Surgical Diathermy or Electrocautery

Last modified: May 30, 2021
Estimated reading time: 2 min

Surgical diathermy or Electrocautery uses direct current whereas electrosurgery uses alternating current.

Radiofrequency Generator:

Generates high-frequency currents (100 K-Hz to 4 MHz) which induces ionic vibration but no movement.
Ionic vibration generates intracellular heat but no muscle/nerve depolarization.
Power settings are in Watts (amps x volts).

Intracellular heat can cause:

boiling + explosion (CUT), and/or
dehydration (desiccation), and/or
fire sparks (fulguration).

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