What's new in electrosurgical instrumentation?

A 1976 report of the use of radiofrequency current to devitalize carcinomas in man stimulated this review of the historical background, the presently used techniques, and the problems associated with electrosurgery. Difficulties in electrosurgical techniques requiring further research are identified--i.e., the high heating and variable performance of dry dispersive electrodes, the hazards of tissue stimulation, high-frequency interference, and the potential impact of government regulation.