Diathermy

By Stig Steinfurth, med.student, Christoffer Bing Madsen, med. student, and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD

Monopolar Electrodissector

Monopolar Electrodissector has an active electrode in the tip, from where the current is applied to the tissue and runs to the inactive electrode on the patient (the pad). Thereby the patient is part of the electric circuit. The radiofrequency generator generates currents between 100 KHz and 4 MHz. The monopolar electrocautery has several functions. Cut: Dissecting through tissues (High local energy only at the tip) while performing minor hemostasis. The Cut may modified to: pure-cut and to blend-cut (25-50% on “duty cycle”). Coagulation: Coagulates minor blood vessels while dissecting, thereby creating hemostasis. (normally 6%-10% on “duty-cycle”).

How to hold the monopolar electrodissector

How to hold the monopolar electrodissector: The monopolar electrodissector is held in a classic pencil grip.

Bipolar diathermy

Bipolar diathermy is used to cauterize capillaries and smaller blood vessels by grapping around them. Is used per-operatively to create hemostasis.

How to hold the bipolar

The bipolar diathermy is held between your first and second finger, also known as the pencil grip. When applying pressure with these two fingers, the tips of the bipolar diathermy will meet and the current passes between electrodes creating an intense and precise heat that burns (cauterizes) the held tissue and thereby create hemostasis.