Electrosurgical units are mainly used to cut or coagulate tissue. The cut and coagulation can be performed using two techniques: monopolar and bipolar. Here are the differences:
Monopolar technique: this technique uses a single active electrode which will also act as a neutral electrode. It transmits the HF current from the generator. When this electrode comes into contact with the tissue, a high current density is transmitted. It is this high concentration of energy on a small area that achieves the desired effect. The current then flows through the patient's body to the neutral electrode. In this way the electrical circuit is closed.
Advantages: suitable for desiccating large tissue masses;
Disadvantages: higher risk of electrocution, to reduce this risk it is important that the neutral electrode is correctly applied to the patient; this technique is not compatible with patients with metal implants or pacemakers.
Bipolar technique: the HF current arrives through an active electrode and exits through the neutral electrode, without flowing through the patient's body. Bipolar forceps are the most common instrument used for this technique. They allow the active electrode and the neutral electrode to be placed opposite each other. The current flows directly from one tip of the forceps to the other. The neutral electrode has no function here.
Advantages: this technique is safer than the monopolar technique as there is no risk of burning or electrocution for the patient; this technique should be used for patients with pacemakers
Disadvantages: not suitable for desiccating large tissue masses.
Jinhua Huacheng Medical Appliance Co.,Ltd.
Manufactuer of disposable medical products: Electrosurgical pencil,grounding plate,skin stapler and ECG electrode
