More tissue ablation and less heat…Mitek Sports Medicine, part of DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson, has introduced two new arthroscopic surgery radiofrequency devices. The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode and the VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode are hand-held devices used to ablate or coagulate targeted soft tissue. Both products feature Mitek’s proprietary COOLPULSE Technology, which, indicates the company, enables faster, more efficient tissue ablation while generating equal or less heat when compared to leading competitors.
Mitek Sports Medicine Rolls Out Two Arthroscopic Devices
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According to the July 11, 2015 news release, “The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode is used primarily for shoulder arthroscopy and is the first radiofrequency device with a proprietary tip design that independently optimizes ablation and coagulation performance. The device also incorporates the industry’s first integrated suction flow control, providing surgeons with a new way to visualize and target tissue for resection or coagulation.”
“The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode is used during hip arthroscopy and is the first radiofrequency device to combine bipolar energy flow, integrated suction and tip articulation (flexion) in the same device, with the ability to flex up to 110 degrees. These features may eliminate the need for additional saline suction ports or use of multiple electrodes during the same procedure, and provide access to hard-to-reach Spaces in the confined hip joint.”
“The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode allows me to use a single device instead of multiple ones, which has the potential to save time and cost, and the ability to articulate allows me to quickly and safely prepare my acetabular rim without damaging the labral tissue, ” said Sean McMillan, DO, orthopedic surgeon, Lourdes Medical Associates, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in the July 11, 2015 news release.
Sara Barbera, group product director for Mitek Sports Medicine, told OTW, “The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode uses two separate returns to optimize ablation and coagulation, which means no performance trade-off, regardless of setting. The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode is the first articulating bipolar suction electrode on the market, which allows for easy access to hard-to-reach areas in hip arthroscopy.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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