What is an Electrosurgical Unit (ESU)?
Electrosurgery refers to the use of high-frequency alternating electrical current to generate heat within body tissues. This heat can be applied to achieve specific effects, such as cutting, tissue ablation, drying (desiccation), or a combination of these.
Electrosurgical units are widely used across medical specialties in India, including gastroenterology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob-Gyn), ENT, pulmonary medicine, and dermatology. Electrosurgery has been used in endoscopy since the 1970s. In gastrointestinal endoscopy, it is commonly employed for procedures such as polypectomy, tissue resection, controlling bleeding (haemostasis), ablation, as well as biliary and pancreatic interventions.
Components of an Electrosurgical Unit
Electrosurgical Units consist of several essential components that work together to perform effective surgical interventions. These include:
- Generator: Produces high-frequency electrical energy.
- Electrodes: Tools that deliver the electrical energy to the target tissue.
- Return Pad (Neutral Electrode): Ensures patient safety by completing the electrical circuit.
- Footswitch/Handswitch: Allows the surgeon to control the device hands-free.
- Cables and Connectors: Connect the generator to electrodes and return pads.
Types of Electrosurgical Unit (ESU)
Common electrosurgical devices include:
- GI4000 electrosurgical unit
An electrosurgical unit is the device that generates high-frequency electrical current. The GI4000 electrosurgery unit features a touchscreen interface and offers four modes for flexible endoscopy: argon plasma coagulation, bipolar coagulation, monopolar coagulation, and lavage functions. - Dispersive electrodes (sensing and non-sensing)
These are patient-return pads that safely complete the electrical circuit during the procedure. - Active electrodes
These include a range of accessories used in gastrointestinal endoscopy, such as snares, probes, forceps, knives, sphincterotomes, and others, depending on the specific procedure being performed.
How an Electrosurgical Unit works
The term electrosurgery refers to the use of high-frequency alternating electrical current to generate heat within tissues. This heat is used to achieve specific tissue effects such as cutting, tissue ablation, desiccation (drying), or a combination of these. Electrosurgical units are commonly used across several specialties in India, including gastroenterology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob-Gyn), ENT, pulmonary medicine, and dermatology. Electrosurgery has been used in endoscopy since the 1970s. In gastrointestinal endoscopy, it is used for procedures such as polypectomy, tissue resection, haemostasis, ablation, as well as biliary and pancreatic interventions.
How does electrosurgery work?
An electrosurgical system consists of an electrosurgical unit (ESU), sometimes referred to as a generator, an active electrode, the patient, and, where required, a dispersive electrode (also known as a grounding pad). The generator converts mains electrical current into a high-frequency current. At this frequency, there is no stimulation of nerves or muscles, and heat is produced at a cellular level. This heat is responsible for the cutting and coagulation effects observed during procedures.
Electrosurgery works by delivering high-frequency electrical current through an active electrode to either cut or coagulate tissue. The current produces localised heating, allowing precise tissue cutting and effective control of bleeding. By adjusting the mode, technique, and power settings (wattage), clinicians can tailor the output for different endoscopic and surgical procedures.
Benefits of electrosurgery
Electrosurgery offers several advantages, including but not limited to:
- It minimises bleeding at the site of application
- It allows greater precision through adjustable cutting and coagulation settings
- It provides a relatively quick method for tissue resection or ablation
Price range of Electrosurgical Units
| Unit type | Power output | Estimated price (INR) | Primary use |
| Minor porocedure/clinic | 100W–250W | Rs. 10,500 – Rs. 30,000 | Dermatology, Minor ENT |
| General hospital ESU | 300W–400W | Rs. 45,000 – Rs. 1,50,000 | Laparoscopy, General surgery |
| Microprocessed units | 400W+ | Rs. 5,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 | Neuro, Cardiac, Complex surgery |
| Energy platforms | Advanced | Rs. 10,00,000+ | High-end vessel sealing |
Factors to consider when buying an Electrosurgical Unit
Choosing the right ESU involves evaluating multiple factors:
- Type of surgery: Monopolar, bipolar, or hybrid, depending on your specialty.
- Safety features: Automatic power cut-off, return electrode monitoring, and alarms.
- Ease of use: User-friendly interface and ergonomic design.
- Compatibility: With existing surgical instruments and accessories.
- Budget and Financing options: Consider medical equipment finance for affordable payment plans.
Finance Electrosurgical Units with Bajaj Finserv
Purchasing a high-quality Electrosurgical Unit can be financially manageable with Bajaj Finserv. They provide tailored medical equipment financing solutions for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
Key benefits:
- Flexible repayment options to suit your budget
- Quick approval and disbursal
- Enables acquisition of advanced medical tools without straining finances
Conclusion
Electrosurgical Units are indispensable in modern surgery, offering precision, safety, and efficiency. When investing in an ESU, consider type, safety features, and financial options. With solutions like Bajaj Finserv’s loans for doctors, acquiring top-notch surgical equipment has never been easier, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver the best patient care.
