Guideline updates for energy-generating devices

Editor's Note

AORN has updated its Guideline for the Safe Use of Surgical Energy Devices for 2026 to reflect technology updates for these devices, according to a December 4 AORN news story featuring update insights from lead author Renae Wright, DNP, RN, EBP-C, CNOR.

The first major change discussed is the new title to “Guideline for Safe Use of Surgical Energy Devices,” to better reflect the broader scope of technologies used in surgery, per the article.

Within the guideline ,12 new recommendations have been added, 51 recommendations have been revised, and 4 recommendations are left unchanged. Two sections have been added to make content on return electrodes and quality easier to find and apply.

A number of major guideline updates were noted in the article, including:
* Interdisciplinary evaluation of surgical energy device selection
*Clear preference for dual-foil conductive and capacitive return electrodes
*Updated guidance for return electrode placement
*Expanded and standardized approach to managing implanted electronic devices
*A new Quality section for tracking events and improving processes
*Reinforced alignment with AORN fire safety practices
*Smarter device and pad choices: From Evaluation to Application