Electrosurgical Units
Electrosurgical Devices for Cutting and Coagulating Tissue
Electrosurgical units (ESU), also known as diathermy machines or high-frequency surgery units, utilise the effect that high-frequency alternating current has on the tissue. High-frequency surgery usually uses frequencies between 300 kHz and 4 MHz, as currents in this frequency range create a thermal effect in the tissue that can be used in medicine for cutting and coagulation. The thermal effect is caused by the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy.
To efficiently use this effect, the electrosurgical unit is connected to special electrosurgical electrodes. Depending on the type of application, these electrodes differ in shape and size. A distinction can be made, for example, between ball electrodes, needle electrodes and loop electrodes.
Cutting with Electrosurgery Units
The cutting of tissue with a surgical diathermy machine is based on the rapid heating of the tissue fluid and the resulting explosive vapour pressure, which causes the cell walls and the tissue to tear apart. Cutting with an electrosurgical device offers many advantages; it prevents bleeding and germ transfer, and the tissue is mechanically protected.
Coagulation with the Diathermy Machine
During coagulation, tissue is boiled away, so to speak. The slow heating causes the tissue to shrink and the existing tissue fluid to thicken or evaporate. This effect comes in handy when closing smaller vessels during surgical procedures and is particularly effective when treating spider veins and haemangiomas.
Monopolar Electrosurgery
Two electrodes are needed for monopolar diathermy: one neutral electrode (return electrode) with large contact surface and one active electrode with small surface. The electric current passes into the patient's body via the active electrode and causes the desired thermal effect. The return electrode diverts the electricity from the patient and prevents burns due to the low current density.
Bipolar Electrosurgery
The bipolar mode does not require the use of separate neutral electrodes. The instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator combines active and return electrodes. This is, for example, the case with bipolar forceps, where one arm is the active and one arm is the return electrode. The electric current passes from one electrode, through the treated tissue, to the other. Bipolar instruments offer many advantages, which makes them particularly popular for use in neurology.
The Difference between Cautery and Electrosurgical Units
In contrast to diothermy, in which a thermal tissue reaction is caused by converting the alternating current into thermal energy with help of the electrical tissue resistance, electrocautery instruments are directly heated by the current. The heat is transferred to the tissue via the tip of the cautery, which means that no current flows into the tissue. However, electrocautery is only used when any current flow through the body needs to be avoided during electrosurgery.
Order Electrosurgical Units Inexpensively at Praxisdienst
At Praxisdienst you will find various electrosurgical units that can be used for bipolar and/or monopolar procedures. For this purpose, we offer accessory sets for various specialities, such as surgery or dermatology, which include handles, cables, and other accessories in addition to electrosurgical electrodes. The electrosurgical units available in our shop are easy to handle and can be used in a variety of ways.
Do you have questions about our electrosurgical units or other medical equipment or devices? Or would you like to reorder individual accessories for electrosurgery, such as bipolar forceps? Our customer service will be happy to help you. You can reach us by phone, live chat or email.