Electrophysical properties of electrosurgery and capacitive induced current

Background: Although electrosurgery is one of the most commonly used technologies in the operating room, its electrophysical properties, including the potential for complications, are poorly understood by many surgeons. Methods: Ve describe the experimental simulation of a highly unusual complication that occurred during a surgical procedure requiring concurrent use of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery. Results: Capacitive induced current from an activated monopolar electrode to the bipolar cord was reproduced and consistently led to full-thickness bums in our experiments. Conclusions: Surgeons should be familiar with the principles of electrosurgery, its electrophysical properties, and possible complications. (C) 2001 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.