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Coblation stands for Cold Ablation. This is because of the relatively low temperature reached when ablating tissue or performing surgery which limits pain. ArthroCare ENT, the company that creates coblation devices, states that it creates is a bipolar plasma-mediated radiofrequency-based instrument. This means that it creates an ionized gas with free floating electrons, able to deliver focused energy while limiting temperature increase. There are some that debate the exact mechanism however it does limit spread of heat. This allows cutting, cauterization, and reduction of the volume of tissue under low temperature so surrounding tissue isn't damaged. This allows a great reduction in pain and speeds healing. This is obviously very technical but to simplify things you can think of the difference between putting tin foil (Coblation) or a pan (electrocautery) in the oven. Both will reach the same temperature. If you choose not to use an oven mitt when you take them out (which I would never recommend), the pan will burn your fingers while the tin foil may feel hot but probably won’t burn you. The main advantage of coblation is that treating snoring and sleep apnea can now be done under local anesthetic – while a patient is awake and sitting in an outpatient clinic – with minimal postoperative pain, quick recovery (less time off work), and less complications.
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