Collateral Tissue Damage by Several Types of Coagulation (Monopolar, Bipolar, Cold Plasma and Ultrasonic) in a Minimally Invasive, Perfused Liver Model

Thomas Carus,Klaas Rackebrandt

doi:10.5402/2011/518924

Abstract

Hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery causes tissue damage. Regardless of the method of production of thermal energy, a quick and safe coagulation is essential for its clinical use. In this study we examined the tissue damage in the isolated perfused pig liver using monopolar, bipolar, cold plasma, and ultrasonic coagulation. In a minimally invasive in vitro setup, a 2-3 cm slice of the edge of the perfused pig liver was resected. After hemostasis was achieved, liver tissue of the coagulated area was given to histopathological examination. The depth of tissue necrosis, the height of tissue loss, and the time until sufficient hemostasis was reached were analyzed. The lowest risk for extensive tissue damage could be shown for the bipolar technique, combined with the highest efficiency in hemostasis. Using cold plasma, coagulation time was longer with a deeper tissue damage. Monopolar technique showed the worst results with the highest tissue damage and a long coagulation time. Ultrasonic coagulation was not useful for coagulation of large bleeding areas. In summary, bipolar technique led to less tissue damage and best coagulation results in our minimally invasive model. These results could be important to recommend bipolar coagulation for clinical use in minimally invasive surgery.

Highlights

A safe and efficient hemostasis is one of the most important factors in minimally invasive surgery
The aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences between the common coagulation techniques in a minimally invasive model concerning the efficiency of hemostasis and local tissue damage [1, 3]
Ultrasonic coagulation, which is very useful in dissection of tissue and coagulation of isolated vessels, did not lead to a sufficient hemostasis in large bleeding areas

Summary

Introduction

A safe and efficient hemostasis is one of the most important factors in minimally invasive surgery. Hemostasis can be achieved by sutures, clips, application of hemostyptica or thermic coagulation [1]. High-frequency (HF) coagulation in monopolar or bipolar mode, cold plasma, and ultrasonic coagulation are used [2,3,4]. In addition to hemostasis all techniques cause tissue damage [5]. The different techniques have not yet been compared in terms of tissue damage. Klingele compared the ultrasonic technique with the bipolar technique in dissected vessels and examined the tissue damage [6]

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion