Which of the following accurately describes a feature of bipolar electrocautery?

Bipolar electrocautery is characterized by its mechanism of delivering electrical current directly between two electrodes, which are typically placed on the tissue being treated. This design eliminates the need for a grounding pad, as the current flows only between the two points of the bipolar tool, providing localized tissue heating and minimizing the risk of unintended damage to surrounding tissues.

This feature sets bipolar electrocautery apart from monopolar systems, which do require a grounding pad to safely return the electrical current after it has passed through the patient’s body. The focused nature of bipolar electrocautery makes it particularly advantageous in delicate surgeries where precision is critical, as it reduces the size of the area affected by thermal injury.

In terms of applications, while bipolar electrocautery can be used for both cutting and coagulation, it is specially designed for coagulation and tissue sealing rather than primarily for cutting tissues. This specificity helps reinforce its effectiveness in controlling bleeding in precise areas, rather than operating on larger vessels exclusively.