Abstract
This report describes the clinical application of an ultrasonic aspirator for endoscopic
neurosurgery. Eight patients with intraventricular hematoma with complete tamponade
of the ventricular system and marked hydrocephalus were treated with the ultrasonic
aspirator for endoscopic neurosurgery. Clinical evaluation and neuroimaging studies
were obtained for one month. Removal of hematoma was confirmed on follow-up imaging.
The ultrasonic aspirator is operated by electrostriction transducer on low generating
power (15 - 30 watts). Its tube has an outer dia-meter of 1.8 mm. This aspirator is
designed to fragment and aspirate the cattle-liver. On observing the adjacent neural
and vascular structures with the neuroendoscope, the massive hematoma within the ventricles
is removed with the use of this aspirator. Subtotal removal (> 90% of hematoma volume)
was achieved in all patients. All patients tolerated the procedure well. However,
postoperative re-rupture occurred in two patients prior to aneurysm clipping following
an immediate interval. Three patients with hypertension, two patients with head trauma,
and one patient after aneurysm clipping were discharged home within one month after
treatment. Preliminary experience with this aspirator has demonstrated its feasibility
and safety. Clinical application of this technique is expected in other fields of
neurosurgery.
Key words
Neuroendoscopy - Ultrasonic aspirator - Intraventricular hematoma
