Which of the following are the advantages of using a biphasic pulse?

• A. Minimizes temperature rise, muscle stimulation, arrhythmogenicity, and microbubbles
• B. Increases temperature rise and increases muscle stimulation
• C. Reduces energy efficiency; increases risk
• D. Has no effect

Answer: (A)

Delivering current in two phases of opposite polarity cancels out net charge at the electrode-tissue interface, which lowers electrode polarization and allows energy to be used more efficiently. This reduces unnecessary tissue heating, lessens stimulation of surrounding muscles, and lowers the risk of adverse electrical effects such as arrhythmias and cavitation that can form microbubbles. In short, biphasic pulses are safer and gentler while achieving the same or better effect with less energy, so they minimize temperature rise, muscle stimulation, arrhythmogenic risk, and microbubble formation. The other options describe outcomes opposite to these advantages.