surgical course

1. Argon Beam Coagulation Zarak Khan Lect. Surgical AMI

2. Argon Beam Coagulation A procedure that destroys tissue with an electrical current passed through a stream of argon gas to the tissue. It is used to treat endometriosis and other conditions, and to stop blood loss during surgery

3. Argon Beam Coagulator Argon gas can be incorporated into a monopolar ESU to create a path between the tissue and the active electrode handpiece. The gas is inert and noncombustible and is easily ionized by the electrical current. Argon is heavier than air and creates less plume. The argon-enhanced ESU tip is held at a 60-degree angle and does not contact the tissue during coagulation, thereby causing less tissue damage.

4. The depth of penetration is less than with other forms of monopolar energy The active ESU tip and gas stream are passed over tissue to evenly coagulate larger areas. The gas displaces the bleeding over the surface of the target organ. Care is taken not to cause the gas to enter large open vessels because of the risk of gas embolism. Argon-enhanced electrosurgery is a form of monopolar ESU and requires the use of a patient return electrode.

5. Argon-enhanced electrosurgery is used with caution during laparoscopy. The argon gas adds to the cumulative effect of pneumoperitoneum and overpressurization. Argonis less soluble in blood than CO 2 and could persist long enough to pass to the heart in the form of a gas embolus. One port should be available for venting gases between extended uses of the argon to prevent build up of the gas.

8. Auto transfusion Machine / Cell Saver

9. The cell saver allows the blood to be suctioned directly from the surgical field into the machine. It can also suck bloody saline from a basin in which bloody sponges are immersed in saline. The machine filters and anticoagulates the blood and fluid, readying it for IV reinfusion back to the patient. This process causes little or no harm to the red blood cells

10. The cell saver is capable of processing large quantities of blood and irrigation fluid and is used when a large blood loss is possible, such as a ruptured spleen or large blood vessel, major spinal surgery, major orthopedic procedures or multiple trauma with suspected major bleeding One major disadvantage to the cell saver device is that it may require a dedicated operator to run it. Check your institution’s policy regarding who can operate a cell saver.