Small ventricular access prior to rigid neuroendoscopy.
The authors describe a new technique that may be used in conjunction with neuronavigation or freehand techniques for obtaining small ventricular access. Using this modification, the introducer sheath and trocar can be guided down a ventriculostomy tract with endoscopic visual control. With increasing focus on endoscopic therapies in patients without hydrocephalus, this adjunct, based on the authors' experience, may provide an additional technique for safely treating patients.
Naftel
Robert P
RP
Division of Neurosurgery, Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama 35294-3410, USA. naftel@uab.edu
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Reed
Gavin T
GT
Wellons
John C
JC
D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D002551:Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D038361:Neuronavigation; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*