Electrosurgical Unit Types: From OR Generators to RF Office Devices

Classifying by output: monopolar, bipolar or both

The first distinction is the kind of output. A monopolar unit sends current from an active electrode through the patient to a return pad. A bipolar electrosurgery unit sends current only between two electrodes in the same instrument, such as forceps, so no pad is needed. Most hospital generators offer both outputs; simpler ones may be bipolar-only for neurosurgery, ENT or dermatology.

A monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery unit gives the greatest flexibility, because the same generator serves open surgery with a pencil, laparoscopy with bipolar graspers and microsurgery with fine forceps. For the physics, read monopolar vs bipolar electrosurgery.

Full OR generators and modular platforms

Full operating-room generators are high-power units that support several instruments, special modes and accessories. The BOWA ARC 400 is an example: up to 400 W monopolar and bipolar, vessel sealing through the LIGATION function, up to five instruments connected and COMFORT instrument recognition. It can be docked with ARC PLUS to add argon capability.

The compact and flat ARC generation from BOWA illustrates the other end of the OR class. The ARC series comes in five socket configurations (Type I to V) so that a hospital can choose the number of monopolar and bipolar outputs it needs, has a 7-inch colour touch display and a WIZARD for guided set-up, with up to 300 W monopolar and 200 W bipolar.

Compact radiofrequency units for clinics and office procedures

Some specialities need precision rather than power. The ATMOS RS 221 is an ENT radiofrequency unit that works at 2.2 MHz and offers Mono Cut, Mono Coag and Bipol Coag modes with a wide range of mostly reusable electrodes. Units like this are small, suit clinic rooms and are typically used for turbinates, soft palate and minor lesions.

Dermatology, dentistry, gynaecology offices and minor-surgery clinics use similar compact devices. See also diathermy for minor surgery clinics.

Sealing, argon and smoke-evacuation platforms

Some units are defined by an added function. Vessel sealing platforms, such as the ARC 400 with ERGOseal, fuse vessels of up to 7 mm according to BOWA. Argon platforms, such as ARC PLUS, add argon plasma coagulation for contact-free haemostasis over large surfaces and for flexible endoscopy.

A smoke evacuator is not a generator, but in practice it is part of the electrosurgical system: see smoke evacuator guide. When you list your requirements, treat generator, sealing, argon and smoke control as a combined specification.

Matching unit type to setting

Match the unit to case mix. A general surgery and gynaecology theatre usually needs a full generator with sealing; a specialist theatre with tight space may prefer a flat generator with configurable sockets; an ENT clinic needs a compact RF unit; and an endoscopy suite may need argon.

Beckfinity can help you compare types against your cases and budget. Contact our specialists, and read about the uses of electrosurgical units for further orientation. Registration of each model should be confirmed with the relevant UAE authority.

A useful exercise is to list your five most common procedures and mark which output, mode and accessory each one needs. The unit type that covers all five without compromise is usually the right class.