Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which type of scalpel uses ultrasonic energy to cut and coagulate tissue?

1. Fulguration

2. Hemostatic

3. Harmonic

4. Plasma

The correct answer is: Harmonic

The correct answer is Harmonic, as it refers to a specific type of scalpel that utilizes ultrasonic technology to both cut and coagulate tissues during surgical procedures. This technology generates high-frequency vibrations, which facilitate precise cutting while simultaneously minimizing thermal damage to surrounding tissues. The Harmonic scalpel operates by creating a mechanical movement that allows for effective dissection, making it beneficial in various surgical disciplines for reducing blood loss and improving the overall efficiency of the surgery. The design of the Harmonic scalpel also helps in maintaining hemostasis, meaning that the need for additional hemostatic agents or techniques may be lessened. Other options mention techniques or devices that do not specifically utilize ultrasonic energy or serve a different primary function. Fulguration involves the use of electric current to destroy tissue, hemostatic refers more generally to methods of stopping bleeding rather than a specific cutting device, and plasma technologies may differ in mechanism and application from ultrasound cutting techniques.