Electrosurgical Tissue Effects

Variables Impacting Tissue Effect

• Waveform
• Power Setting
• Size of Electrode
• Time
• Manipulation of Electrode
• Type of Tissue
• Eschar

In addition to waveform and power setting, other variables impact tissue effect. They include:

Size of the electrode: The smaller the electrode, the higher the current concentration. Consequently, the same tissue effect can be achieved with a smaller electrode, even though the power setting is reduced.

Time: At any given setting, the longer the generator is activated, the more heat is produced. And the greater the heat, the farther it will travel to adjacent tissue (thermal spread).

Manipulation of the electrode: This can determine whether vaporization or coagulation occurs. This is a function of current density and the resultant heat produced while sparking to tissue versus holding the electrode in direct contact with tissue.

Type of Tissue: Tissues vary widely in resistance.

Eschar: Eschar is relatively high in resistance to current. Keeping electrodes clean and free of eschar will enhance performance by maintaining lower resistance within the surgical circuit.

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