Smart Cautery: Enhancing Safety in Electrocautery Procedures
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed Smart Cautery, a module for electrocautery wands used in surgeries such as tonsillectomy. This innovative device aims to enhance safety by cutting current to the electrocautery wand when unsafe conditions are detected, such as elevated ambient oxygen levels or when the wand is not in the surgical field. By integrating air sampling and proximity sensors, Smart Cautery prevents catastrophic airway fires and inadvertent burns to surrounding tissues, significantly improving surgical outcomes.
Description
Smart Cautery consists of two main features: an attachable air sampling piece with built-in proximity sensors and a current-intervening module (CIM). The CIM includes gas flow and signal facilitators, processors such as oxygen sensors, vacuums, and microcontrollers. The electrocautery wand connects to the CIM, which then connects to the current-generating system. Acting as an intermediate current modulator, the CIM permits or diverts current flow based on oxygen concentration levels within the mouth cavity and the proximity of the sensor to the tissue. This ensures the cautery only functions under safe conditions, preventing airway fires and burns to surrounding tissues.Applications
• Surgical procedures• Tonsillectomy
• Hemostasis
• Surgical dissection