BSS Plus: a potential irrigating solution for neurosurgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Balanced salt solutions are crucial in surgical irrigation.
• Glutathione bicarbonate Ringer's solution is a standard, but BSS Plus offers pH stability.
• Potential applications of BSS Plus extend beyond ophthalmology into neurosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of BSS Plus versus normal saline for cerebral cortex surface irrigation.
• To evaluate the impact of these solutions on tissue pH, blood-brain barrier integrity, and tissue preservation.
• To assess the potential of BSS Plus as an improved neurosurgical irrigation agent.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study involving bilateral cerebral cortex irrigation in 28 cats.
• Assessment of surface pH, blood-brain barrier changes (Evans blue), and evoked potentials.
• Microscopic analysis including light, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• BSS Plus maintained surface pH, while normal saline caused a significant decrease.
• Normal saline irrigation led to more pronounced blood-brain barrier disruption.
• Electron microscopy revealed superior tissue preservation with BSS Plus compared to normal saline.

Conclusions:

• BSS Plus demonstrates superior tissue preservation and pH stability compared to normal saline during cerebral cortex irrigation.
• The findings suggest BSS Plus is a promising alternative irrigation solution for neurosurgical applications.
• Further research is warranted to fully establish BSS Plus's role in neurosurgery.