Thermal effects of the Thunderbeat™ device on the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety of the Thunderbeat™ (TB) device in thyroid surgery by clarifying its thermal effects on the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).

METHODS

We performed thyroidectomy using TB on four female pigs under general anesthesia. TB was applied 0, 1, and 2 mm from the RLN. The effects of incisions made in tissues in the vicinity of the RLN were evaluated by intraoperative neuromonitoring and pathological examination.

RESULTS

The value of the neural integrity monitor (NIM) was unchanged at 2 and 1 mm, but there was loss of signal at 0 mm. The differences between 2 and 0 mm were not clear from the pathological findings.

CONCLUSIONS

When using the TB device during thyroid surgery, it is recommended that it is visually kept from making any contact with the RLN.