The production of heat in a part of the body using high-frequency electric currents or microwaves. It can be used to increase blood flow and to reduce deep-seated pain. Diathermy can also be used to destroy tumours and diseased parts without causing bleeding. A diathermy knife is used by surgeons to coagulate bleeding vessels or to separate tissues without causing them to bleed (see electrocoagulation).
Diathermy |
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