Function Of Electric Scalpel:
Content:
About Electric Scalpel:
What are the different Electric Scalpel?
What are the main functions of an electric scalpel?
What are the risks of using an electric scalpel?
What is the thermal effect of the scalpel?
About Electric Scalpel:
An electric scalpel is a device that uses radio frequency (RF) electrical currents to cut or cauterize tissue during a surgical procedure. The process is called electrosurgery . It consists of an electrosurgical generator that converts electrical energy into RF current. The device is operated with a specific operation. The generator is connected to a so-called active electrode . This active electrode is brought into contact with the tissue where it creates a heating effect . Electric scalpels have multiple functions and electrodes that vary depending on the electric surgical application.
What are the different electric scalpels?
There are different types of scalpels that work with different energies that should not be confused: high-frequency electric scalpels, ultrasonic scalpels, molecular resonance scalpels.
- Radio frequency (or high frequency) electric scalpels : they are the most widely used devices on the market. They convert mains current into HF current (> 200 kHz).
Ultrasonic scalpel : these scalpels work with ultrasonic handpieces. They have an ultrasonic wave generator. The ultrasonic waves break the hydrogen bonds of the cells during coagulation while cutting occurs by cavitation.
Molecular resonance scalpel : unlike high-frequency devices, these scalpels use frequencies that interact with tissue in a non-thermal way. The tissue alteration only happens at the molecular level, making this technique less invasive.
What are the main functions of an electric scalpel?
Electric scalpels are primarily used to cut or coagulate tissue. Cutting and coagulation can be performed using two techniques: monopolar or bipolar. This guide describes the differences.
- Monopolar Technique: This technique is performed with a single active electrode that also acts as the neutral electrode . It transmits the HF current from the generator . When this electrode comes into contact with the tissue, a high current density is transmitted. This concentration of energy in a small area produces the desired effect. The current then flows through the patient’s body to the neutral electrode. The electrical circuit is thus closed.
- Advantages: the process is suitable for drying large masses of tissue.
- Disadvantages: a higher risk of electric shock . To reduce this, it is important that the return electrode is correctly applied to the patient; the technique is not applicable to patients with a metal implant or pacemaker.
- Bipolar technique: the HF current flows through an active electrode and exits through the neutral electrode without penetrating the patient’s body. The best-known instrument for this technique is the bipolar forceps , which allows the active electrode and the neutral electrode to be placed opposite one another. So the current flows directly from one tip of the clamp to the other. The neutral electrode has no function here.
- Advantages: safer technique than the monopolar approach; no risk of burns or electric shock to the patient; recommended technology for wearers of cardiac pacemakers;
- Disadvantages: the process is not suitable for drying large masses of tissue.
What are the risks of using an electric scalpel?
There are different risks. They can affect patients, users or third parties. It should be noted that high-frequency generators and their accessories are subject to the standards for technical devices with specific risks. The following risks must be considered:
- High frequency burns. Occasionally, bedsores can be mistaken for burns due to the patient’s position during surgery;
- Fire hazard in the presence of flammable liquids or gas in the operating room ;
- Electrical hazards from incorrect connections to other devices;
- Technical problems of the material or faulty accessories.
What is the thermal effect of the scalpel?
The thermal effect of the scalpel is influenced by a number of factors such as current intensity, degree of modulation or the shape of the electrode. Below is the list of factors:
Current and output power:
The degree of modulation: it is the shape of the HF current pulses. They depend on the generator itself and the possible settings on the electric scalpel. The degree of modulation can play a role in the efficiency of the cut or the depth of coagulation;
The shape of the electrode: The shape of the electrode determines the concentration of the field lines at the application point. It therefore plays a role in the area temperature and the result obtained;
The condition of the active electrode: According to Joule’s law, the expected effects depend on the resistances present. In addition to the physical resistance of the tissues, the resistance caused by deposited residues on the active electrode must also be taken into account. It is therefore of the utmost importance to always clean the electrodes well during a procedure; cutting speed and action duration.
Tissue characteristics: Depending on their physiology, different tissues also have different resistances.
