Applications of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) devices in trans-oral head & neck surgery

Abstract Objective Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing devices are electrosurgical devices that seal tissues and blood vessels up to 7 mm in diameter. This paper discusses our experience using electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing devices in transoral head and neck surgery. Methods Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing devices were used in five patients with lesions of varying size and type within the pharyngo-larynx. These were treated transorally by the otolaryngology department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Either the Medtronic LigaSure or BiZact devices were used for transoral resection, debulking or division of these lesions. Results Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing devices were considered helpful in four out of the five cases. Success was dependent on suitable transoral access. A single unsuccessful case reflected the LigaSure jaw's inability to engage a large tumour effectively. Conclusion Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing devices can be safely deployed transorally to treat lesions of the upper aero-digestive tract in selected patients. Further studies investigating additional indications would broaden applications of this approach.