Updated Bipolar Probe for PSARP Surgery Now Available
Since discontinuation of the reusable probes originally supplied with the PS-1 and PS-2 Peña stimulators, Digitimer has provided a single-use precision bipolar probe to facilitate the identification of anal sphincter musculature during the Peña or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) procedure. This probe has now been replaced with an updated single-use probe, with improved usability.
Named after Alberto Peña MD, developer of the technique in the 1980’s, this surgical approach revolutionised the treatment and care of children with anorectal malformation. It gave greater surgical accuracy to the re-positioning of the anus, minimized damage to surrounding anatomical structures, lessened post-surgical pain and most importantly improved the final outcome for affected patients. Our DS7AP Muscle Locating Stimulator is FDA cleared in the USA, CE approved in Europe and used in over 40 countries to aid surgeons with their identification of anal sphincter musculature during the PSARP procedure.
In response to feedback from some surgeons that use our DS7AP, we have refined the design of the bipolar probe to improve current flow between the probe tips and reduce the possibility of stimulation failing to activate the muscle, either due to high probe tip impedance or short-circuiting of the probe tips when place on the saline moistened patient’s skin.
Wider probe tips with greater tip exposure
As shown above, the original DS7AP-DP probes featured two parallel 70mm long tips insulated over their length, except for 1mm at the tips. This final uninsulated portion was separated by a gap of 0.5mm, allowing precision electrical stimulation, however, this narrow spacing presented a problem for some surgeons, who would manually widen the tip separation prior to commencing a surgery. To reduce the need for this adjustment and to lower tip impedances, the new DS7AP-DP2 probes have a wider separation of 1mm and an uninsulated tip of 2mm.
An easy transition to the new probes
As the new probes are manufactured at the same factory and are covered by the same regulatory certifications, anyone currently using our DS7AP-DP probes can switch to ordering the DS7AP-DP2 in their place.
Anyone still employing reusable PS2-P probes with the DS7AP, can use our new probes, but would need to purchase our D185-HB4-2m output cable (D185-HB4-2m), which is now included with all DS7AP stimulator purchases.
