Electrosurgical Unit - Basics
| Abbreviation / other names
|
ESU Diathermy Dia = through |
| What does it do? |
The ESU cuts tissue and/or stops the bleeding by coagulating
the blood (haemostasis) |
| Physiology |
During surgery the tissue and blood vessels are cut which
causes bleeding. To prevent too much blood loss and to keep
the operating field free of excess blood, electro surgical units
are used. Different modes of operation can be set. “Cut”
is for cutting tissue, “Blend” is a mixture of cutting
and coagulation. This mode is used to cut and the same time
reduces bleeding (haemostatic). “Coagulation” is
used for maximum Haemostasis, “Desiccation” is used
for destroying tissue. The monopolar mode (single electrode)
is used for cutting and coagulation, the bipolar mode (forceps
like electrode) is used mainly for desiccation (destroying tissue)
|
| How it works |
An electric current with a frequency of about 500kHz is used
to cut and coagulate tissue. This process involves applying
an RF (Radio Frequency) spark between a probe and the tissue.
The electric current through the tissue heats up the tissue
and evaporates the water in the cell destroying it. This achieves
special surgical effects namely cutting, coagulation and desiccation.
The voltage on the electrode is between 1000 – 10,000
V p-p. |
| Units of measurement |
Watts |
| Typical values |
Bipolar Cut: 50 Watts Coag: 8 Watts Monopolar Cut: 150 – 300 Watts Coag: 40 – 80 Watts |
| Picture of equipment |
http://www.valleylabeducation.org/pages/vliceesself.html |
 Valleylab Force 2 |