Intraoperative use of a wireless ultrasound device – a first clinical report

Purpose: Intraoperative and/or perioperative ultrasound in Head and Neck Surgery become more and more important. It is of special interest in terms of minimal invasive approaches for surgery of lymph nodes and salivary glands with tumors and stones.

Material and methods: A new ultrasound device (Acuson Freestyle™, Siemens Medical Solutions) with the first worldwide wireless transducers (L13 – 5 and L8 – 5 linear array) was used and tested intraoperatively in various operations and conditions when ultrasound was indicated. B-scan as well as color Doppler ultrasound was carried out. Special interest was focused on imaging quality, handling and convenience of the system.

Results: The new technology enabled surgeons and nurses to go ahead with intraoperative ultrasound faster and especially easier concerning hygiene conditions. The wireless transducer allowed more freedom of positioning and was easy and long lasting to operate with the integrated remote control. The imaging quality was excellent and offered sufficient assessment of the tissue. The L8 – 5 scanner offered a wider range of possible intraoperative indications as the depth of penetration can be better adjusted for optimum evaluation of the deep neck, floor of the mouth, tongue base, and oropharynx.

Conclusion: Intra- and perioperative ultrasound with the technique of wireless scanners allows better handling in the head and neck region. Imaging quality and comfort for the operator, as well as stability of the system are advantages that are striking to count on this technology for the future.