Hemostasis with the Ultrasonic Scalpel

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ultrasonically activated scalpel is a surgical instrument that is used in minimally invasive surgery to safely cut and seal vessels. This study reported the experimental observations of the use of a laparoscopic ultrasonic scalpel, including its safety and feasibility. in sealing vessels of different diameters in an in vivo animal model during both physiological and supraphysiological blood pressure (BP) conditions. METHODS: One healthy female swine was used. We performed resections of the omentum, biopsies in different regions of the liver, and a hysterectomy. Vessels with diameters ranging from 2 to 10 mm were sealed with the ultrasonic scalpel under regular hemodynamic conditions and during pharmacologically induced arterial hypertension (BP challenge). RESULTS: For 10 random cuts made in the omentum and during the hysterectomy, the ultrasonic scalpel was effective and fast, with no immediate or delayed bleeding. Bipolar energy, sutures, and hemoclips were not required to control bleeding. No bleeding was observed in sealed vessels up to 8 mm, even during BP challenges sustained for longer than 5 minutes. When testing vessels of 10 mm, bleeding occurred in 1 common iliac vein before 10 minutes of waiting (the point of bleeding was easily identified) and bleeding occurred in 1 of the common iliac arteries during the BP challenge. CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate that the ultrasonic scalpel can safely seal arteries up to 8 mm in diameter to prevent or control bleeding during laparoscopic procedures, even when BP exceeds normal levels.