Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is a non-contact, endoscopic, monopolar electrosurgical technique used primarily to treat gastrointestinal bleeding and superficial lesions by delivering high-frequency energy via ionized argon gas.
No food for 6–8 hours before procedure
No water for at least 2–4 hours before
Tell doctor if patient has (Heart disease Lung disease Pacemaker/defibrillator Bleeding disorder)
Patient must inform doctor if taking: Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban)
Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is a non-contact, endoscopic, monopolar electrosurgical technique used primarily to treat gastrointestinal bleeding and superficial lesions by delivering high-frequency energy via ionized argon gas. It enables rapid, safe, and efficient coagulation (typically 1–3 mm depth) for conditions like angiodysplasia, radiation proctitis, and tumor debulking.
Key Aspects of Argon Plasma Coagulation
- Technology: An electro-surgical unit generates high-frequency, monopolar current, and argon gas is passed through a probe to ionize it, creating a plasma spark that travels to the tissue.
- Procedure: It is performed during endoscopy (colonoscopy or endoscopy) while the patient is sedated, usually on an outpatient basis.
- Indications:
- Hemostasis: Treating vascular malformations (angiodysplasia, watermelon stomach), and ulcer-related bleeding.
- Tissue Destruction/Ablation: Barrett's esophagus, colonic polyps, and tumor ablation.
- Advantages: Non-contact (minimal risk of sticking to tissue), controlled penetration (lower risk of perforation), and ability to treat large surfaces quickly.
- Safety & Complications: Generally safe, but risks include bleeding, perforation, bowel distension, and gas embolization.
Procedure Guidelines
- Preparation: Patients may need to stop blood-thinning medications seven days prior.
- Settings: The argon flow rate and wattage are adjusted based on the tissue.
- Technique: The probe tip should be 3-4 mm from the tissue.