Advanced Cutting Effect System versus Cold Steel Scalpel: Comparative Wound Healing and Scar Formation in Targeted...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Electrosurgery for skin incisions historically raised concerns regarding healing, scarring, and infection.
• Modern electrosurgical generators with pure sinusoidal

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare scar formation and patient satisfaction between incisions made with a cold steel scalpel (CSS) and the ACE Blade with Mega Power Generator (ACE system).

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving plastic surgery patients undergoing bilateral incisions.
• One side used CSS, the contralateral side used the ACE system.
• Scar assessment by blinded observers and patient satisfaction surveys at 120 days post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Observer ratings for vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, and relief showed no significant difference between ACE system (11.1 ± 4.4) and CSS (10.8 ± 3.7) incisions (P < 0.0001).
• Patient ratings for pain, itching, discoloration, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity were also comparable between ACE system (9.4 ± 9.2) and CSS (9.3 ± 8.5) incisions (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• The ACE system demonstrated noninferior wound healing and scar formation compared to the CSS.
• Modern electrosurgery offers a viable alternative to traditional cold steel scalpels for skin incisions.