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Antiadhesion Function between a Biological Surface and a Metallic Device Interface at High Temperature by Wettability
Jun-Yong Park1, Mizuki Tenjimbayashi1, Jun Muto2
1Center for Material Design Science, School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Superhydrophobic coatings on bipolar forceps reduce tissue adhesion and heat damage during electrosurgery. This innovation minimizes operational delays and collateral tissue injury in procedures like neurosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Metallic medical equipment, including bipolar forceps used in electrosurgery (especially neurosurgery), can cause collateral heat damage to tissues due to high tip temperatures.
- Tissue adherence to bipolar forceps necessitates frequent cleaning or replacement, leading to prolonged surgical times and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate bipolar forceps with enhanced antiadhesion properties using a superhydrophobic material coating.
- To investigate the impact of this coating on reducing tissue adhesion and thermal damage during electrosurgery.
Main Methods:
- Bipolar forceps were coated with a superhydrophobic material.
- Coated and uncoated forceps were tested on various tissue samples at different temperatures.
- Surface wettability, temperature increase, and adhesion forces were measured and compared.
Main Results:
- The superhydrophobic coating significantly reduced the temperature increase at the forceps tips.
- Adhesion force measurements showed a substantial decrease in tissue adherence to coated forceps.
- Antiadhesion properties were directly linked to modifications in surface tension caused by the hydrophobic coating.
Conclusions:
- Superhydrophobic coatings effectively impart antiadhesion properties to metallic surgical instruments like bipolar forceps.
- These coatings show significant potential for minimizing tissue adhesion and reducing collateral heat damage, thereby improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.

