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1. Electrosurgery
Intervention in
Flexible Endoscopy
---Managing Safety
Clinical Update
For Physicians and Nurses
2010
Greg Chappuis, B.S.
ERBE-USA, INC

2. HUMAN DIGESTIVE TRACT

3. Wall Thickness of the Small / Right Colon
The wall thickness of the right colon and
small bowel is approximately 2mm which
is less than three stacked pennies.

4. PEDUNCULATED POLYP
• Basic pedunculated
polyp.

5. SESSILE POLYPS
• Sessile Polyp:
Any polyp with a
broad base.

6. Hemostasis
• Superficical bleeding

7. Many tools…many variables
Braided – non braided snare?
Cap assisted?
Submucosal fluid cushion?
Type of generator?
Waveform?

8. WOULD A PILOT FLY WITHOUT AN UNDERSTANDING

9. We are educated…but….
50%
21%
10%
19%
None 1/2 to 1 Day
1+ Day
< 1 Hour
> Formalized Education on Electrosurgery
Survey of 400 Surgeons

10. LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT ELECTROSURGERY

11. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
 Direct current = Cautery
Direct current, which for
example is generated by
batteries, is not suitable for
electrosurgical procedures
because in addition to the
desired thermal effect it also
generates an undesirable
electrolytic effect, producing
acids and bases at the
electrode poles.
Danger of caustic burns !
- 11

12. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
 Alternating current
Alternating current with
frequencies which are normally
used in every household (50-60
Hz) is not suitable for
electrosurgical procedures
because in addition to the
desired thermal effect, these
frequencies can produce an
undesirable faradic effect
resulting in neuromuscular
stimulation.
Muscle contractions !
- 12

13. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
Stimulating effect of alternating
current on nerve and muscle
cells as a function of frequency
The frequency of the alternating
current must be high enough to
ensure that no neuromuscular
stimulation is produced.
Therefore only high-frequency
alternating current with
frequencies above 300.000 Hz
(300kHz) is used in
electrosurgery.
- 13

14. The Electrical FREQUENCY Spectrum
(Why patients do not feel electrosurgery…)
54-880 MHz
60 Hz 100,000 Hz
350,000 Hz
ESU’s
550-1550 kHz
Household Neuromuscular
stimulation
AM Radio
TV

15. • Circuit - flow of current from the
ESU to the active electrode, to the
patient, to the pad, and back to the ESU.
• Voltage - electrical force pushing
current around the circuit, through
varying degrees of tissue resistance.
• Resistance (Impedance) - literally the
tissue being treated, which has varying
characteristics.
The Clinical Circuit
• Current – flow of electrons through
the electrical circuit.

16. So how does the clinical circuit work…

17. Clinical Translation of Ohm’s Law
Mathematically: Current =
Clinically:
• Current increases as voltage increases
• Current decreases as resistance increases
Remember: Current is the flow of electrons through a circuit in response to
an applied electromotive force.
Voltage
Resistance

18. Two Basic Principles of
• Always seeks ground.
• Always seeks the path of
least resistance.

19. • Well vascularized area.
• Shortest circuit possible.
• Optimum – on flank.
• Alternatives –
Thigh or Arm.
• Avoid Buttock placement.
• Remove pads carefully to
prevent shearing of skin.
Dispersive Electrodes
GI Endoscopy Pad Placement

20. Muscle, Kidney, Eye
Liver, Oral Cavity
Gallbladder
Bowel, Fat
Mesentary, Brain
Scar Tissue, Lung,
Adhesions
Least to Most Resistance
Tissue Impedance
Impedance Varies with Water Content of Tissue

21. There are Two Different TYPES of ESUs
CONSTANT POWER
• Watts (power) setting is
chosen.
• The Watts remain constant.
• Voltage varies to maintain
Watts.
• All tissue is treated with same
Wattage.
• ValleyLab, Conmed,Endostat,
et al.
CONSTANT VOLTAGE
• Wattage (power) maximum is
selected.
• Voltage remains constant.
• Microprocessors read tissue
response.
• Watts (power) varies according to
tissue variables encountered at
the active electrode contact point.
• ERBE

22. Temp Tissue Effect
104°F: Reversible
cellular trauma
120°F: Irreversible
cellular trauma
158°F: Coagulation
(Desiccation)
212°F: Cutting
392°F: Carbonization
ESU Thermal Effects on Cells

23. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
Cutting
Thermal Effects
Cutting using high-frequency
current
 Essential: ! Sparking !
 Maximum current density
 The extremely rapid vaporization
of the intracellular liquid leads
to
the rupturing of the cell
membrane
 No mechanical force is required
 Simultaneous hemostasis (adjustable)
 (Vaporization)
- 23

24. Constant Power - Types of Electrical Waveforms
Blend
Blend is NOT a mixture of cut and coag. It is
a modification of the duty cycle or coag “ON” time

25. Constant Voltage
Voltage (EFFECT)
EFFECT - is how much voltage that is constantly being delivered
to target tissue. As you increase EFFECT, hemostasis and
thermal effect increases.
EFFECT
1
EFFECT
2
EFFECT
3
EFFECT
4

26. Types of Electrical Waveforms
Cutting: Sinusoid (constant)
• Voltage quickly raises water
temperature in the cell to boiling point
• Cell water turns to steam
• Cell explodes, separating from adjoining
cells
• Cleavage plane is created = clinical
“CUT”

27. Constant Voltage
- 27
ERBE Regulation of
Power Output
The power output is
dynamically regulated
within the pre-set limits.
It is independent of:
 the cutting electrode
 the direction of the cut
 the tissue

28. Conventional vs. Automatic
Cutting Outcomes

29. Electrosurgical Cutting Waveform
Endocut™
Proprietary waveform that involves a fractionated
cutting mode characterized by alternating cutting and
coagulation cycles.

30. Sphincterotomy
Sphincterotomy Techniques
• Pure or blended waveform
controlled by pedal tapping.
• Software controlled,
fractionated cut / coag cycle
with ‘pedal down’.
Clinical Applications

31. Efficacy of Using Endocut
Akiho H, Sumida Y, Akahoshi K, Murata A, Ouchi J, Motomura Y, Toyomasu
T, Kimura M, Kubokawa M, Matsumoto M, Endo S, Nakamura K. Safety
advantage of endocut mode over endoscopic sphincterotomy for
choledocholithiasis. World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Apr 7;12(13):2086-8.
As noted in this study, efficacy of using endocut was shown in comparison
To conventional blended cut mode for pancreatitis by reducing the hypermylasemia.

32. Efficacy of Using Endocut
Perini RF, Sadurski R, Cotton PB, Patel RS, Hawes RH, Cunningham JT.
Post-sphincterotomy bleeding after the introduction of microprocessor-
controlled electrosurgery: does the new technology make the difference?
Gastrointest Endosc 2005; 61:53-57.
The study revealed less endoscopic bleeding with the use of a microprocessor-
controlled in comparison to conventional electrosurgery.

33. Clinical Benefits of CO2 Insufflation
Bretthauer M, et al. Carbon dioxide insufflations for more comfortable endoscopic
retrograde cholangiopancreatopagraphy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind
trial. Endoscopy 2007;39:58-64.
• Absorbed 150 times faster than room air – less
distention and intra and post operative pain.
• Due to the rapid absorption, diminished
distention / pain post procedure occur
allowing the physician to quickly rule out
insufflation pain, in the event of pancreatitis or
perforation.

34. Clinical Applications
Clinical Video: Endocut Polypectomy

35. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
Coagulation
Thermal Effects
Coagulation:
 Hemostasis through ...
 “Coagulation” of proteins...
 Desiccation and shrinkage
through the slow vaporization of
cellular liquid and vascular
occlusion
 Devitalization
 Tumors
 Lesions
 .........
- 35

36. Conventional Vs. Automatic
Coag
Conventional Automatic
Coag

37. Types of Electrical Waveforms
Coag: Modulated (with resting points)
• Current waveform with spikes of high
voltage followed by rest periods
• This allows the cellular proteins to slowly
denature
• Coagulation occurs

38. Electrosurgical Technique
Modulation - Coagulation
- 38
Hemostasis depends on modulation and voltage
Soft Forced
Swift
Dessicate
Spray
Fulgurate
Keep in mind, you can have the wattage set at 60 watts per mode,
but get very different tissue effects depending on the waveform
and voltage associated with it.

39. Basic Principles of Electrosurgery
BIPOLAR
- 39
monopolar electrosurgery bipolar electrosurgery

40. Submucosal Injection
Submucosal injection provides an additional cushion to protect the
muscularis and also aids in dispersing electrosurgical current during
electrosurgical procedures, including APC
Needle-free submucosal injection
Norton ID, Wang LN, Levine SA, Bugart LJ, Hofmeister EK, Yacavo RF, et al. In vivo characterization
of colonic thermal injury caused by argon plasma coagulation. Gastrointest Endosc 2002;55:631-6.
Needle injection

41. Submucosal Injection
Submucosal needle-free injection

42. Electrode
Argon Plasma
Argon Gas
Gas Flow in Probe
Mucosa
Self-Limiting
Desiccation Zone
Argon Plasma Coagulation
When argon gas becomes electrically charged, it forms a plasma with a
self-limiting desiccation zone

43. • Non-contact application
• As target tissue becomes coagulated,
current automatically seeks new
conductive tissue resulting in uniform
hemostasis.
• Smoke is reduced
• Thinner eschar, more flexible
• Limited penetration depth of
approximately 3mm
Argon Plasma Coagulation
Advantages:
Non-contact
no sticking to tissue

44. APC GI Clinical Applications
• Radiation Induced Proctopathy
• Watermelon Stomach (GAVE)
• Treatment of Residual Adenomatous Tissue
• Stent Shortening (e.g. migrated stents)
• Strictures
• Exophytic Benign or Malignant Tumors
• Oozing from Vascular Lesions (e.g. Angiodysplasias,
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs), Telangiectasias)
Gastroenterology Uses found in Clinical Literature

45. Argon Plasma Coagulation
References:
1. “The role of endoscopy in ampullary and duodenal adenomas”. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; 2006: Vol. 64, No 6.
2. Brooker, J. Treatment with APC reduces recurrence after piecemeal resection of large sessile colonic polyps: a
randomized trial and recommendations. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2002.
3. Buyukberber, Mehmet. APC in the treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Turk J Gastroenterol, 2005.
4. Dulai, Gareth. Treatment of Water Melon Stomach. Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 2006.
5. Eickhoff, A, et al. Prospective nonrandomized comparison of two modes of argon beamer (APC) tumor desobstruction:
effectiveness of the new pulsed APC versus forced APC. Endoscopy 2007: 39: 637-642. Ferreira, L, et al. Post-
Sphincterotomy Bleeding: Who, What, When, and How. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007.
6. Eickhoff, A, et al. Pain sensation and neuromuscular stimulation during argon plasma coagulation in gastrointestinal
endoscopy. Surg Endosc. 2007.
7. Fujishiro, M. Safety of Argon Plasma Coagulation for Hemostasis During Endoscopic Mucosal Resection. Surg Laparosc
Endosc Percutan Tech; 2006.
8. Fukami, N. Endoscopic treatment of large sessile and flat colorectal lesions. Current Opinions in Gastroenterology.
2006:22:54-59.
9. Fukatsu, H, et al. Evaluation of needle-knife precut papillotomy after unsuccessful biliary cannulation, especially with
regard to postoperative anatomic factors. Surg Endosc. 2008;22:717-23.
10. Garcia, A, et al. Safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulator ablation therapy for flat colorectal adenomas. Rev Esp
Enferm Dig. 2004:96:315-321.
11. Herrera S, et al. The beneficial effects of argon plasma coagulation in the management of different types of gastric
vascular ectasia lesions in patients admitted for GI hemorrhage. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2008.
12. Horiuchi, A, et al. Effect of precut sphincterotomy on biliary cannulation based on the characteristics of the major
duodenal papilla. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007;5:1113-8.
13. Ifadhli A, et al. Efficacy of argon plasma coagulation compared with topical formalin application for chronic radiation
proctopathy. Can J Gastroenterol 2008;22:129-132.
14. Kitamura, Tadashi. Argon plasma coagulation for early gastric cancer: technique and outcome. Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy, 2006.
15. Kwan, V. APC in the Management of Symptomatic GI Vascular Lesions. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006.
16. Lecleire, S, et al. Bleeding gastric vascular ectasia treated by argon plasma coagulation: a comparison between patients
with and without cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2008:67.
Gastroenterology Uses found in Clinical Literature

46. References:
17. Manner, H, et al. Safety and efficacy of a new high power argon plasma coagulation system (hp-APC) in lesions of the
upper gastrointestinal tract. Digestive and Liver Disease. 2006.
18. Norton, I, et al. A Randomized Trial of Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy Using Pure-Cut Versus Combined Cut and
Coagulation Waveforms. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2005; 3:1029-1033.
19. Norton, I, et al. Efficacy of colonic submucosal saline solution injection for the reduction of iatrogenic thermal injury.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2002:Vol 56, No 1.
20. Olmos, Jorge. APC for prevention of recurrent bleeding from GI angiodysplasias. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2004.
21. Ortner, M, et al. Endoscopic Interventions for Preneoplastic and Neoplastic Lesions: Mucosectomy, Argon Plasma
Coagulation, and Photodynamic Therapy. Digestive Diseases. 2002;20 :167-172.
22. Perini, Rafael. Post-sphincterotomy bleeding after microprocessor-controlled electrosurgery. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
2005.
23. Regula, J. Argon Plasma Coagulation after Piecemeal Polypectomy of Sessile Colorectal Adenomas: Long-Term Follow-
Up Study. Endoscopy, 2003.
24. Repici, A. Endoscopic polypectomy: techniques, complications and follow-up. Tech Coloproctol. 2004; 8: S283-S290.
25. Rerknimitr, R. Trimming a Metallic Biliary Stent Using an Argon Plasma Coagulator. Cardio Vascular and Interventional
Radiology, 2006.
26. Ross, A. Flat and Depressed Neoplasms of the Colon in the Western World. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006.
27. Schubert, D. Endoscopic treatment of benign gastrointestinal anastomotic strictures using argon plasma coagulation in
combination with diathermy. Surg Endosc; 2003:17:1579-1582.
28. Soctikno, R, et al. Prevalence of Nonpolypoid (Flat and Depressed) Colorectal Neoplasms in Asymptomatic and
Symptomatic Adults. JAMA. 2008: Vol 299, No 9.
29. Vargo, John. Clinical Applications of APC. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2004.
30. Zlatanic, J, et al. Large sessile colonic adenomas: use of argon plasma coagulator to supplement piecemeal snare
polypectomy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; 1999: Vol. 49, No. 6.
Argon Plasma Coagulation
Gastroenterology Uses found in Clinical Literature Cont.

47. Argon Plasma Coagulation
Pulsed 2 APC GAVE

48. Argon Plasma Coagulation
The extent of the thermal effect of APC on tissue depends on several factors:

49. Argon Plasma Coagulation
Another important factor involving thermal effect is the mode chosen
APC has evolved through specialized
modes with more controllable thermal
effect:
• Pulsed 1 APC: pulses one time per
second, used for focused coagulation
• Pulsed 2 APC: pulses 16 times per
second, used for wide spread
coagulation
• Forced APC: Constant beam, often
used for devitilization of tissue (Original
APC for GI – ERBE APC 300 circa 1992 –
used Forced or constant beam only)

50. Argon Plasma Coagulation
Modes
Precise APC:
• The Precise mode creates a more
superficial coagulation effect using
a low-energy output, suitable for
temperature sensitive, thin-walled areas
• Due to its potential to auto-regulate the
beam by increasing and decreasing
intensity with probe movement (i.e
distance in relation to target tissue),
thermal effect is more homogenous
Regula J, Wronska E, et al. Vascular lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Best Practice and Research Clinical Gastroenterology 2008; 22: 313-328

51. Argon Plasma Coagulation
Application techniques:
Static:
• The probe is focused in one
single area, thermal penetration will
increase over time
• If applied for long periods of time in
the same area, carbonization and
vaporization can occur
• For superficial treatment, short
activation times of 1 to 2 seconds are
used
Dynamic:
• The probe is moved with paintbrush-like
strokes over the target area while
observing the target tissue effect

52. Argon Plasma Coagulation offers particular advantages for endoscopic
applications as it allows APC to be applied en face or tangentially, enabling
less accessible areas to be easily treated
En face APC
Tangential APC
Argon Plasma Coagulation
Ar
Ionized Argon Gas
Ar
Ar

53. Argon Plasma Coagulation
GI Thermal Tissue Sensitivity

54. DISPOSABLE Filter Integrated Probes
Built-in Filter, Disposable Hose, Integrated probe
in all styles

55. • 2.3mm (7fr) Straight Fire Probe is good for focused areas.
It can fire straight forward or tangential to the tissue.
• 3.2 mm (10 fr) Straight Fire Probe is good for tumor
ablation in the stomach and esophagus. It requires a
therapeutic scope with a larger working channel.
Straight Fire Probe

56. 2.3 mm (7 fr) 360º Circumferential Probe Provides
additional protection from perforation. Wide variety
of uses. Ideal for those new to APC.
Circumferential Probe

57. Side Fire Probe
2.3 mm (7 fr.) Side Fire Probe works well in large areas
requiring hemostasis. The 45 degree opening provides a
wide wedge-shaped path of APC

58. 2.3 mm (7 fr) 300mm length fits all models of push
enteroscopes. Used for AVMs in the Small Bowel.
Enteroscope Probes

59. In Conclusion…
Understanding all possible variables can lead to
better clinical decisions in support of optimal outcomes.