title: The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the Argon Beam Coagulator on peripheral nerves.
abstract: The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the Bard Argon Beam Coagulator (ABC) were investigated in the New Zealand White rabbit. Thirty-four rabbits were divided into three groups. Controls underwent simple femoral exploration and closure. The remaining rabbits' femoral nerves were spot coagulated with either the ABC or standard electrosurgical unit (ESU). Stimulus thresholds were recorded before treatment and again prior to sacrifice at 0, 30, 60, or 120 days. Thresholds were significantly elevated for the ABC and ESU compared to controls (P = .0077 and .0351, respectively). Changes in threshold were greater for the ABC than for the ESU, but were not significant. All ABC- and ESU-treated nerves had significant histologic injury when compared to controls (P < .0002). Although the ABC may be clinically safe, significant injury to rabbit femoral nerves occurs when they are exposed to energy emitted by this instrument.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Calif.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Steiniger
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Fee
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Nowels
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lusted
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001128:Argon; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D011930:Reaction Time
chemical_list: D001128:Argon