NOUVAG Craniotome and Cranial Perforator: Specifications and Use with HighSurg 30

NOUVAG AG in brief

NOUVAG AG is a Swiss manufacturer of devices and instruments for medical and plastic surgery, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Goldach on Lake Constance, with a branch in Konstanz, Germany. The company builds motor control units and powered handpieces for neurosurgery, ENT, gynaecology and skin grafting, as well as suction and infiltration pumps, and delivers to 120 countries.

In neurosurgery the relevant system is built around a control unit, motors, and handpieces for cutting bone. The three parts below are designed to work together.

NOUVAG craniotome

The NOUVAG Craniotome is a high-speed handpiece with a dura protector for opening the skull during craniotomy. It operates from 1,000 to 60,000 rpm via an INTRA (ISO 3964) motor coupling. NOUVAG introduced its current craniotome in 2021, and it is manufactured in Switzerland.

Milling tools are offered in two versions, turned or diamond-shaped. The dura protector guides the cut between the burr holes while shielding the dura from the cutting tool. Sterile processing of handpieces is covered in our article on craniotome cleaning and sterilisation.

NOUVAG cranial perforator

The NOUVAG Cranial Perforator is a robust handpiece for creating burr holes, running at 80 to 1,200 rpm with a peak torque of 120 Ncm. It connects to the motor via an INTRA (ISO 3964) coupling and accepts instruments with a Hudson coupling. The Cranial Perforator works with perforator drill bits that lock automatically, come in four diameters and two milling depths (1.5 mm and 3.0 mm), and are designed for single use, removing the need for cleaning, reprocessing and resharpening.

The low-speed, high-torque character suits perforation, while the craniotome's high speed suits cutting between holes. Using both handpieces from the same system keeps motor couplings and training consistent.

In use, the perforator is typically applied first, and the craniotome then connects the burr holes. The automatic locking of the single-use bits makes the exchange between cases quick, which helps theatre turnover.

HighSurg 30 control unit

The HighSurg 30 is a control unit built on a dual-motor principle: up to two electronic motors can be connected and used with the handpiece the procedure requires. It reaches speeds up to 80,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 7.5 Ncm, and works with a wide range of NOUVAG handpieces. A clear multifunction display, a multifunction foot switch (IPX8) and customisable programs support precise work, while the pump runs quietly and tube replacement is simplified.

Stated dimensions are 260 × 250 × 110 mm and the weight is 3.5 kg, with a power consumption of 120 VA, so the unit fits on a cart or boom. Confirm with the supplier which motor and handpiece combination you need, as the perforator and craniotome use the INTRA coupling.

The programmable settings and quiet pump are practical details for long cases: teams can store preferred speeds for the different handpieces and avoid distracting noise near the surgical field.

• Craniotome: 1,000–60,000 rpm, dura protector, turned or diamond milling tools
• Cranial Perforator: 80–1,200 rpm, 120 Ncm, single-use bits in four diameters
• HighSurg 30: two motors, up to 80,000 rpm, IPX8 foot switch

Before ordering

Ask for the instructions for use, the list of compatible motors and handpieces, consumables with lead times, warranty and service in the UAE, and the registration status with the relevant authority. If the system is new to your team, request a demonstration and training. For an overview of costs see the guide on what drives a quotation.

Beckfinity supplies the NOUVAG range in the UAE. Request a quote and tell us your theatre set-up.