Medical device manufacturers have a responsibilty for surgeon education in order to explain their technology and share best practices. In April 2016 Sutter Medizintechnik partnered with the ENT department at the University hospital Munich ‘rechts der Isar’ to hold its first radiofrequency course for ENT surgeons. It was a 1.5 day event dedicated to explaining the advantages of radiofrequency, evaluating the clinical outcomes and providing practical skill training.

Supported by a team of seven lecturers, including head of department Professor Dr. Bier, the course covered a range of topics: head & neck tumor resection, tonsillotomy, facial plastics and treatment for snoring and mild OSAS.

The ENT department in Munich ‘rechts der Isar’ is one of the top head & neck cancer centers in Germany. There has been a significant switch in their treatment concept for oral and oro-pharyngeal cancers in the last year. The clinical evidence in favour of radiofrequency-assisted resection is such that they no longer use the laser in their department for resection of these tumors. The reasons for this change of technique are the reduced thermal damage using RF, less pain, good healing, ease of use. Dr Hofauer reported in his lecture that the histopathological evaluation of tumor excision margins is significantly better with RF than laser. The pathologist was “astounded” that the resection wasn’t performed with a scalpel since the margins showed no visible carbonisation or harsh coagulation remnants. A prospective clinical study is being finalised in the department and the results are very promising: low post-op complication rates, good healing and low pain ranking by the patients.

Dr Oestreicher provided an entertaining account of his use of the CURIS® radiofrequency generator for facial aesthetic corrections in an aging regional population. He emphasised how grateful his patients often are for the quick and easy removal of moles and warts that may have bothered them for decades. His message was clear: radiofrequency is less invasive (and expensive) than laser and ENT surgeons should be more active in this area of facial plastic corrections.

Like all good courses this event generated some robust discussions among the speakers. On the topic of nasal turbinate volume reduction for example the design of the Sutter bipolar probe was favoured by some speakers as this short probe allows easier placement in relation to the nasal septum.  Furthermore, it allows angled insertion starting proximally and moving distally with improving vision as the doctor works deeper in the nose. 

A key highlight for many participants was the hands-on practical session. Here the seven speakers gave detailed guidance and tips and tricks at each of the seven workstations. The participants had the opportunity to practice the entire range of clinical indications, including laryngeal applications using long microelectrodes through a Kleinsasser laryngoscope.

The course was fully booked and mainly attended by doctors in private practice or those considering doing so. The enthusiasm with which the partcipants worked using the CURIS® RF generator and range of bipolar and monopolar microelectrodes highlighted how important practical training courses are for surgeons to sharpen their skills and to gain experience with this minimally invasive form of electrosurgery.

Thanks to the course director Dr. Clemens Heiser and his tireless team, the course was a great success. The next course is in planning. Watch this space for an update.