Temperature controlled electrosurgical vessel sealing

Abstract

Electrosurgical sealing of large canine vessels (3-5 mm) can be feedback controlled by thermocouple-measured temperatures at the surface of the vessel. The duty cycle of a 500 kHz constant voltage source is regulated by means similar to pulsed width modulation, temperatures in different tissues were repeatable. Also, histologic analysis reveals thermal damage in the tissue and sealing in the intimal layer.<>