The electrosurgical instrument or device is used in surgeries; it uses high-frequency electrical currents which are required to thicken or cut tissue while performing surgery. The instrument consists of an electrosurgical generator that transforms electrical energy into HF current.

Electrosurgical units tend to perform multiple functions and electrodes which varies as per the surgical applications.

Different types of Electrosurgical Units?

The surgical units or electrosurgical instruments come in different types, each uses different sources of energy such as; high frequency or radiofrequency, ultrasound, and molecular resonance.

  • Radiofrequency (or high-frequency) surgical units: Radiofrequency is the most commonly used surgical units demanded in the market. It converts the main current into HF current (> 200 kHz)
  • Ultrasound surgical unit: this device works well with ultrasonic handpieces. It features an ultrasonic wave generator that breaks the hydrogen bonds of cells during coagulation, this cutting is done by cavitation.

Main Operation Modes Of Electrosurgical Devices

There are a few particular electrosurgical cables that are mainly used for cutting tissues. This cutting of tissue is done with two different techniques as per the situation: bipolar and monopolar

Here is the difference between both techniques;

Monopolar technique: The monopolar technique only takes a single active electrode which also acts as a neutral electrode. It sends the HF current from the generator. At the point when this anode comes into contact with the tissue, a high current thickness is communicated. It is this high grouping of energy on a little zone that accomplishes the ideal impact.

This current flows through the entire patient’s body to the neutral electrode. This is how the electrical circuit gets closed.

Pros: Best to apply while withering large tissue masses

Cons: This technique is not applicable for patients with pacemakers or metal implants as it has a higher risk of electrocution

Bipolar method: In this procedure, HF current shows up through a functioning anode and ways out through an impartial terminal without moving through the patient’s body. It enables an active and neutral electrode to be placed opposite each other.

Pros: This procedure is more secure than the monopolar strategy as there is no danger of consuming or electric shock for the patient; It can be utilized for patients with pacemakers

Cons: Not appropriate for parching enormous tissue masses.