Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which hemostasis method uses vibrations to coagulate tissue without producing significant heat?

1. Electrocautery

2. Ultrasonic coagulation

3. Cold therapy

4. Clamping

The correct answer is: Ultrasonic coagulation

The method of hemostasis that uses vibrations to coagulate tissue without generating significant heat is ultrasonic coagulation. This technique employs high-frequency sound waves to create rapid vibrations in the tissue. These vibrations lead to cavitation, a phenomenon where microscopic bubbles rapidly form and collapse, resulting in the coagulation of blood vessels and tissue while minimizing thermal damage. In contrast, electrocautery relies on the application of electrical current to generate heat, which can potentially lead to greater thermal injury to surrounding tissues. Cold therapy involves freezing tissues to induce necrosis and manage bleeding, but it does not utilize vibrations for coagulation. Clamping mechanically occludes blood vessels but does not achieve hemostasis through vibrational mechanisms. Consequently, ultrasonic coagulation stands out for its ability to manage bleeding effectively while preserving surrounding tissue integrity through its unique mechanism of energy transfer.