A Novel, Straightforward and Affordable Suction-Irrigation Device for Microneurosurgery: A Technical Note

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• Microneurosurgery relies on effective suction-irrigation for clear operative fields and precise dissection of neurovascular structures.
• Existing devices are often expensive and difficult to use, limiting their widespread adoption.
• A novel, easily assembled suction-irrigation apparatus is presented to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, cost-effective suction-irrigation device for microneurosurgery.
• To demonstrate the ease of assembly and utilization of this apparatus using readily available tools.
• To evaluate the device's impact on surgical visibility, effort, and comfort.

Main Methods:

• The device was assembled by attaching a Medtronic irrigating drill's irrigation device to a Fukushima suction tip using a silicone band.
• Surgeon fingertip control was used for suction, while the drill's foot pedal managed irrigation.
• Assembly and usage were documented through narrated videos.

Main Results:

• The device was successfully used in 107 surgeries, enhancing the operative experience.
• Optimal surgical visibility was achieved with reduced effort compared to traditional methods.
• The apparatus decreased the need for bipolar coagulation and improved operating comfort.

Conclusions:

• A cost-effective suction-irrigation technique, assembled from standard neurosurgical tools, is presented.
• The novel device facilitates minimally traumatic neurovascular microdissection, even in challenging conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage or highly vascular tumors.