During laparoscopic procedures, the need often arises to ligate a blood vessel to restrict the blood flow to a certain body part. For this purpose, several vessel sealing and lighting systems are available. One of these is the use of LigaSure vessel sealing technology.
What is the LigaSure vessel sealing system?
The LigaSure vessel sealing system, abbreviated as LVSS, comprises an electrothermal device that converts the electric current provided to it into thermal energy which is further used to seal a vessel. The LigaSure device is efficient enough to seal a vessel within 2 to 4 seconds.
LigaSure vessel sealing device
The oval tip of the LigaSure device
Parts of a LigaSure vessel sealing device
Bipolar pressure is applied by the LigaSure vessel sealing device in order to ligate the vessels. The apparatus consists of a base that holds the jaw. A shaft of diameter 5 mm of varying length keeps the jaw fixed in place. These shafts are available in multiple dimensions i.e. 23, 37, and 44 cm. The jaw, on the other hand, possesses various kinds of tips including blunt tips, double action with contoured tips, etc.
LigaSure device
Properties of LigaSure vessel sealing device
The LigaSure device has the following properties:
- It works on the principle of electrosurgery.
- The operation time is moderate as the overall surgery is slow.
- Burst pressure is moderate ranging from 591 to 836 mm Hg.
- The lateral thermal spread of the device is 2 mm.
- Post-operative calcium levels are nearly 8.2 mg/dl.
- The cost of a laparoscopic procedure using a LigaSure device is nearly $2,300.
Uses of the LigaSure vessel sealing system
LigaSure vessel sealing system has vast applications in the field of medical surgeries. Some of its applications are enlisted below:
- Laparoscopic surgeries such as inferior mesenteric surgery, middle colic surgery, as well as ileocolic arterial and venous surgeries apply the LigaSure laparoscopic tissue welding device.
- LigaSure devices can be implemented in angioplasty surgery in which blood vessels are sealed.
- The device also finds application in the removal of blood clots from the pulmonary vasculature, the procedure termed ‘Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy or PTE’.
- Surgeries of the lymphatic vessels i.e. lymphaticovenous anastomosis can also be conducted through the LigaSure vessel sealing system.
- Hysterectomy which is the uterus removal surgery also employs the LigaSure system.
- The fibroids in the uterus are removed by myomectomy. The procedure needs ligation which can be achieved by the LigaSure vessel sealing system.
- The device is also suitable for the bladder pillars, the rectal pillars, the cardinal ligaments, and the paravaginal vascular bundles.
- Splenectomy or spleen removal surgeries also utilize the LigaSure sealing system.
- The removal of thyroid lobes called thyroid lobectomy needs the ligation of certain blood vessels which can be done by employing the LigaSure vessel sealing system.
- Hemithyroidectomy can also be performed with LigaSure devices which is the removal of half of the thyroid gland.
- Hepatic arteries can be sealed with the LigaSure device so efficiently that the need for knots and clips is eliminated.
- LigaSure finds applications in the medical procedures concerned with the removal of gallbladder i.e.
- Benign adrenal lesions can also be removed using the LigaSure device by a procedure which is termed laparoscopic
- The removal of tonsils is needed in certain cases which is called a tonsillectomy. In this case, the LigaSure sealing system finds vast applications.
- LigaSure vessel sealing system can be employed for the removal of hemorrhoids in piles i.e. haemorrhoidectomy.
- Surgeries conducted for the alleviation of acid reflux i.e. anti-reflux surgeries can also be done with the LigaSure device.
- LigaSure vessel sealing systems can also be used in surgeries such as:
- Colorectal surgeries
- Endocrine surgeries
- Esophageal cancer surgeries
- Liver resection surgeries
Advantages of LigaSure vessel sealing system
The LigaSure vessel sealing system provides the following advantages:
- The LigaSure vessel welding system provides the advantage of ligating the vessels with minimum thermal spread.
- This property makes the device ideal in terms of its safety as its potential to cause collateral damage to the neighboring tissues is minimum.
- Moreover, the chances of a future infection are also lesser as compared to that with the use of other devices.
- No additional need for suturing remains once the vessel is sealed with the LigaSure device.
- The working time of the LigaSure device is minimal as it can seal a vessel within 2 to 4 seconds.
Side effects of LigaSure tissue welding devices
The LigaSure vessel sealing system has the following disadvantages:
- The LigaSure device, if not handled properly, can damage the tissues surrounding the target site.
- If the tissues are wet, the LigaSure device can transfer an electric shock to them.
- Although the device is operated in such a way as not to exceed the 100°C temperature limit, in some cases, temperatures higher than that can cause a burn, overcooking, bleeding, necrosis, or bowel perforation in the body.
- If the electric current supply to the device is lesser than required, an undercooking of the tissues can occur.
- Visual impairment can result due to smoke production during the procedure.
Conclusion
LigaSure vessel sealing devices provide the physician with the advantage of sealing a vessel with minimal side effects during a laparoscopic procedure, among others. The device is easy to handle and uncomplicated to use, inexpensive, as well as time-efficient. Moreover, the collateral damage to the nearby tissues is near zero. Thus, the LigaSure device, if used with caution, is one of the best vessel sealing systems currently available in the market.
