Ultrasonic Dissector Brings Efficiency to the Operating Room

An ultrasonic dissection device delivers high frequency ultrasonic vibrations, which simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.

The Sonicision cordless ultrasonic dissection device is a hand-held, battery-powered surgical instrument developed for soft tissue incision and hemostasis in a wide variety of surgical procedures, including general, bariatric, colorectal, gynecology, and urology. The simplified set-up of the system allows for more freedom of movement, while an intuitive dual-mode energy activation control enables easy transition between energy modes, delivering faster dissection through tissue when needed and less surgical plume for improved visibility in the surgical field.


Among the features of the device is a reusable generator with an integrated light emitting diode (LED) telltale that provides feedback, and an advanced lithium polymer battery—both sterilizable with low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma for up to 100 cycles; and a 39 centimeter long, 5 mm diameter ultrasonic dissector with a 14.5 mm active blade. The Sonicision cordless ultrasonic dissection device is a product of Covidien (Dublin, Ireland), and was awarded the 2013 Medical Design Excellence Award (MDEA) gold medal.

“We have created a true innovation in the medical device industry with Sonicision,” said Paul Hermes, vice president and CTO of Surgical Solutions at Covidien. “The device is clinically proven, and the cordless feature is transforming how laparoscopy will be performed in the future. By decreasing the number of electrical cords in the operating room, the new device is safer, more efficient and user-friendly for surgeons, scrub technicians and operating room staff.”

Ultrasonic dissectors use two types of energy; low power which cleaves water containing tissues by cavitations, leaving organized structures with low water content intact, such blood vessels, bile ducts, etc.; and high power systems which cleave loose areolar tissues by frictional heating and thus cut and coagulate the edges at the same time. High power ultrasonic dissection may cause collateral damage by excessive heating.

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