[Ultrasonic liquid medium for lipo-emulsification. An experimental study]

The technique of ultrasonic lipo-emulsification is currently gaining increasing support. This method consists in the dissolution of human adipose tissue using ultrasound generated by a special appliance and transmitted using (mini-invasive) titanium probes inserted into the subcutis. This procedure is preceded by the infiltration of subcutaneous fat using specially studied hypotonic solutions. On the basis of their previous experience and using data reported in the literature, the authors carried out a study to establish whether among the solutions routinely used there are alternative saline solutions which might enhance the lipolytic efficiency of ultrasound or allow possible saving in terms of time and money. Samples of ex-vivo subcutaneous adipose tissue weighing 5 g were exposed to ultrasonic energy at a frequency of 19800 Hz and an output of 65 Watt until fully dissolved. Prior to this the samples were immersed in a saline solution commonly used in clinical practice for perfusion at a different osmotic pressure. The authors succeeded in identifying saline solutions able to mediate the lipolytic ultrasonic action with greater efficiency than the solutions currently used by other authors.