Comparison of blade temperature dynamics after activation of Harmonic Ace scalpel and the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel LCS-K5.

Purpose: To compare tip temperatures of the vibrating blades of the newer-generation Harmonic Ace device and the older-generation Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel LCS-K5.

Materials And Methods: Comparison of two different harmonic scalpel blades was performed by applying them to 3-mm strips of raw chicken breast at room temperature and measuring the temperature of the tip of the vibrating blade at 0.5-second intervals using a thermocouple.

Cryoablation of small renal masses: assessment of the outcome at one institution.

Objective: To report our 5-year experience with laparoscopic and percutaneous cryoablation (LCA and PCA) for managing small renal masses.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients undergoing LCA and PCA between October 2000 and March 2006 at our institution. After approval from the Institutional Review Board, charts were reviewed retrospectively for variables during and after CA, and for clinical outcomes, the latter including the efficacy of the procedure in achieving overall, cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival.