Safety technologies for laparoscopic monopolar electrosurgery; devices for managing burn risks

The use of monopolar electrosurgery during laparoscopy has many benefits. But it also creates the risk that high-frequency leakage currents could travel from the active electrode to patient tissue, causing burns. In some cases, these burns can be serious and even lead to life-threatening complications. In this Evaluation, we review four products designed to reduce the risk of leakage-current burns during these procedures. One of the products is an active-electrode shaft with a brightly colored inner layer of insulation, making it easier to spot insulation breaks that could allow leakage currents. Two of the products use high DC voltage to detect full-thickness breaks in electrode insulation. The other product is an active-electrode shielding system that provides protection during a procedure by conducting potentially dangerous leakage current away from the patient. We rate one product Preferred and the others Acceptable. However, we don't believe that any of these technologies are essential to safe monopolar laparoscopic electrosurgery. If these technologies are used, they should be viewed only as supplemental safety measures, not as a substitute for the general safe practices required during these procedures.