J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1988 Dec;17(6):1369-1376.

Evaluation of Ultrasonic Aspiration in the Surgical Removal of Spinal Intradural Tumors

• Kim EY
• Chung HY
• Kim NK
• Kim KM
• Oh SJ

Abstract

The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator(CUSA) has been used for the surgical removal of 26 cases of spinal intradural tumors. In 26 patients, total removal was possible in 77% and there was no neurological deterioration due to surgical removal using CUSA. 21 of 26 patients(84%) showed neurological improvement at long term follow-up examination. The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator had advantages in the surgical removal of spinal intradural tumors, as follows:1) precise removal of tumor without excessive meahcnical manipulation of normal tissue;2) rapidity of action relative to the consistency of the tissue;3) direct visualization of the tissue being removed and good proprioceptive feedback for the surgeon;4) preservation of large vessel and very little bleeding;5) lack of thermal injury. The limitation of CUSA was obscuring of operation field by large and straight hand piece.

Keyword

Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator; Spinal intradural tumor

MeSH Terms

Feedback, Sensory
Follow-Up Studies
Hand
Humans
Ultrasonics*