4 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 1 7
Ethicon
Energy platform
Ethicon has sub-
stantially broad-
ened its energy
portfolio by acquir-
ing Megadyne, and
the company had
its full range of
electrosurgical
instruments on
display.
Its X1 bipolar device requires less hand movement, thanks to its
360-degree shaft rotation, and is designed to improve access to tar-
geted tissue. It also has separate seal and cut functionality.
The company says it provides better hemostasis (88% less bleed-
ing) and 41% less thermal spread than its primary competitor, and
has a better ergonomic feel. There's also an algorithm that senses
changes in tissue and conditions and responds with the optimal
amount of energy, says Ethicon.
A new harmonic model — the HD1000i — has a unique shape that
mimics a mechanical dissector, which reduces the need to use a
separate dissecting instrument. It also has an integrated handpiece,
so there's no need to manage and clean a separate item.
"Faster is always better," says Dr. Towfigh, noting that the technol-
ogy seals in 2 seconds instead of 5 seconds, and "it's pretty light. But
I don't like the sharp tips. I guess surgeons told them to make it
sharp, but when you're dissecting, you want it to be a little bit blunt,
because you're using it to seal the vessels. You don't want to go in
too sharply when there's a vessel there."
