Experience with the ultrasonic surgical aspirator in a cavernous hemangioma of the cavernous sinus.

A patient with a cavernous hemangioma of the cavernous sinus was operated upon using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA). Intracapsular subtotal removal of the tumor was accomplished efficiently with the CUSA. At the end of the procedure, however, the CUSA penetrated not only the capsule of the tumor, but also the wall of the internal carotid artery. Advantages and disadvantages of CUSA surgery for cavernous hemangiomas of the cavernous sinus are discussed.