A technique for stereotactic aspiration of deep intracerebral hematomas under computed tomographic control using a...

A new device, modified from the Nucleotome (Surgical Dynamics, Alameda, CA), was used for stereotactic aspiration of deep brain hematomas. Real-time monitoring by computed tomography allows a very safe procedure, and the risk of aspirating the surrounding brain is avoided. The technique was applied in 13 cases of deep brain hematomas. The intraoperative computed tomographic scan demonstrated that the mass effect was always immediately improved. Aspiration was stopped when the midline shift disappeared or was dramatically reduced. For most of the cases, a total aspiration of the hematoma was not needed (mean value of the aspiration rate of 71, 5%). No rebleeding and no complication related to the technique was observed. This technique was easily performed in emergency conditions.