What is the mechanism of tissue coagulation in monopolar electrosurgery?

What is the mechanism of tissue coagulation in monopolar electrosurgery?

• A. Occurring as a result of tissue heating and protein denaturation
• B. Occurring due to tissue cooling and coagulation
• C. Occurring due to mechanical tearing of tissue
• D. Occurring as a result of tissue heating and protein denaturation

Answer: (D)

Monopolar electrosurgery coagulates tissue primarily through thermal effects produced by electrical resistance in the tissue. The current causes heating, and the heat denatures proteins within the cells and extracellular matrix. As proteins denature and cross-link, the tissue coagulates and forms a hemostatic plug that seals small vessels. This is a thermal mechanism, distinct from cooling, mechanical tearing, or non-thermal processes. The degree of coagulation depends on how hot and how long the tissue is exposed, with higher temperatures tending toward more desiccation or vaporization.

Monopolar electrosurgery coagulates tissue primarily through thermal effects produced by electrical resistance in the tissue. The current causes heating, and the heat denatures proteins within the cells and extracellular matrix. As proteins denature and cross-link, the tissue coagulates and forms a hemostatic plug that seals small vessels. This is a thermal mechanism, distinct from cooling, mechanical tearing, or non-thermal processes. The degree of coagulation depends on how hot and how long the tissue is exposed, with higher temperatures tending toward more desiccation or vaporization.