Electromagnetic field focusing instrument augments resection of meningiomas

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD focusing (EFF) surgical instrument creates an oscillating electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the tissue, which converge at the point of contact. This energy creates a focal spark capable of vaporizing tissue. The EFF instrument was used to resect 17 meningiomas in 14 patients. The effectiveness of the EFF probe in resecting tumor tissue was compared with that of the Cavetron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (Model 100) in 11 patients. The EFF system was superior to the Cavetron ultrasonic surgical aspirator in tumor excision in all but two cases, in which the EFF grounding tip was poorly tuned. Surgical time and blood loss were reduced by subjective analysis in all but these two cases, especially in the rubbery or calcified meningiomas resistant to aspiration. No complications were directly attributable to use of the EFF. Drawbacks encountered with the EFF system include buildup of “char” on the tip, requiring scraping, and intense heat at the tip, which occasionally melted the insulating sheath, requiring replacement.