Effectiveness of tranexamic acid for improving visual clarity by reducing total coagulation time during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the reliability of electrocautery sound spectrogram visualization and to examine the effectiveness of tranexamic acid during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in terms of coagulation and operation time. We included 132 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the double-row suture bridge for medium-sized full-thickness rotator cuff tear with 1g IV tranexamic acid or without tranexamic acid. During surgery, the sound of the electrocautery device was recorded, and the total coagulation time was analyzed using a spectrogram. The primary outcome was total coagulation time. The total coagulation time was significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group. Spectrographic analysis of sounds produced by electrocautery devices is reliable for measuring coagulation time during arthroscopic surgery. Use of tranexamic acid may provide better visual clarity during arthroscopic cuff repair by reducing coagulation time with an electrocautery device.