Surgical techniques using low-power monopolar scissors in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

We analyzed the electrical characteristics of the da Vinci system's low-power monopolar coagulation mode with an electrocautery analyzer to determine its suitability as an alternative to monopolar soft coagulation mode. The voltage at the plateau of the power limit between 15 and 16 W and between 23 and 24 W of the forced coagulation mode of the da Vince system was close to that of the effect 8 and 10 of the soft coagulation mode, respectively. Experiments using chicken meat and an infrared thermographic camera confirmed the safety and effectiveness of low-power monopolar coagulation mode showing no carbonization at temperatures below 90 °C. In 73 robotic-assisted lung resection using low-power coagulation mode, no electric spark or carbonization was observed and all cauterizations were similar to soft coagulation mode. In conclusion, Forced coagulation mode of the da Vinci system can be used as an alternative to monopolar soft coagulation mode with appropriate effect and power limit settings.