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Rich Hoodless

Recent articles from this author

Laboratory test setup showing an articulating device being navigated through a cannula toward animal tissue, with a custom red anodized fixture holding the cannula entry point and a yellow clamp stabilizing the test assembly to replicate realistic insertion forces. Laboratory test setup showing an articulating device being navigated through a cannula toward animal tissue, with a custom red anodized fixture holding the cannula entry point and a yellow clamp stabilizing the test assembly to replicate realistic insertion forces.

Built to Bend: Designing Reliable Articulating Systems

Articulating RF devices have to be flexible enough to reach tight anatomy, precise enough to respond to the surgeon's input, and durable enough to survive repeated use — all within a catheter section small enough to access the joint. This article walks through the engineering analysis, simulation, and real-condition testing that turn those competing demands into a verified design. The principles apply across RF devices, electrosurgical instruments, and any articulating medical device where the design envelope leaves little room for error.
Monopolar argon plasma coagulation device demonstrating a circumferential plasma discharge pattern Monopolar argon plasma coagulation device demonstrating a circumferential plasma discharge pattern

Electrosurgery Explained – Mechanisms of Electrosurgical Tissue Effects

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.
Tripolar electrosurgical tip illustrating active and return electrode configuration Tripolar electrosurgical tip illustrating active and return electrode configuration

Electrosurgery Explained: Pole to Pole — Electrode Configurations in Electrosurgical Systems

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.
Early Bovie electrosurgical generator used in the development of modern electrosurgery Early Bovie electrosurgical generator used in the development of modern electrosurgery

Electrosurgery Explained: From Galvanic Cells to the Goble Brothers — A Brief History of Electrosurgery

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.