Coblation^® technology can be used in the larynx and trachea for removing or debulking sessile polyps, lesions, or tumors. In addition, recent studies about airway fires suggest that, under normal operating circumstances, using Coblation technology in place of traditional electrosurgical or laser devices can significantly reduce the risk of igniting an airway fire.^1,2,3

Coblation-based bipolar plasma devices are designed to operate at a relatively low temperature to gently dissolve and/or shrink target tissue with minimal thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Coblation technology provides ablation, resection, coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in one convenient surgical device.

Numerous studies have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals that demonstrate the physician and patient benefits of Coblation laryngeal surgery procedures. The most current listing of related journal articles can be found via the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline/PubMed database.

References:

1. Smith LP, Roy S. Operating room fires in otolaryngology: risk factors and prevention. Am J Otolaryngol. Article in press (Epub 2010 Apr 14).
2. Roy S, Smith LP. Device-related risk of fire in oropharyngeal surgery: a mechanical model. Am J Otolaryngol. 2010 Sept;31(5):356-359. This article references preclinical non-human data. As such, results may not necessarily be the same in human procedures.
3. Matt BH, Cottee LA. Reducing risk of fire in the operating room using Coblation technology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Sept;143(3):454-5.