Achieving precise power output
Professor Martin Raithel MD* works alongside medical devices manufacturer Bowa on the use of argon plasma coagulation in endoscopy. "The argon unit, in conjunction with the generators of the Bowa ARC range, is working very reliably in different disciplines", he says. "It is opening up new methods in flexible endoscopy with argon-assisted electrosurgery due to its outstanding ignition and power characteristics."
Many publications have already appeared relating to the outstanding characteristics of ARC generators in conjunction with the ARC Plus, Bowa points out. ‘Like its big brothers in the ARC series, in conjunction with the ARC Plus, the Bowa ARC 200 makes an unbeatable system. An unbelievably low 10 Watt power setting enables argon plasma coagulation to be carried out safely and with particularly fine dosing. The penetration of argon plasma coagulation can therefore be almost steplessly controlled. In this way, efficient coagulation can be produced even more safely in areas that are sensitive to perforation, such as the small intestine, for example. Stuck electrodes and mechanical traumas are avoided thanks to the non-contact process.’
In gastroenterology the process is particularly suitable for polypectomy, papillotomy, double-balloon enteroscopy, coloscopy, mucosectomy, rectoscopy and gastroscopy (Bowa provides the various flexible probes).
‘To guarantee reliable argon ignition, the ARC Plus argon coagulation unit and the ARC generators are optimally matched to one another. The wide argon gas control range of 0.1 l to 9.5 l/min allows the system to be ideally adapted to the type of operation,’ Bowa adds. ‘Argon plasma coagulation can be used with rigid or flexible probes. Power settings from 1 Watt to 120 Watt are possible.’
The Argon-Flex, GastroCut Pap and GastroCut Pol programmes are provided for flexible endoscopy, and the unit has an argon programme for open or laparoscopic surgery.
‘The combination of cutting and coagulation current achieves optimum results when using polypectomy loops or papillotomes,’ Bowa points out. In addition, the haemostasis effect of the cutting current can be finely controlled at the press of a button.
* ‘Applicability, effectiveness and safety of Bowa generators and argon units in gastroenterological endoscopy’, by M Raithel; J Hänsler and EG Hahn of University Clinic Erlangen, and A Nägel of Bowa-electronic, published in Endoscopy today 3/06.
31.07.2007
