Which statement best describes monopolar cut mode?

Which statement best describes monopolar cut mode?

• A. It heats tissue quickly; cell water is converted to steam, causing the cell to explode; minimal later thermal tissue damage, but poor coagulation; unmodulated waveform with low voltage; electrode should not contact tissue directly.
• B. It uses high voltage intermittent waveform with strong coagulation.
• C. Rapid tissue cooling to prevent injury.
• D. It uses a modulated high-frequency waveform to maximize coagulation while cutting.

Answer: (A)

Monopolar cut mode is all about creating a clean, rapid incision by continuous energy delivery. The generator provides a continuous, unmodulated high-frequency current to the tip. This causes tissue at the tip to heat quickly, turning intracellular water into steam and leading to cell rupture and dissection. The result is a crisp cut with minimal accompanying coagulation and relatively limited thermal spread compared with coagulation modes. Because the mode is optimized for cutting rather than sealing vessels, hemostasis is not its strong suit. In practice, the active electrode must contact the tissue to deliver the energy, with current returning through a dispersive pad on the patient.

Monopolar cut mode is all about creating a clean, rapid incision by continuous energy delivery. The generator provides a continuous, unmodulated high-frequency current to the tip. This causes tissue at the tip to heat quickly, turning intracellular water into steam and leading to cell rupture and dissection. The result is a crisp cut with minimal accompanying coagulation and relatively limited thermal spread compared with coagulation modes. Because the mode is optimized for cutting rather than sealing vessels, hemostasis is not its strong suit. In practice, the active electrode must contact the tissue to deliver the energy, with current returning through a dispersive pad on the patient.