The first use of the electrosurgical generator in the operating room happened on October 1, 1926 at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts with a device invented by Dr. William Bovie and used by Dr. Harvey W. Cushing.  Eighty-plus years later, the field of electrosurgery continues to improve based on this early development.  While widely accepted today, the electrosurgery application initially had a negative reputation in relation to the long standing current traditions of the medical profession.

Dr. Bovie, the father of electrosurgical devices, developed the modern day instrument and brought it to the forefront.  Typically, there are two modes of application for electrosurgery, monopolar and bipolar, and three distinct types:

• Desiccation, the effect when tissues are destroyed by direct application of the electrode causing dehydration;
• Fulguration, wherein the tissues are destroyed by sparking with the electrode being held slightly away from the surface of the tissue; and
• Cut, which utilizes high frequency electrical transmission to cause high heat generation and vaporization of the tissue.  

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Traditionally the desiccation and fulguration techniques were used with high voltage and low, or interrupted, frequency, yielding less heat and greater coagulation.

Today’s high frequency desiccator with cut is used for surgical cutting with coagulation at the surgical site.  It can be used to remove warts, spider veins or skin tags in a Doctor’s office as well as for heart, orthopedic or transplant procedures in the operating room, with the cutting or coagulating effects on tissue achieved by using alternating currents at high frequency.

The Aaron 950, designed for the physician’s office, is the first High Frequency Desiccator with Cut, and is a unique hybrid. Just like getting more power and features for less in a computer today, the Aaron 950 is in reality two units in one, and an exceptional value!  The Bovie side with 60 watts of cut, blend and coagulation combined with a high frequency desiccator on the other, costs less than that of a small ESU alone.

Recent application of bipolar electrosurgery in sealing of vessels has seen growing clinical acceptance.  Whether your needs are basic or complicated, electrosurgery is a growing field and use of a High Frequency Desiccator with Cut is one of a growing field of solutions to satisfy even the most cautious physician.

The physician, PA or Nurse Practitioner has the added benefit and cost savings of having no grounding pad being required when on the high frequency desiccator side.

So when considering options for an office or surgical setting in relation to electrosurgery, the Bovie Aaron 950 is a fantastic choice as it is essentially two machines in one and perfect for physician office applications.  

References:

Bovie Medical Corporation (www.boviemedical.com)

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ps-1009154-electrocautery.pdf

http://www.repertoiremag.com/Article.asp?Id=1458)