The Hybrid Plasma Scalpel

Posted On: May 07, 2013 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Uncategorized

I recently had the opportunity twice to use the new Canady Vieira Hybrid Plasma Scalpel.  This is the most advanced electrosurgical energy wave that has been developed for surgery and endoscopy.  It is extremely useful for precision dissection and immediate hemostasis.  The fact that plasma is the most common form of matter in the universe and is considered to be the fourth state of matter, allows flexion of free moving electrically charged particles of electrons and free radicals with the use of this coagulation cutting device.  It is known as a plasma gas which includes helium, xenon, argon, neon, krypton and radon.  The hybrid plasma cautery device integrates high frequency monopolar current with inert plasma gas diverted into a cold plasma beam which allows precision cutting and coagulation concurrently with biological tissues.  I used this device both on a breast reduction procedure as well on a full tummy tuck abdominoplasty.  The scalpel has a fine tip needle-like ending which allows for extremely fine excision and incision of tissue.  The hybrid argon plasma coagulator allows for immediate beam coagulation and reduced blood loss.  The scalpel delivered a precise beam of less than 1 mm diameter and the depth of injury is quite low at only .1 mm.  This device has been used in general surgery for exploratory laparotomies and multiple GI surgical procedures and cardiothoracic surgery for replacement of pacemakers, open heart surgery and vascular bypass; orthopedic surgery for hip replacements and amputations, total knee reconstruction as well as organ transplantation.  For plastic and reconstructive surgery, it has been used for mammoplasty, both breast augmentation and breast reduction, although placing this intrathoracic could be a problem.  It is very useful for mastectomies, abdominoplasties and excision of breast tumors.