Argon plasma coagulation, APC for short, is an electrosurgical, monopolar procedure for superficial hemostasis, devitalization and ablation using ionized argon gas.
Argon is an inert gas and can be easily ionized.
The most effective location for APC ignition is close to tissue. The distance between the applicator tip and tissue during use is approx. 5-15 mm. The coagulation is directly visible on the tissue; movement can be used to determine and easily control the surface distribution and the intensity of the coagulation surface. In literature, usage is sometimes compared to using a paintbrush.
APC should only be applied where there is good visibility
The penetration depth of APC depends on various factors such as mode, effect and duration of application. In the case of conventional usage, a penetration depth of approx. 2-3 mm can be assumed.
Do not place the APCapplicator tip on tissue while activated. Do not allow the gas to enter the vessels or organs.
To prevent unintended coagulation, do not apply APC to metal clips or surgical suture.
The APCapplicator is an electrosurgical multi-talent. In addition to “straight” non-contact argon plasma
coagulation, other electrosurgical options are integrated in the handle: cutting and coagulation with spatula
or needle electrode. With or without argon support as desired.
Shaft tube
Electrode length can be infinitely adjusted (0–14 mm) with the working distance remaining unchanged
Shaft rotation
The spatula electrode can be rotated for use at any angle
Rotary wheel
The shaft can be extended and retracted
CUT/COAG Buttons
ReMode Button
Enables convenient toggling between program settings
Instrument detection
Insert the APCapplicator and start working; preset values can be modified
Integrated filter
Patented safety*
Flexible connecting cable
You work “virtually without a cable” (to quote some users)
20132-250 - APCapplicator, 35-mm shaft Spatula electrode
20132-251 - APCapplicator, 35-mm shaft Needle electrode
20132-252 - APCapplicator, 100-mm shaft Spatula electrode
20132-253 - APCapplicator, 100-mm shaft Needle electrode
20132-254 - APCapplicator, 350-mm shaft for laparoscopy, spatula electrode
20132-255 - APCapplicator, 350-mm shaft for laparoscopy, needle electrode
20132-256 - APCapplicator, 250-mm shaft, 1 coagulation button
20132-249 - Adapter for connection to APC 2 with standard APC socket
Based on the records of a user acceptance test (3/2016)
efficient, homogenous coagulation with limited penetration
in chemically inert argon gas
in chemically inert argon gas
without argon gas
without argon gas
The modules of the VIO/APC workstation are optimally matched and ideally suited to both argon plasma coagulation and argon-assisted electrosurgery. The APC and electrosurgery modes are selected and activated via the VIO display. The stored start settings are based on user experience and can be configured to your specific requirements.
*Patented: EP 1 515 659 B, US 7,311,707 B, JP 4435680 B, CN 1665451A
Design Patents: EP 436274, CN ZL200630006257.4, US D577,671S, JP 1287552
Design Patents: EP 2249672, CN ZL201330438131.4KR 30-790653
Design patents pending: US 29/475,689.
The APCapplicator with its functions can be used for many surgical procedures, whether open or
laparoscopic. From incision to mobilization of the target organ, from tissue ablation to homogenous
coagulation. With the APCapplicator you can switch quickly from surgical step to surgical step
without having to change instruments.
Settings from the experience in the user acceptance test with VIO 300 D / APC 2 in the period from 01.12.2015 to 03.03.2016.
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 70 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 1.8 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
| Mode | forced APC |
| Electrosurgery Power | 80 W |
| Plasmasurgery Flow | 2.0 L/min |
Retrospective study with 97 patients regarding the effectiveness of organ-preserving treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The kidney parenchyma was bluntly removed and then the base of the tumor was removed using argon plasma coagulation as well as in part using laser treatment. According to the authors, this method is easy to perform as well as safe. more...
Case series with 6 patients investigating the laparoscopic treatment of liver cysts. The cysts were removed using the Harmonie scalpel and argon plasma coagulation. According to the authors, argon plasma coagulation is a safe and effective complementary procedure in liver cyst resection. more...
