Integration of a variable action suction adapter into ultrasonic aspirators.

PURPOSE: Use of ultrasonic aspirators has become a mainstay in the neurosurgical armamentarium. The handpiece design and ultrasonic parameters have evolved to maximize its safe and efficacious use. Despite these modifications, continuous suction through the tip of the aspirator can result in neurovascular damage, especially when the aspirator is working in the cavernous sinus region or cerebellopontine angle.

CONCEPT: We describe the integration of a variable suction adapter into the existing handpiece of an ultrasonic aspirator to minimize potential injury from the continuous forceful suction normally associated with the use of these devices.

RATIONALE: The integration of such an adapter can reduce the potential for suction injury to cranial nerves or microvascular structures or smaller-caliber arteries and veins.

DISCUSSION: This variable action suction adapter can decrease suction injuries to cranial nerves or the microvasculature.