Electrosurgery is a technique used to cut and coagulate tissue during surgery. It is an advanced version of the traditional scalpel and cutting forceps used in surgical procedures. Electrosurgery uses electrical instruments that have high-frequency alternating currents to cut and coagulate tissue while using little or no heat energy from resistance heating from the tissue itself, thus preventing damage to underlying blood vessels and nerves.
Introduction
An electrical instrument is a tool used in surgical cutting or cauterisation in which tissues are cut by heat generated when electricity passes between two electrodes. These instruments remove unhealthy tissue from an area of the body or stop bleeding in an open wound.
Electrocautery burns away tissue with a high voltage current. The surgeon uses these hand-held electrical instruments that look like an electric razor but operates at higher voltages. As it cuts through tissue and blood vessels, this electrical instrument seals off their ends by burning off the blood vessels’ walls (vasoconstriction). This process reduces bleeding during surgery while also stopping bleeding in chronic wounds such as ulcers.
Waveform
Waveforms are used to control the shape and duration of the electrical current that is passed through tissue during electrosurgery. There are two waveforms: monophasic and biphasic, which describe how the voltage changes over time; bipolar and monopolar, which describe where the electrical current enters your body; and monopolar, which is most commonly used in surgical procedures (especially when removing skin lesions or tumours).
Alternating current
The second type of electrosurgery is alternating current. This method uses the same biocompatibility as direct current but has a few significant differences. The voltage and frequency are different: AC uses a higher voltage than DC but a lower frequency. Alternating current is also used to cut tissue and coagulate it simultaneously.
Monopolar and bipolar mode of operation
- Monopolar mode of operation:
Monopolar electrical instruments are used to cut tissue. This is done by applying a high-frequency alternating current across one blade and grounding the other blade, which is placed on top of or near the tissue being cut. This creates an electric field between these two surfaces that passes through the tissue being cut when it comes in contact with either side of the blade. When this happens, it causes high heat (coagulation) at the point where those two surfaces meet within your body, resulting in necrosis or cell death at that location.
- Bipolar mode of operation:
Bipolar electrical instruments are used for coagulation (electrical, thermal injury). In this case, both blades will be directly connected to either side of an alternating current generator—one blade will receive a positive charge while another receives a negative charge.
Benefits of using electrical instruments
One of the most efficient ways to cut, coagulate, and seal tissues is with electrical instruments. It is a safe and effective tool that can be used to make incisions or cuts in tissue or organs. Electrosurgical instruments provided by Wrangler Instruments are beneficial in surgeries that are difficult to perform using other tools. Electrical instruments have been used over the last two decades to treat many diseases, including cancers, tumours, cysts and other growths on internal organs and external places such as skin lesions or growths (e.g., warts).
Uses of electrical instruments in surgery
Electrical instruments use electrocautery, which directly or indirectly heats and destroys tissue. Electrical instruments can be used to cut or coagulate or cauterise specific tissues, as well as to remove diseased tissue; destroy tumours, remove warts; and repair blood vessels, nerves, tendons and other body parts.
Types of electrodes used in electrical instruments
Copper electrodes are the most common type of electrical electrode used in electrical instruments. Copper provides a relatively high electrical resistance but is also very conducive and inexpensive. Copper electrodes are generally used for cutting and coagulation (destruction) of tissue. Some examples include:
- [Copper-tungsten] electrodes for cutting bone or soft tissues (e.g., liver)
- [Silver-silver chloride] electrodes for cutting bone or soft tissues
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the electrical instruments provided by Wrangler Instruments help control bleeding and provide a good view of the surgical field. These tools are also essential for surgeons because they prevent tissue damage from heat generated by other methods such as laser surgery.
