Electrosurgical Devices

Abstract

To the Editor.—

May I offer some comment to clarify the answer to a question on the safety of electrosurgical apparatus in a recent issue ofThe Journal?¹ The newer solid-state devices are smaller, technologically modern, usually less powerful, but not necessarilysaferthan the older spark-gap machine. They may be more effective for some purposes but are less so for others. There are hazards associated with the use of such intentionally destructive high-power devices, but these hazards and complications are largely attributable to lack of knowledge or inadequate training of medical personnel operating them and not to faults of the apparatus. The Rogers subcommittee report (94-853) of 858 deaths due to devices should be quoted with great caution. Before using it to imply that a particular device is potentially lethal, one should check that the report has any reference to such device. The Rogers report quotes 751 fatalities,