Question 1

What does the BiPAD Hand Switch do?

Accepted Answer

BiPAD is a sterile cord with an integrated hand switch. It connects your bipolar forceps to your generator and lets you activate electrocautery from your hand instead of relying only on the foot pedal. Simple. Practical. Built to keep you focused on the surgical field.

Question 2

Is your current generator compatible with BiPAD?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. You can use BiPAD with most generators that accept the Valleylab composite bipolar plug, including Ethicon and Bovie systems. It also works with most Codman Malis generators. If you use a Codman/Malis unit, you’ll need a BiPAD Y connector. Not sure about your setup? Contact us and confirm compatibility before you order.

Question 3

Do I need special forceps?

Accepted Answer

No. The Hand Activated Disposable Bipolar Electrocautery Cord is an electrosurgical accessory designed to be universal when used with standard “two-pronged” bipolar non-irrigating two-prong connector forceps.

Question 4

Can you keep using the foot pedal with BiPAD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can use BiPAD with or without the foot pedal, so you keep control over your workflow. Want to reduce pedal searches and speed up activation? BiPAD gives you that option while still letting you work the way you prefer.

Question 5

Is the BiPAD® Hand Switch adjustable for size of hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The arm length of the actuator arm can be adjusted by pushing/pulling the arm through the actuator housing.

Question 6

Can you adjust BiPAD to fit different forceps styles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can adjust the actuator arm by sliding it through the housing, so you can match the setup to your forceps and preferred grip. A better fit. A better hold. A better workflow.

Question 7

Is the BiPAD® Hand Switch adjustable to accommodate a range of surgeon preferences?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ergonomically designed actuator arm can be fitted to the inner curve of the surgeon’s finger, fingertip, or third digit tip, allowing the surgeon to hold the forceps in their usual, preferred manner.

Question 8

Does the BiPAD® Hand Switch accommodate left or right-handed surgeons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The forceps can be attached in either direction to accommodate either right or left-handed use.

Question 9

What are the indications fo use of the BiPAD® Hand Switch?

Accepted Answer

BIPAD® Hand Activated, Disposable Electrocautery Cords are intended to connect an electrosurgical device to an electrosurgical generator.  They are indicated for use with bipolar forceps during general surgical procedures.  Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Question 10

What are the contraindications of the BiPAD® Hand Switch?

Accepted Answer

The Hand Activated Bipolar Electrocautery Cord should not be used for laparoscopic procedures. Any use of this device for tasks other than for which it is indicated may result in damage and or injury.

Question 11

Will BiPAD® produce an irrigating version?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 12

Are there any other hand-switched bipolar forceps electrocautery devices?

Accepted Answer

The ConMed device that incorporates a proximity switch that activates electrocautery current whenever the tines of the forceps are approximated. There are several problems with this type of forceps:

This interferes with the normal use of bipolar forceps which are also used to pick up and move objects to and from the surgical site and dissection. Inadvertent activation could be dangerous.

The ConMed design incorporates the switch into the forceps requiring the surgeon to use only the forceps provided by ConMed. Surgeons often have their favorite forceps that they are comfortable and proficient with.

The ConMed system is compatible with only a handful of electrosurgical generators. The ConMed system requires the use of a special cable which must be purchased separately.

⦁ Some models of Valleylab generators incorporate an impedance testing circuit which can automatically activate bipolar forceps when the impedance is below a predefined value.  Problems with this are similar to the ConMed device described above.

Question 13

How do you switch from a standard cord to BiPAD?

Accepted Answer

Very easy. You replace your existing disposable cord with the BiPAD cord. No complicated conversion. No major workflow change. Just connect it and start using hand activation for bipolar electrocautery.

Question 14

Where can I find the Instructions for Use and setup materials?

Accepted Answer

Go to the Instructions for Use page and the product resources section for setup guidance, handling tips, and supporting materials. Need help fast? Open the IFU, review the steps, and get your OR ready.

Question 15

Is BiPAD® disposable or reusable?

Accepted Answer

BiPAD® is a disposable cord with the hand switch built in. Use it for the procedure, then replace it as part of your standard disposable cord workflow. Simple. Fast. No extra setup burden.

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BiPAD® Surgical: bipolar forceps hand switch.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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BiPAD® HAND SWITCH