Tissue thermal damage caused by bipolar forceps can be reduced with a combination of plastic and metal.
BACKGROUND
We created a new 5-mm bipolar forceps. Thermo-insulating plastic was used for the creation of the jaws, while the metal conductor is buried deep inside the plastic.


METHODS
A porcine model was used in experimental testing against a standard metallic 5-mm bipolar forceps at three different wattage settings (20, 40, 60 W). Histological sections were evaluated by a pathologist who was blind to the wattage and instrument tested.


RESULTS
The new instrument was shown to cause statistically significant reduced thermal damage. In addition, its lateral thermal diffusion is superior to standard bipolar forceps.


CONCLUSIONS
Thermo-insulating plastics can reduce thermal damage to tissue during electrosurgery.
Remorgida
V
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
D000818:Animals; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D010969:Plastics; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013552:Swine
D008670:Metals; D010969:Plastics