Diathermy

Question 1

What is cutting current?

Answer 1

High voltage and high current

Question 2

What is coagulation current?

Answer 2

Low voltage and low current

Question 3

What is dessication current?

Answer 3

High voltage, low current
Held to tissue directly

Question 4

What is fulguration current?

Answer 4

High voltage, low current
Held away from tissue

Question 5

Modulated current with intermittent dampened sine waves of high peak voltage
Evaporation, rather than vaporisation of intracellular fluid occurs
Results in formation of coagulum

Answer 5

Coagulation

Question 6

Sinusoidal and non modulated waveform
High average power and current density
Precise cutting without thermal damage

Answer 6

Cutting

Question 7

Active electrode in direct contact with tissue
Low current and high voltage system
Results in loss of cellular water but no protein damage

Answer 7

Desication

Question 8

Electrode probe is held away from tissue
Produces spray effect with local, superficial tissue destruction
Low amplitude and high voltage system

Answer 8

Fulguration