ENT Center of Austin Enhances the Care and Comfort of Tonsillectomy Patients with Thermal Fusion Technology

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tonsillectomy patients in the Austin area can put aside those tubs of ice cream thanks to a novel surgical device that reduces the pain associated with the procedure. Surgeons at the Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) and Allergy Center of Austin are using the device, called MiFusion ENTceps®, to remove tonsils quickly and safely with minimal damage to nearby tissue.

“Anticipating the worst, I planned to take three-to-four weeks off work to make sure that I’d be OK to come back.”

While tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, patients often report that it is also one of the most painful. Conventional devices used to perform tonsillectomies transmit electrical energy through the patient or tissue, which can damage surrounding tissue and cause excessive bleeding and intense post-operative pain. As a result, it can take days or even weeks for a patient to fully recover and resume his or her normal life.

“As a practice dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients, we are always interested in new technology and techniques to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications and speed recovery,” said Karen Stierman, founder of the ENT Center of Austin. “ENTceps enables us to perform tonsillectomies with greater precision compared with devices that we’ve used in the past. This equates to less tissue damage, less pain, less bleeding and faster healing.”

Unlike conventional devices, MiFusion ENTceps employs an advanced, proprietary technology, called Thermal Fusion (also known as Tissue Welding), to remove the tonsils and simultaneously seal the tissue from which they were removed. Because the device uses only pure heat and pressure, it minimizes tissue damage, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who have undergone MiFusion ENTceps tonsillectomies experience less pain and bleeding compared with other surgical techniques.^1,2

One of Dr. Stierman’s patients, Austin-resident Evie Ellis, had suffered from chronic tonsillitis for six years. When Dr. Stierman told her that she was a good candidate for a tonsillectomy, she “prepared for the worst” in her words.

“I went online and read horror stories from people who had undergone tonsillectomies,” said Ellis. “Anticipating the worst, I planned to take three-to-four weeks off work to make sure that I’d be OK to come back.”

On Thursday, June 28, Dr. Stierman performed a Thermal Fusion tonsillectomy with MiFusion ENTceps on Ellis. Much to her surprise, she was back to work on Thursday, July 5, just one week later. She also felt good enough to be at the hospital for the birth of her first grandchild that same day.

“By that weekend I was eating normal food and by Tuesday I felt good enough to go shopping,” said Ellis. “I took it easy the next couple of days, enjoyed the July 4^th holiday and went back to work that Thursday morning. Although I felt good enough to finish my workday, I ended up having to leave early not because of the tonsillectomy but because my daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Now, two weeks later, I feel great, I’m back to work and enjoying time with my grandson.”

For more information on the MiFusion ENTceps® tonsillectomy procedure, visit www.entceptional.com.

About the ENT Center of Austin

The Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Center of Austin is Austin’s premier adult and pediatric otolaryngology clinic. The specialists at the ENT Center of Austin are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for a wide range of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and allergy problems. We achieve this through a commitment to integrity, high ethical conduct, professionalism, and a promise to uphold the highest standards of care for our patients. Visit us at www.austinentmd.com.

¹ Stavroulaki P. et al. Thermal welding versus cold dissection tonsillectomy: A prospective, randomized, single-blind study in adult patients. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. August 2007.

² Karatzias G. et al. Thermal welding versus bipolar tonsillectomy: A comparative study. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. June 2006.