Rich Hoodless

Understanding electrosurgery requires more than knowing the modes—it requires understanding the physics behind tissue interaction. In Part 4 of the Electrosurgery Explained series, we break down coagulation, cutting, ablation, fulguration, and plasma formation across dry-field and wet-field environments.

Electrode configuration plays a critical role in the delivery of energy to tissue by electrosurgical systems. In the second article of the Electrosurgery Explained series, Rich Hoodless examines monopolar, bipolar, and tripolar configurations, explaining how electrode placement and current paths influence tissue effect, safety, and system performance.

From galvanic cells to waveform-controlled RF generators, electrosurgery has a long and technically rich history. This first article in the Electrosurgery Explained series explores the key engineering developments that led to modern electrosurgical systems.