Colorado MicroDissection Needle

"Microneedle" electrocautery was compared against the standard-size needle electrocautery and the Shaw hemostatic scalpel to determine the differences in tissue necrosis when used as a cutting instrument. Incisions were made on the dorsal skin of anesthetized white rats using each of the three devices with the no. 15 scalpel as control. The specimens were submitted for histological evaluation. The microneedle caused less necrosis than the standard-size needle electrocautery (0.18 vs 0.27 mm, p < 0.01) and less necrosis than the Shaw hemostatic scalpel set at 220 degrees F (0.18 vs 0.25 mm, p < 0.05). The microneedle electrocautery was also found to be an instrument that causes very little tissue distortion during fine dissection and helps to minimize blood loss in craniofacial and neurosurgical operations.

Tonsillectomy remains one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. Recent advancements in equipment technology have ushered in several new tonsillectomy techniques. Among these is the Colorado tip electromicrodissection needle. In this report, we describe the technical aspects of this modality and report our results in a prospective study of 12 adults and 13 children. We then compare our results with several published series using a variety of techniques. We found tonsillectomy using the electromicrodissection needle compares most favorably in all criteria examined, including operative and perioperative blood loss, perioperative pain, return to regular diet, and cost. We conclude that electromicrodissection tonsillectomy is an excellent option for all surgeons performing tonsillectomy.