Bipolar Electrosurgical Device Research Articles

Tailored lateral internal sphincterotomy (T-LIS) for chronic anal fissure by LigaSure Small Jaws©: a comparison with other non-conservative treatments for anal fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. The cause is not fully understood, but low intake of dietary fiber may be a risk factor. Chronic anal fissure was defined as a split or ulceration in the posterior or anterior anoderm for at least 6 weeks: have distinct anatomic features such as muscle fibers visible in the wound. Anal fissures can be attributed to constipation or repeated straining: a hard fecal bolus cut the mucosa of anal canal that is relatively thigh at sphincter level management and optimal treatment of the disease is controversial. Many studies recommend conservative and medical treatment modalities as the initial treatment options since they are non-invasive and do not have risks such as anal sphincter injury. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is considered the gold standard for treatment of chronic anal fissure. Nonetheless, anal incontinence is one of the worrisome complications of LIS. Fissurectomy is another option among those techniques which address the issues with LIS. LigaSure© (Valleylab) is a bipolar electrosurgical device designed to deliver high current and very low voltage to tissue. It monitors tissue impedance between the jaws of the instrument and continuously adjusts the delivery of energy. The use of LigaSure Small Jaw was never reported for anal fissures in literature. We have applied the use of this device to a group of patients complaining for chronic anal fissure in order to verify if there is any advantage to perform it compared to traditional technique (blade, scissors, electrocautery).

Robotic liver parenchymal transection using the SynchroSeal

BackgroundThere is much heterogeneity in the instrumentation used for parenchymal transection in minimally invasive liver surgery. Instruments specifically designed for robotic parenchymal transection of the liver are lacking. We aim to gain insight into the safety and effectiveness of the SynchroSeal (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), a novel bipolar electrosurgical device, in the context of liver surgery.MethodsThe present study is a post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing robotic liver resection (RLR) using the SynchroSeal in two high-volume centres. The results of the SynchroSeal were compared with that of the previous generation bipolar-sealer; Vessel Sealer Extend (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) using propensity score matching, after excluding the first 25 Vessel Sealer procedures per center.ResultsDuring the study period (February 2020–March 2023), 155 RLRs meeting the eligibility criteria were performed with the SynchroSeal (after implementation in June 2021) and 145 RLRs with the Vessel Sealer. Excellent outcomes were achieved when performing parenchymal transection with the SynchroSeal; low conversion rate (n = 1, 0.6%), small amounts of intraoperative blood loss (median 40 mL [IQR 10–100]), short hospital stays (median 3 days [IQR 2–4]), and adequate overall morbidity (19.4%) as well as severe morbidity (11.0%). In a matched comparison (n = 94 vs n = 94), the SynchroSeal was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (48 mL [IQR 10–143] vs 95 mL [IQR 30–200], p = 0.032) compared to the Vessel Sealer. Other perioperative outcomes were similar between the devices.ConclusionThe SynchroSeal is a safe and effective device for robotic liver parenchymal transection.

Concurrent laparoscopic highly selective vagotomy with closure of duodenal ulcer perforations show good clinical results as primary repair alone.

To compare clinical and operative results between laparoscopic primary repair (LPR) alone and LPR with highly selective vagotomy (LPR-HSV) in patients with duodenal ulcer perforation. Clinical data from patients who underwent either LPR or LPR-HSV by resecting both sides of the neurovascular bundle using an ultrasonic or bipolar electrosurgical device for duodenal ulcer perforations, between 2010 and 2020, were retrospectively collected. Between-group differences in continuous and categorical variables were statistically analysed. Data from 184 patients (mean age, 49.6 years), who underwent either LPR (n = 132) or LPR-HSV (n = 52) were included. The mean operation time was significantly longer in the LPR-HSV group (116.5 ± 39.8 min) than in the LPR group (91.2 ± 33.3 min). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LPR-HSV group (8.6 ± 2.6 days) versus the LPR group (11.3 ± 7.1 days). The mean postoperative day of starting soft fluid diet was also significantly shorter in the LPR-HSV group (4.5 ± 1.4 days) than in the LPR group (5.6 ± 4 days). No between-group difference in morbidity rate was observed. The learning curve of the HSV procedure showed a stable procedure time after 10 operations. LPR with HSV may be a safe and feasible procedure for selective cases who are at high risk for ulcer recurrence.

Use of energy device in general surgical operations: impact on peri-operative outcomes

BackgroundThe introduction of energy devices has significantly expanded the scope of surgical expedition. The LigaSure™ vessel sealing system is a bipolar electrosurgical device, recently introduced to our practice. Its impact on peri-operative outcomes in a variety of major operations was evaluated in this study.MethodsA retrospective review of operations performed following the adoption of the LigaSure™ vessel sealing device was carried out. Five categories of operations were evaluated (Thyroidectomies, Gastrectomies, Colectomies, Pancreaticoduodenectomies, and Anterior/Abdomino-perineal resection [A/APR of the rectum). Peri-operative outcomes (duration of operation, intra-operative blood loss, blood transfusion rates) were compared with a cohort of similar operations performed using conventional techniques. Data analysis and comparisons were done on a subgroup basis.ResultsA total of 117 operations were performed using the LigaSure™ device with thyroidectomies being the most common (66/117-56.4%). Compared to cases done using conventional techniques of suture and knot with electrocautery (120 cases), the use of LigaSure™ was associated with a significant reduction in operation time in all categories of operations. Intraoperative blood loss was also lower in all categories of cases, but this was only statistically significant following A/APR and Thyroidectomies. Generally, there was a trend towards a reduction in blood transfusion rates.ConclusionsThe use of energy devices for surgical operations is feasible in a resource-limited setting. It has the potential of improving outcomes.

Use of Bipolar Electrosurgical Device for Sealing of Ureter During Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Single-center Experience

Use of Bipolar Electrosurgical Device for Sealing of Ureter During Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Single-center Experience

Laparoscopic Staple-less Splenectomy: feasibility and benefits

Background: The surgical procedures of the spleen include open splenectomy (OS) laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Several techniques for control of splenic vessels during LS have been developed, such as Clips, sutures, bipolar vessel sealing devices as Liga-Sure and ultrasonic devices as Harmonic have. The vessel sealing devices shows some advantages if compared with other methods such as staplers and clips as shorter hospital stay, safer, feasible and excellent cosmetic results. And vessel sealing devices (Liga-Sure) LS is cheap alternative to the use of endo-staplers which is expensive. Objectives: The study is to evaluate feasibility, merits and demerits of staple-less laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of non-traumatic disorders of spleen and assess operative time, need for blood transfusion, rate of conversion to open splenectomy or use stapler, period of hospital stay and associated complications. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 32 patients, underwent laparoscopic splenectomy using vessel sealing devices (Ligasure) for splenic pedicle control. Informed consent was obtained for all patients. Results: The study was conducted on 32 patients. 30 patients (93.80%) were females and 2 patients (6.3%) were males. 30 patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and 2 patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS). Two cases (6.3%) detected with accessory spleen (splenule) at the splenic hilum. Two cases (6.3%) were converted to open splenectomy. To control bleeding, we used stapler in two cases (6.3%). Cost of staple-less LS is less expensive than stapler laparoscopic splenectomy as the stapler LS is more than staple-less LS by about 12000 EGP (700$). Conclusion: In a report in early 1990s, the dissection of the hilum of the spleen was generally achieved by surgical clips or endo-gastrointestinal staplers. Subsequently, new surgical tools such as ultrasonic devices or bipolar electrosurgical devices such as LigaSure had been employed as supporting device that can seal blood vessels with supra-physiologic burst pressures equal to those obtained with surgical clips or ligatures. We, in this series, believe that it is, with a statistical significance, safe and effective, reduces blood loss, minimize operating time, fewer costs and is a valid. Moreover, it reduced conversion rates in selected patients. Last but not least, the use of the vessel sealing devices (Ligasure) resulted in no post-operative complications or need of blood transfusion.

Perioperative Interventions to Minimize Blood Loss at the Time of Hysterectomy for Uterine Leiomyomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma(s) is associated with significant morbidity including blood loss. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify nonhormonal interventions, perioperative surgical interventions, and devices to minimize blood loss at the time of hysterectomy for leiomyoma. Librarian-led search of Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane databases from 1946 to 2018 with hand-guided updates. Included studies reported on keywords of hysterectomy, leiomyoma, and operative blood loss/postoperative hemorrhage/uterine bleeding/metrorrhagia/hematoma. The review excluded a comparison of route of hysterectomy, morcellation, vaginal cuff closure, hormonal medications, vessel sealing devices for vaginal hysterectomy, and case series with <10 patients. Surgical blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) drop, hemorrhage, transfusion, and major and minor complications were analyzed and aggregated in meta-analyses for comparable studies in each category. A total of 2016 unique studies were identified, 33 of which met the inclusion criteria, and 22 were used for quantitative synthesis. The perioperative use of misoprostol in abdominal hysterectomy (AH) was associated with a lower postoperative Hb drop (0.59 g/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.79; p < .01) and blood loss (-96.43 mL; 95% CI, -153.52 to -39.34; p < .01) compared with placebo. Securing the uterine vessels at their origin in laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) was associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss (-69.07 mL; 95% CI, -135.20 to -2.95; p = .04) but no significant change in postoperative Hb (0.24 g/dL; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.78; p = .39) compared with securing them by the uterine isthmus. Uterine artery ligation in LH before dissecting the ovarian/utero-ovarian vessels was associated with lower surgical blood loss compared with standard ligation (-27.72 mL; 95% CI, -35.07 to -20.38; p < .01). The postoperative Hb drop was not significantly different with a bipolar electrosurgical device versus suturing in AH (0.26 g/dL; 95% CI, -0.19 to 0.71; p = .26). There was no significant difference between an electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS) and conventional bipolar electrosurgical devices in the Hb drop (0.02 g/dL; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.20; p = .79) or blood loss (-50.88 mL; 95% CI, -106.44 to 4.68; p = .07) in LH. Blood loss in LH was not decreased with the LigaSure (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) impedance monitoring EBVS compared with competing EBVS systems monitoring impedance or temperature (2.00 mL; 95% CI, -8.09 to 12.09; p = .70). No significant differences in hemorrhage, transfusion, or major complications were noted for all interventions. Perioperative misoprostol in AH led to a reduction in surgical blood loss and postoperative Hb drop (moderate level of evidence by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines) although the clinical benefit is likely limited. Remaining interventions, although promising, had at best low-quality evidence to support their use at this time. Larger and rigorously designed randomized trials are needed to establish the optimal set of perioperative interventions for use in hysterectomy for leiomyomas.

Wireless bipolar electrosurgical device by using power energy transfer

This paper presents to develop a system of wireless power transfer for medical applications.Many surgeons use the bipolar electrosurgery system that runs on a battery for a different kind of surgery. This venture is intended to control a rechargeable cordless remote which is used in operation room/theatre. This venture is framed out from Alternating Current(AC) of 220 Volt(V) 50 Hz to 12V Direct Current(DC) then converted to 12V AC at 20 kHz in the circuit. DC battery is provided in an electrode of the 12 V bipolar electrosurgery system and the arrangement for charging battery is also prudently/properly made. The new design is an improvement based on specialists' complain regarding the visibility of wire/eletrical line of standard electrocautery instrument Theose wire always put them at risk of being tangled on the searing instrument which can burn the hand. Not only that, it also restrict their hands movement from performing surgery. The electrical wire is a weakness/disadvantage as it requires an observation of eletrical wire from the hand position to guarantee that it stays sterile amid surgical operations.

The Clinical Utility of a Pulsed Bipolar System and Its Electrosurgical Device During Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PlasmaKinetic™ (PK) PKS OMNI® (Gyrus ACMI, Maple Grove, MN) sealing device in laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective observational study, 60 patients who underwent multiport total laparoscopic hysterectomy between January 2014 and January 2015 in a tertiary-care university-based teaching hospital and an academically affiliated hospital were included in this study. The PKS OMNI is a bipolar electrosurgical device that takes energy from a PK generator workstation G400. This pulsed wave system has two different modes; cutting (High Cut 1,2,3) and coagulation (Vaporization 1,2,3). Results: Records of 60 patients were analyzed. The median age was 50 (range: ages 40–84), median body mass index was 26 kg/m2 (range: 22–32 kg/m2), and median parity was 2 (range: 1–8). The median total operation time was 100 minutes (range: 70–240 minutes), estimated blood loss was 80 mL (range: 30–250 mL), and uterine weight was 207 g (range: 50–900 g). Degree of Surgical Difficulty and postoperative pain scores at rest were evaluated with a visual analogue scale system, from 0 to 10, and the medians of these scores were 5 (range: 3–7) and 4 (range: 2–6), respectively. The median recovery time of bowel movement was 16 hours (range: 8–26 hours), median spontaneous urination time was 7 hours (range: 4–29 hours), and median postoperative mobilization time was 8 hours (range: 6–10 hours). Conversion to laparotomy was needed in 1 patient due to severe pelvic adhesions. The median duration of hospital stay was 2 days (range: 2–4 days). Vaginal cuff dehiscence was detected in 1 (1.7%) patient who engaged in sexual intercourse on the 122nd day after surgery. Cuff cellulitis in 1 (1.7%) patient and unexplained fever in 1 (1.7%) patient were the other recorded complications. The median follow-up time was 12 months (range: 6–17 months). Conclusions: The PKS OMNI is a novel, underused energy modality that promotes quick recovery and acceptable operation time with minimal blood loss. (J GYNECOL SURG 33:253)

Comparison of Industry-Leading Energy Devices for Use in Gynecologic Laparoscopy: Articulating ENSEAL versus LigaSure Energy Devices

Study ObjectiveTo compare 2 laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical devices used in total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). An articulating advanced bipolar device (ENSEAL G2; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) and an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (LigaSure; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) were analyzed for differences in surgeon perception of ease of instrument use and workload using the NASA Raw Task Load Index (RTLX) scale. A second objective was to examine differences in operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and perioperative complication rates between the 2 devices. DesignSingle-institution, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingDivision of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in a university hospital. PatientsEligibility required planned TLH, over age 18 years, and able to give informed consent; exclusions were stage III or IV endometriosis, known gynecologic malignancy, and early decision for conversion to laparotomy. One hundred seventy-eight patients screened, 142 enrolled, 2 withdrew, and 140 completed the study. Patients were followed 1 month postoperatively. InterventionsPreoperative randomization to articulating advanced bipolar device or electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer to be used during TLH. Measurements and Main ResultsAt the end of each hysterectomy the primary surgeon completed an ergonomic assessment tool, the RTLX. Results were analyzed to detect differences in workload between the 2 devices. For each case the time to ligation of the bilateral uterine arteries, EBL, and complications (including device failure, blood transfusion, or other injury) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test for normally distributed data, χ2 test for categorical data, and Mann-Whitney U-test for nonparametric data. There were no differences in age, body mass index, parity, prior surgery, uterine weight, race, indication, pathology, and comorbidities between the 2 groups. A statistically significant increase in RTLX scores (p < .0001), device failures (p = .0031), and time to ligation of bilateral uterine arteries (p = .0281) was noted in the articulating device group. No significant differences in EBL or complication rates were noted between the groups. ConclusionsThe articulating advanced bipolar device was shown to have a statistically significant increase in surgeon-perceived workload and rate of device failure when used in TLH; however, clinical and surgical outcomes were equivalent.

Comparison of Bipolar Electrosurgical Devices for Use in Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Comparison of Bipolar Electrosurgical Devices for Use in Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Bipolar Electrosurgical Vessel-Sealing Device With Compressive Force Monitoring

Bipolar electrosurgical vessel sealing is commonly used in surgery to perform hemostasis. The electrode compressive force is demonstrably an important factor affecting the vessel seal burst pressure, an index of the seal quality. Using a piezoresistive force sensor attached to the handle of a laparoscopic surgical device, applied handle force was measured and used to predict the electrosurgical vessel compressive force and the pressure at the electrode. The sensor enables the monitoring of vessel compressive force during surgery. Four levels of compressive force were applied to seal three types of porcine vessels (carotid artery, femoral artery, and jugular vein). The burst pressure of the vessel seal was tested to evaluate the seal quality. Compressive pressure was found to be a statistically significant factor affecting burst pressure for femoral arteries and jugular veins. Vessels sealed with low compressive pressure (<300 kPa) have a higher failure rate (burst pressure<100 mm Hg) than vessels sealed with high compressive pressure. An adequate compressive force is required to generate the compressive pressure needed to form a seal with high burst pressure. A laparoscopic surgical device with compressive force monitoring capability can help ensure adequate compressive pressure, vessel burst pressure, and quality of seal.

Electrosurgical Vessel Sealing Tissue Temperature: Experimental Measurement and Finite Element Modeling

The temporal and spatial tissue temperature profile in electrosurgical vessel sealing was experimentally measured and modeled using finite element modeling (FEM). Vessel sealing procedures are often performed near the neurovascular bundle and may cause collateral neural thermal damage. Therefore, the heat generated during electrosurgical vessel sealing is of concern among surgeons. Tissue temperature in an in vivo porcine femoral artery sealed using a bipolar electrosurgical device was studied. Three FEM techniques were incorporated to model the tissue evaporation, water loss, and fusion by manipulating the specific heat, electrical conductivity, and electrical contact resistance, respectively. These three techniques enable the FEM to accurately predict the vessel sealing tissue temperature profile. The averaged discrepancy between the experimentally measured temperature and the FEM predicted temperature at three thermistor locations is less than 7%. The maximum error is 23.9%. Effects of the three FEM techniques are also quantified.

Evaluation of EnSeal®, an adaptive bipolar electrosurgical tissue-sealing device

Relatively few, and inconsistent, data are available in the literature about the properties of EnSeal®, an electrosurgical tissue-sealing device. For this reason, we conducted control safety tests on experimental pigs. The mean burst pressure of sealed vessels (2-7 mm in diameter) proved to be 873.89 ± 120.57 mmHg (n = 60). Surface temperature increased to 69.25 ± 0.98 °C in average (n = 22). The mean diameter of the collateral microscopic thermal injury zone was found to be 0.28 ± 0.04 mm, and it did not show significant differences among the groups of tissues studied (n = 183). During our studies, the device worked reliably and met the relevant requirements in all cases. It can be established that EnSeal® enables high-safety clinical interventions at high blood pressure values, in different tissues and even at sites adjacent to heat-sensitive tissues, and thus it paves the way for new operative solutions in both human and veterinary surgery. In our opinion, the discrepancies between data reported in the literature arise from differences in the design of studies and in the designated limit values. To ensure standardisation, we recommend the use of the nitroblue-tetrazolium chloride/lactate dehydrogenase (NBTC/LDH) enzyme histochemical technique for studying thermal injury induced by the different performance levels and application times of devices operating with electromagnetic energy.

Comparison of bipolar electrosurgical devices with ligatures and endoclips in the rat appendicitis model

Purpose The aim of this study is to compare bipolar radiofrequency–driven vessel sealer, bipolar electrocautery, polyglactin 910 sutures, and endoclips in appendiceal stump closure with respect to operative time, appendiceal stump strength, and inflammation in a rat appendiceal model. Methods Forty-eight Wistar-Albino rats, which had previously created appendicitis, were divided into 2 (groups A and B). Each group was further subdivided into 4 subgroups (AL, ABPC, AC, AS, BL, BBPC, BC, and BS) each containing 6 rats. An appendectomy was performed, and the stump was closed by bipolar radiofrequency–driven vessel sealer in the L, bipolar electrocautery in the BPC, endoclips in the C, and ligatures in the S subgroups. Cecum bursting pressures were determined instantly after the operation in group A and on the seventh postoperative day in group B. All operative times were measured. Appendices and appendiceal stumps underwent histopathologic examination. Statistical analyses were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. P < .05 was considered significant. Results Bursting pressures of the subgroups were comparable on postoperative immediate period and day 7. Operative times were significantly shorter in the L and BPC subgroups in A and B. Histopathologic examination showed that the inflammation scores were similar in group A. In group B, inflammation parameters were also similar except the necrosis status, which was found to be decreased in BL compared with BC and BS. Necrosis status was significantly lower, and lymphocyte quantity was significantly higher in BL and BBPC compared with AL and ABPC. Conclusions Bipolar radiofrequency–driven vessel sealer and bipolar electrocautery achieve safe stump closure with satisfactory bursting pressure values in an experimental rat appendicitis model. Decreased operative time and unimpaired healing are encouraging.

Collagen–elastin ratio predicts burst pressure of arterial seals created using a bipolar vessel sealing device in a porcine model

Bipolar electrosurgical devices are used to generate rapid and efficient hemostasis in a wide range of surgical procedures. Of the factors that influence seal integrity, vessel (artery) diameter has been considered the most important variable. In this study we hypothesized that the relative ratio of the components that form the seal (collagen and elastin) determine the degree of vessel distensibility and play an equally important role in defining seal strength. Porcine carotid, renal, iliac, and femoral arteries were sealed using a bipolar electrosurgical device in vivo. Following removal, arterial diameter was measured and vessels' seals tested for arterial burst pressure (ABPr). Samples were then analyzed histologically and biochemically for collagen and elastin content. Arteries with the highest collagen-elastin ratio (C/E) (renal) consistently demonstrated significantly higher burst pressures than those arteries with lower C/E ratios (iliac and femoral) independent of artery diameter. Using arteries of distinct anatomical origin and physiological function, we demonstrate that total collagen content, and more specifically C/E ratio, in porcine arteries is a more accurate predictor of ABPr than vessel size alone.

Second Prize: A Sealed Bladder Cuff Technique During Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy Utilizing the LigaSure™ Electrosurgical Device: Laboratory and Clinical Experience

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) is a safe, minimally invasive approach for management of upper tract urothelial tumors. Controversy exists over the optimal technique for the distal ureter and bladder cuff (DUBC) excision. We examined the novel technique of using the LigaSure bipolar electrosurgical device in laboratory investigations and during clinical LNU to manage the DUBC. Initial investigations were undertaken in the porcine model. Areas of both normal porcine ureters and bladders, and ex vivo human ureters from radical nephrectomy specimens were sealed with the LigaSure and stained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and hematoxylin and eosin to examine the length of treatment effect and the viability of the ablated tissue. Clinically, we performed 22 LNU for proximal urothelial tumors using the LigaSure for the management of the DUBC. Intraoperative cystoscopy assessed cuff resection and bladder leakage. On postoperative day 10, a cystogram was performed. In the porcine model, the technique sealed the bladder effectively with a mean burst pressure of 14 mm Hg. Cellular staining revealed no viable urothelial tissue in the seal area and an additional 2 mm outside this area. Eighteen patients had a successful seal/ablation intraoperatively. Cystoscopy revealed cautery artifact and blanching over the former position of the ureteral orifice. The LigaSure device ablates and seals urothelial tissue with no viable cells in the clamped and adjacent blanched tissue. Our technique is technically feasible, removes an adequate bladder cuff, typically maintains a closed urinary system, and adheres to sound oncological principles. This procedure could be performed in both laparoscopic and open nephroureterectomy for proximal upper tract transitional cell tumors.

Collagen-Elastin Ratio Predicts Burst Pressures of Arterial Seals Using a Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device in a Swine Model

Introduction: The hemostatic efficacy and safety of bipolar electrosurgical devices has been widely studied with significant variations in vessel sealing strength being reported. Variations in burst pressure strengths are commonly attributed to differences in sealing technology and vessel diameter. However, the strength of vessel seals may be intrinsic to the vessels themselves. Blood vessel elasticity/distensibility is intrinsically dependent on the vessel wall structure. An important aspect of the vessel wall structure is the integration of elastin and collagen within the tissue.

Comparison of blood vessel sealing among new electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices

Bipolar electrosurgical devices and ultrasonic devices are routinely used in open and advanced laparoscopic surgery for hemostasis. New electrosurgical and ultrasonic instruments demonstrate improved quality and efficiency in blood vessel sealing. The 5-mm laparoscopic Gyrus PKS Cutting Forceps (PK), Gyrus Plasma Trissector (GP), Harmonic Scalpel (HS), EnSeal Tissue Sealing and Hemostasis System (RX), LigaSure V with LigaSure Vessel Sealing Generator (LS), LigaSure V with Force Triad Generator (FT), and Ligamax 5 Endoscopic Multiple Clip Applier (LM) were tested to compare burst pressure, sealing time, and failure rate. Each device was used to seal 13 small (2-3 mm diameter), 13 medium (4-5 mm diameter), and 13 large (6-7 mm diameter) arteries from euthanized pigs. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean burst pressures were not statistically different for 2-3 mm or 6-7 mm vessels. For 4-5 mm vessels, LS had the highest mean burst pressure recorded. Mean seal times were shorter for every vessel size when FT was compared with LS (p < 0.05). The shortest sealing times for 2-3 mm vessels were recorded for GP. The shortest sealing times for medium and large vessels were observed with FT. The highest percentage failure rate for each vessel size occurred with GP. For 4-5 mm diameter vessels, the failure rate was 48% for GP, 41% for PK, and 22% for HS. For 6-7 mm diameter vessels, the failure rate was 92% for GP, 41% for PK, and 8% for HS. LM and FT had no recorded failures. Among the new 5-mm laparoscopic electrosurgical and ultrasonic instruments available for testing, RX, LS, and FT produced the highest mean burst pressures. FT had the shortest mean seal times for medium and large vessels. Minimal or no seal failures occurred with HS, RX, LS, LM, and FT.

Bipolar Electrosurgical Loop Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Objectives. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of a bipolar electrosurgical loop excision instrument in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Materials and Methods. Twenty-eight patients underwent treatment for CIN using a 20 x 10-mm bipolar electrosurgical loop device (Valley Forge Scientific, Oaks, PA). A Malis (Valley Forge Scientific) electrosurgical generator unit (60 watts cutting) was used to remove the cervical lesion and transformation zone under colposcopic guidance. Specimens were evaluated for histopathological diagnosis, tissue depth, fragmentation of specimens, mean maximal thermal artifact, and mean maximal endocervical and ectocervical thermal artifact. Results. Final pathology from bipolar electrosurgical loop excision revealed CIN3 (8), CIN2 (4), CIN1 (11), human papillomavirus changes (3), and normal findings (2). Mean operating time was less than 15 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was less than 10 ml. Average number of tissue pieces was 1.6 (range, 1–4). No complications occurred. Mean maximal thermal artifact was 0.318 mm. Mean endocervical mucosal and ectocervical mucosal thermal artifacts were 0.177 mm and 0.176 mm, respectively. Mean tissue depth of the excised specimen was 0.40 cm. Histopathological diagnosis was possible on all specimens. In five specimens (17.9%), evaluation of the cauterized endocervical margin for CIN was not possible, owing to thermal artifact. No correlation was observed between tissue depth and thermal artifact. Conclusion. Bipolar electrosurgical loop excision for the treatment of CIN is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional unipolar electrosurgical loop excision. Thermal artifact did not interfere with histopathological diagnosis, and the presence of artifact at cauterized margins was similar to that reported for historically unipolar specimens. A randomized control trial comparing therapeutic effectiveness of bipolar electrosurgical loop excision and unipolar electrosurgical loop excision is planned.