Modern bipolar diathermy has certain limitations, especially regarding the regulation of the short coagulation course: it is somewhat awkward to use, is prone to mechanical malfunction and time consuming. The computerised bipolar diathermy system was originally developed for solving these problems in neurosurgery. It has now gained wide acceptance by all the surgical sub-specialities. Electronic feedback of the tissue impedance automatically starts and shuts off coagulation when a blood vessel is picked up by the forceps. The shut-off is related to a point in the impedance course that correlates to a temperature of 60 to 90°C, i.e. after coagulation has occurred and before complete desiccation, fulguration and sticking of the forceps has taken place.