Electrosurgical devices have revolutionized surgery. Blood loss and other collateral damage from traditional surgical methods have long plagued patients and doctors with unwanted complications. With applications ranging from gynecological and cardiac surgeries to spinal and neurological procedures, electrosurgical generators are making surgery a safer and more effective alternative for people everywhere. However, as with any technology, there are misconceptions about electrosurgery. Here are a handful of tips to clear up the confusion.
Electrosurgery Misconceptions
- Electrosurgery and Electrocautery are the Same Thing
While here are some similarities between the two procedures, electrosurgery is actually quite
different and has different results than electrocautery. The latter uses direct current to heat a probe which seals off blood vessels by burning tissue. Electrosurgery, on the other hand, uses an alternating current to heat the actual tissue and accelerate coagulation. There is much less trauma involved.
- Bovie Medical Is The Only Electrosurgery Company
There are actually several different companies which provide electrosurgical generators to the public. However, Bovie is a trusted brand with a solid and lengthy background in this technology.
- Radiosurgery Is Different From Electrosurgery
The term radiosurgery has two very different applications. The most widely accepted refers to a device which is used for radiation therapy. However, a secondary, and more confusing, use of the term applies to an electrosurgical device that simply uses a different part of the radiofrequency spectrum to perform the same function as other ESUs. All ESUs use radiofrequency AC oscillations in the 100 KHz to 5MHz range to perform their functions. The most common bandwidth use usually being in the 300- 500 KHz range, just below that of AM radios. As an example, the Aaron 3250 and 2250 both operate at 490 KHz +/- 5 KHz. The device that claims to be a radiosurgical device simply utilizes a higher frequency of 4 MHz, which is at the low end of the shortwave radio range.
- Surgeons Cannot Control Surgical Smoke During Operations
One natural byproduct of electrosurgery is the smoke generated by the tissues that are raised to such high temperatures. Some patients, many doctors and most nurses are rightly concerned about the healthiness of the air in an operating room that is home to an electrosurgical generator. Fortunately, Bovie Medical offers its ESU clients the services of its Smoke Shark II to remove smoke form the surgical site, thereby making the air in the operating room clear and healthier.
- ESUs Are Inherently Unsafe
The safe and effective use of electrosurgery depends to a large degree on factors solely under the control of the operator. There is no substitute for a properly trained and vigilant medical staff. It is important that they read, understand, and follow the operating instructions supplied with the electrosurgical equipment. Doctors and patients can rest assured that their ESUs will perform as expected when adhering to the above.
- It Requires A Lot Of Training To Use An ESU
Like any highly technological device, it requires some time and effort to learn how to use an ESU properly and effectively. However, the amount of training required depends on the procedure one is endeavoring to master. One of the better tips is to always start at the lowest possible power setting. Increasing the amount of power as required can minimize unintended damage to surrounding tissue.
Image provided by Phalinn Ooi.
