Hemostasis in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery using the Aquamantys bipolar sealer: Technical note

摘要

Background: A major challenge during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is adequate intraoperative hemostasis. The Aquamantys (R) is a relatively new bipolar sealing device which uses radiofrequency energy and saline. This promotes hemostasis while decreasing charring and thermal spread. In this paper, we describe our experience with the Aquamantys (R) Mini EVS 3.4 Epidural Vein Sealer Bipolar Electrocautery System (Medtronic Advanced Energy, Portsmouth, NH, USA) during endoscopic surgery for tumors of the skull base with particular attention to ergonomic benefits and technical nuances.