First Year Fellows Endoscopy Course (August 5 - 6)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Joel Munzer, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, gives a talk on electrocautery. He explains that electrocautery is a misnomer and the proper term is electrosurgery. Electrocautery is when the device itself gets hot and transmits heat to the tissue, which is uncommon in gastrointestinal endoscopy. He discusses the fundamental purpose of an electrosurgical generator, which is to produce high-frequency AC current to heat tissue. He explains the two main tissue effects of electrosurgery: cutting and coagulation. Cutting is achieved at high voltages, while coagulation occurs at lower voltages. Dr. Munzer emphasizes the importance of understanding different currents and their effects on tissue, as well as knowing the specific currents and settings that work best for each individual. He also discusses the use of APC (argon plasma coagulation), a non-contact form of electrosurgery, in various procedures. Dr. Munzer concludes by highlighting the importance of knowing the equipment and understanding how to set it up properly. He suggests consulting resources such as textbooks and reaching out to representatives from electrosurgical equipment companies for further guidance.

Asset Subtitle

B. Joseph Elmunzer, MD

Keywords

electrocautery

electrosurgery

gastrointestinal endoscopy

electrosurgical generator

cutting

coagulation