Historical development of bipolar coagulation.
In 1926, a physicist at Harvard named William T. Bovie created an instrument, which revolutionized the medical profession--the unipolar electrocautery device. This incredible device could make surgical incisions and provide hemostasis as well. It came with a price, however, as it also created new risks and dangers in the operating room, such as electrical burns and fires. To resolve some of these problems, a bipolar electrocautery device was developed. The historical development and principles of both unipolar and bipolar electrocautery will be discussed in this article.
Barrett
Stephen L
SL
Midwestern University College of Health Services, Arizona Pediatric Medicine Program, Glendale, AZ, USA. slbarrettpod@me.com
Vella
Joseph M
JM
Dellon
A Lee
AL
D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery