Bipolar Scissors in Open Surgery: What BOWA BiZZER Offers

What bipolar scissors do

Conventional scissors cut by mechanical shearing, and bleeding is then controlled with a separate coagulation device. Bipolar scissors have two electrically isolated blades connected to a bipolar generator. The surgeon can cut mechanically, close the blades on a small vessel and activate bipolar current, or use the blade surfaces to coagulate tissue before dividing it.

BOWA describes BiZZER as combining cutting, preparation and coagulation, so the surgeon does not have to change instruments. This is valuable in dissection near sensitive structures, in plastic and head and neck work, and in gynaecological and urological open surgery where instrument changes interrupt the rhythm.

Current confined between the blades

In bipolar operation the current passes only between the two blades, not through the patient to a return pad. BOWA highlights that, because the coagulation effect stays local, the instrument is suited to work near sensitive structures. This also means no neutral electrode is needed, which is relevant for patients with implanted cardiac devices; read our article on electrosurgery and pacemakers for the wider considerations.

A non-stick coating on BiZZER limits tissue adhesion, which keeps the blades cleaner during repeated coagulation and reduces tearing when the blades are opened.

• No return electrode needed in bipolar mode
• Local coagulation effect between the blades
• Non-stick coating reduces tissue adhesion
• Thin precision tips for fine dissection

Patterns, versions and compatibility

BiZZER is offered in Metzenbaum, Mayo and Stevens patterns. The standard version connects to various generators via different cables, which is helpful if your department has more than one brand. The COMFORT version carries an RFID chip that provides plug-and-play use and usage tracking with BOWA COMFORT generators.

Match the instrument with your generator: confirm the correct connection cable, the bipolar power range and the mode used for scissors. The ARC 400 lists COMFORT instrument recognition and bipolar output of up to 400 W (75 Ω). Check with the supplier which bipolar settings are recommended for the scissors; power too high can cause sticking and charring.

Bipolar scissors versus forceps and separate scissors

The classic alternative is bipolar forceps plus scissors. Forceps are excellent for pinpoint coagulation but cannot cut, so the surgeon swaps instruments or relies on an assistant. Scissors that coagulate shorten that loop, though they are not a replacement for forceps when you need to grasp and compress a larger bleeder. Our bipolar forceps guide covers that side. Both have their place in a well-stocked set.

For vessel sealing of larger vessels, dedicated sealing instruments are the appropriate tool; bipolar scissors are for small vessels and fine dissection.

Care, reprocessing and checks

Inspect the blades for alignment and sharpness at each cycle, and the insulation and cable for cracks. Follow the manufacturer's reprocessing instructions and keep a record of cycles for reusable parts. Our article on reprocessing electrosurgical instruments describes the typical steps. Blunt or misaligned scissors increase tearing and pressure on tissue.

Choosing and next step

When evaluating bipolar scissors, request a hands-on trial: feel, tip fineness and blade sharpness matter more than brochure statements. Ask about COMFORT versions, cable options, stock of patterns and service support. Beckfinity can supply BiZZER with a BOWA generator; contact our specialists to request a quote or a demonstration.