Abstract
In ancient times, a hot iron rod was used for charring at the bleeding site to
stop bleeding. The earliest significant contribution to a sophisticated method of
generating heat to cauterize tissue from electrical current is by Bovie. Energy sources
are classified as radiofrequency electrosurgery, laser, ultrasonic, and argon beam
coagulation. The majority (85%) of surgeons use monopolar electrosurgery. The
electrosurgical effect on the tissue causes cutting, coagulation, fulguration, and
desiccation. It uses ultrasonic technology, the unique energy form that allows both
cutting and clotting at the precise point of impact, resulting in minimal lateral thermal
tissue damage. Cutting and coagulation are done at lower temperatures than those used
by electrosurgery or lasers. The Harmonic Scalpel has five power levels. Increasing the
power level increases cutting speed and decreases coagulation.
In contrast, less power reduces cutting speed and increases clotting. Argon-enhanced
electrosurgery incorporates a stream of argon gas to improve the surgical effectiveness
of the electrosurgical current. Argon gas is inert and non-combustible, making it a safe
medium to pass electrosurgical current.