Minimally Invasive Laminotomy for Contralateral “Over-the-Top” Foraminal Decompression Using 3-Dimensional Total Navigation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. E296-E296
Author(s):  
Sertac Kirnaz ◽  
Christoph Wipplinger ◽  
Franziska Anna Schmidt ◽  
R Nick Hernandez ◽  
Ibrahim Hussain ◽  
...  

Abstract This video demonstrates the step-by-step surgical technique for the minimally invasive laminotomy for contralateral “over-the-top” foraminal decompression. This technique allows for excellent decompression with clearance of the contralateral recess and foramen. In the video, we present the case of a 51-yr-old female patient with a past medical history of left L5-S1 microdiscectomy who presented in clinic with residual/recurrent foraminal disc herniation at L5-S1 compressing the left L5 nerve root. The patient had left lower extremity pain in the left hip and thigh that radiated down the front and side of the leg, as well as tingling and numbness in the left foot. The patient was treated via a L5-S1 microdiscectomy using a portable intraoperative computed tomography scanner, (Airo®, Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany), combined with 3-dimensional (3D) computer navigation. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure. The main advantage of this technique is the direct “over-the-top” trajectory to the foraminal pathology that minimizes the need of facet joint resection. The use of 3D navigation facilitates surgical planning and further minimizes facet joint compromise. Particularly, the inferior facet contralateral to the approach side as well as its outer capsular surroundings can be preserved. Recent biomechanical studies have shown that “over-the-top” decompression produces significantly less instability than a traditional open midline laminectomy.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sertac Kirnaz ◽  
Raj Nangunoori ◽  
Taylor Wong ◽  
Franziska Anna Schmidt ◽  
Roger Härtl

Abstract Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MPCF) has shown comparable outcomes to those of an open approach, with shorter operation times and length of hospital stays, as well as decreased blood loss and inpatient analgesic use. This surgical technique is mainly used to treat unilateral radiculopathy due to foraminal soft disc fragments or bone spurs. Three-dimensional (3D) navigation-guidance facilitates the surgical workflow, and it is utilized in planning the incision, determining the extent of the medial facetectomy, and confirming sufficient decompression, especially in the lower cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction, where the shoulders make localization with fluoroscopy difficult. In this video, we present the case of a 49-yr-old male patient with mechanical neck pain and C8 radiculopathy due to multilevel cervical spinal stenosis with disc herniations and C7-T1 right-sided foraminal stenosis. There was loss of cervical lordosis at the upper levels. The patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at the C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 levels to treat mechanical neck pain and restore lordosis. In order to avoid an extra-level fusion and preserve motion, we performed a right-sided C7-T1 MPCF using a portable intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) scanner (Airo®; Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany), combined with 3D computer navigation to address the patient's radicular symptoms. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. E9-E10
Author(s):  
Sertac Kirnaz ◽  
Rodrigo Navarro-Ramirez ◽  
Christoph Wipplinger ◽  
Franziska Anna Schmidt ◽  
Ibrahim Hussain ◽  
...  

Abstract This video demonstrates the workflow of a minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) using a portable intraoperative CT (iCT) scanner, (Airo®, Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany), combined with state-of-the-art total 3D computer navigation. The navigation is used not only for instrumentation but also for intraoperative planning throughout the procedure, inserting the cage, therefore, completely eliminating the need for fluoroscopy. In this video, we present a case of a 72-yr-old female patient with a history of lower back pain, right lower extremity radicular pain and weakness for 2 yr due to L4-L5 spondylolisthesis with instability and severe lumbar spinal stenosis. The patient is treated by a L4-L5 unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) and MIS-TLIF. MIS-TLIF using total 3D navigation significantly improves the workflow of the conventional TLIF procedure. The tailored access to the spine is translated into smaller but more efficient surgical corridors. This modification in a “total navigation” modality minimizes the staff radiation exposure to 0 by navigating in real time over iCT obtained images that can be acquired while the surgical staff is protected or outside the OR. Furthermore, this technique makes real-time and virtual intraoperative imaging of screws and their planned trajectory feasible. 3D Navigation eliminates the need for K-Wires, thus decreasing the risk of vascular penetration injury due to K-Wire malpositioning. 3D navigation can also predict the positioning of the interbody cage, thereby, decreasing the risk of malpositioning or subsidence. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. E418-E418
Author(s):  
Sertac Kirnaz ◽  
Christoph Wipplinger ◽  
Taylor Wong ◽  
Franziska Anna Schmidt ◽  
Raj Nangunoori ◽  
...  

Abstract This video demonstrates the step-by-step surgical technique for a less invasive cervical unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (cervical ULBD). This technique allows surgeons to address bilateral cervical pathology while minimizing approach-related complications.1 In the video, we present the case of a 72-yr-old female patient with a past medical history of C3-C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion who presented in clinic with persistent posterior spinal cord compression and signal change. The patient had bilateral hand numbness, weakness, poor dexterity, and a positive Hoffman's sign. The patient was treated via a C3-C4 less invasive cervical ULBD using a mobile 3-dimensional (3D) C-arm (Ziehm Vision RFD 3D®, Nürnberg, Germany) combined with 3D computer navigation. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure. Contrary to anterior techniques, posterior cervical approaches avoid potential dysphasia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and adjacent segment degeneration. Furthermore, the less invasive cervical ULBD results in decreased pain and postoperative narcotic usage, shorter hospital stays and fewer infections compared to open approaches, as well as a lower risk for postlaminectomy kyphosis and deformity, since it requires less muscle disruption and bony removal. Additionally, the use of total 3D navigation facilitates the workflow and minimizes radiation exposure.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sertac Kirnaz ◽  
Gary Kocharian ◽  
Fabian Sommer ◽  
Lynn B McGrath ◽  
Jacob L Goldberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Giant disc herniation (GDH) is generally defined as a lumbar disc herniation that obstructs 50% or more of the space in the spinal canal.1-3 Common treatment options for GDH include unilateral interlaminar approach, bilateral approach, or open full laminectomy.4,5 Surgical treatment of GDH may be challenging because severe bilateral compression of neural elements in the spinal canal increases the risk of iatrogenic injury to nerve roots and dura. The surgical approach can be further complicated by calcification, hardening, and dehydration of the GDH tissue. The prevailing opinion in the literature is that giant disc herniations cannot safely be treated via tubular minimally invasive approaches.5-7 In this video, we present a case of a 52-yr-old male patient with a history of progressive low back pain that radiates bilaterally from the buttocks toward the posterior legs and knees for 2 yr because of a GDH at the L4-5 level. The patient was treated via a tubular “over-the-top” minimally invasive decompression in order to first provide generous bilateral decompression of neural elements and dura.8,9 After sufficient decompression at the surgical level, the discectomy was performed via an ipsilateral piecemeal resection of the GDH. The “over-the-top” contralateral mobilization of disc herniation was also achieved with this approach, which facilitated the removal of the entire disc fragment. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure. Therefore, GDH should not be considered as a contraindication for tubular decompression when this modified technique is performed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Motohide Shibayama ◽  
Guang Hua Li ◽  
Li Guo Zhu ◽  
Zenya Ito ◽  
Fujio Ito

Abstract Background Lumbar interbody fusion is a standard technique for treating degenerative lumbar disorders involving instability. Due to its invasiveness, a minimally invasive technique, extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF), was introduced. On surgically approaching posterolaterally, the posterior muscles and spinal canal are barely invaded. Despite its theoretical advantage, ELIF is technically demanding and has not been popularised. Therefore, we developed a microendoscopy-assisted ELIF (mELIF) technique which was designed to be safe and less invasive. Here, we aimed to report on the surgical technique and clinical results. Methods Using a posterolateral approach similar to that of lateral disc herniation surgery, a tubular retractor, 16 or 18 mm in diameter, was placed at the lateral aspect of the facet joint. The facet joint was partially excised, and the disc space was cleaned. A cage and local bone graft were inserted into the disc space. All disc-related procedures were performed under microendoscopy. The spinal canal was not invaded. Bilateral percutaneous screw-rod constructs were inserted and fixed. Results Fifty-five patients underwent the procedure. The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale scores greatly improved. Over 90% of the patients obtained excellent or good results based on Macnab’s criteria. There were neither major adverse clinical effects nor the need for additional surgery. Conclusions mELIF is minimally invasive because the spinal canal and posterior muscles are barely invaded. It produces good clinical results with fewer complications. This technique can be applied in most single-level spondylodesis cases, including those involving L5/S1 disorders.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio A Frisoli ◽  
Joshua S Catapano ◽  
S Harrison Farber ◽  
Jacob F Baranoski ◽  
Rohin Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Giant basilar apex aneurysms are associated with significant therapeutic challenges.1–6 Multiple techniques exist to treat giant basilar apex aneurysms, including direct clipping, stent-assisted coil embolization, and proximal occlusion with bypass revascularization.7–9 Hypothermic circulatory arrest was a useful adjunct for surgical repair of these aneurysms but has been abandoned because of associated risks.10,11 Rapid ventricular pacing can achieve similar aneurysm softening with minimal risks and assist in clip occlusion. This case illustrates clip occlusion of a giant, partially thrombosed, previously stent-coiled basilar apex aneurysm in a 15-yr-old boy with progressive cranial neuropathies and sensorimotor impairment. Although a wire was placed preoperatively for ventricular pacing, it was not needed during the procedure. Patient consent was obtained. A right-sided orbitozygomatic craniotomy transcavernous approach with anterior and posterior clinoidectomies was performed. The basilar quadrification was dissected, and proximal control was obtained. After aneurysm trapping, the aneurysm was incised and thrombectomized using an ultrasonic aspirator. Back-bleeding from the aneurysm was anticipated, and ventricular pacing was ready, but back-bleeding was minimal. With the coil mass left in place, stacked, fenestrated clips were applied in a tandem fashion to occlude the aneurysm neck. Indocyanine green videoangiography confirmed occlusion of the aneurysm and patency of parent and branch arteries. The patient was at a neurological baseline after the operation, with improvement in motor skills and cognition at 3-mo follow-up. This case demonstrates the use of trans-sylvian-transcavernous exposure, rapid ventricular pacing, and thrombectomy amid previous coils and stents to clip a giant, thrombotic basilar apex aneurysm. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Navneet Kumar Dubey ◽  
Ching-Yu Lee ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Chin-Chang Cheng ◽  
...  

This study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of using intraoperative computed tomography- (iCT-) guided navigation in simultaneous minimally invasive anterior and posterior surgery for infectious spondylitis. Nine patients with infectious spondylitis were enrolled in this study. The average operative time was 327.6 min (range, 210–490) and intraoperative blood loss was 407 cc (range, 50–1,200). The average duration of hospital stay was 48.9 days (range, 11–76). Out of a total of 54 pedicle screws employed, 53 screws (98.1%) were placed accurately. A reduced visual analog scale on back pain (from 8.2 to 2.2) and Oswestry disability index (from 67.1% to 25.6%) were found at the 2-year follow-up. All patients had achieved resolution of spinal infection with reduced average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (from 83.9 to 14.1 mm/hr) and average C-reactive protein (from 54.4 to 4.8 mg/dL). Average kyphotic angle correction was 10.5° (range, 8.4°–12.6°) postoperatively and 8.5° (range, 6.9°–10.1°) after 2 years. In conclusion, the current iCT-guided navigation approach has been demonstrated to be an alternative method during simultaneous minimally invasive anterior and posterior surgery for infectious spondylitis. It can provide a good intraoperative orientation and visualization of anatomic structures and also a high pedicle screw placement accuracy in patient’s lateral decubitus position.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guang-Ting Cong ◽  
Avani Vaishnav ◽  
Joseph Barbera ◽  
Hiroshi Kumagai ◽  
James Dowdell ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION Posterior spinal instrumentation for fusion using intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation is gaining traction as an alternative to the conventional two-dimensional fluoroscopic-guided approach to percutaneous pedicle screw placement. However, few studies to date have directly compared outcomes of these 2 minimally invasive instrumentation methods. METHODS A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing primary percutaneous posterior lumbar spine instrumentation for spine fusion was retrospectively reviewed. Revision surgeries or cases converted to open were excluded. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed using a postoperative CT scan with blinding to the surgical methods used. The Gertzbein-Robbins classification was used to grade cortical breach: Grade 0 (<0 mm cortical breach), Grade I (<2 mm), Grade II (2-4 mm), Grade III (4-6 mm), and Grade IV (>6 mm). RESULTS CT navigation was found to significantly improve accuracy of screw placement (P < .022). There was significantly more facet violation of the unfused level in the fluoroscopy group vs the CT group (9% vs 0.5%; P < .0001). There was also a higher proportion of poor screw placement in the fluoroscopy group (10.1% vs 3.6%). No statistical difference was found in the rate of tip breach, inferomedial breach, or lateral breach. Regression analysis showed that fluoroscopy had twice the odds of incurring poor screw placement as compared to CT navigation. CONCLUSION This radiographic study comparing screw placement in minimally invasive fluoroscopy- vs CT navigation-guided lumbar spine instrumentation provides evidence that CT navigation significantly improves accuracy of screw placement, especially in optimizing the screw trajectory so as to avoid facet violation. Long-term follow-up studies should be performed to ascertain whether this difference can contribute to an improvement in clinical outcomes.


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