The removal of adenoids is generally a time consuming process due to the amount of bleeding after the excision.

The use of electrosurgical instruments to achieve electrohemostasis during adenoidectomy is generally awkward and time consuming, using the coagulation current for "spot coagulation" of blood vessels individually. Additionally, charring and an excessive trauma to the site of surgery is often the result.

In response to these problems, ELMED has developed electrosurgical adenoid curettes which may be used in a fashion similar to that of the Barnhill adenoid curette. In the process of mechanical cutting, the electrosurgical current will seal capillaries and by so doing prevent reabsorption of infectious substances. After the excision is made, bleeding may be treated with the edge of the blade of the curette or with a ball electrode.

ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTES

The ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTE, insulated, with RF-connection, available in 4 sizes, with or without suction

Standard Barnhill adenoid curettes have been modified by reducing the thickness of the cutting edge, adding a 4 mm banana plug connection, and thoroughly insulating all but the cutting edge itself, which in turn becomes the only active electrode surface. The remainder of the instrument is electrically inactive. On all four sizes the refined, sharpened edge will provide improved cutting capability and enhance the instrument's active electrode characteristics.

With the utilization of the correct technique, the use of the "pure" electrosurgical cutting current and a slower, more deliberate motion (rather than a quick, forceful stroke), the ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTE will provide hemostasis to the tissue bed. Capillary coagulation will be attained providing the entire active electrode surface is in proper contact with the tissue bed. The remaining bleeders may be treated by touching the blade against them, or using a ball electrode.

One must consider that when cutting with electrosurgical currents, as opposed to the use of cold cutting instruments, or in combination, particular attention must be paid to the type of electrosurgical current being utilized. The use of the "pure cutting" current is rcommended with the ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTES due to the nature of the active portion of the instrument, which is a relatively large contact area on the respective tissue bed. Contact coagulation is produced with the higher average power (RMS) of the pure, sinusoidal cutting current. The result is an evenly, and more thoroughly coagulated tissue bed. Without the extensive tissue trauma, the healing time and decreased post operative pain will be reduced.

The use of blended coagulation currents are not advised for electrosurgical adenoidectomy, due to the resultant higher voltage. Also, the excessive arcing and associated surface heating of the coagulation current will cause increased tissue trauma due to charring and unnecessary postoperative pain. This superficial destruction will also invite secondary bleeding.

Using "pure cutting" current enhances the curette's cutting capability and results in more thorough, deeper penetrating coagulation	The use of  "coagulation" or "blended" current decreases the curette's cutting capability and coagulation and excessive charring

• Simaltaneous cutting and coagulation
• Enhanced efficiency due to the control of bleeding, reducing operating room time
• Destruction of bacteria with the radio frequency electrosurgical currents, resulting in better first intention healing
• Compatible with standard operating room electrosurgical systems
• Available with and without suction capability
• Both standard Barnhill curette models and reverse angle Barnhill models available
• Autoclavable by both conventional steam or gas methods

ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTE with reverse angle,

for improved visualization from behind the head

THE ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTE with suction,

when suction for smoke evacuation is desired, we offer models in each blade size

Recommended reading: ELMED's "lntroduction to Electrosurgery", available at no charge upon request

BLADE WIDTHS OF THE ELMED ELECTROSURGICAL ADENOID CURETTES