Pioneering electrosurgery

At the beginning of the 20th century, surgeons faced the same challenge in almost every procedure: controlling bleeding was extremely difficult. Conventional surgical instruments allowed tissue to be cut but offered only limited options for effective hemostasis. As a result, many operations were more complex and carried significantly higher risks for patients.

The introduction of electrosurgery marked a turning point. High-frequency electrical current made it possible to cut tissue with precision while simultaneously coagulating blood vessels. This made surgical procedures safer, more controlled and more efficient. Today, electrosurgery is regarded as one of the most significant innovations in the history of modern medical technology.

In 1923, Otto Erbe developed the Erbotherm 900 HC—one of the world's first electrosurgical generators specifically designed for surgical applications. In addition to the fundamental functions of cutting and coagulation, the device already featured electrical stimulation therapy. One of its unique technical innovations was a robust tungsten spark gap, which proved to be significantly more durable and reliable than the silver contacts commonly used at the time. This breakthrough came at a time when science, medicine and electrical engineering were advancing rapidly. New insights into high-frequency electrical current and its effects on human tissue opened up entirely new possibilities for surgery. Through its close collaboration with the University Hospital in Tübingen, Erbe recognized the potential of this emerging technology at an early stage and played a key role in making it suitable for clinical use.

Since the introduction of the Erbotherm 900 HC, Erbe has continuously advanced electrosurgical technology. From the early vacuum tube generators to the first microprocessor-controlled systems and the introduction of self-regulating generators, the company has repeatedly set new technological standards.

A major milestone was reached in 1985 with the development of the world's first self-regulating electrosurgical generator. The subsequent ACC and ICC systems, followed by the launch of the VIO® platform in 2002, marked the beginning of a new era of individually configurable electrosurgical systems. Today, VIO® technology enables electrosurgery to be combined with complementary technologies such as argon plasma coagulation and thermofusion, supporting physicians across a wide range of surgical disciplines.

Today, electrosurgery is a standard technology in operating rooms around the world. Every year, millions of patients benefit from procedures that enable precise tissue cutting, reliable hemostasis and tissue-preserving surgery.

For more than a century, Erbe has continuously contributed to the advancement of this technology. Our history in electrosurgery is defined by pioneering spirit, engineering excellence and a commitment to developing innovations that drive medical progress. Building on more than 100 years of experience, we are now shaping the future of electrosurgery through digitalization, intelligent assistance systems and artificial intelligence, creating new possibilities for safer, more precise and more efficient surgical procedures.