Tissue Effects Change as You Modify the Waveform
Electrosurgical Tissue Effects
Variables Impacting Tissue Effect
Grounded Electrosurgical Systems
Isolated Electrosurgical Systems
Patient Return Electrode Monitoring Technology
Electrosurgery Safety Concerns During MIS
Capacitive Coupling During Endoscopy
Recommendations to Avoid Electrosurgical Patient Complications in MIS
Electrosurgical Tissue Effects
Desiccation
Electrosurgical desiccation occurs when the electrode is in direct contact with the tissue. Desiccation is achieved most efficiently with the “cutting” current. By touching the tissue with the electrode, the current concentration is reduced. Less heat is generated and no cutting action occurs. The cells dry out and form a coagulum rather than vaporize and explode.
Many surgeons routinely “cut” with the coagulation current. Likewise, you can coagulate with the cutting current by holding the electrode in direct contact with tissue. It may be necessary to adjust power settings and electrode size to achieve the desired surgical effect. The benefit of coagulating with the cutting current is that you will be using far less voltage. Likewise, cutting with the cut current will also accomplish the task with less voltage. This is an important consideration during minimally invasive procedures.