Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)

Argon Plasma Coagulation is an advanced endoscopic therapy used to control bleeding and treat abnormal tissue within the gastrointestinal tract. It is a non-contact thermal coagulation technique, making it both precise and safe for delicate areas.

What is it?
APC is a form of electrocoagulation that uses ionized argon gas to deliver controlled electrical energy to targeted tissue without direct contact.

Procedure Description:
During an endoscopic procedure, argon gas is released through a probe and ionized to create a plasma beam. This beam conducts electrical energy to the tissue surface, producing a controlled coagulation effect. Because there is no direct contact, the risk of deep tissue injury or perforation is reduced.

This technique is commonly used to control bleeding from superficial blood vessels, such as in conditions like angiodysplasia or radiation proctitis. It is also effective for ablating residual tissue after the removal of large polyps, helping prevent recurrence.

Argon Plasma Coagulation is minimally invasive, typically performed under sedation, and plays a crucial role in managing gastrointestinal bleeding and enhancing the effectiveness of endoscopic treatments.