Laparoscopic Bipolar Forceps with Finger Switch: BOWA ERGOact

What ERGOact is

BOWA presents ERGOact as the first bipolar coagulation instrument with manual finger-switch activation. The surgeon presses the blue button on the handle instead of searching for a foot switch, which keeps attention on the operative field and allows an upright stance. The shaft rotates 360°.

It is used in laparoscopic gynaecology, urology, general and bariatric surgery. Jaw variants are Maryland, Kelly, fenestrated and fenestrated Maryland, in working lengths of 360 mm and 460 mm (the longer one is for bariatric work), with a shaft diameter of 5 mm.

Why activation by hand matters

Foot pedal activation is standard, but it forces the surgeon to keep a foot positioned, adds cables on the floor and can cause errors when several pedals are present. Finger switching puts activation exactly where the grip is, reduces unintentional activation from the wrong pedal and can improve posture during long cases.

It is a matter of preference, and some surgeons prefer the pedal. A trial in your own theatre is the best test. The switch location also reduces floor clutter, which makes it easier to keep a clear path around the table.

• Activation at the handle, no pedal search
• Upright stance, reduced fatigue
• Fewer cables on the floor
• Works as a COMFORT instrument with ARC generators

Generator compatibility

As a COMFORT instrument, ERGOact is recognised automatically by ARC generators. The BOWA ARC series (Type I to V) lists manual activation with ERGOact and DISSECT modes that extend its use in laparoscopy; see our overview of the compact ARC generators. The ARC 400 offers bipolar output of up to 400 W (75 Ω) and COMFORT recognition, and the ARC 350 offers two bipolar outputs.

Before buying, confirm the generator, cable and connector your department will use, and check software versions. Ask the supplier to demonstrate the instrument on your actual unit.

Reprocessing and cost per use

BOWA states that ERGOact is reusable up to 50 times and simple to reprocess. Reusable instruments shift costs from per-case purchases to reprocessing, inspection and eventual replacement. Count the cost per use as the instrument price divided by realistic cycles, plus cleaning, sterilisation and inspection time, and compare it with single-use alternatives. Track cycles in your sterile services department.

Inspect insulation, jaw alignment and the finger switch at every cycle, and take an instrument out of service if there is damage. For process details see our guide to reprocessing electrosurgical instruments.

How it compares with other bipolar laparoscopic tools

ERGOact is a coagulation instrument. If your cases need sealing of larger vessels, look at a sealer such as the BOWA ERGOseal, which seals and cuts vessels up to 7 mm. For small vessel coagulation and tissue handling, bipolar forceps remain the workhorse, and for energy platform decisions see our vessel-sealing buying guide. Evaluate on neutral criteria: reliability, reprocessing burden, handle feel, generator compatibility and local support.

Checklist for a trial in your theatre

A structured trial gives better data than opinions. Ask two or three surgeons who regularly use bipolar forceps to use ERGOact over several cases, and have the scrub nurse record handling, set-up time and any alarm or connection problem. Note how many cycles the instrument has completed and any visible wear after reprocessing.

Compare the jaw type with the tissue you handle most: Maryland for fine dissection and coagulation, fenestrated for broader grasping. Confirm the 360 mm length suits your ports, and the 460 mm length your bariatric cases. Finally, check that spare instruments and service are available locally, since a single missing instrument can disrupt a list.

Next step

Beckfinity can supply ERGOact with a compatible BOWA generator and arrange installation and training. Contact our specialists to request a quote or an evaluation of the instrument in your OR.