Waterjet dissector. Gloved hand of a surgeon holds a waterjet dissector (upper left) during surgery. The waterjet dissector fires a jet of physiological serum through a carbide nozzle. The serum is pre-heated to body temperature (36.9 degrees Celsius) and is fired under a pressure of up to 30 atmospheres and at a speed of up to 62.5 metres per second. The jet has a diameter of 0.15 mm. The dissector can cut through tissues without damaging blood vessels and nerves. The use of a serum jet greatly reduces the risk of infection. Waterjet dissectors are used in digestive, liver and gynaecological surgery. Photographed at the Phillippe de Rothschild Hospital, Paris, France.