Continuous and Pulsed Experiments with Numerical Simulation to Dissect Pituitary Gland Tumour by Using Liquid Jet

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimal invasive surgery that has been used to dissect pituitary gland tumour via curettes with the help of endoscope. However, this type of surgery has a high risk of failure because curettes may cause damages to blood vessels and optical nerves that lead to more complication for the patient. The aim of this study is to develop a new technique to dissect the tumour by using liquid jet. A series of experimental tests have been performed on animal tissue to study the effect of liquid pressure and nozzle diameter on dissecting and cutting the tissue. Continuous / pulsed liquid jet used with variable nozzle diameters, distances, pressures and angles. The study concluded with promising results on liquid jet to dissect hypophysis tumour and preserving fine blood vessels and optical nerve located near the pituitary gland. Index Terms-Endoscopic endonasal surgery, tumour removal, liquid jet, continuous and pulsed jet