Technical aspects of ultrasound aspiration

: Technical, metallurgical and ergonomic problems which were encountered during a three-year development period of a surgical ultrasonic aspirator are reported. The aim of the construction of a lighter, handier, piezo-driven handpiece with a durable titanium tip was achieved. A first version was extensively tested during more than 40 resections of brain tumours. A second prototype of a handpiece with an integrated aspiration and flushing facility will be soon evaluated clinically. Further applications and perspectives of ultrasonic aspiration are discussed.