The Technique of the Suction for Surgery of Cerebral Aneurysms: From Trainee to Beginner

Abstract

In microneurosurgery, one of the most important instruments is the suction instrument. In a right-handed surgeon, the suction instrument is usually held in the left hand during microneurosurgery. However, the basic techniques for using this important instrument have not been discussed very much. The basic techniques of the suction instrument are classified into 6 groups: 1) suction of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, etc., 2) retraction (a: ipsilateral retraction, b: contralateral retraction, c: space holding), 3) suction and holding, 4) compression for hemostasis, 5) dissection, 6) water irrigation. The retraction techniques especially are more difficult for the beginner than for experts in microneurosurgery. Because retraction with the suction instrument is difficult, it is important to master the technique for the dissection of the sylvian fissure, the tumor from the surrounding structures and the aneurysmal neck.
Beginners will perform microneurosurgery safely and reliably when they have mastered the use of suction techniques.