Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Implantation and Control of Wireless, Battery-free Systems for Peripheral Nerve Interfacing
Published on: October 20, 2021
Dissection using pulsed radiofrequency energy device (PlasmaBlade) is safe and efficient in experimental revision
Alistair Paterson1, Ashwin Kumaria1, Murugan Sitaraman1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Nottingham University Hospitals, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
Background:
The use of functional neurosurgical implants has increased over the past 10 years. PlasmaBlade is an innovative electrosurgical appliance harnessing pulsed radiofrequency (RF) energy. Our aim was to assess the risk of damage to neuromodulation hardware during PlasmaBlade dissection.
Materials And Methods:
A simulated setting with chicken breast threaded with different hardware and PlasmaBlade used in three configurations. . Post dissection, the wires were inspected naked eye and under an operating microscope. The induced current was assessed contemporaneously using an oscilloscope.
Results:
Five surgeons tested the PlasmaBlade at different generator settings. Sixty dissections were undertaken. No structural damage or induced current was identified at CUT 3/4, COAG 5. At CUT 6, COAG 5 and during dissection in a perpendicular orientation with prolonged hardware contact, opacification of insulation material occurred in 15/20 dissections. There was no dissolution of insulation even at this setting. On deviation from Medtronic advice, hardware damaged occurred if one was reckless with the PlasmaBlade.
Conclusion:
When using the recommended settings and operational technique, PlasmaBlade dissection did not cause any damage to implant wiring/tubing in this simulated setting. This report seeks to add to clinical data suggesting PlasmaBlade is safe for dissection around deep brain stimulator (DBS), vagal nerve stimulator (VNS), and spinal cord stimulator (SCS) hardware.
