About the Director

The Harmonic Scalpel is the leading ultrasonic cutting and coagulating surgical device. It is a comprehensive system that has been used by thousands of surgeons worldwide in both endoscopic and open surgical procedures.

Vibrating at 55,000 times per second, the Harmonic Scalpel blade provides precise cutting and coagulation with minimal lateral thermal tissue damage.

Why We Use the Harmonic Scalpel

The Harmonic Scalpel provides advantages compared with electrosurgery and laser surgery:

Less lateral thermal damage
Minimal smoke means a clearer visual field
No electrical energy passed to or through the patient
Less Lateral Tissue Damage
Minimal Smoke

Because the Harmonic Scalpel uses ultrasound, there is less smoke than is generated by both lasers and electrosurgical instruments. Harmonic Scapel technology cuts and coagulates tissues at lower temperatures (less than 100ºC). With both electrosurgery and laser surgery, coagulation occurs by excessive heating and charring of the tissue to form eschar; cutting occurs by heating the tissue so rapidly that water within cells vaporizes and explodes the cells. Subsequent carbonization generates smoke, which can impair visibility.

Ultrasonic Energy

Because ultrasound is the basis for Harmonic Scalpel technology, no electrical energy is conducted to the patient, so there is no risk of electric shock from the Harmonic Scalpel line of instruments.

We use the Harmonic Scalpel in the surgical treatment of GERD during the Nissen Fundoplication procedure.