Splash control system for application of pulsed water jet device

Object. Pulsed water jet surgical instrumentation is intended to achieve both maximal lesion resection and functional maintenance through preservation of fine vessels and minimal surrounding damage. On the other hands, avoidance of splash is critical problem to exclude the potential occurrence of dissemination. The present study evaluated the mechanism of splash and investigated the method to control it. Methods. This system consisted of a pump chamber driven by a piezo actuator, a stainless steel tube, and a nozzle. The water was supplied at 4 ml/min. The relationship between input voltage, suction pressure, distance between nozzle and the target, material property of fluid and the amount of splash. The amount of splash was quantitatively evaluated using imaging software and high speed camera. Results. Input voltage, distance, and additional fluid supply significantly decreased the amount of splash. Presence of water at the ejection site was suggested to be an important factor.