Coblation is a method used by otolaryngologists, also known as ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists, to perform tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures, including turbinate reduction and the treatment of snoring. Unlike traditional electrocautery methods, Coblation methods use radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to remove tissue. RF is a form of energy like radio waves, but with a higher frequency. Coblation-based surgical procedures use RF energy in a precise and controlled manner to remove affected tissue while causing very little harm to healthy tissue.The Coblation process was invented by Philip E. Eggers and Hira V. Thapliyal, who patented their “electrosurgical ablation probe” on May 11, 1999.The technology was acquired by ArthroCare (founded in 1993), a California-based medical device company, which trademarked the technology under the term Coblation—a contraction of “controlled” and “ablation”. Coblation tonsillectomy received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in 2001. The Coblation procedure is performed using specially designed hand pieces called Coblation wands. Coblation tonsillectomy involves either the complete (subcapsular) removal of the tonsil via dissection or the partial (intracapsular) removal of the tonsil in which the tonsil tissue is reduced by dissolving part of it away.
