Bovie Medical Insights

Veterinary Electrosurgery vs. Cautery: Key Features and Benefits

Bovie Medical — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:50:00 GMT

Over the years, as surgical procedures have evolved, so have the tools, instruments and devices used to deliver patient care. Veterinary surgical practices include a number of modalities that utilize energy based devices as the fundamental tools. Veterinarians can now harness various principles regarding electrons, photons and sound waves or radio frequency to transfer energy to the tissue of patients.

With the controlled application of energy through procedures, such as electrosurgery and cautery, veterinarians can use the latest techniques to coagulate blood vessels, weld tissues, desiccate skin lesions and promote healing.

Over 88 years ago, William T. Bovie, PhD introduced the first electrosurgery unit (ESU) to his colleague, Harvey W. Cushing, MD. Dr. Cushing had been unsuccessful in removing a tumor from a patient’s head due to excessive hemorrhaging. Facilitated by Bovie’s ESU, Dr. Cushing subsequently carried out the operation successfully.

Today, ESUs have become standard tools in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and veterinary operating rooms. They are often confused with, and used in conjunction with another device called a cautery, to provide a comprehensive range of surgical capabilities.

Electrosurgery for Veterinarians

The original electrosurgery generators have evolved from bulky units to compact, sophisticated computer control devices. The technology uses electrical energy in the radio frequency ranges to create an alternating current that produces the desired effect. Based on the procedure being performed, the veterinarian may adjust two settings--the type of energy waveform and the amount of the energy flow.

The electrical energy flows through a handpiece to electrodes of various sizes and shapes as required to perform the desired incisions, and/or coagulation. The electrical energy causes heat generating vibrations at the tissue level without causing the electrode itself to become heated.

Veterinarians appreciate the capability to perform a variety of procedures that traditionally require incision.

De-claw
Ear crop
Treating dermal lesions
Biopsy
Bleeding control

Electrosurgery units generally operate in the frequency range of 500 kHz to deliver the best results.

Cautery for Veterinarian Practices

Cautery is often confused with electrosurgery. Cautery describes a procedure that requires a high degree of heat at the electrode tip itself. Using a small handheld device, a heated wire tip is applied to the targeted tissues. A cautery tool cannot make incisions or capture samples. The real value lies in its ability to reach into small target areas to stop bleeding.

Cautery units consist of hand-held, battery-powered pencil-type devices that are available in high and low temperature models. Bovie’s high -temperature cauteries operate in the range of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit while the low-temperature cauteries operate in the 700-1300 degree Fahrenheit range.

Cautery devices can be used to treat a number of conditions, including:

Wart removal
Treatment of skin lesions
Treat surface tumors
Dock ears
Declaw

Cautery has become an invaluable tool for veterinary surgery procedures. Cautery seals blood vessels quickly and allows the four-footed patient to start the recovery process from the moment it leaves the veterinarian’s office.

With a variety of Bovie Aaron cautery devices, the procedure has begun to make similar inroads into animal hospitals and operating rooms. Along with electrosurgery, cautery has become a popular method of treatment for veterinarians.

Recommended ESU Settings and Uses for Veterinary Applications

Bovie Medical — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:29:00 GMT

The use of energy-based devices in the field of veterinary surgery has seen a significant increase over the past number of years. With the introduction of any new piece of equipment there is sometimes a lack of really adequate instruction regarding it’s most efficacious use. This situation may also apply to the use of electrosurgical units (ESUs) for veterinary applications.

To address this situation, Colby Burns, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVSMR, has kindly provided some guidelines for use of the Bovie Aaron 1250V Electrosurgical Unit in animals that we hope will be helpful. Here are her recommendations. (As with any piece of equipment, the following is offered as a guideline only, recognizing that variations may occur which would have to be addressed individually.)

POWER SETTINGS

Skin Surgery for Dogs and Cats

Canines - For small to medium sized dogs a power setting of 15 to 20 watts should be appropriate, using a non-coated electrode. For larger dogs, using a coated electrode, a power setting of 20 to 25 watts would be more appropriate. This should apply equally to both the Blend and Cut Only modalities.

Felines - For most domestic cats a power setting of 10 watts using non-coated electrodes or 15 watts with coated electrodes should be acceptable with no significant change whether using Blend or Cut Only modalities.

Fascia Surgery

Canines - 15 watts of power should be appropriate

Felines - 10 watts of power should be all that is needed

Oral Mucosa Surgery - Uncoated Pin Point Needle Tips only

Canines - Use 10 watts

Felines - Use 5 to 10 watts

Urinary bladder Surgery - (serosa through mucosa)

For both canines and felines - Use 10-15 watts; depending on the degree of cystitis or thickening of the bladder wall

Parathyroidectomy

Canines - Use 10 watts with an uncoated, fine point electrode tip

Muscle Dissection

The power setting will depend on the thickness of the muscle involved - (these settings are based primarily on amputation; however for thoracotomy, for example, it would be the lower end of the settings as you are basically going through one layer of muscle at a time)

Canines - 15 to 25 watts

Felines - 10 to 15 watts

All of these settings can be applied specifically to each procedure, i.e.

Ovariohysterectomy - use canine - Skin (15 to 25 watts)
Fascia (or linea alba) would be 15 watts for dogs and 10 watts for cats
Castration - use canine - Skin (15 to 25 watts)
Fascia (spermatic) 10 to 15 watts, since this fascia is thinner compared to the linea alba
Declawing - use fascia (dogs, 15 watts; cats, 10 watts)

RETURN PAD (Metal Plate)

The patient return pad is a grounding plate and ensures that the electrical energy makes a complete circuit back to the power generator of the ESU. Not having the return plate properly connected to the patient may cause the ESU to operate improperly and can also subject the patient to the possibility of electrical burns.

It should go without saying, but let’s say it anyway, be sure to use the metal plate patient return pad, and be sure that there is good contact to the patient using the proper electrode gel (not ultrasound gel). The skin is a poor conductor of electricity. Therefore, a conductive interface material is necessary to reduce impedance at the junction between the skin and the plate. Without this interface, high impedance may reduce the amount of current and the skin may be burned. Applying electrode gel will reduce impedance at the junction of the skin and plate. Too little gel or incomplete coverage can increase the likelihood of burns, while excessive or stray gel can allow the electrical current to arc (which may also cause burns). Any area of the disposable electrode not in direct contact with the skin has increased resistance, which may cause a burn and less current.

Bovie Medical would like to thank Dr. Burns for her input and assistance. We want to do what we can to assure that our customers and their patients get the benefit of the best use of our products. We also invite our veterinary colleagues to view our Veterinary Product Catalog.

Photo credit: PoshMoggy via photopin cc

Veterinary Electrosurgery vs. Radiosurgery: What’s the Difference?

Bovie Medical — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 15:16:00 GMT

Veterinary surgery has gone beyond the conventional techniques that rely on scalpels to perform many procedures. New cutting-edge technologies and methods for surgeries have provided veterinarians with more options. One such option is electrosurgery or radiosurgery/radiofrequency surgery.

Seventy years after the first Bovie electrosurgical unit was successfully used to remove the remaining portion of a mass from a patient’s head, improved electrosurgery units and tools have paved the way for significant advances in surgical procedures and the use of energy-based devices.

Electrosurgery Units

ESUs give veterinarians the ability to vary the settings for the voltage and currents to produce a variety of waveforms to achieve a specific surgical effect, such as cutting, blended cut, coagulation, fulguration and bipolar mode.

When set in cutting mode at the maximum power output, the generator produces a continuous waveform. The other modes rely on intermittent waveforms with lower maximum power.

Increasingly more veterinarians use ESUs to perform routine and sophisticated surgeries because it lessens the need for anesthesia and requires shorter post-surgical healing times. ESUs are used for a variety of veterinarian applications, including:

Neutering
Emergency care
Dermal lesions treatment
Ear cropping
Eyelid surgery

More than 80 percent of all surgeries rely on ESU equipment, including the veterinary applications of the Bovie Aaron ESUs.

Monopolar versus Bipolar Methodologies

Monopolar electrosurgery constitutes the most common method of operation. This method utilizes a handpiece with an electrode tip to make the incision and coagulate the blood vessels in the area. To operate properly the ESU requires a completed electrical circuit. The circuit incorporates a high-frequency oscillator and amplifiers within the electrosurgery unit, connecting cables and electrodes, and a return pad connected back to the unit. The return pad must be properly placed on the opposing side from the surgical site to complete the circuit and restrict any stray electrical pathways.

The bipolar electrosurgery method uses two electrodes in a forceps style that allows the current to pass from one tip, through the tissue, to the opposite tip. This eliminates the need for a return pad. This method requires the target tissue to be grasped between the two electrode tips, and is most commonly used for pinpoint coagulation.

Benefits of Electrosurgery

The use of electrosurgical units present a decided advantage over that of cold steel scalpels. Here are some of those advantages:

Superior sculpting precision.
Offers the ability to stop bleeding in the surgical area.
Reduce risk of hemorrhaging.
Decrease length of recovery for pet patient.
Less time spent at the veterinarian facility.

Radiosurgery

The terms radiosurgery and radiofrequency surgery have recently been introduced into the marketplace. A common question is how these devices differ from electrosurgery units. According to some there is no difference between the terms electrosurgery and radiosurgery since they are both used to refer to similar devices. Both technologies rely on the use of electrical energy in the radio frequency range to desiccate (remove intra- and extra-cellular fluid), fulgurate (tissue destruction by sparking), or cut target tissues with or without coagulation. The primary difference between the devices involves the portion of the radiofrequency range in which they operate.

Electrosurgery units generally operate in the 500 kHz range, the lower end of the AM radio band; while the, so-called, radiosurgery units operate at the 4.0 mHz frequency range, which is in the shortwave and CB (Citizen’s Band) bandwidth. The claim of the manufacturers of these radiosurgery units is that, since their units operate at such a higher frequency, the depth of tissue penetration is less, making it more safe to use. The opposing argument would be that, since the depth of tissue penetration is less, more passes are required to achieve the desired result which requires more time.

When evaluating veterinary applications of the Bovie Aaron and other units, it is important to remember that both ESU and radiosurgery devices operate in the radio frequency range. So both are radiofrequency surgery devices. However, the cost can frequently be VERY different.

Image courtesy of: niamwhan/ Freedigitalphotos.net

4 Veterinary Electrosurgical Safety Considerations

Bovie Medical — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 20:02:00 GMT

The Bovie Medical Corporation is a leader in electrosurgical equipment including many veterinary applications. Because of the healing advantages for animals and the long term cost benefits for the practitioner, the use of tools for veterinary electrosurgery is on the rise. When making the move to electrosurgery, it's important to learn how to use the devices properly to get the results you desire. And, it’s important to be safety minded when taking advantage of these advancing technologies.

Whether you’re considering a purchase, or have already implemented these tools in your practice, you should give careful consideration to safety. Here are four items to think about.

1. Fires

The combination of an electrical spark and flammable gases means an explosion or fire can happen if you’re not vigilant about your safety measures. With an increase in the attention to appropriate safety measures, fire hazards have been reduced over the years. The most effective action taken to help reduce this danger is eliminating anesthetic gases from the operating room, and removing other flammable objects that might be present. Alcohol preps can ignite if an active electrode is nearby. An active electrode might spark a fire if inadvertently placed on sponges or near other flammable materials.

2. Unintended burns at the electrode site

Although the veterinarian’s goal is to make the procedure as painless as possible for the animal, unintended burns can happen and seem to be the least understood hazard in surgery. There are different ways a patient might be burned - improper pad placement could cause contact between a live electrode and tissue, or unintended contact could happen due to faulty insulation on a live electrode through deterioration from normal wear and tear. Make sure the equipment isn’t faulty. A safe practice is to carefully inspect the active electrode. Should a crack or other deterioration be noted, dispose of it, and replace it. Using extra caution during the procedure can help avoid unintended burns at the electrode site.

3. Unintended burns at an alternate site

Because electrosurgery involves electricity, other possible danger points should be given attention. In electrosurgery, electricity passing between an insulated electrode and a metal trocar could cause an inadvertent injury. These alternate path burns can be avoided and are rarely an issue. Today's isolated units are unquestionably safer than the old fashioned ground reference machines.

4. Smoke

Electromedical devices used in electrosurgery can produce a noxious smoke. The Association of Operation Room Nurses (AORN) is one group who recommends taking actions to remove the smoke from operating rooms and other practice areas. A smoke evacuation system can help remove the smoke generated by these devices, and help staff and patients avoid inhalation.

Alarming, but controllable.

The safety hazards mentioned here do exist, but all are preventable with proper attention. By providing ongoing education for staff, these dangers can be avoided, and even eliminated altogether. Education should focus on the proper care and handling of the electrosurgical equipment used in the office. The most effective safety system in electrosurgery is a knowledgeable staff and vendor.

Image courtesy of: photostock/ Freedigitalphotos.net

Veterinary Applications of Energy Based Devices

Bovie Medical — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 14:54:00 GMT

In today's world of advanced technology, the use of energy based devices in the operating room appears to be coming more commonplace - as well it should be. Time and again these technologically advanced devices make it possible for surgery to be completed more quickly and efficiently. As Wikipedia explains it, devices such as lasers, ultrasonic or harmonic devices as well as cold plasma and electrosurgical units help to prevent blood loss during surgery through the process of electrocoagulation. And as pointed out in an earlier blog post, excessive bleeding can make it difficult, if not impossible, to find and remove tumors and masses (hence the birth of electrosurgery).

This isn't only useful for surgery performed on humans, either. Veterinary offices have been making great use of the myriad energy based devices which are currently on the market. In fact these devices, and the surgical techniques they make possible, can be far preferable to traditional methods, such as the use of scalpels. According to Veterinary Practice News, the use of electrosurgery units (ESUs) results in smaller incisions, less itching and therefore less trouble in terms of keeping the animal away from the area post-surgery. It only makes sense, then, that more and more veterinary offices are taking advantage of current technology.

The electrosurgical units available today for use in veterinary offices are quite comprehensive. Not only do they serve as generators, but many come equipped with accessories used specifically in veterinary care.

Truly, between the number of units on the market and the many features which allow for both safety and ease of use on the part of the surgeon, there would appear to be an answer out there to the needs of any practice. For instance, the Aaron® 940-V High Frequency Desiccator features the ability to change power settings with one step instead of four, as found in a competing device. The Aaron® 950-V High Frequency Electrosurgical Generator/Desiccator is a true hybrid and allows the doctor to utilize both high frequency desiccation on the one side of the unit and cut, blend and coagulation functions on the other.

Of course there can be very real drawbacks when it comes time to throw away the scalpel in favor of an ESU. Safety is, of course, paramount when it comes to performing surgery in this manner. Thankfully, today's energy based devices also feature mechanisms such as self-test circuits and audible tones which ensure the safety of the surgeon, staff and patients alike. With such measures in place, these energy based devices can be used with the highest level of confidence in their efficiency as well as their safety.

Naturally, a successful surgery is still in the hands of the surgeon. But proper understanding of the use of energy based devices and best safety practices, combined with surgical skill, are leading to great advancements in the medical field which will inevitably be of benefit to patients - human and animal alike. Bovie Medical is proud to be the manufacturer of such devices which are not only technologically advanced, but also have an established history of being extremely durable, and able to withstand the rigors of an active veterinary office.

Photo credit: ncsunewsdept via photopin cc

Four Popular Energy Based Devices

Bovie Medical — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 18:44:00 GMT

The number of energy based devices for medical purposes has increased considerably in the past few years. However, these surgical tools are not like computers. They do not replace one another and leave the prior model useless.

Take electrosurgery units (ESU), for example. The ESUs in the Aaron line of products definitely improve upon each other, but each device remains versatile and capable of excellent work in specific areas.

Bovie Electrosurgery Units

Aaron 950

This is a High Frequency Desiccator with Cut. It is a unique device due to this versatility. It is similar to the older Aaron 900, which was also a dessicator, but it has added capabilities due to its Bovie Generator. This creates a beneficial split personality which can also cut tissue with its 60 watts of power.

Beyond its capabilities is its user-friendliness. Designed as a three-button pencil, you can power on and off and adjust power with quick, simple movements that allow you to remain focused on any surgical task. The Aaron 950G model combines a smoke evacuator with its energy based devices to enhance the potential for clarity and increase safety during procedures.

Aaron 1250

The Aaron 1250 adds convenience to power and versatility. This tool offers functioning modes that include Cut, Blend, Coagulation and even Fulguration in the same device. The additional Bipolar mode provides surgeons with the option of functioning at an ultra-low power setting of 30 watts.

The Aaron 1250 adheres strictly to safety standards with its isolated circuitry. Discreet outputs and audible tones allow surgeons to work comfortably with this tool without having to turn attention aside to monitors as frequently. The Aaron 1250G model also includes this product line’s superb smoke evacuation system.

Aaron 2250

One or two power settings might satisfy you with regard to the kind of work that you do in your office. However, some physicians need much broader capacity for their work. The Aaron 2250 offers 10 different blend modes. It applies a maximum output of 200 watts and enables surgeons to handle the most demanding surgical tasks. This is under the 300-watt specification required by most hospitals but that level is rarely, if ever, required and simply adds more cost to a device. Aaron has developed the 2250 specifically to provide all necessary power to physicians without forcing them to spend more than is necessary on such equipment.

Aaron 3250

The 3250 operates with an equal ten blend modes when compared to the 2250. This top line device also allows surgeons to save ten settings so that they can be activated or alternated quickly. It also uses the Bovie Fast Digital Feedback System (FDFS). Cycling data back and forth 5,000 times each second, the Aaron 3250 reduces the necessity of changing settings and possibly interrupting the proceedings of a surgery.

These energy based devices are perfect for a variety of surgical settings. Whether you need an ESU in your office or in the hospital, you can find an Aaron ESU from Bovie that will fit your needs exactly.

For further information please visit us on our website http://www.boviemedical.com/.

Photo credit: Leo Reynolds via photopin cc

6 Common Misconceptions About Electrosurgery

Bovie Medical — Fri, 30 May 2014 20:09:00 GMT

Electrosurgical devices have revolutionized surgery. Blood loss and other collateral damage from traditional surgical methods have long plagued patients and doctors with unwanted complications. With applications ranging from gynecological and cardiac surgeries to spinal and neurological procedures, electrosurgical generators are making surgery a safer and more effective alternative for people everywhere. However, as with any technology, there are misconceptions about electrosurgery. Here are a handful of tips to clear up the confusion.

Electrosurgery Misconceptions

Electrosurgery and Electrocautery are the Same Thing

While here are some similarities between the two procedures, electrosurgery is actually quite
different and has different results than electrocautery. The latter uses direct current to heat a probe which seals off blood vessels by burning tissue. Electrosurgery, on the other hand, uses an alternating current to heat the actual tissue and accelerate coagulation. There is much less trauma involved.

Bovie Medical Is The Only Electrosurgery Company

There are actually several different companies which provide electrosurgical generators to the public. However, Bovie is a trusted brand with a solid and lengthy background in this technology.

Radiosurgery Is Different From Electrosurgery

The term radiosurgery has two very different applications. The most widely accepted refers to a device which is used for radiation therapy. However, a secondary, and more confusing, use of the term applies to an electrosurgical device that simply uses a different part of the radiofrequency spectrum to perform the same function as other ESUs. All ESUs use radiofrequency AC oscillations in the 100 KHz to 5MHz range to perform their functions. The most common bandwidth use usually being in the 300- 500 KHz range, just below that of AM radios. As an example, the Aaron 3250 and 2250 both operate at 490 KHz +/- 5 KHz. The device that claims to be a radiosurgical device simply utilizes a higher frequency of 4 MHz, which is at the low end of the shortwave radio range.

Surgeons Cannot Control Surgical Smoke During Operations

One natural byproduct of electrosurgery is the smoke generated by the tissues that are raised to such high temperatures. Some patients, many doctors and most nurses are rightly concerned about the healthiness of the air in an operating room that is home to an electrosurgical generator. Fortunately, Bovie Medical offers its ESU clients the services of its Smoke Shark II to remove smoke form the surgical site, thereby making the air in the operating room clear and healthier.

ESUs Are Inherently Unsafe

The safe and effective use of electrosurgery depends to a large degree on factors solely under the control of the operator. There is no substitute for a properly trained and vigilant medical staff. It is important that they read, understand, and follow the operating instructions supplied with the electrosurgical equipment. Doctors and patients can rest assured that their ESUs will perform as expected when adhering to the above.

It Requires A Lot Of Training To Use An ESU

Like any highly technological device, it requires some time and effort to learn how to use an ESU properly and effectively. However, the amount of training required depends on the procedure one is endeavoring to master. One of the better tips is to always start at the lowest possible power setting. Increasing the amount of power as required can minimize unintended damage to surrounding tissue.

Image provided by Phalinn Ooi.

Electrosurgery for Skin Problems: Common Uses for Family Practice Physicians

Bovie Medical — Thu, 29 May 2014 13:00:00 GMT

Using electrosurgery for skin lesions is not a new practice in the medical field. More than a decade ago, Dr. Barry L. Hainer and Dr. Richard B Usatine published an article titled "Electrosurgery for the Skin", stating:

"The purposes of electrosurgery are to destroy benign and malignant lesions, control bleeding, and cut or excise tissue. The major modalities in electrosurgery are electrodesiccation, fulguration, electrocoagulation, and electrosection. Electrosurgery can be used for incisional techniques that produce full-thickness excision of nevi, for shave techniques that produce partial-thickness removal of superficial lesions, and for removing vascular lesions such as hemangiomas or pyogenic granulomas. The correct output power can be determined by starting low and increasing the power until the desired outcome is attained (destruction, coagulation, or cutting). Smaller cherry angiomas can be electrocoagulated lightly. Larger cherry angiomas may be easier to treat by shaving them first, then electrocoagulating or desiccating the base. The elevated portion of pyogenic granulomas can be shaved off with a scalpel or a loop electrode using a cutting/ coagulation current. The base of the lesion is curetted to remove the remaining tissue and then electrodesiccated. Complications such as burns, shocks, and transmission of infection can be prevented by careful use of the electrosurgical equipment."

Even 12 years later, this article is still accurate and relevant to electrosurgery for skin issues. Electrosurgery is often preferred by dermatologists and family physicians over laser surgery and cryosurgery.

Common uses for electrosurgery in addressing skin problems are:

Removal of skin lesions via curettage and cautery, including:

cherry angiomas
skin tags
benign skin tumors
warts

Treatment of angiomas and pyogenic granulomas
Treatment of certain types of acne
Scar reduction

These procedures can usually be completed via electrosurgery as an outpatient procedure requiring only a local anesthetic. In some cases, even a local anesthetic may not be required.

Electrosurgery for dermatology is often used due to the fact that:

Hemostasis is almost immediate.
It provides consistent cutting speed and depth of incision.
Results in lower monthly and annual expense than cryo or laser.

Electrosurgery also has the benefit of a significantly lower cost than lasers, both in initial cash outlay and the ongoing maintenance expense. The cost to purchase a high frequency desiccator (no cutting waveform) typically ranges from $850 down to $599 depending on the power output. The initial package includes everything needed to perform simple skin procedures. Additionally, it is more convenient than cryo in many instances when comparing typical single treatment with electrosurgery, verses multiple treatments with office visits when using cryo.

These factors, combined together, equal a large potential for excellent patient care and enhanced profitability for a Family Practice office or clinic not yet using electrosurgery. Using electrosurgery to treat common skin issues promotes patient satisfaction and represents an additional income opportunity.

Image courtesy of: adamr/ Freedigitalphotos.net

Dark Skin And Sun Exposure: 7 Skin Cancer Realities

Bovie Medical — Fri, 23 May 2014 13:00:00 GMT

Many people believe that only Caucasians can get skin cancer. Dark-skinned African-Americans, Latinos and Asians often believe they are immune, and spend time in the sun without sun-block. Although Caucasians are more susceptible to skin cancer than people of color, people of all shades and pigments need to protect themselves against the ultraviolet, skin-cancer causing sun rays.

Here are seven skin cancer realities that dark-skinned people should know concerning sun exposure:

Melanin is what gives the skin its color. The more melanin, the darker the skin. Melanin does provide some protection against cancer-causing sun rays. All types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, may be caused by an extreme sunburn or the effects of a tanning bed, no matter what a person’s skin color may be.

Basal cell carcinoma is the number one skin cancer in Caucasians and the number two skin cancer in African-Americans. Without doubt, one major cause is exposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays. The skin lesions of basal cell carcinoma are easily removed and it is a highly curable disease if caught in its early stages. Unfortunately, the mortality rate is higher in African-Americans because they may believe they are immune. This may cause them to neglect medical treatment. By the time the disease is diagnosed, it has progressed and may prove fatal.

The five-year survival rate of Caucasians diagnosed with Melanoma is 91%. Due to late diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate for African-Americans, is only 73%.

The most common area of the body for dark-skinned people to have cancerous skin lesions, is on the head and neck, areas that are most often exposed to the ultraviolet sun rays.

No matter what your skin color, if you note a skin lesion, watch it closely. If it has not healed within a month of appearing, or oozes, bleeds or crusts, consult a dermatologist.

Be certain the dermatologist you consult is knowledgeable about skin cancer in dark-skinned people and the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer.

People of all ages and skin colors need to follow the recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation's Prevention Guidelines which include:

Limiting exposure to the sun. Avoid it altogether if possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When exposure is necessary, always wear sunblock with an SP of at least 30. Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
Prevent exposure by wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Avoid tanning beds completely.
Avoid sunburn. Even one sunburn in a lifetime increases the chances of skin cancer.

What you should do

Perform monthly body self-exams for early detection of skin lesions.

The self-exam should not be limited to areas of the body where sun exposure is most common. Dark skinned people develop skin lesions of melanoma on the bottoms of their feet and in their mouth more frequently than Caucasians do.

Call your doctor if a spot is found that changes in size, itches, bleeds or does not heal.

All people need Vitamin D to make up for the Vitamin D not received from sun exposure. People of color who avoid the sun tend to be more susceptible to developing a vitamin D deficiency and need supplements more than Caucasians. The darker the skin, the more vitamin D is required.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer website. With early detection, all types of skin cancer are treatable and have a high cure rate. Left undetected, it can quickly advance and result in death.

Image courtesy of: Simon/ Pixabay.com

Charitable Use of the Aaron Ophthalmic Burr

Bovie Medical — Thu, 15 May 2014 13:00:00 GMT

We always like to hear from customers who appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making our products and the resulting quality of those devices. Sometimes we get this feedback from unexpected places. One recent response was from some folks at Mabel’s Free Clinic, or La Clinica Gratis de Mabel as it is known as in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico. As the name says, Mabel’s is a free clinic serving indigent children and adults in this community just across the U.S./Mexico border. It is essentially a volunteer operation managed by the Mabel’s Free Clinic Association of Weslaco, TX.

A few days ago, we had an opportunity to speak with Dick Turner, the clinic director, and Bob Drasner, a board member and self-proclaimed kitten herder. They told us that, on an annual basis, Mabel’s Free Clinic treats 800 to 900 dental patients, about 600 to 700 medical patients and performs just under 100 eye surgeries. They also service 14 area schools providing free eye and teeth examinations, and dispense reground donated glasses from the Lion’s Club.

A lot of the eye surgeries they do are for “surfers eye”, officially known as pterygium, for which Dr. Hans Khan of Mission, TX, uses Bovie’s Aaron Ophthalmic burr handle and burr tips. What we heard from Bob and Dick, who work closely with Dr. Khan, is that this burr system is “an absolute work of art”. Bob explained that the burr handle itself has to be absolutely dead straight with absolutely no wobble; and that the burr tips also must be precisely rounded in order to provide the precision desired by the surgeon, and the outcome desired by patient and the clinic.

The Aaron ophthalmic burr handle is a small surgical steel, battery operated device that is ergonomically designed, and easily held in the hand for precise control and operation. The Aaron Burr 2 comes with a disposable 1 mm burr tip [0001] for corneal rust ring removal, a "AA" alkaline battery and a foam-lined case. A diamond burr tip [0011] may be purchased separately for polishing the pterygium bed after surgical removal and for lid margin lesions [1/box]. The burr tips range from the standard 1mm tip to a 2.5mm diamond tip and a 5.0mm diamond tip.

Mabel’s Free Clinic has been serving the dental needs of the members of this community, and some who come from as far as 100 miles away, since 1998 as a strictly volunteer organization. They expanded their scope of services to include eye surgery about 10 years ago, thanks to Dr. Kahn who specializes in third world medicine and comes to do cataract, pterygium and other eye surgeries twice a month.

Anyone interested in volunteering and donating are encouraged to get in contact with Dick Turner or go online at www.mabelsclinic.net. According to Bob, everyone that comes to volunteer their work at Mabel’s says that it was, “an extremely positive experience.”

Why Use The Aaron Neuro-Pulse Nerve Locator?

Bovie Medical — Fri, 09 May 2014 16:10:00 GMT

There are a number of reasons why surgeons may wish to use a nerve locator when doing surgical procedures. These nerve locator devices were developed to assist surgeons in locating and identifying exposed motor nerves during surgery to reduce the risk of damaging or severing them.

Here are a few of the most prominent reasons:

A “Call Julie” damage prevention plan for surgeons

A nerve locator can be a big asset to surgeons. Some have likened the use of this device to the damage prevention of the “Call Julie" program. Before digging in their yards, people are required to "Call Julie" and find out where there may be water pipes, electrical wires or other underground cables that could be damaged or destroyed during the digging process.

Using a nerve locator during surgery to locate and avoid damage to motor nerves is similar to locating what is underground before digging in order to prevent damage to those underground utilities and cables. In the same way a person locates underground wires and cables before digging, surgeons can locate the vulnerable motor nerves so they can be protected and not damaged during the surgical procedure.

Avoiding complications and medical malpractice claims

Surgeons, patients, hospital administrators and directors of out-patient surgery centers are all keenly dedicated to reducing complications of all surgical procedures. One complication that is particularly disconcerting involves damage to motor nerves. This occurs most often during head, neck, hand and facial plastic surgery.

Nerve severance, burning or other damage occurring during surgery is a known risk. It is presented in almost all surgery consent forms. Patients sign the consent, acknowledging they are aware that such damage could occur. Even so, when a patient is faced with the permanent loss of nerve function due to damage that occurred during surgery, medical malpractice claims often follow.

Low cost and ease of use

In addition to reducing the surgical risk to exposed motor nerves, the portable, hand held, battery-operated Aaron Neruo-Pulse nerve locator device is economical and easy to use.

The Neuro-Pulse nerve locator is based on the historic series of products manufactured by Bovie Medical with similar design features. As reported on Global Medical Solutions,

“The [Bovie Medical] company began in the late 1970s as a manufacturer of disposable penlights for the medical industry. The success of this line prompted the development and manufacturing of battery-operated, tubular products, with the same type of assembly manufacturing technologies.”

Some of the other battery-operated, tubular devices include specialty pen lights, flexible lights, cautery devices and even the Aaron Ophthalmic Burr. All of these devices are economical and easy to use as well.

Bovie Medical Corporation has been manufacturing products to assist surgeons since the 1970s. The corporation has a reputation for good design and manufacturing, as well as, excellent customer service. It continues to design and improve state of the art products to assist surgeons in the operating room. The Aaron Neuro-Pulse Nerve Locator is one more quality device surgeons can use to reduce complications patients may experience as a result of a surgical procedure.

Smoke Evacuation from the Peritoneum

Bovie Medical — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 02:04:00 GMT

Electrosurgery can, and does, create surgical smoke which may have several effects even during laparoscopic surgery.

Three primary issues associated with surgical smoke created by electrosurgery plague the operating room, those being odor, particulate matter and viable organisms. We should consider the unpleasant odor a warning of the damages the other issues can cause. Particulate matter interferes with the visual field of the surgeon, causes respiratory issues for the people in the room and can even clog suction lines. Even after the discovery that airborne materials could infect staff members, we had not fully realized all of the dangers to the patient.

During laparoscopic procedures the smoke created can, and often does, impair the surgeon’s visualization of the surgical field. This makes the observation difficult and can cause delays in completing the procedure.

Perhaps the most disturbing fact is that the smoke that builds up inside the patient’s abdomen during laparoscopy can pass through the peritoneal membrane. As the red blood cells absorb the smoke, carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin increases, depleting the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells. Further complicating the issue is that when we evacuate the surgical smoke from the abdomen, we also evacuate the carbon dioxide used to distend the abdomen for surgery. In order to maintain an adequate visual field, we must establish a method of replacing the carbon dioxide lost during the evacuation process. Further, when we place the evacuation tube, the pressure behind the pneumoperitoneum quickly forces the gas into the room. The solution is careful regulation of the evacuation.

Hoses designed for laparoscopic procedures need to be fitted with a valve or cannula stopcock. The surgical staff can then gradually evacuate the surgical smoke as they replenish the CO2 in the pneumoperitoneum. The evacuated smoke should then pass through a filtration system before re-entering the room.

Recognizing the necessity of surgical smoke management and evacuation, the next issue is how best to accomplish it. The primary considerations are:

Ease of use - needs to be easy to use and maintain for optimal efficiency
Noise level - must be quiet and not disruptive to the surgical routine
Foot pedal activation or an automatic on and off sensor - so that the unit does not require significant action to operate
Accessibility and portability - important when the unit moves between multiple locations
Indicator light - signals the need to change the filter so that the system is always ready for use
Efficiency - the unit must provide the smoke evacuation necessary for a clear surgical field and safe environment for both patient and surgical staff.
Cost - should be economical to acquire and operate

The efficiency of the unit is the most critical factor. The motor rating of the evacuator, the tubing size and the proximity of the collection tubing to the surgical site all affect the quantity of smoke collected. The system should feature a triple filter system including a filter to collect larger particles, an ultra-low penetration air filter to capture smaller particles and a charcoal filter for toxic gas and odor absorption. Coconut-based charcoal filters are most efficient for gas and odor.

Bovie Medical Corporation offers effective surgical smoke elimination via the Smoke Shark II. It is compact and lightweight for easy storage and portability. Both the SF35 Extended-Life Filter and the FSSEP Pneumatic Footswitch are included with the SE02 unit. The filter performs effectively for approximately 35 hours, representing a procedure cost reduction of 38 percent when compared to the original Smoke Shark. The 3-port filter accommodates tubing sized one-fourth inch, three-eighths inch, and seven-eighths inch. The operating staff will appreciate the quiet levels of operation the Smoke Shark II affords. Contact a Bovie Medical representative for more information.

Image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Gray1224.png

Electrosurgery Safety for the Vets and Pets

Bovie Medical — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:00:00 GMT

New and innovative techniques and technologies for veterinary surgery have been increasing in recent years. One of the most popular of these new technologies is electrosurgery. The veterinary applications of Bovie Aaron and similar products offer a revolutionary way to improve surgical tasks. This procedure is safe, reliable, and offers a unique and unparalleled precision surgical cut with immediate coagulation.

What is Electrosurgery?

Electrosurgery utilizes a high frequency electrical current to generate an intense and localized heat at the surgical spot. This heat is capable of dissecting tissue with clean precision and has the added benefit of excellent bleeding control that allows for the reduced risk of hemorrhaging. In this way, it acts to generate heat within the tissue where surgery is being performed. However, electrosurgery excels beyond cutting capabilities as it works over the entirety of the surface that connects the unit’s electrode tip and the tissue. This allows electrosurgery devices to have excellent sculpting abilities.

Electrosurgery has become so popular that it is currently being utilized in more than 80 percent of all surgical procedures- both with pets and their human companions. This system promotes an efficient and clean surgical opportunity, especially when compared to traditional incision practices that once utilized steel scalpels to carve at the surgical site. Electrosurgery reduces many of the risks that were once inherent with surgery, and allows veterinarians to perform a wide range of procedures.

Bovie Medical has defined the industry standard for veterinarian specific electrosurgery equipment and accessories. Their products promote a range of options that provide veterinary offices with safe and cost effective solutions. The following are just two of the most popular devices tailored to meet veterinary needs.

Aaron 1250V Electrosurgical Generator

The veterinary applications of Bovie Aaron 1250V are exceptional and make it a must-have for any veterinary office. This multi-purpose, high frequency electrosurgical generator features both monopolar and bipolar functions. It features 120 watts of cutting power and 90 watts of blend cutting with two levels of coagulation (pinpoint and fulguration). The Aaron 1250 includes a large, user-friendly illuminated digital display. Upon starting up, the unit will perform a self-safety systems check and will automatically power to the last used setting.

Aaron 950 Electrosurgical Generator and Dessicator

This is the first high frequency desiccator that also offered 6 watts of cutting power and coagulation capabilities. The Aaron 950 was engineered to be the most reliable, safe, and durable generator available in today’s market. It includes the latest in chip technology for extended lifetime guarantee.

Veterinary Applications

Veterinary applications of Bovie Aaron products include general surgery, neutering, emergency care, veterinary dental and oral, ear cropping, de-clawing, tail docking, eyelid surgery, eyelid epilation, biopsy, treating dermal lesions, and other situation where it is necessary to control bleeding in animal patients. Electrofulguration allows for the treatment of larger areas, like tumor beds, allowing veterinary surgeons to destroy and neutralize potentially malignant tumor cells. Monopolar electrosurgery allows for precision cuts with immediate coagulation and requires the use a return pad under the animal, while bipolar electrosurgery utilizes a forceps type of electrode which does not require the need for a return pad.

For more information about safe utilization of electrosurgery for veterinary applications, please feel free to visit us at boviemed.com.

Image courtesy of: PublicDomainPictures/ Pixabay.com

3 Myths About International Healthcare Sales And The Middle East

Bovie Medical — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 13:00:00 GMT

Myth Number 1: The US has the biggest healthcare exhibits

Our President, Rob Saron, was in Dubai the last week of January with Tom Craig, our International Sales Manager, for the largest healthcare exhibit in the Middle East, Arab Health. How big you ask? Well, not nearly as large as Medica, the world's largest meeting, in Germany; but larger than the largest meeting held in the USA. This was our third year in a row, and it was obvious we were starting to get some traction.

Myth Number 2: There is no particular advantage to international sales efforts

Bovie Medical is paying extra attention to its export opportunities for two really good reasons. Number one, there is no excise tax due on export sales. This allows us to offset the losses due to the 2.3% Medical Device tax and keep our prices down on domestic sales. Number two, the state of Florida, through Enterprise Florida, is helping with funds to help defray show costs for new markets. Thank you, Governor Scott! Consequently, we have added two shows, Hospitalar in São Paulo, Brazil and a Medica type meeting in Singapore. International sales represent approximately 20% of our sales currently. Growing that business is a very logical step for Bovie as a company.

Myth Number 3: The middle east is all full of desert and danger

Dubai really is an amazing place. Think Wizard of Oz. The tallest building in the world is there. How tall? More than twice the height of the Empire State Building tall. Yes, their tall buildings are tall, really tall!

But I think the most often asked question I get is, how safe is it? They scan your luggage coming into the country. They do a bomb search the first day of the show when the Sheik is coming for a visit. Now I know they are really only concerned about the Sheik, but this place is safe...really safe.

Which makes me think of how safe our Aaron electrosurgical units are, like the Aaron 1250, 2250 and 3250. Bovie incorporates automatic safety features into these units like self-test circuits, audible tones, discrete outputs, isolated circuitry, and Bovie NEM™ (neutral electrode monitoring). In addition, all of the Aaron ESUs constantly monitor every aspect of the electrical output. At the sign of any problem, the machine instantly disables the output and displays the appropriate error code on the display.

These ESUs may not be BIG, REALLY BIG; or TALL, REALLY TALL; but they are SAFE, REALLY SAFE.

Image courtesy of: angusfrasermktg/ Pixabay.com

5 Veterinary Surgical Equipment Must Haves

Bovie Medical — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:54:00 GMT

As a veterinary professional, you work in a specialized field with specialized equipment. When it comes to outfitting your hospital or operating room with the tools of the trade, there are some essentials. Here's a look at a few of the basic tools any operating room utilizing the latest electrosurgical techniques should have on hand.

Cauteries – For coagulation of a superficial lesion, a simple cautery device can provide pinpoint hemostasis. These are usually small disposable, penlight shaped, battery operated, devices with either a high temperature tip of 2200° F or, a low temperature tip which can range from 850° F to 1300° F. There is even a variable low temperature cautery which can be adjusted from as low as 700° F up to 1100° F. But the Change-a-tip cautery system with its replaceable batteries and tips is the most popular among veterinarians.

High frequency desiccator – For skin lesions requiring a more advanced approach, you may wish to look at using a high frequency desiccator device which fulgurates tissue, causing it to dry out and slough off, and coagulates blood vessels. These units are low powered electrosurgical devices, usually under 40 watts. However, just like the higher powered units, they use electrical energy to create heat at the tissue level rather than transferring heat from the electrode tip to the tissue like the cautery devices do.

Electrosurgery generator – For actually cutting through tissue, a higher powered unit is more desirable. The full-fledged electrosurgical unit is a well powered device with the more popular veterinary items having 60 or 120 watts of cutting and coagulating power. These units can be used in strict cut, coag or blend modes and can also be applied in either a monopolar or bipolar modality.

Smoke evacuator – Electrosurgery does create a smoke plume which not only smells bad, but may also contain particulate contaminants from the excised tissue itself. Since good air quality is a must for everyone involved, human and animal alike, a smoke evacuator is a very desirable piece of equipment to have on hand. It should be light and operate quietly with a high efficiency filter able to accommodate a variety of tubing sizes.

Miscellaneous electrosurgical accessories – Rounding out any equipment list should be a variety of accessories. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Autoclavable reusable pencils

● Disposable or reusable loops

● Forceps

● Pads

● Stands

● Footswitches

● Disposable or reusable electrodes

● Dermal tips

At Bovie Medical, we share your concern with providing the best care for your patients, as well as the best equipment for your staff.

Image courtesy of: Photokanok/ Freedigitalphotos.net

3 Major Advances in Surgery for Pets

Bovie Medical — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 19:56:00 GMT

Years ago, the most common surgical procedures performed on companion animals consisted of spaying or neutering. The fact is, that many of these pets will require some other type of surgery during their lifetimes. Veterinarians routinely perform surgery to remove cancerous tumors or repair hip dysplasia and anterior cruciate ligament in dogs.

Today, powerful advanced technology in digital imaging and high resolution systems allow veterinarians to detect, assess and treat a wide range of conditions, which affect the health and well-being of pets.

Similar to advances made in surgical care for humans, pet owners now have cutting-edge surgical solutions that were not available just a few years ago, including the three treatments outlined below.

Total Knee Replacement

Veterinarians commonly employ drug therapies or other methods to control arthritis in canines. Sometimes, dogs will not respond to standard medical treatment or certain surgical management procedures. For these pets, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) has become a viable option for eliminating pain and/or disability related to knee arthritis. This surgical procedure replaces damaged joint surfaces with a prosthetic that is designed to restore pain-free knee functions.

The device consists of a metal component attached to the end of the femur and a polyethylene part connected to the tibia. TKR components fabricates new surfaces that mirror the normal movement of the joint.

TKR surgery requires the surgeon to expose the joint by make making an incision on the side of the knee. The natural joint surfaces are replaced with TKR components. The surgeon ensures the stability of the knee and that the prosthetic moves smoothly through a full range of motion.

Jawbone Reconstruction

Boaz Arzi and Frank Verstraete, two veterinary surgeons and biomedical engineers at the University of California, Davis, have been at the forefront of maxillofacial reconstruction for animals. They have performed reconstruction surgery for animals that have suffered debilitating injuries—split heads, disfiguring tumors, dislocated jaws, and severely damaged faces-- even a dog that had its entire snout and upper jaw severed by a speeding motorcycle.

In the past, these animals would have been euthanized because the surgical procedures necessary to restore them to a healthy state simply did not exist. Now, “we can fix them,” said Dr. Verstraete.

The reconstructive surgery procedures, which are as advance as any techniques used in human medicine, include:

Skin and bone grafts
Nose jobs
Therapeutic eye lifts

Innovative technologies and more specialists involved in general veterinary practices have made reconstructive surgical procedures more of a possibility. In addition, similar to their human companions, pets are living longer. This phenomenon increases the probability of diseases like cancer and other conditions which require surgery.

Balloon Valvuloplasty

Certain dog breeds, including bulldogs, boxers and terriers, have a susceptibility to a congenital heart disease known as Pulmonic Stenosis. According to Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Pulmonic Stenosis consists of a congenital heart defect of the semilunar valve, which is situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The leaflets of the semilunar valve may thicken or partially fuse together. Sometimes, the annulus--the valve’s supporting structure, can also narrow.

The condition causes a very mild to extreme obstruction of blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The corrective surgical procedure, which is called "Balloon Valvuloplasty," entails the insertion of special catheters and a balloon, which is inflated. The treatment opens the restricted valve leaflets and allows more blood to flow.

For over 30 years, Bovie Medical has supplied innovative products for the medical and veterinary community. The company specializes in the manufacture of electrosurgical generators, including the Bovie Aaron 950V and 1250V specifically for veterinary applications, as well as larger more sophisticated systems like the Aaron 2250, 200 watt and the Aaron 3250, 300 watt units.

Image courtesy of: rear_window_00/ Pixabay.com

The Importance of Electrosurgery Pad Placement on Pacemaker Patients

Bovie Medical — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:34:00 GMT

The first line of the Hippocratic Oath is, "First, do no harm." At Bovie Medical, we are committed to medical professionals upholding this rule. We are here to help you understand not only the benefits that come with electrosurgery and the use of our electrosugery accessories, but also to address legitimate concerns you may have.

First, why electrosurgery?

The answer is simple. The use of electrosurgery provides a number of benefits for both doctor and patient. These include:

The ability to coagulate on the spot
Reduction of hemorrhage risk
The potential for reduced recovery time for patients

Why the concern?

As you know, the heart has its own internal electrical system. The pacemaker was designed to help correct faults in this system. At the advent of electrosurgical technology, concerns about interference between electrosurgery accessories and pacemakers arose almost immediately.

In the past, electrosurgery involved the use of single-pad return electrodes. With single-pad returns, doctors had no way of monitoring the system for unsafe contacts. Electrosurgery today involves the use of a number of electrosurgery accessories to reduce risk. These include dual-pad return electrodes, allowing for fail-safe features on ElectroSurgical Units (ESUs). If the system detects a faulty contact, the system will shut down to prevent injury to the patient.

Any electronic or metal devices in a patient's body pose extra risks for a patient undergoing electrosurgery. Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia, or heart rate accelerated beyond the normal range, is one of the more common concerns. However, as we shall see, safe practices ensure a reduction in the risk potential.

Safe practices

A recent study conducted at the Brown University School of Medicine found that electrosurgery rarely results in significant interference with pacemakers when surgeons follow routine precautions and procedures.

The grounding or return pad must be placed as far away from the pacemaker or ICD as possible.
The return electrode must be placed on the side of the body opposite the surgical site, at a location between the patient's implant and the point of surgery.
The anesthesiologist should carefully monitor the pacemaker's activity and be prepared to reset it to its asynchronous mode.
The anesthesiologist should be equipped with Isoproterenol for any electrosurgery involving patients with pacemakers.

Our company's namesake, William T. Bovie, was a pioneer in the development of electrosurgical technology. We are not only committed to upholding his name as a symbol of excellence and innovation, but also to enabling medical professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients. To that end, we offer the top electrosurgery accessories and products in the field.

Image courtesy of: Sadasiv Swain/ Flickr.com

The Importance of a Smoke Evacuator in the Operating Room

Bovie Medical — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:51:00 GMT

The issues caused by surgical smoke in the operating room have recently become more commonly known. During electrosurgery and laser use, a smoke that contains bacteria, viruses, mutagens, and other pollutants is produced. This off-gas or surgical smoke can also potentially combine with the alcohol preps and other flammable gasses within the operating room to form harmful fumes. It is thus important to remove this surgical smoke in order to maintain a safe work environment in the operating room.

Because the amount of surgeries performed within the United States continues to skyrocket, healthcare providers, doctors, nurses and technicians as well as patients are at a greater risk for surgical smoke and other in-room off-gas exposures than ever before. This means that surgeons and surgery managers have to be more considerate of every detail that is a part of the operating procedure so that every factor may be managed.

Nearly 80 percent of all surgical procedures utilize techniques that produce surgical smoke. This means that proper sanitation procedures need to be used to remove this smoke and other gasses and fumes from the operating room quickly and effectively. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has ruled that standard room ventilation is not sufficient for the removal of smoke plume materials and that local or portable evacuation systems should be used to keep the air clean that employees and patients breathe.

Smoke evacuation systems like the Bovie Smoke Shark II are generally considered the most effective way to reduce and eliminate surgical smoke and other pollutants from the operating room. This system uses a four stage filtration process – pre-filter, ULPA, carbon, post-filter – to eliminate the risks associated with noxious fumes. The ULPA filter media is manufactured with VLSI Grade ULPA and is rated 0.1 micron with 99.9995% efficiency. This is one hundred times the efficiency of HEPA filter media.

The Smoke Shark II Evacuator has a modern, light-weight and compact design that makes it easy to use and easier to store. This model includes an extended-life filter that is capable of up to 35 hours of performance. This is a reduction of procedure cost by 38 percent from the previous model, when operated on its lowest setting. The Smoke Shark II also includes an ultra-quiet design that performs at the same excellent operation as its predecessor with less noise. Other manufacturer details about the Smoke Shark II Evacuator include:

Line Voltage: 100/120 VAC
Line Frequency: 50-60 Hz
Width: 27.9 cm (11")
Height: 15.2 cm (6")
Depth: 39.4 cm (15.5")
Weight: 4.3 kg (10 lbs.)
Warranty (Unit): 2 year

To learn more about the Smoke Shark II Evacuator check out our products list. Or, to learn more about the risks associated with surgical smoke, download our eBook, Addressing Surgical Smoke in the Operating Room.

Image courtesy of: tpsdave/ Pixabay.com

Simple Cautery Applications for the Veterinary Practice

Bovie Medical — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:00:00 GMT

Already proven as a stellar addition to surgical procedures everywhere, the Bovie Aaron cautery devices have exceptional applications in a veterinary practice, as well. While electrosurgery has virtually replaced traditional scalpels for a number of common medical procedures, cautery may not be far behind. With the combination of simple battery operated cautery and the more complex electrosurgery units, the veterinary applications of Bovie Aaron devices cover the gamut from simple topical treatments to complex internal surgeries.

What is a Cautery?

A cautery is a handheld device that uses a heated wire tip typically to apply heat to targeted blood vessels. This tool has a very specific set of uses, since it can not cut tissue or capture samples. Its ability to reach into very small areas to stop bleeding makes it invaluable during almost any surgical procedure.

Simple Cautery Procedures

Some common topical procedures include wart removal and treatment of other skin lesions. Cauteries can also be used to treat surface tumors, denying them blood flow and removing them from the body. Cautery has replaced cryotherapy and freezing as the preferred treatment for these conditions. Cautery can be helpful in many different surgical procedures, from a declaw on cats to a surgery to dock ears and tails for certain dog breeds. Sealing the blood vessels quickly and completely enables patients to start recovering from the surgery as soon as the last stitch goes in.

Why Choose Bovie Aaron Equipment?

When buying any specialty surgical equipment, you want state-of-the-art and exceptional quality. Bovie Medical is the industry founder of a range of equipment options for the modern veterinary practice. Low-temperature cautery tips are disposable and offer pinpoint hemostasis, while the high temp options can seal a bleed almost instantly. Many veterinary applications of cautery technology require completely sterile tips, making disposable options a great choice. The Change-a-tip cautery is a reusable device that lets you use the right tip for the right job, without needing to change all of the equipment.

Whether your needs are for a disposable or reusable cautery device, Bovie Medical has the right one for you. Visit us at http://www.boviemedical.com to view all of our cautery devices. And while you are there, please view our state of the art electrosurgery generators as well.

Image courtesy of: Gualberto107/ Freedigitalphotos.net

Surgical Risk Reduction and Improved Patient Outcomes with Electrosurgery

Bovie Medical — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:23:00 GMT

When it comes to planning the best course of action involving a patient, it is important to consider not only all the options, but the best ones suited to the operation or treatment being performed. As with any procedure, some of the greatest concerns revolve around the loss of blood and possibility of infection. These are two primary reasons to implement and utilize electrosurgical devices.

High-frequency electrosurgery provides a wealth of options to the surgeon in the form of electrosection, fulguration, desiccation, and coagulation. These approaches are well received in situations in which hemostasis and infection control are principle factors to be considered in patient outcome.

Unlike procedures in which a cold scalpel is used, there is an additional benefit to the tissues beyond the margins of the surgery that is effected by the effect of electrosurgery. These benefits can be seen as coagulation of the blood vessels and vaporization of infected cells. This is an especially appreciated preventative measure when dealing with malignant diseases such as basal cell carcinoma.

When dealing with a situation in which electrodesiccation and curettage is being applied, the surgeon can be confident in the ability to remove the desired clean margins, without fear of reaching into deeper tissue. The application of electrosurgical techniques will keep the treatment clean and minimize patient complications.

Laser surgery often offers the same type of heat induced tissue damage, however, the control and ability to customize the technique to the patients's condition can only be found in using electrosurgical devices. The use of laser devices is often associated with burns, and while the same is possible with the use of electrosurgical devices, it is usually a result of improper placement of the return pad or inadequate attention to the surgical field.

Treatment of both benign and malignant skin conditions with electrosurgery is indicated in some form for a wide variety of complaints. (Robinson, et al., Surgery of the Skin, Mosby, Elsevier; 2010)

Possibly one of the strongest reasons to argue for the use of electrosurgery when dealing with skin conditions can be found in the instance of recurrence. At one VA Hospital, the incidence of recurrence for basal cell carcinoma was a low 1.6 percent. (Mary-Margaret Chren, et al. Recurrence After Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study. Arch Dermatol. May 2011)

The ease of training and use of the devices are highlighted in an American Family Physician article of October, 2002, entitled, Electrosurgery for the Skin. The many applications of its use on skin in various areas is also supported. An electrosurgical generator will provide a physician with an open opportunity to provide better treatment with fewer complications in comparison to a scalpel or laser method.

Image courtesy of: artur84/ Freedigitalphotos.net

6 Bovie Products for the Mobile Veterinarian

Bovie Medical — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 17:55:00 GMT

Mobile veterinary clinics are becoming more and more popular. Whether it is a clinic for the owner's convenience, to care for a cat, dog, bird or other household pet, or to cater to larger animals that can't easily be brought into the a clinic, mobile veterinary clinics need to be able to do more than just simple checkups, shots and medications. Surgery, though, is not generally a service offered by mobile veterinary clinics. What if that did not have to be the case?

Being able to treat minor wounds and perform surgery on the spot is an invaluable ability for veterinary clinics that cater to farms, ranches, or even zoos or animal reserves. With Bovie's line of veterinary products, this is now possible for any mobile vet.

Here is a list of six Bovie products that can be utilized in a mobile scenario.

The Bovie Aaron® 940V High Frequency Desiccator for disiccation and fulguration without cut capability.
The Bovie Aaron® 950V hybrid High Frequency Desiccator with Cut for those occasions when both desiccation and cut are required.
The Bovie Aaron® 1250-V electrosurgical generator is a full blown electrosurgery generator weighing less than 14 lbs. and features 4 modes of operation. Automatic safety features, such as self-test circuits, audible tones, discreet outputs, and more, ensuring that the Aaron® 1250-V will always perform as expected.
The Bovie Aaron 1250-VS is the most cost-effective veterinary system on the market, combining our Aaron® 1250-V electrosurgical generator with our Smoke Shark II evacuation system - which is extremely effective at smoke and particle removal at the operative site and is designed to be easy to use - along with the ESMS-C mobile stand and 5 of our most popular reusable electrodes and a smoke evacuator hose reducer fitting.
Bovie Medical also offers cauteries featuring replaceable batteries and tips. Bovie cauteries come in both low temp and high temp varieties. Both of these products run on "AA" batteries. The DEL0 is a Change-A-Tip deluxe low-temp cautery kit. The DEL1 is a Change-A-Tip deluxe high-temp cautery kit. Both kits include their respective cautery handle, two varieties of non-sterile tips, and the required "AA" batteries to operate.
We offer small battery operated flexible lighting products with 5", 10", and 15" flexible shafts.

For a full product line and more information, please see our full Veterinary Product Catalog:

No matter what kind of animals you need to treat, Bovie can help. If you are treating large animals, then the Bovie Aaron 3250 may be just the generator you are looking for. The possibilities are endless. From smaller animals like goats and donkeys that could be brought into a clinic, but would be easier to treat on site, to a horse or even large cats like lions, that can't be transported easily, if at all, Bovie makes it possible to treat injuries to help animals heal faster and more efficiently, or help fix problems to give the animal a longer life span or better quality of life. Let Bovie help your veterinary service expand to it's full potential.

Image courtesy of: Tobyotter/ Flickr.com

5 High-Tech Fixes for Your Patients

Bovie Medical — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:55:00 GMT

At Bovie Medical, we like to keep our blog readers informed regarding innovations in healthcare. Sometimes this even goes beyond electrosurgery units, J-plasma and even LED lighting systems. Here is a little something that some of you may have missed since it was published in the Wall Street Journal on this past Christmas Eve day.

The article was entitled, “Health Advances Make it Easier for People to Learn Causes of Illness, Test Results and Cost of Care”. It started out with, “From virtual doctor visits to online diagnoses, information technology is rapidly changing the way patients interact with the health system. Here are some innovations that are catching on more broadly and could improve care in 2014."

These are the 5 High-Tech Fixes they presented:

Monitor Long-Distance (Virtual Care) - Doctors in remote “Command Centers” are increasingly keeping tabs on vital signs of patients in intensive-care units.
Crowd-source an Ailment (Medical Detectives) - Got a hard-to-diagnose ailment? Patients can now post their symptoms online and offer a reward for a diagnosis from a host of doctors.
Consult Via Video (Doctor on Demand) - Have a virtual consultation with a physician for nonemergency medical issues, courtesy of your insurer or health system.
Text a Nurse (High-Tech Charts) - Bedside tablets let hospital patients text the nurse. Patients can check their charts and lab results.
Calculate the Cost of Care (Health Care Math) - New insurance tools let patients compare the price of care between hospitals and calculate out-of-pocket costs.

We might also add:

Research via Internet (Medical Device Research) - Go online to www.boviemed.com - to find the innovative products you need for your physician office, ASC or hospital OR. Just saying.

Much has been said and written about the badly blundered ObamaCare rollout. One of the late night hosts said that President Obama’s next job after office clearly won’t be a network administrator. I don’t think anyone believes that the premise of healthcare for everyone is a bad idea. A roof over ones head and food to eat also seem like reasonable goals for everyone in America. With the amount of food that is thrown away every day in restaurants and grocery stores, I have no doubt that we could feed everyone. A roof over everyone’s head will be a little more difficult, but if it was easy then anyone could do it, and this is America! OK, on to the article.

This well written article by Laura Landro ends with Calculate the Cost of Care. In my mind, one of the reasons our healthcare costs are so out of control is the fact that historically we have not asked the simple question, what will that cost? What else do you pay for without knowing the price going in? The insurance companies are coming to the rescue here. The example of the cost of childbirth in the New York city area ranges from less than $10,000 to almost $30,000. While the most expensive may be better than the least expensive one, I am willing to bet it isn’t worth the twenty thousand dollar difference. I tore my ACL last year and when I was going for my MRI the insurance company called me and said if I would go to a different location it would save me money. They handled moving the prescription, and setting up an appointment for me. I am quite sure it saved them money too, but that is fair in my book.

In closing, it is my belief that we could reduce the cost of healthcare in the USA much more by comparative shopping than by what the 2.3% excise tax is earning, which by the way is costing jobs and hurting innovation.

Enjoy the article!

J. Robert Saron

President

Bovie Medical Corporation

Image courtesy of: smokedsalmon/ Freedigitalphotos.net

NEW Safety-Enhanced Snap Design Cautery

Bovie Medical — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:51:00 GMT

Patent Pending Cautery – NEW Safety-Enhanced Snap Design

The battery powered cauteries that Bovie Medical has manufactured for decades have been updated based on valued feedback from you, the customer. We had numerous requests to make it easier to recycle the alkaline batteries. Our original cautery was virtually impossible to open without a saw. We listened and we changed the design. The new, safety-enhanced, snap design back can be “snapped off” and the batteries can be removed and recycled. Request number one, answered!

The second request was to make it more difficult for an accidental activation to occur if the cautery disposal directions were not followed. The disposal directions are to break off the tip using a hemostat and replace the cover cap after use. If this is followed an accident can never happen. Unfortunately, people don’t always follow directions! The new, safety-enhanced, snap design cautery is designed with a recessed button. In the event the directions are not followed, (YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BREAK OFF THE TIP AND REPLACE THE COVER CAP) the chances of the button being inadvertently depressed are dramatically reduced. Request number two, answered!

We listened to the requests and we updated our time tested design…But everyone isn’t happy.

It turns out the recessed button interferes with some techniques currently empoyed. So we are listening again. If you are dissatisfied with our new design, then you can order the old design. Here is how; when placing the order add an “X” to the end of the catalog number. (Example: AA01 = AA01X or AA03 = AA03X) Bovie will send you the old style cautery.

Now, we at Bovie have one simple request:

Repeat after Us: “I WILL break off the tip and replace the cover cap before disposing of the cautery!”

Bovie Medical Video Tutorials

Bovie Medical — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 20:47:00 GMT

We at Bovie Medical know that no matter how much our customers know about the medical equipment they use everyday in their medical practice, there may always be a few questions or details they would like to learn more about. Extra information about the products we carry, like Aaron instructional materials, is also useful to those looking to upgrade or update the equipment they currently use.

To help our customers who are looking for information, Bovie Medical has a page on our website devoted to Aaron instructional materials, and instructional materials for all the other product lines we carry, including links to brochures and instructional videos. These videos will not only show you the advantages of the products they represent but also the correct techniques and practices for using them. Here are the Aaron instructional materials currently being offered on Bovie Medical's website in video format.

Aaron 940 Procedural Video - This 14 plus minute video gives product description and user's tips. It discusses correct usage procedures and the applications this piece of equipment is best suited for.
Aaron 1250 Instructional Video - This five minute video discusses installation, accessory attachment and operation of this piece of equipment, beginning with what you should find inside the packing crate, going step by step through to the equipment being completely powered on and ready for use.
Aaron 950 Instructional Video - This 4 minute plus video walks the user through proper set up procedures, including what to look for in the packing box, proper installation and how to check and understand safety controls.
Aaron 2250 Instructional Video - A five minute plus video detailing unpacking, proper setup and use of this piece of equipment.
Smoke Shark Instructional Video - This 3 minute video goes over proper setup and accessory attachment, including a brief overview of safety controls.
Aaron 3250 In Service Video - This video is just a bit over 11 minutes in length and shows users how to use this piece of equipment. It highlights the upgrades from previous versions and shows how to adapt previous accessories to take advantage of its ease of use and improvements.
Cautery Safety Video - This goes over proper use of all battery powered cauteries including the importance of choosing the correct size cautery for the job at hand, the importance of proper sterilization and why you should never re-use disposable equipment. It also addresses proper disposal of single use battery powered cauteries to avoid patient, staff or equipment contamination or potential fire hazard.

All of these educational videos are available either to be viewed instantly online or for downloading in a high quality QuickTime format. Once downloaded customers can access the information found in these videos at their convenience without the need for internet access.

All of the Aaron instructional materials, and information about any of the products we sell and service, are also available as hard copies through the mail. The order form can be found on the same page of Bovie Medical's website as the videos, user's guides and other instructional materials.

As always, please contact us at Bovie Medical with any questions about how to access any of the Aaron instructional materials, or any of the other printed or video informational options, or to have questions answered about any of the electrosurgical equipment we service and sell.

Image courtesy of: Stuart Miles/ Freedigitalphotos.net

System 2 LED Lights - Customer Testimonial

Bovie Medical — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:06:00 GMT

Excellent lighting can make surgical procedures in operating rooms less fatiguing. The ability to quickly and clearly illuminate the target area allows surgeons to do what they do best. Dimly lit rooms lead to errors, making the addition of System 2 LED lights a must for any cutting edge OR.

What are System 2 LED Lights?

Designed with the surgery center in mind, the System 2 LED lights offer targeted illumination that reduces shadows and improves staff comfort with its cooler operating temperature. The articulating arm feature allows surgeons to easily adjust and control the lighting at any point during the procedure. Provided by Bovie Medical Corporation, these lights have faced rigorous testing to ensure long life and innovative service.

Why Choose the System 2 LED?

These lights truly offer state-of-the-art technology at a very cost-effective price point. These are just a few of the benefits when going with the System 2 LED:

Energy Efficiency - Compared to a halogen system, the LED system uses approximately half the electricity. This offers a significant savings over the course of a year.
Long-lasting Lamps - Rated for 50,000 hours of use (that is approximately 8 hours a day for 24 years), these bulbs last so long you never need to store multiple replacements on site. Plus, a sudden burned out bulb never shuts down your operating room. Minimize storage requirements and maximize up time on ORs with LED lamps.
Better Lighting - Cheaper to use, longer lasting and with better light quality, the System 2 LEDs also offer pinpoint accuracy due to the unique mounting system. Easy positioning and excellent shadow reduction puts the light where you need, when you need it.
Staff Comfort - The old standard halogen light systems produce a lot of heat, along with light. This makes operating rooms difficult to keep at a comfortable temperature. LED lights produce minimal heat, keeping the OR staff functioning at peak efficiency.

John Pritchard at Venture Medical endorses this light system as one of the best combinations of price and functionality, saying:

"The Bovie System 2 LED lights are an exceptional choice for value and function. They are priced in a range that was once void of any LED product with the specifications these lights have. Their appearance rivals any other competitor in the marketplace and they are exceptionally fluid and easy to use. We are delighted to have these lights in our product range and to be able to offer our customers a real choice when it comes to OR grade LED surgical lights."

Cutting edge lighting systems work together with modern surgical techniques to improve outcomes for patients. Practices juggling the requirements of safety and budget will find the System 2 LED lights to be a cost conscious alternative to less desirable halogen options and other, much more expensive, OR LED lighting products.