title: Initial experience using a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device for hemostasis during thyroidectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation (BRFA) device using nanotechnology for division of all named vessels during thyroidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  All thyroidectomies from January 2008 to July 2010 at a single institution used the BRFA device (EnSeal, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) for hemostasis. Clinicopathologic data and complications were recorded and compared with existing literature using other energy devices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight thyroidectomies were performed. Mean age was 54.7 years, and mean operating room time was 81 minutes. The average estimated blood loss was 46 mL. Ninety percent of patients were discharged in <23 hours. There were no hemorrhages. There was 1 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and 1 case of transient hypocalcemia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This first small series using the BRFA device reveals initial safety and effectiveness for thyroid hemostasis, and warrants further study. The minimal thermal spread inherent in this device may make it an attractive option when structures such as the RLN may be near the zone of hemostasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908, USA. psomasundar@chartercare.org
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haniff
authors.forename: Ponnandai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Somasundar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D061224:Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*