Originally Posted On: https://paracormedical.com/electrosurgical-generator/

How to choose the right electrosurgical generator for your Lab

An Electrosurgical Generator Unit, or ESU, is a medical device that uses an electrical current to cut and seal tissue. Whether you’re thinking of buying your first electrosurgical unit or are just considering upgrading your old model, it’s essential to do your research before purchasing.

Electrosurgery is a surgical technique that uses electrical energy to cut, cauterize, or coagulate tissue. It can be used in various Surgical procedures, including tonsillectomy, biopsy, and thyroidectomy. There are many different types of electrosurgical generators on the market, so how do you choose the right one for your hospital? This blog post will discuss the factors you must consider when selecting an electrosurgical generator. Stay tuned!

What is an electrosurgical generator?

An electrosurgical generator is a crucial part of the ESU. It works by generating electric currents that run the ESU unit. The electric current produced to power the active electrodes makes cutting, coagulation, and blending using the ESU unit possible.

It uses high frequency to run, ranging from about (100 kilohertz to 5 megahertz) interchanging currents at distinct voltages ranging from (200- 10,000) volts approximately. This charge is channeled into the subject tissue to cause localized heating in the area of surgery.

What is an electrosurgical unit used for?

An electrosurgical unit is a surgical machine used to control bleeding by coagulation, incise tissue, and destroy unwanted tissues or tumors through desiccation using electrical waves. All this is achieved by the high radio frequency (RF) produced by the high-powered generator, causing localized heating on the subject’s tissue under surgery. 

The increment in heat in these tissues makes it easy to destroy unwanted tissues, graft the skin or cause quicker clotting. Most electrosurgical units operate in two main ways, monopolar and bipolar modes. In the monopolar mode, an active electrode channels electric current to the surgical site, while the return electrode channels it away from the patient. In bipolar mode, both electrodes direct the electric currents toward the surgical site. 

There are three main types of electrosurgical units, namely, the High-Frequency Electrosurgical unit( HFEU), the Molecular Resonance Electrosurgical Unit(MREU), and the Ultrasound Electrosurgical Unit(USEU). All these units are used depending on the type of surgery being performed and the suitability of each unit in the specific surgery. For instance, if the surgery required the removal of a delicate tissue without burning it, the best unit would be an ultrasound electrosurgical unit (USEU).

How to prevent electrosurgical injuries

Electrosurgical injuries can be devastating and often occur when doctors are not paying attention. In this post, we will discuss some easy ways to prevent these injuries from happening.

Taking off any jewelry, accessories, or implants on the patient’s body before entering the operating room

Since the electrosurgical unit works by channeling live electric currents to the patient’s body, having any metallic accessories would increase the risk of electrosurgical injuries. Metallic implants like heart pacemakers are dangerous during operations as the magnetic resonance may distort them, leading to burns. 

Removing them beforehand, therefore, minimizes this risk. If the patient cannot remove the jewelry for any reason, the surgeon should be informed beforehand so they know how to approach the issue. Also, they can use alternative technologies if the risk of an injury is too high.

Make sure that the patient has no contact with metallic objects.

Since the body is alive with electricity, coming in contact with any metallic object can cause unexpected movement of the electrosurgical pencil distorted radiofrequency. Therefore making sure that the patient is away from any form of the metallic object is advised.

Performing a preoperative assessment on the patients to check for any implanted electronic devices, metallic jewelry, or anything that can come into contact with the electronic currents

Doing this gives the surgeon the green light to proceed with the surgery, with the clarity needed to handle the patient, hence minimizing the risk of injuries.

Make sure the patients monitoring electrodes are in place

When placing these electrodes, avoid areas with implants and scars. Also, make sure that you clean the area thoroughly and shave the excess hair, as it is the most common cause of electrosurgical burns.

Never operate the electrosurgical unit with wet gloves

if the gloves have holes, they can pass electric current, which would lead to shock or burns. Also, while conducting this surgery, occasionally changing gloves is advised to minimize the chance of intraoperative shock or burns.

Factors to consider when choosing an electrosurgical unit 

An Electrosurgical unit or ESU is a medical device that uses an electrical current to cut and seal tissue. Whether you are thinking of buying your first electrosurgical unit or just considering upgrading your old model, it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing an electrosurgical generator for your hospital. While price is always a consideration, selecting the right generator for your needs is essential. The right electrosurgical generator can help improve your surgical outcomes and safety.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an electrosurgical unit:

1. Type of surgery being performed 

When purchasing a suitable electrosurgical unit for your hospital, the type of surgeries it will perform is vital. Some ESUs may be suited to conduct certain surgeries better than other competing machines. For example, for skin graft procedures, a device that lasts longer and has an inbuilt cooling system like the surgeon dual RF S5 (Ellman) would be suitable, as the process lasts longer.

2. The size of the hospital

The more the surface area to volume ratio of the hospital, the bigger the generator should be, as it would have to have the capacity to power various machines or stay charged for longer. Therefore, you will need to consider a powerful machine as a bigger hospital will have more patients, meaning more surgeries. In this case, you will also need to consider the durability of the generator.

3. How often will the generator be used

If the generator is used often, you need to purchase a powerful generator that can run smoothly for a long time while being used daily. Also, you need to factor in the ease of using such a generator as you do not want to take a long time plugging it in or cause injuries due to its complex nature. You may also consider getting one with an inbuilt cooling system to avoid overheating if the generator is constantly in use.

4. Power supply

The power supply is critical to the smooth running of any electrosurgical unit, as it needs the power to complete the circuit and conduct the surgery. If the power supply were cut or disrupted, the results would be hazardous to the patient and the third parties in the operating room.

Therefore, when purchasing an electrosurgical generator, you should be keen on the level of power it can supply without strain and the efficiency that comes with it. This is because electrosurgery is a complex process that is dangerous and should be treated with utmost caution to minimize the risks of injuries in the operating room.

5. Easy handling and maintenance

When choosing an electrosurgical unit, you must also consider all the people handling it. The ESU is handled by different staff, the most common being nurses, surgeons, and bioengineers. Because the generator will be in so many hands, purchasing the least complex one is advisable. Also, since the generator will need to be cleaned regularly as per OR regulations, it should be easy to clean and maintain.

6. Choosing one with Disposable accessories 

When purchasing an electrosurgical unit, you must determine if it has disposable units like electrosurgical pencils and changeable electrode pads. This is because this adds an extra cost to your initial purchase as you will keep buying these parts in the long run. So, when you are purchasing this unit, keep in mind the cost of the disposable accessories so you can make an informed decision on which ESU is the better one. 

7. Warranty

Warranty is the manufacturer’s time frame in which the product in question is guaranteed to work without fail. Therefore, purchasing an electrosurgical generator with a warranty gives you the reassurance you need while using it. Also, if the generator becomes faulty before the warranty time elapses, the manufacturing company repairs or replaces the whole unit with a new one; therefore, considering the generator’s warranty should be a no-brainer for you.

What are the top 10 electrosurgical generator models on the market today

If you are considering an electrosurgical generator for your surgical needs, you are probably wondering about the cost. Electrosurgical generators can range in price from around $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the features and brand. Additionally, you will need to factor in the cost of maintenance.

Most electrosurgical generators will need service every few years, costing around $50-$300 per service. Overall, the cost of an electrosurgical generator is a significant investment, but one that can pay off in terms of improved surgical outcomes.

While many electrosurgical generators are on the market, some models are more popular than others. Here is a list of the top 10 electrosurgical generators currently available: 

 1. Ethicon Gen 11 ($4,999.00)

The new Ethicon Endo-Surgery Generator is a multifunctional, easy-to-operate device that supports Harmonic Ultrasonic and Enseal Advanced Bipolar Devices. The generator combines advanced technology with touchscreen simplicity in one sleek package!

Ethicon GEN 11 Key Features:

• The Ethicon GEN 11 is a generator that uses two advanced technologies, Harmonic and Ensil.
• The machine is easy to install and use, with a universal socket that automatically recognizes the connected instrument and technology.
• The software for the generator can be upgraded via USB port, ensuring compatibility with all innovative Ethicon Energy instruments.
• There are five levels of oscillation amplitude adjustment to provide a balance of dissection and coagulation; level 3 is optimal in terms of this balance, while levels 1 and 2 are preferred for more pronounced coagulation.
• Automatic instrument recognition and a universal connector are features of this machine, as well as a high-resolution touchscreen display.

2. Valleylab FX8 ($4,999.00)

Valleylab FX8 energy platform allows surgeons and surgical staff to work with an intuitive control panel that is easy to learn and used for many procedures. Its simple three-section touchscreen optimized design makes it more than just an average machine!

First, there’s valley lab mode, which provides smoother cuts by using monopolar hemostasis instead of the traditional coagulation process. It comes in two flavors: shared corrosion protection, where both healers can operate simultaneously.

FX8 Key Features:

• Valleylab FX8 makes it easy to use its TissueFect system.
• With power management during unipolar delivery being better than Force Triads’ platform by five times over typical competing products,
• shared coagulation mode allows two surgeons to work on one patient simultaneously — from just one piece of software

3. Olympus ESG-400 & USG-400 ($9,999.00)

The Olympus ESG-400 provides unrivaled resection power and access to future revolutionary surgical tissue management technology. The Thunderbeat Universal Platform is a full-featured energy system that delivers virtually every known form of surgical energy: monopolar, bipolar, advanced bipolar, and ultrasonic.

The Olympus ESG-400 Generator delivers ultrasonic energy for simultaneous cut and coagulation of tissue with SONICBEAT Handpieces.

Olympus ESG-400 Key Features:

• The ESG-400 Electrosurgical Generator delivers monopolar, bipolar, and advanced bipolar surgical energy to support all open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic applications.
• The USG-400 Generator delivers ultrasonic energy for simultaneous cut and coagulation of tissue for use with SONICBEAT Handpieces.
• When used with the ESG-400, the USG-400 delivers integrated bipolar and ultrasonic energy to THUNDERBEAT handpieces for reliable vessel sealing and to cut or coagulate soft tissue during open, laparoscopic (including single-site surgery), and endoscopic surgery.

4. Conmed System 5000 ($3,999.00)

The ConMed System 5000 Electrosurgical Unit is the standard for consistent energy delivery. With its various modes, the System 5000 allows surgeons to customize the output characteristics precisely for different procedures. It’s safe for use in laparoscopic surgeries with its Laparoscopic Mode and limits open circuit voltages to below 2,700 volts. If you’re looking for an electrosurgical generator that offers precision and safety, the ConMed 5000 is a perfect choice.

ConMed System 5000 Key Features:

• The ConMed System 5000 is the standard for consistent energy delivery and offers multiple modes for electrosurgical capabilities.
• The System 5000 includes a unique Fluids Mode and Laparoscopic Mode.
• The Dynamic Response Technology in the System 5000 is unique to ConMed products and delivers optimal clinical effects in all operational modes.

5. Ethicon Megadyne ($5,999.00)

The Ethicon Megadyne Electrosurgical Generator is a microprocessor-controlled, isolated output, a high-frequency generator that can facilitate both monopolar cutting and coagulation and bipolar coagulation through an accessory electrode.

Ethicon Megadyne Key Features:

• The software and algorithms optimize energy delivery to minimize tissue damage.
• Multiple cuts, coagulation, bipolar modes, and power settings are available to optimize energy delivery for the targeted tissue.
• The displays are large and easy to read.
• It recalls the last mode and power setting used.
• There is a noticeable return electrode alarm.
• The patient returns the electrode receptacle when finished.

6. Valleylab FT10 ($8,999.00)

The Valleylab FT10 energy platform is a powerful tool that offers surgeons more options for performing electrosurgeries. With three new, unique modes and the ability to power our entire portfolio of power-based devices, the Valleylab FT10 is better than ever. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality generator for your electrosurgical needs, consider the Valleylab FT10.

Valleylab FT10 Key Features:

• DELIVER PRECISE AMOUNTS OF ENERGY – The Valleylab FT10 energy platform delivers precise energy with improved performance for faster sealing and cutting times.
• IMPROVE PERFORMANCE – The Built-in smart TissueFect, on the Covidien FT10 is a tissue sensing technology that improves the speed and consistency of current hand-held devices by reading tissue composition in real-time.
• EFFICIENT ENERGY DELIVERY – TissueFect, on the Covidien FT 10, examines device performance 434,000 times per second, monitoring tissue impedance and allowing effective and efficient energy delivery. It provides RF energy for monopolar and bipolar surgical applications and

7. Bovie Bantam Pro ($2,038.00)

The Bovie Bantam PRO is a powerful and innovative combination that creates a smoke-free, odor-free, and comfortable environment for both users and patients. The Bantam PRO A952-G Electrosurgical Generator can remove skin tags, cherry angiomas, and more through electrosurgical cutting, coagulation, fulguration, and bipolar procedures.

Key Features:

• Excellent choice for tackling tough skin conditions.
• Bantam PRO comes readily equipped with the Smoke Shark II
• Smoke Shark II removes all smoke, toxic plumes, aerosols, and odors produced at the surgical site.
• Produces up to 50 watts of power with six preset modes, which can be adjusted to the most accurate output in 1/10th increments.

8. ValleyLab ForceTriad ($6,495.00)

Introducing the ValleyLab ForceTriad Electrosurgical Generator – a full-featured, multi-function system that is the perfect choice for open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to control its three touchscreens to perform cutting and coagulation, bipolar functionality, and vessel sealing. TissueFect, ValleyLab, and LigaSure fusion technologies increase accuracy and patient safety.

Key Features:

• Providing surgeons with a wide range of options to choose from, including cutting coagulation as well as bipolar functionality, and advanced LigaSure tissue fusion technology.
• Allows surgeons to potentially shorten their OR procedure time by having control of power and mode adjustments directly from the sterile field.
• The ValleyLab ForceTriad ElectroSurgical Generator – making surgeries simpler yet smarter for low-risk results each time!

9. Valleylab LS10 ($7,500.00)

The Valleylab LS10 electrosurgical generator provides the essential energy needed for your next surgical procedure. Both affordable and portable, this small device makes LigaSure vessel sealing technology accessible around the world!

Valleylab LS10 Key Features:

• The Valleylab LS10 generator is a powerful and portable electrosurgical device.
• This next generation of LigaSure vessel sealing technology is now available everywhere, thanks to the simple plug-and-play design and portability of the LS10.
• With the Valleylab Exchange software update system, the device can be easily upgraded on-site, keeping surgeons, nurses, and patients updated with the latest technology.

10. Bovie Specialist PRO ($3,302.00)

With the proficiency of most monopolar, The Bovie Specialist PRO package is an economical resolution for busy physicians’ offices or specialist facilities. In addition, there’s a smoke evacuation system that helps produce cleaner operating rooms–and big savings compared to traditional equipment prices!

Thanks to its user-friendly design, even inexperienced users will be able to operate this machine with confidence. So if you’re looking for an affordable, all-in-one solution for your surgical needs, look no further than Bovie Specialist PRO.

Key Features:

• The Bovie Specialist PRO Generator has two large illuminated digital displays, making it easy to see the power output and surgical waveform. This makes it easy to operate, even in low-light conditions.
• The Bovie Specialist PRO Generator is designed to be as safe as possible. It will automatically shut off if human error is detected on either side. This means that you can be confident that your surgeries will be carried out safely every time.
• The smoke evacuation system included with the Bovie Specialist PRO Generator helps to produce cleaner

Conclusion

Whether it’s your first time purchasing an electrosurgical unit or just upgrading your old model, finding the perfect electrosurgical generator that combines all the features you need is never easy, especially when you are short on the know-how.

However, making sure that you consider the size of the hospital you need your generator for, the type of surgeries it will be conducting, and last but not least, how often the generator will be in use gets you closer to getting a better-suited electrosurgical unit for your hospital.