Table 1 Monopoloar versus Coblation Settings
Conditions used during Cartilage debridement | MONOPOLAR (and most conventional BIPOLAR devices) | COBLATION (plasma based radiofrequency) |
|---|---|---|
Temperature | > 75 °C (will cause chondrocyte death) | 25–35 °C (*) |
Electrical Current path | Directly passes through tissue: - Monopolar: to a ground plate - Bipolar: from active to return electrode | Not passing directly through tissue: electrical current generates plasma that in turn transfers energy to contact tissue |
Voltage setting | 300–9000 V | 100–350 V (LO mode for cartilage) |
Radiofrequency range | 0.25–2.5 MHz | 100–500 kHz |
Contact pressure | Direct contact with tissue | No contact: 1–2 mm away from tissue |
Contact time | Short applications | Brush technique reduces likelihood of extended contact |