The knife mode is most effective in relatively dense or well-supported tissues. In Nissen fundoplication, for example, the knife-like cutting mode, in conjunction with the shear mode, can be used for excision of the peritoneum. The blunt mode of the LCS permits coaptive coagulation of highly vascular tissues. It can also be used for blunt transection. Unlike the effects of electrosurgery and laser, which burn through tissue layers, cavitational bubbles result from pressure differentials at the LCS blade tip.
Fluids vaporize at low temperatures, separating the tissue planes and facilitating dissection.
When the surgeon does not apply pressure to tissue in a tissue plane, energy is not conducted, and cavitational dissection can be achieved without cutting or coagulating tissue.