Pressure and Flow Characteristics of Various Resectoscopes
We evaluated the pressure and flow characteristics of four hysteroscopic resectoscopes using both gravity and suction. Each hysteroscope was introduced through a port into a sealed chamber of 150 ml volume. A pressure reading was made from the chamber and flow was measured. Using gravity feed, the mean maximum flow rate for the four devices was 512 &plusmn; 29 ml/minute, with a mean chamber pressure of 41 &plusmn; 24 mm Hg at maximum flow. Using suction, the mean maximum flow rate for the devices was 948 &plusmn; 74 ml/minute, with a mean chamber pressure of -65 &plusmn; 39 mm Hg at maximum flow. The gravity-fed maximum flow rate was very similar for all devices tested and virtually doubled under suction. More variability was apparent in chamber pressure data, especially during suction.
Gimpelson
RJ
St. Louis University School of Medicine, 222 South Woods Mill Road, Suite 400, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
Beeder
C