A new instrument facilitates the needle trephination procedure: technical note.
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous needle trephination is a well known neurosurgical procedure. The aim of this study was to develop a new instrument, which allows a stable fixation of an 18-G spinal needle in order to improve handling and precision of percutaneous needle trephinations. METHODS AND INSTRUMENTATION: The needle stabilizer was designed in a T-shape fashion morphologically similar to a corkscrew. The length of the uncovered needle tip is adjustable for individual requirements.


RESULTS
Using the new needle stabilizing device a total number of 18 percutaneous needle trephinations were performed for the following indications: subdural hematoma, epidural hygroma, bifrontal air accumulation, superficial tumor cyst, superficial brain abscess. No complications have been observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience using this device shows that the modified technique fulfils criteria for clinical acceptance such as simplicity, low risk, reliability and cost effectiveness.
Heese
Oliver
O
Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. oliverheese@hotmail.com
Sepehrnia
A
A
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009339:Needles; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014207:Trephining / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods