ArthroCare ENT International
Coblation® technology
Coblation technology is based on a controlled, non-heat driven process that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium such as saline solution to create a precisely focused plasma. Energized particles, or ions, in the plasma have sufficient energy to break, or dissociate, molecular bonds within soft tissue at relatively low temperatures (typically 40°C to 70°C). This enables Coblation devices to volumetrically remove target tissue with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Coblation devices are also used for tissue shrinkage and hemostasis.
A cool technology
Because RF current does not pass directly through tissue during the Coblation process, tissue heating is minimal. Most of the heat is consumed in the plasma layer, or in other words, by the ionization process. These ions then bombard tissue in their path, causing molecular bonds to simply break apart and tissue to dissolve.
|
Coblation-based |
Conventional Electrosurgical |
|
| Temperatures | 40°C to 70°C | 400°C to 600°C |
| Thermal Penetration |
Minimal | Deep |
| Effects on target tissue |
Gentle removal, dissolution | Rapid heating, charring, burning, cutting |
| Effects on surrounding tissue |
Minimal dissolution | Inadvertent charring or burning |
Broad applicability
COBLATION technology has been used successfully in millions of surgical procedures within arthroscopy, spine and neurology, otolaryngology, urology, gynecology, and laparoscopy/general surgery. Many more applications are being explored.
Further reading
- Jean Woloszko, Member, IEEE, Kenneth R. Stalder, Member, IEEE, and Ian G. Brown, Fellow, IEEE. Plasma Characteristics of Repetitively-Pulsed Electrical Discharges in Saline Solutions Used for Surgical Procedures. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, June 2002; VOL. 30, NO. 3.
- K.R. Stadler, J. Woloszko, I.G. Brown, C.D. Smith. Repetitive plasma discharges in saline solutions. Applied Physics Letters, December 31, 2001. VOL.79, NO. 27.
