Innovation in Modern Advanced Bipolar Vessel Sealing Technology for Gynecology

Updated on June 17, 2022

Cool Photos from Depositphotos

essex mitchell

By Essex Mitchell

More than 400,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States, making it one of the most common surgical procedures for women in the country. When it comes to surgery, however, “commonly done” doesn’t necessarily mean risk-free.  

Women have historically been underserved by the medical technology community, but the past decade has seen a significant increase in investments in innovations in women’s health. One of the more recent advances has the potential to positively impact hysterectomy patients’ experiences as well as better support the needs of the surgeons performing the procedures. 

Earlier this year, Bolder Surgical, part of Hologic, Inc., was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery with microsurgical vessel sealing devices that combine the safety of advanced bipolar RF sealing technology with the precision and versatility of true surgical instruments.

Safe, secure vessel sealing is a critical step to minimize blood loss during laparoscopic procedures such as hysterectomy. The CoolSeal® Trinity, for example, has secure sealing capabilities, plus serves as an all-in-one surgical device to dissect, seal, and divide tissue. By avoiding multiple instrument exchanges, the surgeon can maintain their pace and streamline procedural workflow. 

A “microsurgical Swiss army knife” in the OR 

Bolder Surgical found its roots in pediatric surgery with “right sized” devices specifically designed for infants and children. Then-named the JustRight vessel sealer, this microsurgical device changed pediatric surgery forever with small incisions, extreme precision, and low temperature sealing technology to avoid harm to adjacent tissue.

By 2016, the team at Bolder Surgical started to envision new applications for its proprietary technologies, leading to the development of the CoolSeal Trinity 5 mm laparoscopic vessel sealer, divider, and dissector which has now been used safely in general, urological, and gynecological procedures across the United States and in over 20 countries worldwide.

Fast Company called the CoolSeal portfolio a “microsurgical Swiss army knife” for its versatility and multiple capabilities that make it a standout in the surgical instrument space. 

What makes the CoolSeal Trinity device so innovative for gynecologic procedures? 

Now, as part of Hologic, Bolder Surgical’s innovative devices are ideally designed for expanded use in gynecological procedures, allowing surgeons to deftly work within tight internal cervices and in proximity to delicate adjacent structures.

The CoolSeal Trinity device’s design features are ideal for gynecological procedures: slim, dual-action jaws precisely dissect, grasp and seal from the smallest bits of tissue to vessel bundles. Outer jaws stay cool to avoid irreversible damage to adjacent tissue, and the inside jaws cool quickly to allow the surgeon to move to the next task. Additionally, strong, secure seals are produced in under two seconds, with a minimal thermal footprint.,,,,

Minimizing thermal spread is especially important in hysterectomies:  small, enclosed areas are surrounded by healthy tissue and critical structures. The uterus is adjacent to the bladder, bowel, and other areas that, if injured, can present a host of potential complications for the patient. 

Laparoscopic incisions for hysterectomy can be as small as 5 mm. Limited surgical space means every insertion and removal of an instrument takes time. The CoolSeal device’s three-in-one capability can reduce instrument exchange, save time, and speed workflow. For additional information related to the indications, contraindications, warnings, cautions, and directions for use for the CoolSeal Trinity device, please consult the full Instructions for Use available at www.hologic.com/package-inserts.

Innovation in the best interest of the patient – and the surgeon 

Fast Company was right – innovations like advanced vessel sealing make performing minimally invasive hysterectomies more efficient, increasing surgeon confidence with a device that helps guard against harm to tissues and critical structures.7 Bolder Surgical took a mainstay of the OR and turned it into an extraordinary instrument. In a treatment area that needs specialized equipment, yet lacks much of the research required to innovate, improved vessel sealing devices are a strong example of what is possible.  

Hologic is committed to innovation that delivers the right device for the procedure and supports improved patient outcomes and surgical experiences. Meaningful innovation serves both the surgeons and the patients with breakthrough technologies designed to increase efficiency while improving workflow and patient experience. This commitment is core to achieving our mission to empower people to live healthier lives everywhere, every day. 

About Essex Mitchell – Division President, GYN Surgical Solutions

Essex Mitchell was promoted to his current position in August 2020, after joining the Company in September 2017 as Vice President of Sales and Commercial Excellence for the GYN Surgical division. Since joining Hologic, Mr. Mitchell has played a pivotal role in building a high-performing, exceptionally engaged, diverse commercial organization. Mr. Mitchell has over 16 years of medical device and pharmaceutical experience. From 2006 to 2017, he worked for Stryker Corporation, where he held various commercial roles of increasing responsibility, leading sales and marketing in multiple divisions during his tenure. Prior to his career in healthcare, Mr. Mitchell played professional football in both the National and Canadian Football Leagues. He received his BS in Business Administration from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.