Electrosurgical procedures utilize high-frequency electrical currents to excise, coagulate and destroy various tissues. The energy can be delivered using monopolar or bipolar modalities. While both are effective, there are advantages to using one over the other, contingent on the procedure and the patient. Understanding the differences between the two will help you understand why either option may be preferable in a given situation.
Monopolar Electrosurgery
Monopolar electrosurgery entails passing the current through the body of the patient. The energy is delivered from the electrosurgical unit, through an electrode, which is applied to the target tissue. The energy then passes through the patient, to a return pad and, finally, back to the unit itself.
Monopolar electrosurgery is the most commonly used application in energy-based procedures. It is an effective option which offers several modalities for a variety of tissue effects including: cutting, blended cut, desiccation and fulguration. A variety of electrodes are available for monopolar applications. The electrodes come in different sizes and shapes which affect the tissue differently. Monopolar energy is the option most often used due to its versatility and proven effectiveness.
Bipolar Electrosurgery
Bipolar electrosurgery involves passing the current to one arm of a forceps-like electrode, directly through the target tissue grasped between the two ends of the electrode and then back to the unit.
Bipolar energy is quickly becoming more popular due to the precise nature of the application and the minimized current passing through the patient. It is perceived as being a safer electrosurgery application. However, bipolar electrosurgical procedures can be more limiting due to its inferior performance in cutting tissue. Bipolar electrosurgery is ideally suited for procedures where precise energy delivery is preferred. The tissue is held on both sides by the forcep electrode providing exceptional control for the targeted tissue area and helps prevent other tissue areas from being damaged.
Because the electrical current is restricted to the targeted tissue within the forcep's grasp, bipolar electrosurgery may be recommended for patients wearing implanted devices. However, to avoid any possible complications, reviewing an implanted device's user manual, before any electrosurgical procedure, is highly recommended.
Bovie High Frequency Electrosurgical Generators
Nearly all of the Bovie electrosurgical generators offer both monopolar and bipolar options. Bovie has an extensive portfolio of energy-based products for the family practice doctor, outpatient facilities, specialists, hospital operating room and more. A Bovie rep can help your practice identify their specialized energy needs and identify the equipment solution that aligns with your budget.
New models of Bovie generators include:
Designed for the Surgi-Center and ideal for outpatient facilities, practices or even small operating rooms, the Surgi-Center|PRO offers a powerful, operating-room caliber unit, in an economical 200 watt design.
The OR|PRO 300 Electrosurgical Generator system is a user-friendly unit designed to meet OR procedural performance expectations. It offers up to 13 modes of surgical energy delivery. It features special, advanced Bovie modalities like Bovie Bipolar and Auto Bipolar applications, as well as a specialized mode for Laparoscopic procedures.
The Derm 101 is monopolar only while the Derm 102 is a monopolar and bipolar 10 watt unit. These high-frequency desiccators are designed for minor, in-office procedures for the family practice and pediatric physician, for the removal of benign and pre-malignant lesions. These innovative Bovie units are extremely economical and allow practitioners to provide exceptional in-office care, saving money as well as time for their patients and practice.
Bovie's line of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical units provide both safety and efficiency and are designed with both patients and physicians in mind. For more information on, or to schedule a demonstration please visit our website or call us at 1-800-537-2790.
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