[Experimental study of the effect of the Argon Beam Coagulator on organic tissues from the viewpoint of surgical...

The Argon Beam Coagulator has gained his space in surgery thanks to its operative characteristics, that are very useful in sealing the bleeding parenchymal tissue with minimal injury to the surroundings. The aim of the present study is that of evaluate the physical properties of the instrument in its coagulation action. The experimental study with the Birtcher 6000 Argon Beam Coagulator has been designed to measure the top temperature that develops right where the Argon beam meets the tissue, while operating. Using a laser guided telethermometer, the searching of that temperature was uneasy right on the operatory field because of the unwilling movements of the operator hand and those of the patient himself. Therefore a similar protocol was made on a piece of meat coming from the butcher. At the longest application of the beam coagulation on the same point the developed temperature was never higher than 100 degrees C whilst a complete coagulation effects. The advantage of the Argon Beam coagulation are therefore to seal the diffuse bleeding without injury to this adjacent tissues, never exposed to a temperature higher than that of boiling water. The advantages are also evident in comparison with the more usual spray electrosurgery that is instead characterized by a wide carbonisation also with this spray option.