Tissue penetration of bipolar electrosurgical currents: Joule overheating beyond the surface layer

摘要: Background There is extensive evidence that electrosurgical current application increases hemorrhage when compared with “cold” dissection and hemostasis. The way the “hot” technique used may influence outcome decisively. Methods Temperature-time functions were measured in distances of 3 to 12 mm underneath surface at which bipolar was applied. Measurements made human cadaver, excised pig tissues, animal models. Results Bipolar causes Joule heating several millimeters. A single maximum power pulse 1 second increased temperature muscle 6 distance 90° 65°C, respectively; similar accumulated thermal effects detected for a series low- medium-power pulses, too. Conclusion Joule primarily responsible unintended damages. Severe damages can easily occur even millimeters from forceps tips. Utmost caution also advised low setting applied repetitively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013