Hybrid Bipolar and Ultrasonic Vessel Sealing and Dissection Devices
What
Hybrid bipolar and ultrasonic vessel sealing and dissection devices combine advanced radiofrequency energy with ultrasonic mechanical vibration to seal and dissect blood vessels and other tissue structures. The advanced bipolar functionality is optimized for sealing while the ultrasonic functionality is optimized for rapid dissection.
Why
These devices are often used in open, laparoscopic, and thoracoscopic surgical procedures for the following purposes and benefits:
To seal and dissect blood vessels and other tissue structures when surgically removing organs. Common procedures in which this is done include hysterectomies, colectomies, splenectomies, gastrectomies, pancreatectomies, nephrectomies, and thyroidectomies.
To dissect tissue. Common procedures in which this is done include adhesiolysis and endometriosis resection.
To coagulate and dissect tissue faster compared to tying sutures. Speed is a critical factor for reducing the amount of time the patient is under anesthesia and also reducing the cost of time in the operating room.
To coagulate and dissect tissue without leaving objects in the body such as staples or clips.
How
These multifunctional devices combine the technologies of bipolar vessel sealing and dissection devices and ultrasonic vessel sealing and dissection devices.
Hybrid bipolar and ultrasonic vessel sealing and dissection typically involves the following main components:
Transducer: The transducer converts electrical energy from the generator into mechanical vibrational motion using the effect of piezoelectricity.
Waveguide: The waveguide transmits and amplifies mechanical motion from the transducer to the blade. The waveguide also conducts radiofrequency energy.
Blade: The blade is the exposed portion of the waveguide that generates frictional heating of tissue to induce ultrasonic coagulation and cutting. The blade also delivers radiofrequency energy to the tissue as one pole of the bipolar system for sealing.
Jaw: The jaw compresses tissue against the blade. The jaw also delivers radiofrequency energy to the tissue as the second pole of the bipolar system for sealing.
Tissue: The tissue is compressed between the blade and jaw. The bipolar energy and the ultrasonic motion of the blade cause the hydrated tissue to heat up. Collagen and elastin molecules within the tissue melt and then fuse back together, creating the seal. Continued application of ultrasonic blade motion dissects the tissue.
Lever: The user squeezes this to close the jaw.
Seal Button: The user presses this to activate advanced bipolar energy for sealing without cutting.
Seal and Cut Button: The user presses this to activate advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energy for simultaneous sealing and cutting.
Rotation Wheel: The user rotates this to rotate the shaft and jaw.
Generators: The advanced bipolar energy generator produces radiofrequency energy controlled by an algorithm for tissue sealing. The ultrasonic energy generator drives the transducer such that the system vibrates at its resonant frequency.
Components of a Typical Hybrid Bipolar and Ultrasonic Vessel Sealing and Dissection Device
Who
At this time, the only company who makes these devices is:
Olympus (THUNDERBEAT)
