The Development of the Water Jet Scalpel With Air Pressure

Abstract

The development of a new kind of air-pressurized water jet scalpel is discussed, including its design, assembly, and adjustment, the choice of optimum parameters, results of animal experiments, and clinical applications. The water jet scalpel is known for its compact structure and safe operation. The air pressure to drive the water jet scalpel varies from 1.0–1.5 MPa, and the quantity of normal saline used is 3×10−3 to 4×10−3 m3 per operation. The results of preliminary clinical applications have shown that the water jet scalpel has many advantages over the conventional scalpel in operations requiring liver cutting.