Overview
The doctors from multidisciplinary teams at Aster Hospitals offer safe and advanced surgical methods by using CUSA. CUSA is an ultrasonic aspirator device used for the diagnosis and removal of tumors. CUSA, also called Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, involves using high-speed waves to generate a cavitation effect on the water-rich tissues, such as those present in the brain or liver. The cavitation destroys the water-rich tumor cells while preserving the collagen–rich structures, such as blood vessels and nerves.
Since the invention of the CUSA, it has undergone several modifications and evolved into an advanced ultrasonic device facilitating selective surgery. In addition to selective surgery, CUSA has the following benefits over traditional surgery:
Increased safety
Increased precision
Reduced operation time
Improved outcomes
Preserving ducts, blood vessels, and nerves
Clear visualization in the operating field due to sweeping dissection
Ability to feel the consistency of the tissues through the tip of the device.
Multifunctional tool
No contraindications
Due to its multimodel aspect, CUSA can perform aspiration, dissection, and irrigation, making it popular and valuable across several fields of surgeries, such as:
Brain surgery
Gynecology surgery
Gastroenterology surgery
Thoracic surgery
Orthopedic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
A CUSA system consists of the following parts:
Console
The console has mechanical parts, power controls, and electronics.
Surgical handpiece or probe
Probe consists of:
- Transducer
Transducer consists of nickel alloy plates with a coil around the plates. The coil in the transducer receives electric current from the power control system. It generates an electromagnetic field, which is converted into mechanical vibrations.
- Connecting body
The connecting part of CUSA conveys the transducer's mechanical vibrations to the probe's surgical tip. Connecting the body also amplifies the vibrations.
- Surgical tip
The surgical tip of the probe receives the vibrations and can amplify them further. The vibratory motion of the surgical tip causes cavitation and fragmentation of the cancerous tissue. The surgical tip's rotatory and sweeping motion helps emulsify and remove fragmented tissue and debris.
Accessories
The suction, irrigation, and aspiration system has manifold tubing, a cooling water canister, a specimen trap, and a foot pedal. The suction and aspiration of the tissue debris are done via the irrigation fluid in the device. The system uses distilled water to cool the heat generated by the vibrations. Sterile fluid is used for irrigation.
The two main types of brain surgeries done at Aster Hospitals are:
Craniotomy
In craniotomy, neurosurgeons cut out a piece of the skull bone to access the brain tissue. The tumor is removed partially or entirely with the help of CUSA. After the surgery, the bone flap is fixed back on the skull.
Neuroendoscopy
Neuroendoscopy is a keyhole surgery in which neurosurgeons remove the brain tumor by introducing an endoscope through a small hole in the skull.
Health Conditions Treated
Brain tumor
Gynecological tumors
Gastrointestinal tumors
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What is meant by CUSA surgery?
CUSA surgery means that your surgeon will use a particular ultrasonic aspirator device called CUSA to conduct the surgery.
How safe is surgery with CUSA?
Surgery by CUSA is safe and precise.
How many follow-ups are required after discharge from the hospital?
Your doctor will tell you when to come back for a checkup depending on the type of surgery you have undergone and your condition at discharge.
Is there any condition in which CUSA should not be used?
There is no contraindication to using CUSA.
What is a biopsy that my surgeon has recommended after the operation?
Your doctor may want to see the tissue details of your tumor to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the complete form of CUSA?
The complete form of CUSA is Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator.
Why has my surgeon chosen to operate my tumor with a CUSA device?
Surgeons find the CUSA device very accurate and safe for cancer surgeries. The surgery is selective, removes cancer tissue while preserving healthy structures around the tumor, like blood vessels and nerves.
What symptoms should I tell my doctor about after the brain surgery?
You should inform your doctor if you have increasing headaches, fever, seizures, vomiting, or abnormal facial or arm sensations.
Is undergoing surgery with CUSA affordable?
CUSA is an expensive machine. The specialists are specially trained to use the CUSA machine. The financial cost of this surgery is high.
How is a biopsy done?
Your surgeon surgically removes a small piece of tissue from your tumor. The technique of tissue collection varies according to the location of the tumor. The pathologist prepares the biopsy report by examining the collected specimen under a microscope. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
One of the most advanced treatment modalities provided at Aster Hospitals for surgical cancer treatment is CUSA.
CUSA is an ultrasonic surgical aspirator device that allows selective surgical removal of cancerous tissue. CUSA is also used as a diagnostic tool.
The neurosurgeons at Aster Hospitals are highly skilled specialists working in a multidisciplinary team during brain surgery. A neurosurgeon consultant leads the team, ensuring the best treatment and care.
Preparation for surgery with CUSA involves the essential surgery preparation:
Pre-operative checkup
Your surgeon will advise you to consult the anesthetic doctor, who will assess your fitness for the surgery. They will also inform about restrictions on food and water intake before the surgery. The doctor may change the schedule of your medicines if you are taking any.
The laboratory tests advised before the surgery are:
Blood tests
Routine blood tests such as CBC, blood sugar, kidney, and liver function tests are conducted to confirm fitness for the surgery.
CT scans and MRI
Scans and imaging tests are done to have an updated report of your diagnosis. The test is done in the radiology department. You will lie on a table fixed with cameras. The table slides inside a circular machine, capturing pictures of the affected part. These images are developed on a computer attached to the machine.
ECG
ECG or electrocardiography is done to check the electrical signals of the heart. The doctor would want to be sure about the normal working of the heart before the surgery.
X-ray chest
X-ray chest is done before the surgery to ensure your lungs are normal.
Your doctor may advise some specific tests depending on your diagnosis and type of surgery.
During the surgery
You will be asked to be admitted to the hospital. The surgery is performed in the operation theater with doctors, nurses, and technicians. Your anesthetist will give you medicines in your vein so that you relax and sleep. During the surgery with CUSA, the following processes are carried out:
Generation of ultrasonic waves to produce cavitation in the target tissue
Fragmentation of the target tissue by ultrasonic waves
Irrigation and aspiration of the fragmented tissue
Emulsification and removal of the tissue debris
After the surgery
You are advised to rest and slowly introduce a light diet. The trained nurses provide post-operative care. The doctor gives you instructions about the follow-up visits at the time of discharge from the hospital.
The surgery units and the operation theaters at Aster Hospitals are built with the most modern gadgets and tools. The doctors are intensively trained to bring precision to surgery with CUSA and ensure the best treatment outcome.
All three functions of probe fragmentation, irrigation, and aspiration can be performed simultaneously.
