To-BiTE™
The To-BiTE™ offers quite a revolutionary method of performing tonsillectomies! The To-BiTE™ is a new kind of clamp for tonsillectomy with bipolar coagulation. It combines four functions in one enabling the surgeon to coagulate, grasp, dissect and extract fumes or blood with only one instrument.
FAQ
What power setting is required for best results?
There will be enough power available when your electrosurgery unit is adjusted to approx. 30-40 watts, which equals an intensity of 6 or 7 with the BM-780 II.
What is the most efficient way of using the To-BiTE™?
Grasp the tonsil with a tonsil clamp, and draw in median direction. This facilitates the opening up of connective tissue by coagulation and the placing of the instrument. While keeping a tight draw, dissect the tonsil gradually by "plucking" the tissue away. Coagulate bleeding vessels right away and extract blood by suction. Experience has shown that it is best to start dissection at the inferior pole to be able to close off the larger vessels faster.
Do I have to coagulate while dissecting with the To-BiTE™?
No, the coagulation current is only activated when dissecting connective tissue and for systematic hemostasis.
Do you recommend the use of other accessories or units?
We recommend magnifying the surgeon's field of vision. Best suited for this purpose are loup lenses (magnification 3.5 times, distance approx. 30 cm). These offer sufficient magnification and plenty of freedom of movement. A microscope is also suitable. Thanks to the magnification, vessels can be identified more easily and bleedings sealed more efficiently, or vessels can also be sealed before section.
Is it possible to connect the To-BiTE™ to my electrosurgery unit?
Yes, the instrument can be used with all electrosurgical units having sufficient bipolar power (minimum 50 watts maximum power).
Due to the special construction of the To-BiTE™ a special cable is needed. We offer connecting cables for all commonly used electrosurgical units.
Do I need to connect the To-BiTE™ to a special suction apparatus?
No, you can use the To-BiTE™ with the suction apparatus available in your OR.
Is the To-BiTE™ reusable?
Yes, the instrument is autoclavable and reusable.
How do I clean and store the To-BiTE™?
Use the cleaning brush provided with the instrument and rinse the lumen of the To-BiTE™ well immediately after use in order to prevent the congestion of the suction tube. Manually pre-clean the instrument and use an automated washing programme for cleaning/rinsing, disinfection and sterilization.
We advise against the use of the Sterrad® method, which may shorten the life of the product.
Please consult the user's manual for a detailed description on cleaning and re-processing of the To-BiTE™
Is the To-BiTE™ long enough?
The length of the instrument has never posed a problem so far.
How does the post-operative pain after tonsillectomy with the To-BiTE™ compare to that of methods sealing bleeding vessels after the surgery?
Users report that with the To-BiTE™ post-operative pain tends to be less because vessels can be identified and sealed right away by coagulation, even before unsealed vessels retract into the muscle.
When used in combination with loup lenses or a microscope the nervus glossus can often be identified and spared.
How do you assess the danger of post-operative bleeding after tonsillectomy with the To-BiTE™?
The risk of post-operative bleeding cannot be totally eliminated, but the danger may be significantly less because bleeding vessels can be identified and the bleeding be stopped right away. When using the To-BiTE™ in combination with loup lenses or a microscope, coagulation of bleeding vessels is even more effective, thanks to a more detailed view of the surgeon's field of vision.
