1983 Volume 76 Issue 11 Pages 2929-2934
The usefulness of Shaw scalpel (heated scalpel) was examined in terms of the hemostatic effect, wound healing, and thermal tissue damage, using rabbits and rats (Wister).
On the basis of the experimental data, the scalpel was used for 22 head and neck surgeries.
The results are as follows:
1. In contrast to the non-heated scalpel, the heated scalpel demonstrated a marked hemostatic effect, when used for skin incision in rats. However, a week after the incision, wound dehiscence occured in cases of the heated scalpel, the rate of which increased as the temperature of the scalpel rose beyond 110°C. Use of the heated scalpel at the temperature above 200°C resulted in wound dehiscence in all of the cases.
2. The extent of thermal tissue damage by the heated scalpel was studied using rabbits. Histological study revealed that the incised skin margin became degenerated within the range of 300μm at 110°C, and 600μm at 260°C.
3. Clinical application of the Shaw scalpel on the head and neck surgeries showed substantial reduction in operation time resulting from much simplified hemostatic procedures, although skin incision was made by a conventional cold scalpel and electrocoagulator (Bovie) or ligation was also utilized for hemostasis. No complications were noted in connection with the use of the heated scalpel.
