Miscellaneous knowledge - staplers, ligasure, harmonic

Question 1

How does a harmonic scalpel work?

Answer 1

A harmonic scalpel is a surgical instrument that cuts via vibration.
- vibrating in the range of 55,500 Hz.
high frequency vibration of tissue molecules generates stress and friction in tissue
-this generates heat and causes protein denaturation.

Unlike Electrosurgery, the harmonic uses ultrasonic vibrations instead of electric current to cut and cauterize tissue.