TECHNOLOGY
The Secca procedure involves the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the muscle of the anal canal. Through the body's natural response to collagen denaturization, the tissue contracts and muscle tone is improved.
Radiofrequency energy is simply a range of frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum. Electrosurgical RF is between 200 kilohertz and 3.3 megahertz. One hertz is 1 cycle per second. The RF current for Secca is 465 kHz or 465,000 cycles per second.
For comparison,
- AM radio is 400-1600 kHz
- FM is 88-107 MHz
- Microwave ovens are around 1-3 gigahertz
X-ray and other forms of ionizing-particle-like forms of electromagnetic energy, beyond visible light, are at even higher frequency.
Vibrating at 465 kHz, RF enters tissue via an electrode and causes water molecules in the adjacent tissue (where the current density is greatest) to vibrate at the molecular level, resulting in heating. RF is often mistaken for cautery, which it clearly is not. Cautery is the application of direct current to a wire loop which makes the loop red-hot. Importantly, with RF the needles do not get hot directly, as in cautery. RF is electrosurgery, or the creation of tissue heating by delivering a monopolar current. It is important for patients to understand that RF is not ionizing radiation, cancer promoting, or an implant.
Controlling the delivery of RF energy using temperature feedback is possible by including a thermocouple or temperature sensor in the needle electrode, and at the base of the needle in a Secca catheter. Power is delivered at a level to achieve but not exceed a target temperature of 85 degrees Celsius.
Temperature-controlled RF delivery is an established and proven technology. RF delivery has been used to tighten collagen and remodel tissue in sleep apnea and snoring, BPH, disc herniation, chronic joint subluxation, and cosmetic surgery. A second application of RF delivery is the ablation of specific tissue targets such as nerve pathways. RF is used for myocardial arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) ablation and elimination of chronic pain pathways.
Secca Control Module
- Four channel RF energy generator
- Constant monitoring of temperature and impedance enables precise energy delivery
- Interactive graphics screen displays real-time progress to allow careful control of the procedure
Secca Disposable Handpiece
- Illuminated clear barrel allows for direct visualization and device positioning
- Simple design allows for easy deployment and retraction of the RF electrodes
- Integrated ports deliver chilled water to mucosa while deeper tissue is treated