Ultrasonic aspirator–assisted tumor resection of the frontal skull base

Introduction Intracranial tumor resection using an ultrasonic aspirator are well established in neurosurgery. Ultrasonic aspirators use ultrasonic frequency vibrations generated by a piezoelectric element in the handpiece to remove tissue. In the present study, the resection of a frontal skull base tumor using an ultrasonic aspirator is reported.

Method An endonasal endoscopic resection of an esthesioneuroblastoma was performed using the CUSA​Clarity.

Results Total resection of the frontal skull base tumor was possible using an ultrasound aspirator. The frontal skull base was surgically accessible with the handpieces of the ultrasonic aspirator. The speed of the resection and the selectivity of the tissue ablation can be varied via the setting of the amplitude, the 'tissue select' and the selection of the handpiece and the handpiece tip.

Conclusion The ultrasonic aspirator-assisted method might be a potential new technique to achieve a more targeted and tissue-selective resection of tumors of the skull base.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022