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BOVlE SPECIALIST ELECTROSURGICAL UNIT
5. Experiments in Electrosurgery
EXPERIMENTS WITH FULGURATION AND
DESICCATION
Using a pointed electrode (preferably the heavy
skin needle), allow a stream of sparks one or two
mm. long to play from the point t o the meat. Try this
with and without the dispersive electrode. Hold the
meat in your left hand to add the capacitance of your
body which will simulate actual treatment condi-
tions. The spray of sparks will dehydrate the super-
ficial layers of tissue quite rapidly and you will find
that the depth of destruction is self-limiting because
complete surface dehydration will insulate the cur-
rent against further penetration. Some variation in
depth of penetration can be accomplished by vary-
ing the power and you will note that you will use
about one-half the power setting for bi-terminal ful-
guration than will be required for mono-terminal
applications.
Using a needle electrode, try the CUT WITH
HEMOSTASIS current for desiccation. Touch the
meat with the needle and note the effect. At low
power settings, you will see a more precise effect
than possible with pulse controlled coagulation
current.
Do not cut or coagulate your hand. Do not
touch ground while unit is energized.
Your experience with these two applications of
high frequency dehydration will demonstrate their
particular usefulness in skin conditions.
SUMMARY
Operator skill, experience, and observations
establish confidence with any electrosurgical in-
strument. With continued use and expanded adapt-
ability, the operator will find the BOVlE Specialist a
superior operatory help in the practice of surgery.
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