This is how I think about Essure, a form of permanent sterilization just as efficacious as bilateral tubal ligations (“tube tying”) without ever needing a surgical incision.

While the body builds this tissue blockade in the tubes (which can take three months), alternative forms of contraception must be used. Patients need a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes during their three month follow-up. Nevertheless, Essure is taking on a greater role as the mainstay for elective permanent female sterilization.

…I’m so lucky to be a medical student here.

“Using the Coblation wand device, the surgeon places the tip against the base of the tonsil to remove precisely the tissue attaching the tonsil to the throat. The surgeon then uses a foot pedal to control and activate the low-temperature, radio-frequency energy and saline conductive solution from the wand tip to the area around the tonsil. This action creates a plasma field that gently breaks down the targeted tissue. The wand also contains a coagulation feature that allows the surgeon to stop any bleeding quickly.” — UCLA Health

Here’s a short video which outlines what coblation tonsillectomy actually entails from a surgical perspective. You can clearly see how the coblation wand is deftly utilized to gradually excise away the tonsillar tissue.

A bilateral coblation tonsillectomy takes roughly 15 minutes and most patients are ready to go home within an hour with a few days of throat soreness post-op. Remarkable!

But very… very… overpriced. Oh well, it’s still nice to see the Japanese having an answer for the European performance enthusiasts.