Argon beam coagulation systems

We evaluated the two argon-enhanced coagulation (AEC) systems currently on the market from two different manufacturers, basing our ratings primarily on performance and safety and considering the clinical perspectives gained from discussions with surgeons who use these units. We rated both units Acceptable. Because one unit has characteristics that provide a potential safety advantage (i.e., it produces lower gas pressure at the tissue and limits certain gas flow/power combinations), we ranked it slightly higher than the other unit. However, sufficient laboratory and clinical studies must still be carried out to assess the risk of gas embolism with these and future systems.