Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical energy to produce tissue effects. In monopolar systems, current returns through a separate return electrode; bipolar instruments pass current between electrodes at the instrument. True electrocautery heats a tip rather than passing that current through tissue. The terms are often used loosely but describe different methods.
01
Electrical energy becomes tissue heat
Electrosurgery applies high-frequency alternating current. Tissue effects depend on electrical properties and how energy is delivered, not simply the wattage shown on the generator.
02
Waveform and duty cycle matter
Duty cycle describes how much of each cycle delivers energy. Different delivery patterns and contact conditions change the tissue effect. Mode names are not necessarily equivalent between manufacturers.
03
Sealing requires more than temperature
Time, temperature, compression and tissue properties all matter in vessel sealing. Choose a validated instrument–generator combination and follow its intended use, rather than assuming a higher power rating means better sealing.
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