Electrosurgical Unit Minicutter
Revision 08
9
3
Functional Principle
3.1
Monopolar Functional Principle
The electrosurgical unit Minicutter is a generator in which electrical energy from the mains supply is
converted into high-frequency current. In monopolar application, the HF current is transmitted to the
operation field via an active electrode in a handle or other surgical instrument. This leads to high energy
concentration in a small area at the application site of the active electrode in the tissue surroundings of the
point of contact, resulting in the desired electrosurgical effect. The current concentration is reduced during
the further transport of the energy through the patient to the neutral electrode applied on a large area.
Therefore, there is, in accordance with its intended purpose, no thermal effect in the area of the applied
neutral electrode. The circuit is closed via the supply cable of the neutral electrode.
The HF generator can be activated via either the foot switch or the finger switch on the handle.
3.2
Bipolar Functional Principle
Special design measures (insulation) permit design of bipolar instruments where the active electrode and
neutral electrode are positioned closely to each other. Here the path of the high-frequency current leads
only from one instrument tip to the other. Thus, there result very short current paths and surrounding
coagulation areas with low power requirements.
