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The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the argon beam coagulator on peripheral nerves
Author(s) -
Steiniger Joseph R.,
Fee Willard E.,
Nowels Kent W.,
Lusted Hugh S.,
Wilkinson Albert H.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-199211000-00012
Subject(s) - peripheral , medicine , new zealand white rabbit , surgery , nuclear medicine , anatomy , biology , paleontology
The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the Bard Argon Beam Coagulator (ABC) were investigated in the New Zealand White rabbit. Thirty‐four rabbits were divided into three groups. Controls underwent simple femoral exploration and closure. The remaining rabbits' femoral nerves were spot coagulated with either the ABC or standard electrosurgical unit (ESU). Stimulus thresholds were recorded before treatment and again prior to sacrifice at 0, 30, 60, or 120 days. Thresholds were significantly elevated for the ABC and ESU compared to controls ( P = .0077 and .0351, respectively). Changes in threshold were greater for the ABC than for the ESU, but were not significant. All ABC‐ and ESU‐treated nerves had significant histologic injury when compared to controls ( P < .0002). Although the ABC may be clinically safe, significant injury to rabbit femoral nerves occurs when they are exposed to energy emitted by this instrument.