Indication

The InLine™ bipolar RF linear coagulator is indicated for the coagulation of tissue during laparoscopic and intraoperative surgical procedures.

InLine™ Features (3)

• Transection blood loss reduced 82% (1)
• 69% Average time savings (1)
• Bipolar RF: no return electrodes (grounding pads) and no skin pad burns
• Compatible with a variety of RF generators so you can use your existing RF equipment and your institution saves money
• User defined coagulation plane sizes and shapes
• Easy to use, no complicated algorithms to learn
• Fast three minute cycle time
• Open and laparoscopic use with standard hand-port

Introduction

When appropriate, liver resection remains the best option for prolonged survival for many cancer patients. The treatment of liver tumors by resection, however, is one of the most challenging tasks for surgeons. Great care must be exercised to preserve hepatic function and to avoid complications from bleeding and prolonged operations. Bleeding during liver resections remains a significant challenge. This is especially true for patients with liver cirrhosis, fatty livers, or post chemotherapy fibrosis.

Existing instruments to control bleeding are cumbersome and slow to work, since, by their design, they can only coagulate small localized areas of tissue with each application. Inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver) reduces blood loss, but recent literature reports (2) higher risks of adverse oncological effects and compromised liver function from these techniques. Issues such as these illustrate the need for tools that give surgeons better hemostatic control, improved transection visibility, and cleaner resection margins. Improved surgical outcomes can be achieved with instruments that minimize the need for transfusions and vessel occlusion techniques and also shorten operative times.

The InLine Solution

The InLine is a unique bipolar RF device utilizing proprietary technology to create a plane of coagulated tissue. With InLine, the user is able to define the depth of the coagulated tissue plane along a planned transection line. Using standard techniques, the surgeon can then safely reduce transection blood loss, improve tissue visibility, obtain cleaner resection margins and reduce procedure times. In a recent study the InLine system was used side-by-side with best available techniques to coagulate tissue during liver resection. Blood loss reduction was on average 82% less in areas treated with the InLine device as compared to the control (p < .00019). Transection times were also reduced with InLine by an average 69% (p < .03) when compared to the control.

The InLine bipolar technology does not need return electrodes (grounding pads). This eliminates the risk of skin burns that can occur with monopolar systems. InLine is compatible with several commonly available RF generators, so no additional capital expenditure is required at most institutions.

Best of all, InLine was designed from the outset for ease of use, so you can focus on your patients and not the technology. Your team works with the equipment they normally use, and there is no need to learn complicated algorithms.

InLine is CE marked for sale in Europe and has FDA 510(k) clearance to market in the US.

Training

Physician training courses are held at the following locations:

San Francisco, USA
Sydney, Australia
Homburg, Germany

To check on space availability for an upcoming training course please contact us at: training@resect.com

1. • IHPBA June 2004, InLine Radiofrequency Ablations: A new technique to minimize blood loss in hepatic parenchymal transection. K Haghigi, F Wang, S Daniel, P Kam, D Morris.
   • Dept of Surgery, St. George Hospital - University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia.
2. Proceedings of ASCO Volume 22 2003: 1077; Vascular clamping during hepatic surgery for colorectal metastases worsens prognosis. E. A. Te Velde, P. J. Van Diest, B. Fioole, W. Draaisma, P. Van der Groep, A. E. Greijer, E. Van der Wall, E. E. voest, I.H.M. Borel Rinkes. University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
3. See specific InLine Indications for Use.