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Bioskills Spotlight
Harmonic Scalpel vs. Bovie - what's right for you?
The Harmonic scalpel, also called a Harmonic generator, is a cutting instrument used during surgical procedures to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue. It uses ultrasound technology to cut tissues while simultaneously sealing the edges of the cut. The  system typically is composed of a hand-held ultrasonic transducer, generator, hand switch, foot pedal, and scalpel that serves as the cutting instrument.
The Harmonic scalpel is similar to a Bovie, but superior in that it can cut
through thicker tissue, creates less toxic surgical smoke and may offer greater precision. However, the Harmonic scalpel is not as easily maneuverable as the Bovie, and takes longer to cut and coagulate tissue. Additionally, while a Bovie can be used to coagulate bleeding tissue at any time, the Harmonic scalpel only coagulates as it cuts.
The Harmonic scalpel causes less lateral thermal damage than the Bovie. A Bovie performs its action via an electrical current (and production of heat), while the Harmonic scalpel cuts via vibration. The scalpel surface itself cuts through tissue by vibrating in the range of 55,500 Hz. The vibration cuts through the tissue and seals it using protein denaturization, rather than heat. A good analogy is whisking an egg white; denaturation of the protein by vibration rather than heat.
In a lab setting, the Harmonic scalpel is used both for open procedures (tonsillectomy, ENT, face lift, hemorrhoid, thyroid) and laparoscopic (gynecology, urology, general) procedures.
Looking for a Harmonic Scalpel for an upcoming event? Contact MEDSource today at 303-750-5357 or email us - we can help.
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Tools of the Trade...laparoscopic stuff galore; what are you looking for?
MEDSource offers the Ethicon Endo-Surgery G11 Generator (HARMONIC® Scalpel) with handpiece for rent to bioskills labs. A variety of disposable shears are also available.
 | | Ethicon G11 Generator |
Although the Harmonic Scalpel produces less surgical smoke than a Bovie(mostly water vapor), we recommend using laparoscopic smoke evacuation (PlumePort- ActiV from Buffalo Filter) tubing for a clear field of vision for the surgeon and lab participants.
If a Bovie is used (monopolar/bipolar) with a suction/irrigation/Bovie handpiece, such as the Stryker  StrykeFlow-2, in addition to the Harmonic Scalpel, the PlumePort- ActiV, or similar device, will provide quick passage of the Bovie surgical smoke from the cavity without the need to open a stopcock and vent the hazardous smoke into the lab for all to inhale.
Call 303-750-5357 or email us for more details or a quote on any of these products or any other equipment and supply items needed for an upcoming event. |
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Industry News
American Orthopaedic Association
June 12 - 15, 2013
American College of Surgeons
Washington, DC
Oct 6 - 10, 2013
North American Spine Society (NASS)
New Orleans, LA
Oct 9 - 12, 2013 |
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The MEDSource Challenge is taking some time off and will be back soon. Watch this space for new contests & gift cards! |
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Answer to March's MEDSource Challenge:
A Q-Tip is not a type of Bovie tip.
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