scholarly journals Midline Craniotomy for Resection of Cavernous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

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 (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. 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. 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 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. E159-E159
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract The contralateral interhemispheric approach is utilized to provide the surgeon with a favorable trajectory for approaching lesions projecting contralaterally from the midline falcine dura. The contralateral approach also requires a less rigid retraction than other approaches, which is paramount when manipulating the eloquent cortex of the paracentral lobule. This patient had a large laterally projecting falcine meningioma. This case demonstrates well the effect that gravity has on the tumor, pulling the tumor medially into the surgeon's view and making the surgical approach ideal for this lesion. The lesion was removed en bloc with the falcine dura, and postoperative imaging demonstrated a gross total 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.


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 (5) ◽  
pp. E200-E200
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract According to the Spetzler spinal cord classification system,1 this patient had an extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformation (AVM), also known as a type III or juvenile AVM. The patient underwent a surgical resection of the lesion via a cervical 3 to cervical 6 laminoplasty. Direct observation confirmed intra- and extramedullary components. During the surgical resection, an attempt was made to avoid transgressing the pia mater. Therefore, the traversing vessels were interrupted during the circumdissection. The nidus was removed, and postprocedural digital subtraction angiography confirmed complete obliteration. 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 (4) ◽  
pp. E391-E392
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Aneurysms of the basilar artery apex are generally at an increased risk of rupture compared with aneurysms in other locations, and the risk of rupture increases with increasing aneurysm size. Therefore, these lesions necessitate treatment to decrease the risk of rupture. The location, size, and directionality of dome projection influence the difficulty of microsurgical treatment. The patient presented with an incidental basilar apex aneurysm identified on workup for headaches. The aneurysm projected superoposteriorly into the interpeduncular cistern. The surgical approach involved a wide exposure of the basilar apex complex and meticulous identification and preservation of P1 perforators during clip applications. It was imperative to visualize all perforators on both sides of the clip prior to application, given the severe morbidity associated with a perforator infarct. The patient tolerated the procedure well and remained neurologically intact after the operation. This video is an exemplary demonstration of basilar apex aneurysm clip application for an incidentally discovered aneurysm. 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 (2) ◽  
pp. E143-E143
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Basilar trunk aneurysms are historically associated with extremely high morbidity. The complexity of circumflex perforator arteries responsible for the perfusion of the brainstem makes surgical intervention for these lesions particularly challenging. This patient had a giant midbasilar aneurysm that encompassed multiple perforators but was associated with progressive mass effect and debilitating morbidity. Therefore, a transpetrous approach was used with transposition of the facial nerve and sacrifice of the vestibulocochlear nerve to permit access to the aneurysm. Hypothermic cardiac arrest was used to permit dome manipulation with a tandem fenestrated clipping of the aneurysm. Postoperative imaging demonstrated a reduction in mass effect attributable to the significantly reduced dome size and persistence of flow via a reconstructed basilar trunk. 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. E199-E199
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Basilar apex aneurysms are generally preferentially managed with endovascular intervention; however, these lesions can demonstrate refractory persistence despite this treatment and, in such cases, must be managed microsurgically. Successful navigation to and manipulation of the basilar apex through the orbitozygomatic approach requires an intricate understanding of the cerebrovascular microanatomy and arachnoid planes within interpeduncular fossa and comfort with use of the operating microscope for the long surgical trajectory to the basilar apex. This patient had a multiply recurrent basilar apex aneurysm; 3 previous coil embolization attempts had been made without successful aneurysm obliteration. This case presented multiple complicating factors, including the presence of a large coil mass and the significant size of the basilar apex lesion. An Allcock test was performed to determine the collateralization across the posterior communicating arteries, and no posterior communicating arteries were visualized, which suggested isolation of the posterior and anterior circulation. A fenestrated clip was utilized from the right side to occlude the base of the aneurysm. Single-clip application was not impeded by the coil mass. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm. 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.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document