Initial experience using a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device for hemostasis during thyroidectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Technology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Nanotechnology in Medicine

Background:

• Thyroidectomy commonly involves significant bleeding.
• Effective hemostasis is crucial for patient safety and outcomes.
• Novel energy devices are being developed to improve surgical safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation (BRFA) device utilizing nanotechnology.
• To assess the device's efficacy in controlling bleeding during thyroidectomy.
• To determine the safety profile of the BRFA device in this surgical context.

Main Methods:

• A single institution performed 58 thyroidectomies using the BRFA device (EnSeal) for hemostasis.
• Clinicopathologic data and complications were systematically recorded.
• Outcomes were compared with existing literature on other energy devices.

Main Results:

• The BRFA device was used in 58 thyroidectomies with a mean operating time of 81 minutes.
• Average blood loss was 46 mL, with 90% of patients discharged within 23 hours.
• No hemorrhages occurred; one recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and one transient hypocalcemia case were reported.

Conclusions:

• The BRFA device demonstrates initial safety and effectiveness for thyroid hemostasis.
• Minimal thermal spread makes the device potentially advantageous for structures near the operative field, such as the RLN.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger patient cohorts.