| Theme |
Countermeasures of adverse events in therapeutic endoscopy |
| Title |
Mechanism and pitfalls of complications associated with energization of the electrosurgical unit |
| Author |
Ken Yoshimura |
Department of Endoscopy, Kobe University Hospital, Clinical Engineer |
| Author |
Takashi Toyonaga |
Department of Endoscopy, Kobe University Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Many different endoscopic treatment devices are currently available. Also, the performance of electrosurgical unit (ESU) has been greatly improved. However, only introducing the latest devices and ESU is not enough to prevent complications in endoscopic electro-surgery. Because, endoscopists should control the direction of the devices and the duration of conduction of power operation which creates Joule's heat.
The depth of cut or coagulation varies according to the selected output mode (output waveform), Effect (peak voltage), the contacted area (current density) and degree of traction applied to the tip of the device. It is important to consider these situations before energization to perform safe and highquality endoscopic electro-surgery. |