An innovative surgical tool: air jet dissector

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate and test a new surgical tool which is designed and manufactured in our institution for neurosurgical operations. The device is referred as 'air jet dissector'.

Methods: After fabrication of the device, we tested it on 32 New Zealand rabbits. The effectiveness of the device was compared with a well-known ultrasonic aspirator (CUSA) in an experimental design of cranial corticotomies. Dissection quality, intracranial hemorrhage, edema formation and astroglial and microglial reactions were compared for both devices.

Results: Regarding post-operative edema formation and intracranial hemorrhage, the air jet dissector was found superior to the CUSA system. Additionally, the pre-operative comfort of the device was also better than the CUSA.

Conclusion: In our opinion, this new design has a future in neurosurgical operating rooms. Further refinements and experimental testing is required.

Keywords:

• AIR JET DISSECTOR
• CUSA
• INNOVATIVE
• WATER JET DISSECTOR
• ULTRASONIC ASPIRATOR