The Use of High-Frequency Ultrasound for the Dissection of Small-Diameter Blood Vessels and Nerves

Abstract

The Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator has been successfully used in general surgery and neurosurgery. We have explored its use in the dissection of small-diameter blood vessels and nerves (1-2 mm) in a rat model. Our results seem to indicate that this technique may be useful in isolating blood vessels surrounded by fatty tissue without damage to the vessel itself. In this study, however, high-frequency ultrasound did cause significant damage to peripheral nerves.