Electrosurgery in pediatric catheter interventions

Electrosurgery refers to the use of high-frequency alternating current in continuous mode to cut tissues by generating heat through vaporization of water molecules to hydrogen and hydroxide ions. This aids in transcatheter procedures to open atretic valves or atretic vessels, recanalize occluded blood vessels and conduits, and create new communication between adjacent cardiac chambers that have wide application in different structural and congenital heart diseases. This review aims to provide information on the physics behind electrosurgery, terminology used, and different clinical applications and finally details the practical techniques to be followed in the catheterization laboratory using the commonly available gadgets and catheters.