I. Introduction

II. Working Principle

III. Applications

A. Surgical Oncology

1. Tumor Ablation
   • In the treatment of small to medium - sized tumors, especially those in organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs, the disposable RF plasma probe is a valuable asset. Surgeons can precisely insert the probe into the tumor under imaging guidance (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI). Once in place, the RF plasma energy is activated, causing the tumor cells to be ablated. The ability to control the extent of ablation allows for the complete removal of the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal tissue. This is crucial for preserving organ function, especially in patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgical resection due to factors like poor overall health or the location of the tumor.
2. Lymph Node Dissection
   • During cancer surgeries that involve lymph node dissection, the probe can be used to precisely cut through tissues while achieving immediate hemostasis. In procedures like axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer or pelvic lymph node dissection for gynecological cancers, the probe's ability to seal small blood vessels reduces blood loss, providing a clear surgical field. This not only speeds up the surgical process but also reduces the risk of complications associated with excessive bleeding, such as hematoma formation.

B. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Surgery

1. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
   • For patients suffering from recurrent tonsillitis or enlarged adenoids, the disposable RF plasma probe offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods. The probe can be used to ablate and remove the tonsils or adenoids with minimal bleeding. The low - temperature plasma technology causes less damage to the surrounding tissues, resulting in reduced post - operative pain and a faster recovery time. Patients can expect to return to normal diet and activities more quickly compared to traditional cold - knife or electrocautery - based procedures.
2. Sinonasal Surgery
   • In surgeries for conditions like chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps, the probe can be used to precisely remove diseased tissue within the sinuses. The ability to achieve hemostasis during the procedure is especially important in the nasal cavity, where bleeding can be difficult to control. The probe's design allows for easy access to the complex anatomy of the sinuses, enabling surgeons to perform the procedure with greater precision and safety.

C. Urology

1. Prostatectomy
   • In the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, the disposable RF plasma probe can be used in minimally invasive prostatectomy procedures. It allows for the precise removal of prostate tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels. This reduces the risk of significant blood loss during the surgery and the need for blood transfusions. Additionally, the low - thermal - damage nature of the plasma technology helps preserve the integrity of the surrounding structures, such as the urethra and urinary sphincter, reducing the risk of post - operative urinary incontinence.
2. Bladder Tumor Resection
   • When treating non - muscle - invasive bladder tumors, the probe can be inserted into the bladder through a cystoscope. The RF plasma energy is then used to ablate the tumor tissue. The ability to achieve hemostasis during the resection is crucial, as it provides a clear view of the surgical field, ensuring complete removal of the tumor. The single - use nature of the probe also helps prevent cross - contamination between patients, which is especially important in urological procedures where the risk of infection is relatively high.

IV. Advantages of the Disposable Design

1. Infection Control
   • The disposable nature of the probe eliminates the need for complex and potentially imperfect reprocessing procedures. This significantly reduces the risk of cross - contamination between patients, which is a major concern in healthcare settings. By using a new probe for each patient, hospitals can enhance their infection control measures and protect patients from nosocomial infections.
2. Sterility Assurance
   • Each disposable RF plasma probe comes pre - sterilized, ensuring that it is free from any pathogens when used in the operating room. This gives surgeons peace of mind, knowing that they are using a sterile and reliable device. It also simplifies the logistics of surgical instrument management, as there is no need to worry about the proper sterilization of reusable probes between surgeries.
3. Cost - effectiveness in the Long Run
   • While the upfront cost of a disposable probe may seem higher than a reusable one, when considering the costs associated with reprocessing (including cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance), the overall cost - effectiveness of disposable probes becomes apparent. Additionally, the reduced risk of complications due to cross - contamination or improper reprocessing can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs related to treating infections and other related issues.