Int. Adv. Otol. 2011; 7:(2) 234-243

The Effects of Cusa Application to The Neural Tissue Resembling Tumor Removal: An Experimental Study
Aslihan Koseoglu, Ahmet Dagtekin, Ozlen Bagdatoglu, Ulku Comelekoglu, Necat Yilmaz, Oykut Dagtekin, Fatma Sogut, Mutlu Alimli, Emel Avci, Celal Bagdatoglu, Derya Talas
Mersin University Medical Faculty Department Of Neurosurgery, Mersin

Background: The technology is fundamental for the overall success of the surgery regarding the highly complex areas. Although there are many studies on this topic, there is still a great necessity of performing further investigations to reveal the probable effects of CUSA (Cavitation Ultrasound Surgical Aspirator) to the surrounding tissue. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the electrophysiological, electron microscopic and biochemical parameters of the peripheral nerve tissue after CUSA application.

Materials and Methods: After the exposure of the right sciatic nerve and placement of bovine liver, CUSA application is performed. Then, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) assessment is done, blood sample is taken for biochemical analysis and the nerve is dissected for electron microscopy.

Results: This study revealed that CMAP is deteriorated acutely by CUSA application directly proportional to the intensity. Biochemical parameters including the serum nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are worth evaluating for the process of nerve tissue damage and the progression of healing. Electron microscopic evaluation showed that the nerve degeneretion still continued at the end of the third week.

Conclusion: The deleterious effects of CUSA to the nerve tissue should be taken into consideration even there is a tissue between the nerve and the applicator and its use in the lowest intensity strong enough for tumor removal would be beneficial to overcome any deleterious effects. The continuation of the nerve degeneration in electron microscopy indicates a longer duration investigation and the tissue NO, MDA may contribute to the related knowledge in experimental basis.