Esther Lee1, Jane Y Tong2, Luke J Pasick3, Daniel A Benito4, Arjun Joshi5, Joseph F Goodman6, Punam G Thakkar7. 1. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America; Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States of America. Electronic address: esther.lee1@westernu.edu. 2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America. Electronic address: jyt24@drexel.edu. 3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America. 4. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America. Electronic address: jbenito@gwu.edu. 5. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America. Electronic address: ajoshi@mfa.gwu.edu. 6. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America. Electronic address: jfgoodman@mfa.gwu.edu. 7. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America. Electronic address: pthakkar@mfa.gwu.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The pulsed-electron avalanche knife (PEAK) PlasmaBlade TnA (Medtronic, n.d.) is a relatively new electrosurgical technology that is used widely in head and neck surgery (Medtronic Manuals, n.d.). This study aims to summarize device malfunctions, patient complications, and subsequent interventions related to PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA during tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacture and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for reports of PlasmaBlade TnA adverse events from June 6, 2009, to August 30, 2020. Data were extracted from reports pertaining to tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. RESULTS: 128 reports were identified, from which 163 adverse events were extracted. Of these, 23 (14.6%) were related to patients, and 140 (85.4%) were related to device malfunction. The most frequently reported patient-related adverse event was a burn injury (17 [73.9%]). The most common device malfunctions were dislodgment of device component (39 [27.9%]), followed by tip ignition (32 [22.9%]), damaged tip or wire during operation (28 [20%]), and melted device (24 [17.1%]). CONCLUSIONS: PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA have demonstrated utility in tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy but are associated with adverse events. Interventions aimed at improving both physician and patient education may help reduce adverse events attributed to improper use. Further study is needed to clarify optimal approaches to education.
PURPOSE: The pulsed-electron avalanche knife (PEAK) PlasmaBlade TnA (Medtronic, n.d.) is a relatively new electrosurgical technology that is used widely in head and neck surgery (Medtronic Manuals, n.d.). This study aims to summarize device malfunctions, patient complications, and subsequent interventions related to PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA during tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacture and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for reports of PlasmaBlade TnA adverse events from June 6, 2009, to August 30, 2020. Data were extracted from reports pertaining to tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. RESULTS: 128 reports were identified, from which 163 adverse events were extracted. Of these, 23 (14.6%) were related to patients, and 140 (85.4%) were related to device malfunction. The most frequently reported patient-related adverse event was a burn injury (17 [73.9%]). The most common device malfunctions were dislodgment of device component (39 [27.9%]), followed by tip ignition (32 [22.9%]), damaged tip or wire during operation (28 [20%]), and melted device (24 [17.1%]). CONCLUSIONS: PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA have demonstrated utility in tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy but are associated with adverse events. Interventions aimed at improving both physician and patient education may help reduce adverse events attributed to improper use. Further study is needed to clarify optimal approaches to education.
Authors: Esther Lee; Amir Elzomor; Sameh Boulos; Olivia Silva; Luke J Pasick; Daniel A Benito; Jane Tong; Philip Zapanta; Arjun S Joshi; Joseph F Goodman; Punam G Thakkar Journal: Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) Date: 2022-05-19