Comparative Morphological Effects of Cold-Blade, Electrosurgical, and Plasma Scalpels on Dog Skin

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histological results of the Onemytis® plasma surgery device with Airplasma® technology. We compared the efficacy and the effect on tissues of the new plasma electrocoagulation system with electrosurgery and a scalpel blade. Samples of healthy skin tissue from four dogs that underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Three different incision modes were used, i.e., a cold blade, electrosurgery, and the Onemytis® plasma scalpel were evaluated histologically to assess invasiveness and tissue injuries at different distances from the cutting surface. The histological examinations showed moderate necrosis caused by Onemytis®, compared to the use of the more invasive electrosurgery, which induces thermal damage that extends beyond 1000 µm. Our study shows that the use of the plasma scalpel reduces the extension of the thermal lesion on the skin compared to an electrosurgical scalpel.

The Canady Helios Cold Plasma Scalpel Significantly Decreases Viability in Malignant Solid Tumor Cells in a Dose-Dependent Manner

To determine appropriate treatment doses of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), the Canady Helios Cold Plasma Scalpel was tested across numerous cancer cell types including renal adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ovarian adenocarcinoma, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Various CAP doses were tested consisting of both high (3 L/min) and low (1 L/min) helium flow rates, several power settings, and a range of treatment times up to 5 min. The impact of cold plasma on the reduction of viability was consistently dose-dependent; however, the anti-cancer capability varied significantly between cell lines. While the lowest effective dose varied from cell line to cell line, in each case an 80–99% reduction in viability was achievable 48 h after CAP treatment. Therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate CAP dose necessary for treating a specific cancer cell type.

Paradoxical movements of the epiglottis: A rare cause of respiratory obstruction and its surgical treatment

Introduction. The aim of this paper was to present a rare disorder of epiglottis function as a cause of breathing disorders and a manner of dealing with this problem. Case report. A 59-yearold male patient had breathing disorders in the form of short cessations of breathing two months after a cardiac surgery. He could not tolerate even a slight physical effort. Indirect laryngoscopy and video endoscopy performed with a rigid endoscope indicated paradoxical movements of epiglottis, which closed the entrance to the larynx and caused short cessations of breathing. The patient underwent a subtotal resection of the epiglottis with an argon plasma scalpel. Directoscopy of the larynx was performed under general endotracheal anesthesia. After three weeks, the patient was without any difficulties. The check-up examination after three months showed a small remaining part of the epiglottis. There were no paradoxical movements of the vocal folds; the left vocal fold was shorter, with a loose edge, and the posterior region of the glottis tilted to the left in phonation. The patient reported no breathing disorders three months after the operation. Discussion. Airway obstruction can be reduced significantly by surgical treatment of a soft or hanging epiglottis. Subtotal resection by argon plasma scalpel resulted in termination of breathing disorders in the patient described in this paper, and it enabled him to continue his normal everyday activities. Conclusion. Paradoxical movements of the epiglottis are a rare cause of breathing disorders. Resection of the epiglottis is a method which gives good therapeutic results.