scholarly journals Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach for Complex Thalamic Cavernous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. E147-E148
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Key points for the approach include the use of a supracerebellar infratentorial craniotomy, dynamic and gravity retraction, lighted bipolar forceps and suction, and stereotactic navigation. This patient has a large cavernous malformation extending from the midbrain to the thalamus in craniocaudal extent. The cavernous malformation extends to the midbrain surface along the interface with the ambient cistern, making it appropriate for the supracerebellar infratentorial approach. By cutting the tentorium access to the superior extension becomes feasible. The cavernous malformation is excised in a piecemeal manner utilizing a CO2 laser. Because removal of the large mass allowed the partial collapse of the cavity, a small segment of the cavernous malformation obscured by the collapse is retained cranially along the foramen of Monro. This situation required a return to the operating room for complete excision. The patient tolerated both procedures well and remained at her neurological baseline postoperatively. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. The surgical video has been used with permission from the Barrow Neurological Institute.

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. E236-E236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Medial temporal cavernous malformations can involve transgression of eloquent parenchyma. For a tentorium-abutting temporal cavernous malformation, the supracerebellar transtentorial corridor is a suitable approach with minimal parenchymal insult. Using dynamic and gravity retraction, lighted bipolar forceps and suction, and stereotactic navigation, this trajectory provides a minimally invasive corridor. The patient in this case has a medial temporal cavernous malformation, with the lesion abutting the tentorial leaflet. The cavernous malformation is accessed and removed in a piecemeal manner. Complete removal of the lesion is achieved. The patient remained neurologically stable after the procedure. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. E149-E150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract The highly eloquent nature of the thalamus and the depth of the surgical field make thalamic cavernous malformations exceptionally challenging entities for surgical management, necessitating stereotactic navigation and lighted instruments for successful resection. This case demonstrates a patient with a large right dorsal thalamic cavernous malformation that is approached using the well-tolerated transparietooccipital lobule approach for ventricular access and subsequent resection of the lesion along the intraventricular surface. Stereotactic neuronavigation permits this transcortical approach with minimal transgression of normal parenchyma. The trajectory permits approach to the cavernous malformation along its greatest dimension to augment removal. A complete removal of the lesion is achieved. The patient remained at neurological baseline postoperatively. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. E2-E2
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Pontine cavernous malformations are highly morbid lesions that require thorough preoperative planning of the surgical approach and meticulous surgical technique to successfully remove. The patient in this case has a large pontine cavernous malformation coming to the parenchymal surface along the pontine–middle cerebellar peduncle interface. The depth of the surgical field and narrow trajectory of approach require use of lighted suction, lighted bipolar forceps, and stereotactic neuronavigation to successfully locate and remove the entire lesion. The cavernous malformation is removed in a piecemeal manner with close inspection of the resection cavity for any remnants. Postoperative imaging demonstrates gross total resection of the lesion. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. E240-E241
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract This patient had a large left ventral thalamic cavernous malformation abutting the third ventricle with evidence of recent hemorrhage. The patient was placed supine with the head in the horizontal position with the dependent hemisphere down to permit use of the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach. The lateral ventricle is entered, and the septum pellucidum is opened to prevent it from obstructing the surgical field. The deep cavernous malformation is located with stereotactic neuronavigation and removed piecemeal with the aid of lighted suckers and bipolars. Surgical visualization and postoperative imaging demonstrate a complete resection of the lesion, and the patient remained neurologically stable postoperatively. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. E239-E239
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract This patient presented with a cavernous malformation in the inferior posterior third ventricle extending into the aqueduct. The patient was positioned supine on the operating room table with the head rotated into the horizontal plane. The choroidal fissure is opened lateral to the choroid plexus. This technique allows for the choroid plexus to serve as protection against forniceal manipulation. Rigid retraction was applied to the cerebral falx and corpus callosum to permit aqueductal visualization. The lighted instruments are paramount for adequate visualization of the third ventricle and during dissection of the lesion. Intraoperative visualization and postoperative imaging confirm gross total resection of the lesion. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. E154-E154
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Thalamic cavernous malformations pose variable surgical challenges given that the location and size of the lesion often determine the approach surgical trajectory. The patient in this case has a large thalamic cavernous malformation that results in a mass effect on the third ventricle and directly abuts the lateral ventricle. A small interhemispheric craniotomy is performed to allow for an anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach to the lesion. The lateral ventricle is accessed, and the septum is removed to enhance visualization of the surgical field. A small rim of normal parenchyma on the lateral margin of the thalamus is transgressed, and the cavernous malformation is entered. The lesion is removed in a piecemeal manner. Use of counter traction assists with the piecemeal removal. The lighted suction is critical during inspection and manipulation of the lesion within the resection cavity given the limited lighting deep within the cavity. The lesion was removed completely, and postoperative imaging confirms gross total resection. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. The institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from the Barrow Neurological Institute.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. E74-E75
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Medullary cavernous malformations are the rarest subtype of brainstem cavernous malformation and are associated with a high degree of morbidity. Selection of surgical candidates is critical, and cases are most favorable when the cavernous malformation abuts the surface of the brainstem. This limits the amount of native tissue transgressed during the resection. This patient had a large cavernous malformation within the caudal medulla eccentric. A right-sided paramedian far-lateral approach was used to access the brainstem. The cavernous malformation was readily apparent along the medullary surface and was dissected away in its entirety. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete resection. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. E300-E300
Author(s):  
Omar A Choudhri ◽  
Gregory Glauser ◽  
Kalil G Abdullah ◽  
John Y K Lee

Abstract This case video demonstrates the surgical technique for resection of a cavernous malformation in the right dorsal midbrain. This video was deemed exempt by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board (IRB), as it is considered a case report, which does not require IRB approval or patient consent. The patient was a 57-yr-old male with cerebral cavernous malformation syndrome with multiple intracranial cavernomas. He was noticed to have progressively slowed speech with worsening confusion and drowsiness. On exam, the patient exhibited worsening in swallowing and upward gaze paresis, secondary to Parinaud phenomena. The patient was treated with microsurgical resection, utilizing stereotactic navigation and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring. Intraoperative view provided in the video was captured using a Karl Storz Endoscope (Karl Storz SE & Co KG, Tuttlingen, Germany). Postoperatively, the patient had worsening double vision, which improved on follow-up, in addition to improvement in sensorium and swallowing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. E153-E153
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Cervical spinal cord cavernous malformations are rare but can be neurologically devastating lesions and, when symptomatic, are best treated with gross total resection to prevent progressive neurologic decline related to recurrent hemorrhage. This patient had a large high cervical cord cavernous malformation with evidence of recent hemorrhage. A midline myelotomy was utilized to enter the cavernous malformation. The cavernous malformation was then circumferentially separated from the spinal parenchyma and removed in a piecemeal manner. Postoperative imaging confirmed gross total resection of the lesion with preservation of the surrounding spinal cord. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. E197-E197
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Third ventricular tumors pose a surgical challenge, given the intricate surrounding anatomy and depth of the surgical field. A surgical approach to these lesions can involve several different trajectories, the selection of which is dependent on the location of the tumor. Approaches include transforaminal, translamina terminalis, interforniceal, occipital transtentorial, endoscopic transventricular, transchoroidal, and supracerebellar infratentorial. This patient had a metastatic lesion within the lateral wall of the third ventricle. The selection of the surgical approach was dependent on the laterality of the tumor. The foramen of Monro was identified, and landmarks were confirmed. The choroid plexus could then be retracted medially, and the choroidal sulcus was identified. The sulcus was entered laterally to minimize the risk of transgressing the fornix. The tumor was identified along the lateral third ventricular wall, and the plane between the tumor and normal plane was readily created. The tumor was then removed entirely, and postoperative imaging demonstrated a complete resection. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


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