An intraoperative irrigation device using disposable syringes and an extension tube: technical note.
BACKGROUND
The authors present a simple irrigation device used in a microsurgical setting.


METHODS
The system consists of a disposable i.v. catheter, an extension tube, a three-way stopcock and two disposable syringes, capable of assembly during a surgical procedure.


RESULTS
The length of the handpiece of this device is comparable to other microsurgical tools, which allow both the assistant and the surgeon to grab and irrigate in a coordinated fashion. Clots, tumor contents, and tissue debris are effectively washed away. This tool is particularly useful for lavage of subarachnoid clots during surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms, allowing precise anatomic orientation. This device is also practical for cooling tissues adjacent to drilling sites.


CONCLUSIONS
This system is as efficacious as other available self-irrigating microneurosurgical instruments.
Ogino
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan.
Kim
P
P
Ibata
Y
Y
D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013594:Syringes; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation*