Safer Laparoscopic Instruments

Such instruments are being used by 94% of all U.S. hospitals, in spite of the fact that they have the potential to internally burn and kill patients.

Dangerous exposure is easily prevented if active electrode monitoring (AEM) is used, according to Encision, Inc. (Boulder, CO, USA). The company's AEM instruments provide surgeons with the desired tissue effects while preventing patient injury caused by stray energy burns, a risk in laparoscopic surgery. The product line includes most of the standard shapes, sizes, and functionality as conventional instruments but with patented shielding and monitoring technology integrated into the design.

AEM instruments continuously monitor the active electrode instrument through a coaxial conductive protective shield that is sandwiched between a primary insulation layer around the active electrode and an outer insulation layer covering the shield. When an AEM instrument detects the release of stray energy, the AEM monitor interrupts the power transmission by shutting down the electrosurgical generator.

In an audioconference on electrosurgery sponsored in early 2005, the nonprofit health services research agency ECRI (Plymouth Meeting, MA, USA) found that of the 1,500 attendees, more than 47% had experienced one or two electrosurgical burns in their facilities during the past year, while nearly 3% had experienced several.




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