BOWA ARC 350 Electrosurgical Unit Overview

What the BOWA ARC 350 is

BOWA describes the ARC 350 as an all-in-one electrosurgical unit with device settings pre-programmed for numerous standard procedures. It has two monopolar and two bipolar outputs that can be configured individually, so up to four instruments can be connected at the same time. The glass touch panel is divided into four quadrants that correspond to the four sockets, which makes it easy to see which instrument is set to what.

The manufacturer lists applications from general, thoracic and paediatric surgery to gynaecology, urology, ENT, neurosurgery and cardiac surgery. That breadth is the main reason a hospital with a shared theatre suite might consider a single generator model for many rooms.

Key technical data

Maximum monopolar power is 400 W (at 100 Ω) and maximum bipolar power is 400 W (at 75 Ω). The output frequency is stated as 350 kHz / 1 MHz. The unit measures 430 × 180 × 475 mm and weighs 12.5 kg, so it fits standard equipment booms and carts without special arrangements.

For delicate work the ARC 350 offers micro-regulation down to 0.1 W, which BOWA positions for plastic surgery and neurosurgery. Monopolar simultaneous coagulation with two handles is also listed.

• Four outputs: two monopolar and two bipolar
• Micro-regulation down to 0.1 W
• Software updates via USB
• Integrated arc control and continuous self-testing
• COMFORT instrument recognition

Safety functions

The ARC 350 includes neutral-electrode monitoring under the name EASY, with a baby mode for small patients. Continuous self-testing and arc control are integrated as well. These functions support, but never replace, correct pad placement and checks by the team; our article on return electrode contact monitoring explains what such monitoring does and does not detect.

COMFORT recognition reads compatible instruments and preselects basic settings, which reduces set-up errors in busy lists.

The LIGATION option and ARC 350 vs ARC 400

An optional LIGATION package allows sealing of vessels up to 7 mm with BOWA instruments, such as the laparoscopic ERGOseal. If bipolar sealing is a routine requirement, confirm at order stage that the package is included in your configuration.

The ARC 400 has the same 400 W monopolar and bipolar ratings and the same size and weight, but lists up to five simultaneous instruments, simultaneous activation of two bipolar instruments (SimCOAG), a memory of 300 favourites portable via Dr. Dongle, and bipolar resection for urology as an option. Choose the ARC 350 for a flexible four-output generator; consider the ARC 400 if you need five connections, urological resection or the broader specialty modes. For a full look at the larger unit see our ARC 400 overview.

Adding argon and smoke evacuation

Like the ARC 400, the ARC 350 can be docked with the ARC PLUS argon unit for argon plasma coagulation and argon-assisted cutting. A surgical smoke evacuator such as the BOWA SHE SHA can be linked to ARC generators by a connecting cable for activation with the generator. Planning these accessories at purchase avoids rebuilding the trolley later.

Questions to ask before ordering

Which sockets will your most common instruments use, and does the four-output layout match your procedures? Are footswitches, cables and neutral electrodes included, and are COMFORT versions of your instruments available? What training and service support is provided locally? Beckfinity can answer these and arrange a demonstration; contact our specialists to request a quote.