GALVANOCAUTERY Meaning and
Definition
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Galvanocautery is a medical procedure that utilizes an electric current to cauterize and remove tissue. It involves the use of a specialized device called a galvanocautery unit, which is typically composed of a handheld pen-like instrument with an electrode tip connected to a power source.
The procedure is primarily used in surgical settings for different purposes, such as to stop bleeding, remove abnormal tissue growths, or deliver targeted treatment to specific areas. When the electrode tip of the galvanocautery unit is touched to the tissue, a small electric current is applied, which generates heat. This heat effectively cauterizes the tissue, sealing blood vessels and preventing or minimizing bleeding.
Galvanocautery offers several advantages over conventional cautery techniques. It provides precise and controlled tissue destruction, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Additionally, it offers the advantage of both cutting and coagulating at the same time, allowing for efficient surgical procedures.
This technique is frequently employed in various medical specialties, including dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, and general surgery. It is commonly used for procedures like wart and skin tag removal, eye surgeries, and various excisions. Galvanocautery is generally considered safe and yields minimal scarring compared to other methods.
Overall, galvanocautery is a surgical procedure that utilizes an electric current to heat and cauterize tissue for a range of medical applications, providing precise and controlled tissue destruction with minimal damage to surrounding areas.
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An actual cautery made by heating a wire by a galvanic current.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GALVANOCAUTERY
- falvanocautery
- valvanocautery
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Etymology of GALVANOCAUTERY
The word "galvanocautery" is derived from two components: "galvano" and "cautery".
The term "galvano" is derived from Luigi Galvani (1737-1798), an Italian physician and physicist who is known for his pioneering work on the electrical nature of muscle stimulation. Galvani conducted experiments on dissected animal limbs and observed that when an electrical current was applied, the muscles would contract. His research contributed to the understanding of bioelectricity and the relation between electricity and muscle movement.
The word "cautery" has Greek origins and comes from the Greek word "kaiein", meaning "to burn". In medical terminology, it refers to the process of burning or searing tissues, usually to remove or destroy them. Cautery has been used for various medical purposes throughout history, including surgical procedures and treatments.
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