Voltage-current characteristics of an AC arc for different electrode separations with application to electrosurgery II

For pt. I, see ibid., p.35-6 (1993). A study of the effect of linear electrode displacement in various irrigant solutions commonly used during transurethral electrosurgery is discussed. Frequency and electrode type were held constant. A bipolar configuration was used. Results indicated that solutions such as glycine tap water, distilled water and sterile water displayed a capacitive response to the AC applied signal. Electrodes immersed in glycine, distilled water, and sterile water showed no arcing. A complete understanding of the effects of electrode separation and other parameters such as irrigant solutions may help engineers to design hazard free electrosurgical apparatus.<>