Scientists have developed an integrated water jet system that combines precise tissue cutting with local anesthesia delivery, minimizing mechanical injury during surgery. This hydrodynamic device allows for synchronous cutting and drug administration in a single instrument.
Experimental tests confirmed a strong correlation between jet parameters, such as pressure and nozzle diameter, and cutting depth and anesthetic diffusion. Optimal settings were identified for different tissue types, with specific parameters for muscle and adipose tissue.
Compared to traditional scalpels, this water jet method significantly reduces tissue damage. It lowers muscle fiber breakage by 51% and decreases the damaged area by 35%, while preserving functional tissue structures.
Photoacoustic imaging revealed that anesthetic diffusion closely follows the cutting depth, demonstrating a cutting-guided diffusion mechanism. This indicates the system precisely controls both dissection and drug delivery, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.
This breakthrough lays the groundwork for multifunctional surgical tools. The water jet system's potential to reduce tissue injury and improve precision could lead to advancements in minimally invasive surgery, potentially improving patient recovery and reducing complications.