Electrocoagulation
The electrocoagulation (or electrocautery) device operates using high-frequency electric current. It is used for the treatment of soft tissues (in dentistry; gums, mucous algae).
Uses[edit | edit source]
- Coagulation
- Incision
- Incision with simultaneous coagulation
Electrotomy and electrocoagulation[edit | edit source]
These methods use the thermal effects of high-frequency electric currents. If the active electrode has the shape of a point or a narrow blade, a high current density is produced at it. When this electrode comes into contact with tissue, the thermal effects are so great that water in the cells evaporate and the cells are disrupted. The high temperature results in coagulation of tissue and blood proteins, so an electrocautery incision does not bleed. The operating frequency of the electrocoagulation device is approximately 3 MHz, with power adjustable from 0 to 500 Watts. The shape of the cutting electrode varies depending of the intended use.
Electrotomes with power output up to 50 W are used in ophthalmology and dentistry. Devices with higher power output are used in abdominal surgery and traumatology. Devices for electrotomy are usually equipped with separate electrodes for performing electrocoagulation. Its principle consists in closing a bleeding vessel by coagulating proteins with high temperature.
