You have probably heard about the harmonic scalpel and its role in treating hemorrhoids; but what is a harmonic scalpel and how does it work? A harmonic scalpel is medical equipment that is used in surgical procedures as an alternative to a steel scalpel or electro-surgical diathermy. It makes use of ultrasound technology to cut tissues and seal the edges. It is used in surgical procedures for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissues.
What is a harmonic scalpel and how does it work compared to a Bovie, an apparatus used in electrosurgery for coagulation? Well, the harmonic scalpel is similar to a Bovie. However, it is considered to be more superior since it can cut through thicker tissue and create less surgical smoke which is toxic. It also offers better precison compared to the Bovie. A harmonic scalpel cannot be maneuvered easily, though. It also takes longer to cut and coagulate tissues.
What is a harmonic scalpel and how does it work? Also, how does a Bovie functions? A Bovie functions through an electrical current and when there is heat. A harmonic scalpel, on the other hand, functions through vibration. The surface of the scalpel cuts through tissues by vibrating in the range of twenty thousand to sixty thousand hertz. This high vibration frequency of the tissue molecules generates friction and stress in the tissues.
Because of this, heat is generated and protein denaturation results. The technique causes a minimal transfer of energy to the surrounding tissues and prevents collateral damage. In addition, a Bovie may be used to coagulate bleeding tissues anytime, but a harmonic scalpel can only coagulate as it cuts. Compared to a Bovie, a harmonic scalpel also tends to cause less lateral thermal damage.
The harmonic scalpel system is generally composed of a generator, a hand-held ultrasonic transducer, a hand switch, a foot pedal, and a scalpel that is used to cut the instrument. During the procedure, the harmonic scalpel vibrates in the range of fifty-five thousand and five hundred hertz. It does this while cutting through tissues and sealing them by using protein denaturation to stop the bleeding.
There are several medical procedures that can be performed with the use of the harmonic scalpel. These include lung biopsy, thyroidectomy, laparoscopic cyst decortications, gynecologic cancer, and tonsillectomy. A lot of plastic surgeons have also learned that a harmonic scalpel system is better than surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, and face lift. Patients who undergo a procedure using harmonic scalpel is less likely to experience bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
The harmonic scalpel system is now one of the arrays of systems used by surgeons in treating various medical conditions. It can provide surgeons with better cutting precision, as well as allow them to more efficiently cut through thicker tissues. Their visibility problems can also be reduced because of less smoke emitted by the system when it is in operation. The surgical procedure is simpler with fewer instrument swaps. However, a harmonic scalpel is not that easy to move compared to a Bovie.
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