[AS & A (aqua-stream and aspirator) in neurosurgery: comparison with laser and CUSA]

A new instrument, the aqua-stream and aspirator (AS & A) is useful and safe for microscopical neurosurgery. The apparatus is simple and small. The handpiece is small and light as well as being easy to manipulate. Sterilization is easy and safe. Both streaming and aspirating tubes of AS & A are thin, so that operative field is not obstructed by the operative microscope. The operative field is kept dry and clean by means of washing the work of AS & A. It is economical, because less gas and saline solution than usual are needed during the usual craniotomy (a one liter soft bottle). It is superior to laser and CUSA for the removal of deeply seated soft tumors.