An experimental study of optimal parameters for bipolar electrocoagulation.

The role of artery diameter, probe force application (94, 250 or 491 g), coagulation time (2, 10, or 20 secs) and BICAP generator output (5, 10) were studied in rabbit arteries of 3 to 5 mm hemicircumference. Arterial welds were then tested to destruction by increasing intraluminal pressure. The best arterial welds were achieved by the highest force and coagulation time; high generator output did not improve weld strength. These in vitro experiments suggest that when treating a bleeding peptic ulcer, BICAP therapy should be done with a low generator output of 5 or less, for at least 20 seconds per site, and with as great a compression force as possible.