Evaluation: Electrosurgical Units

Electrosurgical units (ESUs) are used to deliver concentrated radio-frequency electric currents to the tip of an active electrode, enabling the surgeon to cut and coagulate tissue. ESUs can be used for a wide variety of applications, from removing skin lesions to performing brain surgery. Since electrosurgery has long been a common surgical modality, the performance of ESUs is rarely in question and they are generally expected to be low-maintenance, long-lasting devices.

We've evaluated eight general-purpose, isolated-output, bipolar/monopolar ESUs currently on the market. All the models we tested will meet the needs for general surgery. The differences between them, which we describe here, are not major but may have an influence on your purchasing decision. The units are all rated three stars (out of five) and are listed alphabetically.

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