Training and Technology to Minimise Complications during Electrosurgical Procedures
Electrosurgery is commonly used to provide minimally invasive solutions in a range of gynaecological conditions. It utilises alternating currents at radiofrequency levels, with the wires heating up as the flow of current comes into contact with the body, resulting in the cutting, desiccation or fulguration of the tissue. As with any medical procedure, clinicians must take steps to minimise the risk of complications and optimise patient outcomes.
Electrothermal injury can be caused in a number of ways. For example, accidental direct application of the electrosurgical probe can damage the tissue. Other issues can arise from stray currents due to defective insulation equipment and direct or capacitive coupling.i It has been estimated that around 70% of electrosurgical burns caused during laparoscopic procedures are not detected during surgery, making prevention even more essential.ii
To avoid these challanges in the first place, the clinician must obtain the appropriate knowledge and skills to successfully perform the procedure. This necessitates detailed and continued training for the entire professional team with regard to the latest technologies, instruments and surgical techniques. They must be confident that they understand both the process and the equipment they are using.
Just as important is the technology itself.
The Utah Medical Products Inc. range of electrosurgical devices – available from Getz Healthcare – includes top-of-the-line electrosurgical generators, a low-cost smoke evacuation system, an extensive range of gynaecological electrodes for precise tissue dissection, and electrosurgical accessories that complement most electrosurgical systems.
Finesse Electrosurgical Generators
Utah Medical’s Finesse+ and Finesse II+ Electrosurgical Generators are versatile with built-in smoke evacuation. Based on advanced research and experience in the field of electrosurgery, both systems meet the highest performance and safety standards currently required for electrosurgery and produce the best tissue specimen for conclusive histopathology. The systems feature a three-stage Filtresse Smoke Evacuation function and incorporate Controlled Output Circuitry+, which continuously monitors and maintains output to produce specimens with minimal thermal damage at the margins.
The versatile Finesse+ provides excellent clinical results for a broad range of procedures and yields the best possible results for LETZ excisions, while the Finesse II+ provides intact cervical specimens with clean margins, allowing for conclusive histopathology results for LETZ. The Finesse II+ doesn’t require front panel adjustments, making its operation as streamlined and effective as possible
Filtress Smoke Evacuation System
Utah Medical’s Filtresse Smoke Evacuation System is a three-stage filtration system which effectively evacuates, and filters smoke plumes produced during electrosurgery, with a minimum efficiency of 99.999% for 0.1micron particles. The Filtresse is a low-cost smoke filtration and evacuation system that is compatible with most electrosurgical wands and instruments, easily attaching to yield quick smoke plume evacuation at the source.
The three-stage disposable filter system is composed of an activated charcoal filter for odour absorption, and two high-efficiency particulate filters which remove solid particles and aerosols: a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) pre-filter and a third stage Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filter.
To discover more about Utah Medical electrosurgical solutions in gynaecology visit our website or Contact Us today.
i Alkatout I, Schollmeyer T, Hawaldar NA, Sharma N, Mettler L. Principles and safety measures of electrosurgery in laparoscopy. JSLS. 2012 Jan-Mar;16(1):130-9. doi: 10.4293/108680812X13291597716348. PMID: 22906341; PMCID: PMC3407433.
ii El-Sayed, M, Mohamed, S, Saridogan, E. Safe use of electrosurgery in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2020; 22: 9–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/tog.12620