Which is a characteristic of bipolar electrocautery?

• A. It generates heat across larger areas of tissue.
• B. It requires two separate power sources for operation.
• C. It focuses electrical currents between two electrode tips.
• D. It is mainly used for non-invasive procedures.

Answer: (C)

Bipolar electrocautery is characterized by its ability to focus electrical currents between two electrode tips. This design allows for precise application of the electrical current to specific areas of tissue, which minimizes damage to surrounding structures. This precision is particularly beneficial in surgical procedures where controlled tissue necrosis or hemostasis is required, as it allows the surgeon to limit thermal spread and be more deliberate in targeting the tissue of interest.

Unlike unipolar electrocautery, which uses a single electrode and disperses energy over a larger area, bipolar uses both tips to create a circuit, meaning the current only flows between the two points of the tips. This characteristic is critical in delicate surgeries, such as neurosurgery or ophthalmologic procedures, where surrounding tissues must be preserved as much as possible.

In comparison, generating heat across larger areas of tissue is more associated with unipolar electrocautery. Requiring multiple power sources is not necessary for bipolar systems that operate on a closed circuit principle. Additionally, bipolar electrocautery is often utilized in invasive procedures rather than non-invasive ones, further distinguishing it from techniques predominantly used in non-invasive contexts.