Healing of canine skin incisions with monopolar electrosurgery versus scalpel blade

The use of monopolar electrosurgery for surgical hemostasis in humans has been well established. Its ability to prevent minor bleeding has proved valuable in veterinary surgery, although some anecdotal debate remains regarding its appropriate use. Tissue incision occurs with a low- voltage, continuous waveform, creating high temperatures locally, leading to vaporization and subsequent incision of the tissue. Coagulation results from an intermittent waveform at a higher voltage. The electrical charge is driven deeper into the tissue, limiting focal heating but generating more collateral tissue damage.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Surgery (Soft Tissue) Source Type: research