Prospective, Randomized Trial to Evaluate Efficacy of a Bipolar Sealer in Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

118 patients receiving THA using a direct anterior approach were randomized either to a group who would receive bipolar sealing during surgery or to a control group. The purpose of the study was to compare the rate of blood transfusion and calculations of blood loss to determine if a bipolar sealing system is effective as part of a hemostasis regimen. The results indicated that significantly fewer transfusions were needed in the bipolar sealer group, and hemoglobin and hematocrit values were consistently higher as well. Lap blood loss, calculated blood loss, hidden blood loss and the drop in hemoglobin levels were also all significantly better for patients in the bipolar sealing group.