ABSTRACT
Diathermy is a technique in which high frequency AC electric current is passed through tissue. Use of mains frequency AC (50 Hz) would result in neuromuscular stimulus and electrocution at high current. Increasing the frequency permits increased current strength (mA) to be used. Heat generation results from energy passage through the tissues and the temperature at the instrument tip may exceed 1000°C Surgical diathermy commonly uses AC frequencies in the range 400 kHz-10 MHz.
