Optimizing bipolar electrocoagulation for endoscopic hemostasis: assessment of factors influencing energy delivery and coagulation.
BACKGROUND
Few data inform decisions on the optimal bipolar electrocoagulation (BPEC) technique.


OBJECTIVE
To assess how technical factors influence energy delivery and coagulation.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study in experimental models: meat, live pig mesenteric arteries.


METHODS
Standard and prototype BPEC probes were applied at varying durations (2, 10, and 20 seconds), application forces (5, 75, and 150 g), and watt settings (10, 15, and 20 W). BPEC devices were applied to arteries with 40 g versus no additional force.


METHODS
For the meat model: energy delivered, impedance, coagulation and cavitation depth, and coagulation surface area. For the mesenteric arteries: hemostasis.


RESULTS
The energy delivered increased with duration and force (P < .001) but not with the watt setting. Impedance rose rapidly at higher watt settings (>300 ohms within approximately 5 seconds at 20 W and approximately 10 seconds at 15 W), with a coincident drop in power. Coagulation depth and surface area correlated with energy delivered (r = 0.70-0.97). Only duration was associated with the coagulation depth (P < .001); cavitation (which occurred with a standard BPEC probe) plus coagulation depth was also associated with application force (P < .001). Hemostasis of the mesenteric arteries was achieved only with 40 g of force.


CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of these models in predicting clinical results is uncertain.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing BPEC duration increased the energy delivered and the coagulation, whereas increasing the watt setting did not because of a rapid rise in impedance. Optimal BPEC technique included a lower watt setting (eg, 15 W), a longer duration (eg, approximately 10-12 seconds), and tamponade of the bleeding site.
Laine
Loren
L
Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Long
Gary L
GL
Bakos
Gregory J
GJ
Vakharia
Omar J
OJ
Cunningham
Christie
C
D000818:Animals; D021721:Balloon Occlusion; D002404:Catheterization; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D016558:Hemostasis, Endoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D013552:Swine; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques