Historical development of bipolar coagulation.

Barrett, Stephen L; Vella, Joseph M; Dellon, A Lee · Microsurgery · 2010

other · Level V

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Abstract

In 1926, a physicist at Harvard named William T. Bovie created an instrument, which revolutionized the medical profession--the unipolar electrocautery device. This incredible device could make surgical incisions and provide hemostasis as well. It came with a price, however, as it also created new risks and dangers in the operating room, such as electrical burns and fires. To resolve some of these problems, a bipolar electrocautery device was developed. The historical development and principles of both unipolar and bipolar electrocautery will be discussed in this article.

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