Plasma, the high-energy process that strips atoms of their electrons produces ionized gas, which flows at a temperature that can exceed 100,000 degrees Celsius. Although it’s commonly referred to as the fourth state of matter after solids, liquids and gases, in actuality, hot plasma represents the first state of matter because it makes up 99 percent of the visible universe in terms of both mass and volume and probably the majority of the invisible universe.
Examples of hot plasma (thermal plasma) include a welding torch, lightning bolt, stars, and the sun. Hot plasma is currently used to sterilize surgical instrument and perform other technical and medical applications.
Cold Plasma Technology
Some years ago, researchers found a way to stabilize cold plasma at a consistent temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius--cold enough to touch safely. This cold plasma (non-thermal plasma)--where only a minute fraction of the atoms are ionized--has many industrial and commercial applications, such as neon signs, fluorescent lighting, plasma TVs, and computer monitors.
Cold plasma has also proven to have a seemingly unlimited potential for applications in the field of medicine.
Non-Thermal Plasma for Cutting Tissue and Blood Coagulation
One of the key concerns about the use of standard technologies, such as electrosurgery, laser, and ultrasonic devices has to do with the limitations of each method. For example, electrosurgery utilizes radio frequency to heat the tissue, which causes it to dehydrate with minimal blood loss. Although the procedure provides a superior alternative to using a conventional steel scalpel, electrosurgery can result in carbonization of tissue creating smoke and eschar.
J-Plasma, an innovative device based specifically on cold plasma technology, offers a more effective alternative to electrosurgery. The device consists of a hand piece outfitted with a retractable cutting blade that’s used to cut and coagulate soft tissue during surgical procedures. The device emits a plasma stream (minimal flow of electricity along with a focused beam of ionized gas) to the surgical site, which minimizes any damage to the surrounding tissue.
Cleared by the FDA in early 2012, the product’s manufacturer, Bovie Medical Corporation, markets J-Plasma for use with its previously cleared GS electrosurgical generator. Surgeons can extend the blade to cut and then retract it for coagulation and dissection--all with a single instrument designed for greater precision, minimal invasiveness, and elimination of conductive currents delivered to the patient during the surgical procedure.
The J-Plasma device also has advantages compared to laser. The overall effect of laser light depends on the response of the tissue to the light wavelength. In addition, surgical procedures performed with lasers require the use of protective eyewear and protective screens and procedures must be scheduled in advance.
The ability to combine multiple functions in this state-of-the art product makes it highly effective for both laparoscopic surgery and in open procedure.
Image courtesy of: digitalart/ Freedigitalphotos.net
