Open and laparoscopic liver resection with a new ultrasound scalpel

We report on our experience with a new ultrasonically activated scalpel tha t has been developed for laparoscopic surgery. It works by means of a longi tudinally vibrating blade or scissors and can be used for tissue dissection , coagulation and preparation. The high-frequency vibration causes denatura tion of protein and thus allows coagulation of small vessels up to 2-3 mm. The most important advantages compared to electrocautery are very limited h eat generation, no production of smoke and the lack of current flow through the patient. Because of this, the ultrasonically activated scalpell is an excellent instrument for different types of laparoscopic surgery, as well a s for open liver resection.