Effective bone hemostasis and healing using radiofrequency and conductive fluid

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Achieving hemostasis in bone is challenging due to its mineralized nature.
• Conventional methods for bone hemostasis are often inadequate, carry systemic risks, or leave foreign material.
• There is a need for effective and safe hemostatic techniques in bone surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel radiofrequency/saline device for topical bone hemostasis.
• To compare the efficacy of this device against conventional electrocautery and no treatment.
• To assess the impact of the device on bone healing.

Main Methods:

• A sheep model utilizing iliac crest ostectomy (cancellous bone) and drilled tibia defects (cortical bone).
• Application of a radiofrequency/saline wand device topically to bone.
• Evaluation of bleeding control, serial radiography, CT, histology, and mechanical testing at 6 and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The radiofrequency/saline device achieved nearly complete bleeding control (93%), significantly higher than electrocautery (56%) or no treatment (0%).
• Electrocautery resulted in visible surface char at 6 and 12 weeks.
• No significant differences in bone healing or mechanical strength were observed between the radiofrequency device, electrocautery, and untreated bone.

Conclusions:

• Topical radiofrequency/saline application is an effective method for rapid bone hemostasis.
• This technique provides superior bleeding control compared to electrocautery without compromising bone healing.
• The device avoids the charring complications associated with electrocautery, offering a potentially safer alternative.