Preliminary experiences with CO2-laser and ultrasonic aspirator in brain surgery

The basic problems and potential of CO2-laser and ultrasound aspirator in brain surgery are presented on the basis of experience with the Sharplan 733A CO2-laser and the Sonotec ultrasound aspirator. Complete removal of meningiomas and gliotic scar and partial removal of malignant astrocytomas by CO2-laser and ultrasound aspirator was performed. There were no complications related to the surgical procedure. The main advantage of the CO2-laser was precise cutting of neural tissue and rapid evaporation for debulkment of tumor. The ultrasound aspirator was especially useful for rapid internal debulkment by fragmentation and aspiration of soft tumors. On the basis of these experiences the surgical theater should be equipped with these and other instruments in such a way that they can be readily and interchangeably used in any neurosurgical procedure.