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SFSC otolaryngologist Lorre T. Henderson, M.D. and his colleagues perform approximately 140 adult and pediatric tonsillectomies each year. They had been using a conventional electrocautery device to cut and seal tissue during the procedures, but were dissatisfied with the results.

"When you cauterize the tissue with a regular electrocautery, it burns not only the tissue that you take out but also the tissue that’s left behind," said Henderson. "This distorts or discolors the area and makes it difficult to see the tissue planes. It also increases the risk for bleeding and post-operative pain."

Lorre T. Henderson, M.D.

At a Glance Sutter Fairfield Surgery Center Fairfield, California Application: Tissue sealing and dividing for tonsillectomy procedures System: ENTceps, Starion Instruments Benefits: • Minimizes thermal spread to collateral tissue • Reduces complications, such as bleeding and post-operative pain • Improves patient recovery times • Reliable and easy to use

He knew that if he could minimize tissue damage, he could reduce pain – and recovery times - for his patients. "A tonsillectomy can be an extremely painful procedure but it doesn’t have to be," said Henderson. "And the less pain that you create for the patient, the faster they can get back to their normal life."

In 2005, Henderson learned of Starion Instruments’ ENTceps. Unlike conventional products employing monopolar, bipolar or ultrasonic energy, ENTceps features Starion’s patented Tissue Welding technology, which uses direct heat and pressure to simultaneously seal and divide soft tissue.

"I wasn’t looking for something new at the time but when I saw this particular instrument, I was intrigued at the fact that the burning unit itself is very contained so there is little to no heat dissipation into the adjacent tissue," said Henderson.

Starion’s ENTceps is specifically designed for procedures where fine precision, soft tissue sealing and dividing is required, including tonsillectomy, parotidectomy, thyroidectomy and uvulopalatopharyn-goplasty. A resistive heating element in the device’s jaw heats only the tissue that comes in contact with it. A low-temperature coagulating zone seals the tissue, while an extremely narrow high-temperature zone cuts the tissue simultaneously.

According to Henderson, the learning curve for ENTceps was minimal, so he and his staff were up and running with the device in no time. "ENTceps is simple, reliable and very easy to use," said Henderson. "And Starion is great to work with – they are always available when we need them."

Henderson found that ENTceps enabled him to perform tonsillectomies with greater precision. "With the Starion device, you only cauterize the tissue that you want to cauterize, making it easier to see the planes and perform the dissection," said Henderson.

As a result, his patients experience less pain following the procedures. "It has been quite dramatic," said Henderson. "Across the board, the majority of patients experience less pain, have better intake of liquids and foods and can get back to school or work faster."