Jet-cutting supported by high frequency current: new technique for hepatic surgery.

To reduce blood loss incurred during liver resection, techniques that separate vessels from liver parenchyma, such as the CUSA or the jet-cutter, are in clinical use. By conducting high frequency current through the jet beam using hypertonic NaCl cutting solution, we developed a new method enabling simultaneous coagulation during selective cutting. In this study we examined the effects of this method on liver resection in a rabbit model. With the three techniques-jet-cutting, CUSA, and high frequency-supported jet-cutting (HF-jet)-we performed liver resection of the ventral lobe in six animals per group. We compared velocity of resection, blood loss, tissue trauma, selectivity (number of isolated vessels per area), electrolytes, and vital signs. Histopathology was carried out with the resectate and after 7 days with the remaining liver. Velocity of resection procedure and selectivity were significantly reduced in the HF-jet group. Histopathology showed coagulated vessels and a deeper zone of necrosis. Accordingly, the liver enzymes transiently showed distinctly higher values in the HF-jet group. Electrolyte disturbances or differences of vital signs could not be detected. Transferring our results to patient care we expect that with major resections the hilus clamping time, blood loss, and number of blood transfusions can be reduced. In our opinion the additional application of high frequency through the jet beam is a helpful improvement of the jet-cutter.