Necessity is the mother of invention: Technical note on the use of self-designed low-cost continuous sump suction for use in microvascular anastomosis

Abstract

Background : Technical advances in microneurosurgery facilitated the continuous evolution of surgery. In many developing countries surgeons face difficulties rendering high quality services due to resource constraints. The continuous dry surgical field is essential for performing microvascular anastomosis. Commercially available sump suctions are costly and beyond the reach of most surgeons in resource-constrained countries. Methods: We designed a suction system which functions on the principles of capillary action and sump effect. Results: The improvised sump suction was used successfully in our patients for micro vascular surgery, giving us a continuous dry field and removing the chance of error by an assistant. Conclusion: The suction system was made with the use of easily available low-cost components, and worked well to the satisfaction of the surgeon.