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Alternative to Laser Treatment

An alternative technique for treatment of bleeding mucosal lesions (especially radiation proctitis- bleeding from telangectasias (blood vessels) in the distal rectum that are very common after radiation therapy (external beam irradiation or seed implants) for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The ERBE Argon Plasma Coagulator is a new device that allows for non-contact monopolar coagulation of bleeding surfaces, and devitalization of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. It is safer and much less expensive than lasers, more effective than bipolar cauterization techniques.

The electrode in the argon channel of the probe is connected to an electrosurgical generator.

The APC probe ionizes the argon gas where it remains ionized approximately 2-10mm distal to the tip of the probe. Ionized Argon gas is electrically conductive. This allows the current to flow between the probe and the tissue. Current density upon arrival at the tissue surface causes coagulation. The application of the energy to the tissue is uniform, and contact free. The Argon plasma beam acts not only in a straight line (axially) along the axis of the probe, but also laterally and radially and "around the corner" as it seeks conductive bleeding surfaces. Following physical principles, the plasma beam has a tendency to turn away from already coagulated (high impedance) areas toward bleeding or still inadequately coagulated receiving treatment. This automatically results in evenly applied , uniform surface coagulation.

Courtesy of ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH

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