Many people are unaware of the tools and equipment that neurosurgeons use. Neurosurgery is a delicate, precise surgical specialty performed on various parts of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves to alleviate pain or treat neurological disorders. Read on to find out what the neurosurgeon carries with them to work every day!
Surgical drills
This is a key tool used by neurosurgeons. The drill is used to bore a hole into the patient's skull. Drills can be used to release the pressure that has built up due to the accumulation of fluid inside the skull. It can also be used to create a cavity in the skull where an electrode can be placed on the surface of the brain.
Microscissors
These are a type of surgical scissors that have a very fine edge and a flexible clamping mechanism. The microscissors are used to cut the tissues between the skull and brain which will enable surgeons to remove a piece of the skull without having to cut through the brain itself. These scissors are also used in neurosurgical procedures.
Surgical Scalpel
A surgical scalpel is used by neurosurgeons during their procedures. It is made out of the same material as a regular scalpel but is smaller and lighter. This makes the surgical blade easier to handle and change between different incisions. The special shape of a neurosurgical scalpel allows it to be used on tissue that cannot be cut with standard scalpels. These surgical blades are sterilized and are very useful for neurosurgery because they keep bacteria from growing inside patients' bodies after surgery.
Electrodes
Electrodes are used by neurosurgeons to monitor nerve activity in the brain. They can be used as a therapeutic tool and sometimes are placed on a patient's head to detect seizures or activity of the brain, such as a tumour. There are two types of electrodes; one is used on the surface of the brain and works with an external device which is called an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine. The other type, called bipolar electrodes, works with an internal device that records electrical activity around cells in the brain, which is then interpreted by a technician.
If you are interested in finding out more about the instruments and tools used by a neurosurgeon, contact your local hospital or health centre today. A member of staff from the neurological department will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
