Monopolar Electrosurgical Thermal Management

Abstract

Monopolar surgical dissecting uses a pencil like device and electrical current to cut through fibrous tissue and seal off vessels. During surgery, heat is applied for coagulation, which creates collateral damage to adjacent nerves that are heat sensitive. This project is expected to develop a surgical thermal management system to protect the nerve from thermal damage during monopolar surgical dissecting in both open and laparoscopic procedures. Because of the widespread use of monopolar energy, a main goal of this thermal management system is to eliminate thermal damage to surrounding nerves, improving post-operation quality of life for patients.