A continuous microneurosurgical irrigation and suction system: technical note

We describe a continuous microneurosurgical irrigation and suction technique. This technique automatically clears the operative field, frees the surgeon to perform microdissection with both hands, and actually aids in dissection of the arachnoid layer.

The suction catheter (MicroVac; P.M.T., Inc., Hopkins, MN) described by Spetzler and Iverson and an additional continuous microirrigation technique are discussed. The catheter design has a sump effect and is secured in a dependent position in the operative field to continuously remove blood, irrigate the area, and reduce cerebrospinal fluid accumulation. The irrigation system consists of standard intravenous tubing with an angiocatheter used to direct a precise stream into the operative field.

The irrigation and suction system, when properly adjusted, continuously clears the operative site of minute amounts of blood that may obscure the surgeon's view and assists in dissection of the arachnoid layer. It has been used since 1991 with excellent success and satisfaction.