An electrosurgical coagulator is a high-tech medical device that generates high-frequency electric current, gas, or radiation and uses it to almost instantly clot blood during medical interventions. The patient comes into contact only with the converted thermal energy, without direct dangerous contact with the electric current of the coagulator. As the main tool in electrosurgery, the coagulator
- Reduces the likelihood of major blood loss;
- prevents infection;
- ensures more accurate tissue removal and faster healing after surgery.
What is a coagulator?
Roughly speaking, a coagulator is an electroscalpel used for the following operations:
- Electrotomy - tissue dissection.
- Electrocoagulation - cauterization of tissues.
- Combinational use of the coagulator.
How does an electrosurgical coagulator work?
The principle of operation of surgical electrocautery coagulators is based on the effect of thermal energy on tissues and the corresponding cytochemical changes. When interacting with temperatures from 45 °C to 60 °C, the three-dimensional structures of proteins are destroyed and harden into an adhesive substance (irreversible coagulation). This process, called coagulation, is accompanied by a discoloration of the tissue. Further increasing the temperature of the coagulant to 100 °C leads to drying, or desiccation. The intensity of clotting depends not only on the temperature but also on the duration of heat exposure.
To carry out these processes, the metal tip of the electrocoagulator is heated by an electric current. After that, the active electrode of the coagulator touches the tissues or is at a distance of 2-3 mm above them for the required time period.
Areas of application of the surgical coagulator
The main areas of application of the coagulator include:
- Rigid endoscopy (endoscopic surgery, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology).
- Laparoscopic surgery.
- General surgery and cosmetology.
- Biopsy sampling.
Benefits of using coagulants in surgery
In addition to eliminating blood loss and facilitating the surgeon's work, surgical coagulants have a wide range of clinical advantages and technical characteristics. Here are the main practical advantages of coagulants:
- Coagulant efficiency. Accelerated hemostasis ensures bloodless surgeries, which is especially important for laser interventions.
- Minimal trauma and accelerated postoperative recovery.
- Safety. Almost instantaneous destruction of pathogenic microorganisms makes it impossible for infections to enter the bloodstream and lymphatic pathways.
- Sterility. When pieces of tissue come into contact with the coagulator electrode, they are destroyed. This keeps the electrode sterile and prevents malignant cells from spreading to healthy cells.
- Precision. Thanks to the absence of bleeding and a cleaner working area, electric coagulators are a kind of medical endoscopic equipment 2.0 that helps to take accuracy to the next level.
- Less pain. Thermal effects on nerve endings significantly reduce pain during and after surgery. This often makes it possible to limit yourself to local anesthesia.
Technical features of electrosurgical coagulators:
- High efficiency of energy conversion when working with tissues of different resistance (from 100 ohms to 2000 ohms).
- Integrated systems for monitoring of operating parameters and self-diagnostics for second-by-second status control.
- Optimized characteristics of the output high-frequency and radio frequency signal minimize interference.
Types of coagulators for endoscopy
During electrosurgical intervention, different types of tissue coagulation are used - monopolar and bipolar with different devices, respectively.
Monopolar coagulators
Monopolar coagulation uses an electric current that passes from the active (operating) electrode through the patient's body to the neutral (return) electrode. This method allows you to precisely target a specific area and is used primarily during open surgery. Such coagulators are used for:
- clean and mixed incisions;
- drying
- Fulguration;
There are three options for monopolar electrocoagulation:
- Direct contact of the electrode with the tissue
- Non-contact exposure using argon plasma.
- Coagulation in a liquid medium
Bipolar coagulators
- In this type of electric coagulators, two electrodes (tweezers or clamps) serve as closing elements, i.e., the electric current circulates between them without passing through the patient's body. This method is especially effective for the following manipulations
- stopping bleeding;
- coagulation of superficial tissues;
This provides greater control over the coagulated tissue. Burns to the patient due to careless handling of the coagulation instrument are practically excluded.
Additional coagulator modules
The electrodes can be heated not only directly by current:
- Argon plasma is a medical coagulator that supports the connection of an additional unit that produces argon gas. It does not require direct contact of the instrument with tissues. This prevents the scab from separating from the treated surface and eliminates its adhesion to the working part of the electrode.
- Laser coagulators are an addition to standard coagulation systems for applying microburns with a laser beam. They are intended for external use. They are most popular in the treatment of ophthalmic and vascular diseases.
How to choose a coagulator?
Here are the main parameters that doctors and specialists in the purchase of specialized medical equipment - coagulators - should pay attention to:
- Specificity of application. Microsurgical operations require compact and precise coagulation devices. Working with large tissues requires more powerful coagulators with fast action.
- Functionality. Monopolar coagulation is effective when working with large vessels and tissue removal. The bipolar mode of the coagulator provides filigree work with small vessels. A special place is occupied by spray coagulation, a non-contact method in which an electric arc between the electrode and the tissue allows for the treatment of large areas without sticking of the instrument and minimizes thermal damage.
- Power and frequency of the coagulator. The choice depends on the nature of the intervention and the amount of tissue to be treated - this parameter must exactly match the specific surgical task.
- Electrodes in the coagulator. Depending on the application, different nozzles may be required. For example, non-insulated and insulated, straight, beveled, and curved knives, cones, grinders, loops, needles, balls, hemispheres, and tapers of various lengths and diameters.
Why buy a coagulator from MEDIGO?
By choosing MediGo, you get a reliable partner in the field of medical equipment. Our store offers not only high-quality coagulators, but also guarantees comprehensive customer support. Including free courier delivery in Kyiv for orders over UAH 30,000 or sending by New mail throughout Ukraine. You can also pick up your order from the warehouse yourself.
Your peace of mind is our priority. MediGo offers only certified equipment from trusted manufacturers. All products, including coagulators, are covered by an official manufacturer's warranty.
Do not delay the purchase of the necessary equipment. Contact us right now for a consultation and to place an order!
FAQ
How does a monopolar coagulator differ from a bipolar coagulator?
In the case of a monopolar configuration, the electric current passes all the way through the patient's body, starting from the active electrode and ending at the neutral plate. With the bipolar technique, the current flow is limited to a small area of tissue between two closely spaced electrodes of the same instrument.
What consumables are needed for the coagulator?
For effective operation, the coagulator is equipped with neutral electrode plates, monopolar and bipolar instruments (tweezers, scissors, loops), and disposable tips.
Do I need special training to operate the coagulator?
To work safely with a coagulator, you must understand the technique of using the equipment, safety rules, possible complications, and have the appropriate medical qualifications.