From science to practice
EXPERTISE ENSURES SAFETY
BOWA ACADEMY actively supports professional users and distribution partners worldwide with specialised information – such as brochures, quick guides, webinars and online courses – for safe handling of BOWA MEDICAL products. The offer includes high-quality training modules and further education events that are continuously developed with leading surgical institutions and the medical technology industry.
Goal of the BOWA ACADEMY
Safe use of energy-based surgery for the benefit of patients!
Discover the learning platform of BOWA ACADEMY
Interactive learning
Expert knowledge communicated clearly and simply
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as surgeons, operating theatre staff, medical technology providers
Online courses
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HF DRIVER’S LICENSE:
Basics of high-frequency surgery
Expand your knowledge of how electrosurgery works and become
more confident in using it.
Acquire your HF driver’s license now.
Basic principle of high-frequency surgery
Electrosurgical coagulation; Electrosurgical section
Specific electrosurgical procedures: Argon-plasma coagulation; vessel sealing
Monopolar technique ; Bipolar technique
Section overview
Other online courses that might interest you
Neutral electrodes
Neutralelektroden – Verwendung und sachgerechte Handhabung
Besondere Sicherheitsmaßnahmen müssen bei Neutralelektroden beachtet werden. Lernen Sie mehr über die sichere Anwendung.
To the webinarSmoke management
SHE SHA Rauchgasabsaugung – Arbeitsschutz durch saubere Luft im OP
Chirurgische Rauchgase gefährden die Gesundheit des OP-Personals! Lernen Sie mehr über die Gefahren und effektive Gegenmaßnahmen.
To the webinarOther online courses that might interest you
Neutral electrodes
Neutral electrodes – use and correct handling
Special safety measures must be observed with neutral electrodes. Learn more about safe use.
To register
Smoke management
SHE SHA smoke evacuation system – A healthy and safe working environment thanks to clean air in the operating theatre
Surgical smoke is dangerous to the health of surgical staff! Learn more about the dangers and effective countermeasures.
To register
Download: Overviews and checklists for HF surgery
VIDEOS
Electrosurgery – FAQ
What is the difference between high-frequency surgery (HF surgery) and cautery?
In HF surgery, the heat (thermal effect) is produced by the flow of current in the tissue itself (endogenous). In cautery, an instrument such as a thermocautery device heats the tissue from the outside (exogenous).
Why does HF surgery not result in neuromuscular irritation?
In HF surgery, alternating currents with a frequency of over 200,000 Hz (200 kHz) are used. In this high frequency range, the flow direction changes so quickly between plus and minus that the current does not cause neuromuscular irritation.
In electrosurgery, which colour symbolises cutting and which symbolises coagulation?
On the handle and the foot pedal, the yellow switch activates the cutting current and the blue switch activates the coagulating current.
This colour code is internationally standardised.
This colour code is internationally standardised.
What is the difference between monopolar and bipolar HF surgery?
In monopolar HF surgery, the current flows from the instrument's active electrode through the patient to the large neutral electrode and back to the generator. With bipolar HF surgery, two active electrodes are integrated into the instrument. Current only flows in the specific tissue region between the two electrodes. A neutral electrode is therefore not required.
What point is used as a reference for selecting the application site of the neutral electrode?
The level of the heart is used as a guide for selecting the application site. Depending on the surgical field, the neutral electrode is preferably placed on the nearest upper arm or thigh but not closer than 20 cm to the surgical site. The path of the current must not go through the heart!
Why should split neutral electrodes be used for electrosurgical devices with a contact-quality monitoring circuit?
With split neutral electrodes, the resistances between the two contact strips and the patient's skin are continuously measured. Advantage: Alarm notification with application stop when the neutral electrode detaches during surgery minimises risks.
Electrosurgery – FAQ
What is the difference between high-frequency surgery (HF surgery) and cautery?
In HF surgery, the heat (thermal effect) is produced by the flow of current in the tissue itself (endogenous). In cautery, an instrument such as a thermocautery device heats the tissue from the outside (exogenous).
Why does HF surgery not result in neuromuscular irritation?
In HF surgery, alternating currents with a frequency of over 200,000 Hz (200 kHz) are used. In this high frequency range, the flow direction changes so quickly between plus and minus that the current does not cause neuromuscular irritation.
In electrosurgery, which colour symbolises cutting and which symbolises coagulation?
On the handle and the foot pedal, the yellow switch activates the cutting current and the blue switch activates the coagulating current.
This colour code is internationally standardised.
This colour code is internationally standardised.
What is the difference between monopolar and bipolar HF surgery?
In monopolar HF surgery, the current flows from the instrument's active electrode through the patient to the large neutral electrode and back to the generator. With bipolar HF surgery, two active electrodes are integrated into the instrument. Current only flows in the specific tissue region between the two electrodes. A neutral electrode is therefore not required.
What point is used as a reference for selecting the application site of the neutral electrode?
The level of the heart is used as a guide for selecting the application site. Depending on the surgical field, the neutral electrode is preferably placed on the nearest upper arm or thigh but not closer than 20 cm to the surgical site. The path of the current must not go through the heart!
Why should split neutral electrodes be used for electrosurgical devices with a contact-quality monitoring circuit?
With split neutral electrodes, the resistances between the two contact strips and the patient's skin are continuously measured. Advantage: Alarm notification with application stop when the neutral electrode detaches during surgery minimises risks.