Strength and Persistence of Energy-Based Vessel Seals Rely on Tissue Water and Glycosaminoglycan Content

"In Vitro" Evaluation of Energy-Based Sealing of Graft Side Branches in Bypass Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Our objective was to compare the in vitro efficacy of electrothermal bipolar [EB] vessel sealing and ultrasonic harmonic scalpel [HS] versus mechanical interruption, with conventional ties or surgical clips (SC), in sealing saphenous vein (SV) collaterals, during its eventual preparation for bypass surgery.

METHODS

Experimental in vitro study on 30 segments of SV. Each fragment included two collaterals at least 2 mm in diameter. One of them was sealed by ligation with 3/0 silk ties (control) and the other one with EB (n = 10), HS (n = 10) or medium-6 mm SC (n = 10). After incorporation in a closed circuit with pulsatile flow, the pressure was progressively increased until causing rupture. Collateral diameter, burst pressure, leak point, and histological study were recorded.

RESULTS

Burst pressure was higher for SC (1320.20 ± 373.847 mmHg) as compared with EB (942.2 ± 344.9 mmHg, p = 0.065), and especially with HS (637.00 ± 320.61 mmHg, p = 0.0001). No statistically significant difference between EB and HS was found, and bursting always happened at supraphysiological pressures. The leak point for HS was always detected in the sealing zone (10/10), while for EB and SC, it occurred in the sealing zone only in 6/10(60%) and 4/10(40%), respectively (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Energy delivery devices showed similar efficacy and safety in sealing of SV side branches. Although bursting pressure was lower than with tie ligature or SC, non-inferiority efficacy was shown at the range of physiological pressures in both, EB and HS. Due to their speed and easy handling, they may be useful in the preparation of the venous graft during revascularization surgery. However, remaining questions about healing process, potential spread of tissue damage and sealing durability, will require further analysis.

Energy-Based Tissue Fusion for Sutureless Closure: Applications, Mechanisms, and Potential for Functional Recovery

As minimally invasive surgical techniques progress, the demand for efficient, reliable methods for vascular ligation and tissue closure becomes pronounced. The surgical advantages of energy-based vessel sealing exceed those of traditional, compression-based ligatures in procedures sensitive to duration, foreign bodies, and recovery time alike. Although the use of energy-based devices to seal or transect vasculature and connective tissue bundles is widespread, the breadth of heating strategies and energy dosimetry used across devices underscores an uncertainty as to the molecular nature of the sealing mechanism and induced tissue effect. Furthermore, energy-based techniques exhibit promise for the closure and functional repair of soft and connective tissues in the nervous, enteral, and dermal tissue domains. A constitutive theory of molecular bonding forces that arise in response to supraphysiological temperatures is required in order to optimize and progress the use of energy-based tissue fusion. While rapid tissue bonding has been suggested to arise from dehydration, dipole interactions, molecular cross-links, or the coagulation of cellular proteins, long-term functional tissue repair across fusion boundaries requires that the reaction to thermal damage be tailored to catalyze the onset of biological healing and remodeling. In this review, we compile and contrast findings from published thermal fusion research in an effort to encourage a molecular approach to characterization of the prevalent and promising energy-based tissue bond.

Therapeutic Systems and Technologies: State-of-the-Art Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges

In this review, we present current state-of-the-art developments and challenges in the areas of thermal therapy, ultrasound tomography, image-guided therapies, ocular drug delivery, and robotic devices in neurorehabilitation. Additionally, intellectual property and regulatory aspects pertaining to therapeutic systems and technologies are addressed.

Laparoscopic suture-less herniotomy using tissue-sealing device for paediatric hydrocele

Introduction:

Laparoscopic herniotomy (LH) for hydrocele is an accepted procedure and provides advantages of contralateral diagnosis and repair with the same incisions. The suturing of patent processus vaginalis is associated with various complications. We describe suture-less herniotomy using tissue-sealing device for LH of hydrocele in children.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out on a prospective group of 21 children presenting with hydrocele after 1 year age over a period of 2 years. All infants with hydrocele and complicated hydroceles were excluded. The technique involved peritoneal incision and sealing of hydrocele sac with tissue-sealing device.

Results:

A total of 21 patients (28 hydroceles) were operated. The age ranged from 1 year to 14 years (mean age, 4 years). Ten right, 4 left and 7 bilateral hydroceles (2 diagnosed on laparoscopy) were operated. Operative time ranged from 15 to 32 min, with a mean time of 18 min. All patients were discharged after a hospital stay of 12 h. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. One patient had persistent hydrocele for 4 months which resolved spontaneously.

Conclusion:

The laparoscopic suture-less herniotomy for paediatric hydrocele is a safe, secure and easy procedure which can reduce suture and suturing-related complications following LH in hydroceles.