scars are more easily
stretched when subjected to heat, thus facilitating the relief of stiffness The three main forms of diathermy
of joints and promoting relaxation of the muscles and decrease of employed by physical therapists are:
muscle spasms. • ultrasound
• short wave
• microwave

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Techniques for Diathermy
Roughly, all 3 different
diathermy techniques are
1. ultrasonic diathermy used for the same
= therapeutic ultrasound; see previous lectures therapeutic purpose.

A diathermy device increases

2. Short wave diathermy is performed with the use tissue temperature by up to 8o
of high-frequency (1–100 MHz) electromagnetic C at a depth of
currents. 5 centimetres in less than 20
It is the same technique as used during surgery in an minutes. Hyperthermia is safe
electro-surgical machine, but the heat is spread out if the temperature is kept
over a larger area with a much lower energy density. under 45 °C
3. microwave diathermy
microwaves are electromagnetic waves with a When diathermy equipment
frequency in the 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz bands. is utilized, the power output
Microwaves have a lower penetration depth and are is maintained below the pain
used for more superficial tissues. threshold of the patient.

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Short wave diathermy
Short wave diathermy is performed with
the use of high-frequency
electromagnetic currents, usually at
27.12 MHz
Short wave diathermy machines use two
condenser plates that are placed on either
side of the body part to be treated.
Alternatively, these devices use
induction coils that are pliable and can
be molded to fit the part of the body
under treatment.

The degree of heat and the depth of penetration

depend in part on the properties of the tissues
that the waves encounter.

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Treatment Procedure
1. Prepare the patient: 2. Prepare the machine:
1. Examine thermal and pain sensitivity of the 1. Ensure correct connection of cables.
patient 2. Ensure that cables & applicators are not placed on
2. Ensure removal of any metal objects (rings, etc.) metal surfaces.
3. Remove all bandages and clothes from the 3. Ensure appropriate alignment of the electrodes for
treatment area maximum energy transfer.
4. Ensure dryness of skin 4. Ensure that cables are not close to untreated tissues.
5. Ask to patient to report immediately any abnormal 5. All metal objects are kept at least 3meters away.
sensation felt during the treatment

3. Once the unit is activated:

1. Remain at least 1m from the cables .
2. Ensure that the patient maintains correct position . Two electrodes are
3. Do not leave the patient alone during treatment. positioned near the
4. Ensure the patient does not touch the machine. target area
5. Ensure that no other person is in the vicinity of the
machine.

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Treatment Procedure

Diathermy uses either continuous or

pulsed currents with a pulse rate of 10-
400 Hz.

With pulsed currents, the patient

receives a lower dose if compared with
continuous Diathermy applied during
the same time. The tissues will receive
lower thermal load.

Typically up to 100 Watt average

power; 200 Watt peak power.

Treatment time is 1-30 minutes

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Control Panels

Intensity is a combination
of pulse width and pulse
frequency…

Tuning can be either

manual or automatic

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Components

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 System Diagram Shortwave diathermy unit

The tuner is used to adapt the

frequency of the generator to the
electrodes resonance frequency

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Construction

with
optional
cart

Example only

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 System Diagram

Enraf Nonius Curapulse 670

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Maintenance

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 EM Radiation

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Preventive Maintenance

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine
 Spare Parts

Example of Spare Parts list

• Fuses, knobs, castors, cables, switches,
transformer can possibly be found
locally
• IC and PC Boards and (probably) display
need to come from the manufacturer

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 Safety Considerations
Dangers of Short Wave Diathermy
• Burns.
• Faintness due to lowered blood pressure
• Sparking if one electrodes touched during the application of the current
• Electric shock. During diathermy treatment, the patient becomes a part of the electrical field.
Touching a bare metal object, such as a cabinet, during diathermy can cause a shock or burn.
• Overdose will cause severe pain.

Contra Indications (situations in which the procedure should not be used)

• Patients with implanted metal devices, such as a pacemaker, a prosthesis, or an intrauterine device.
The electromagnetic energy used in diathermy can cause extreme heat in metal devices such as bone
pins, dental fillings, and metal sutures. This could cause burns in adjacent tissues.
• Patients with impaired thermal sensation
• Do not apply over pregnant uterus

This unit works with significant power and high voltage. It is not battery operated.

© dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Short-wave diathermy machine

 EN
D
The creation of this presentation was supported by a grant from THET:
see https://www.thet.org/