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Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing
J S Kennedy1, P L Stranahan, K D Taylor
1Valleylab, Inc., 5920 Longbow Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, USA.
Surgical Endoscopy
|June 5, 1998
Summary
New electrothermal seals offer a reliable alternative to traditional knot tying for hemostasis. These seals demonstrate comparable bursting strengths to clips and ligatures, ensuring effective vessel closure.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Surgical Hemostasis
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Intracorporeal knot tying presents challenges in surgical procedures.
- There is a growing need for efficient alternatives for achieving hemostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of energy-based seals for vascular hemostasis.
- To compare the bursting strength of electrothermal seals with conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Sealing of 331 arteries and veins using controlled electrothermal energy and physical compression.
- Comparison of seal bursting strength against ultrasonic, bipolar coagulation, surgical clips, and ligatures.
Main Results:
- Electrothermal seals exhibited significantly higher bursting strengths (>400 mmHg) than ultrasonic and bipolar occlusions (p < 0.001).
- Seal competence was visually confirmed by translucence.
- Seals demonstrated comparable bursting strengths to clips and ligatures.
Conclusions:
- Precise energy control and compression create a translucent, protein-based seal.
- These seals are robust, comparable to clips and ligatures, and integrated into the vessel wall.
- The seals can typically be transected after a single application, simplifying surgical procedures.
