Waterjet dissection of the brain: experimental and first clinical results. Technical note

Control of bleeding during dissection is a problem that is still not completely resolved in neurosurgical procedures. To overcome this problem in some settings, the authors, in close collaboration with their institution, developed a new device for blunt dissection of brain tumors that is based on a waterjet technique. This report describes their first experimental and clinical experience with this new method. Numerous cutting experiments were performed in porcine cadaver brains. The best results were obtained using pressures from 4 to 6 bars with a 100-microm tip, which produced very small, precise cuts. Histological evaluation showed no disruption or vacuolization of the surrounding tissue. The authors have used the new device in nine patients (seven with gliomas and two undergoing temporal lobe resections for epilepsy), and no complications have been observed. The waterjet device allowed dissection of the brain tissue while even small exposed vessels were spared injury. The instrument was found to be easy to use. Future investigations will concentrate on adapting this new method to endoscopic surgery and evaluating fluids with low surface tension to avoid foaming and bubbling during open surgery.