What differentiates bipolar cautery from monopolar cautery in surgical procedures?

Bipolar cautery operates by utilizing two tips, or electrodes, which deliver electrical current directly to the target tissue, creating heat, leading to cutting or coagulation of tissue. One of the key advantages of bipolar cautery is that it does not require a grounding pad, which is necessary in monopolar cautery systems. In monopolar cautery, the current travels through the body and returns to the generator via a grounding pad, which can increase the risk of burns or other complications if not used correctly.

With bipolar cautery, the current is localized between the two electrodes, ensuring that the electrical energy is concentrated in a small area. This precision allows for more controlled cauterization and reduces the risk of unintended burns to surrounding tissue. The absence of a grounding pad in bipolar cautery makes it a safer option in certain surgical settings, especially in areas where tissue manipulation is delicate or where the risk of grounding pad-related complications would be higher.