Use of the Arachnoid Membrane of the Cerebellopontine Angle to Transpose the Superior Cerebellar Artery in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Technical Note

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons-88-ons-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miran Skrap ◽  
Francesco Tuniz
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Arachnoid Membrane ◽  
Recurrent Pain ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Abstract Background: Microvascular decompression is an accepted, safe, and useful surgical technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Autologous muscle or implant materials such as shredded Teflon are used to separate the vessel from the nerve but may occasionally be inadequate, become displaced or create adhesions and recurrent pain. Objective: The authors evaluated the use of arachnoid membrane of the cerebellopontine angle to maintain the transposition of vessels from the trigeminal nerve. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of microvascular decompression operations in which the offending vessel was transposed and then retained by the arachnoid membrane of the cerebellopontine cistern, specifically by the lateral pontomesenchepalic membrane. Results: This technique was used in 30 patients of the most recently operated series. Postoperatively, complete pain relief was achieved in 90% of the patients without any observed surgical complications. Conclusion: To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report in which the arachnoid membrane is used in the microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve. While this technique can be used only for selected cases, the majority of the vascular compressions on the trigeminal nerve are due to the SCA, so this sling transposition technique can be useful and effective.

scholarly journals Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Our Experiences at Bir Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Gopal R Sharma ◽  
Rajiv Jha ◽  
Prakash Poudel ◽  
Dhrub R Adhikari ◽  
Prakash Bista
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Recurrent Pain ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a very peculiar disease, mostly characterized by unilateral paroxysmal facial pain, often described by patient as ‘one of the worst pain in my life’. This condition is also known as ‘Tic Douloureus’. The annual incidence of TN is about 4.7/100000 population, male and female are equally affected. The diagnosis is usually made by history, clinical fi ndings and cranial imaging is required to rule out compressing vascular loop, organic lesions and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at Trigeminal nerve (TN). Treatment of TGN ranged from medical to surgical intervention. Between September 2007 and April 2015, 20 patients underwent micro vascular decompression (MVD) of TN for TGN who were refractory to medical treatment at department of Neurosurgery, Bir Hospital. All decompressions were performed using operating microscope. Follow up period ranged from 22 months to 8 years.There were 9 males and 11 females and age ranged from 30-70 years. The neuralgic pain was localized on right side in 13 patients and left on 7 patients. Pain distribution was on V3 (mandibular branch) dermatome in 11, V2( Maxillary branch ) in 4, V2-3 in 2 and V1- 2-3 in 3 patients respectively. On intraoperative fi ndings TN was compressed by superior cerebellar artery ( SCA ) in 8, tumors in 4, unidentifi ed vessels in 3, veins in 2, anterior inferior cerebellar artery ( AICA ) in 1 and no cause was found in 2 patients. 7 patients suffered postoperative complications which included hyposthesia in 3, pseudomeningocele in 3 and meningitis in 1. There was no mortality in this series. 20 patients felt pain relief immediately after procedure and 1 patients came after 3 years with recurrent pain requiring second surgery. In conclusion, MVD for TGN in younger patients who are refractory to medical treatment is one of the best treatment options which is safe and long term pain relief is achieved in majority of cases.Nepal Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 14, No. 2,  2017 Page:11-15

scholarly journals Efficacy of primary microvascular decompression versus subsequent microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 1691-1697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debebe Theodros ◽  
C. Rory Goodwin ◽  
Matthew T. Bender ◽  
Xin Zhou ◽  
Tomas Garzon-Muvdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Patient Records ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Lancinating Pain

OBJECTIVETrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by intermittent, paroxysmal, and lancinating pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Microvascular decompression (MVD) directly addresses compression of the trigeminal nerve. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing MVD as their first surgical intervention experience greater pain control than patients who undergo subsequent MVD.METHODSA retrospective review of patient records from 1998 to 2015 identified a total of 942 patients with TN and 500 patients who underwent MVD. After excluding several cases, 306 patients underwent MVD as their first surgical intervention and 175 patients underwent subsequent MVD. Demographics and clinicopathological data and outcomes were obtained for analysis.RESULTSIn patients who underwent subsequent MVD, surgical intervention was performed at an older age (55.22 vs 49.98 years old, p < 0.0001) and the duration of symptoms was greater (7.22 vs 4.45 years, p < 0.0001) than for patients in whom MVD was their first surgical intervention. Patients who underwent initial MVD had improved pain relief and no improvement in pain rates compared with those who had subsequent MVD (95.8% and 4.2% vs 90.3% and 9.7%, respectively, p = 0.0041). Patients who underwent initial MVD had significantly lower rates of facial numbness in the pre- and postoperative periods compared with patients who underwent subsequent MVD (p < 0.0001). The number of complications in both groups was similar (p = 0.4572).CONCLUSIONSThe results demonstrate that patients who underwent other procedures prior to MVD had less pain relief and a higher incidence of facial numbness despite rates of complications similar to patients who underwent MVD as their first surgical intervention.

Aseptic meningitis caused by Teflon implantation for microvascular decompression

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav P. Bobek ◽  
Oren Sagher
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Aseptic Meningitis ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initial Surgery ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors present the case of a 47-year-old man who, after undergoing microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia, experienced symptomatic pain relief but developed prolonged aseptic meningitis. This case is unusual in that the patient remained dependent on steroid medications for nearly 5 months following the initial surgery and the aseptic meningitis did not resolve until after surgical removal of the Teflon used to pad the trigeminal nerve. The pathophysiological characteristics of the body's reaction to implanted Teflon are discussed along with the rationale for removing this substance in cases of prolonged intractable aseptic meningitis.

scholarly journals Microvascular Decompression by Interposition Method for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia Due to Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Yu ◽  
Jia Yin ◽  
Pei-gang Lu ◽  
Zhen-yu Zhao ◽  
Yong-qiang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) due to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare disease that can be challenging to treat. The objectives of this study are to investigate the characteristics of patients with TN due to VBD and to analyze the efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD) by the interposition method for treatment of the condition. From 2010 till 2020, the data of 30 patients with TN due to VBD who were treated with MVD by the interposition method were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of the patients were compared with those of patients with non-VBD TN (n = 815). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to determine pain-free survival. The 30 patients (21 males, 9 females; mean age, 63.03 years) accounted for 3.55% of all patients with TN during the study period. In 30 patients, the offending vessel was the basilar artery (BA) in 1 patient, the vertebral artery (VA) in 6 patients, the VA plus the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in 6 patients, the VA plus the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in 12 patients, and the VA+SCA+AICA in 5 patients. Compared to non-VBD TN patients, those with TN due to VBD were significantly more likely to be male, to have TN of the left side, and to have hypertension (all P < 0.001). Mean age at surgery (P = 0.057) and symptom duration (P = 0.308) were comparable between the two groups. All 30 patients had immediate relief of facial pain after MVD and could stop medication. There were no postoperative complications. Over mean follow-up of 76.67 months, 3 patients had recurrence. The mean duration of pain-free survival was 70.77 months. In conclusions, TN due to VBD appears to be more likely in males, in those with hypertension, and to involve the left side. The interposition method performed by experienced and skilled neurosurgeons is a safe and effective treatment for TN due to VBD. Further studies are needed to analyze the associated long-term results and the pain recurrence rate among this special population.

Vascular Transposition of the Superior Cerebellar Artery Using a Fenestrated Clip and Fibrin Glue in Trigeminal Neuralgia: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. E50-E51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl R Abi-Aad ◽  
Evelyn Turcotte ◽  
Devi P Patra ◽  
Matthew E Welz ◽  
Tanmoy Maiti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Fibrin Glue ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Facial Pain ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Entry Zone ◽  
Root Entry Zone ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve Root ◽  
Made In

Abstract This is the case of an 86-yr-old gentleman who presented with left facial pain exacerbated by eating, drinking, chewing, and shaving (distribution: V2, V3). The patient was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and was refractory to medications. Imaging showed a superior cerebellar artery (SCA) loop adjacent to the trigeminal nerve root entry zone and a decision to perform a microvascular decompression of the fifth nerve was presented to the patient. After patient informed consent was obtained, a standard 3 cm × 3 cm retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed with the patient in a supine head turned position and in reverse Trendelenburg. The arachnoid bands tethering the SCA to the trigeminal nerve were sharply divided. A slit was then made in the tentorium and a 3 mm fenestrated clip was then used to secure the transposed SCA away from the trigeminal nerve. The SCA proximal to this was slightly patulous in its course so a small amount of a fibrin glue was also used to secure the more proximal SCA to the tentorium. The patient was symptom-free postoperatively and no longer required medical therapy. Additionally, imaging was consistent with adequate separation of the nerve from adjacent vessels.1-5

The Microsurgical Anatomy of the Infratentorial Lateral Supracerebellar Approach to the Trigeminal Nerve for Tic Douloureux

Neurosurgery ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshio Matsushima ◽  
Masashi Fukui ◽  
Satoshi Suzuki ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Cerebellar Hemisphere ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Medial Side ◽  
Microsurgical Decompression ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Anatomical Information

ABSTRACT The increasing use of microsurgical decompression for trigeminal neuralgia has created a need for more detailed anatomical information about the approach. To define better this anatomy, 10 cerebellar specimens obtained at autopsy were examined, and intraoperative findings in 30 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were analyzed. Since the infratentorial subdural space on the tentorial cerebellar surface is exposed to explore the trigeminal nerve in the infratentorial lateral supracerebellar approach, attention was directed to the following: the anterolateral margin of the cerebellar hemisphere, bridging veins on the tentorial surface, superior petrosal veins, and relationships between blood vessels and the trigeminal nerve. The lateral mesencephalic segment of the superior cerebellar artery at or near the bifurcation often compressed the nerve laterally at more than one point. With this approach, the relationship of the superior cerebellar artery to the nerve could be observed from the medial side of the tentorial surface. The infratentorial lateral supracerebellar approach is discussed and compared to Dandy's cerebellar route.

On the Surgical Implications of Peritrigeminal Perforating Vessels in Microvascular Decompression

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo di Russo ◽  
Tao Xu ◽  
Michael A Cohen ◽  
Paolo Perrini ◽  
Philip E Stieg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Type I ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Parent Vessel ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Root

Abstract BACKGROUND Perforating branches arising from the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) or anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) that pierces the brainstem within 5 mm of the trigeminal root may limit offending vessel transposition during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. OBJECTIVE To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of peritrigeminal perforators and evaluate their effect on the mobility of the SCA and AICA. Additionally, we propose strategies for mitigating the potential complications caused by the presence of short peritrigeminal perforators. METHODS Retrosigmoid approaches and exposure of the upper cerebellopontine angle were performed on 11 cadaveric heads (22 sides). The number, origin, and course of perforators were recorded and each was classified as either type I, short straight (<3 mm); type II, long straight perforators (>3 mm); or type III, long circumflex (>3 mm). Transposition of each SCA and AICA away from trigeminal nerve was performed, and degree of mobilization was evaluated and graded. RESULTS A total of 123 perforators were identified, of which 44 were considered peritrigeminal. Of these, 19 arose from the AICA, 18 from the SCA, and 7 from the basilar artery. Type I peritrigeminal perforators were the most common at 77.3%. Transposition or interposition of the parent vessel was not possible in 8 (47.1%) instances. CONCLUSION Identification of inhibiting perforators is essential before performing microvascular decompression to avoid ischemic injury to the brainstem. The presence of type I perforators may necessitate extensive arachnoid dissection and use of an interpositioning technique with minimal repositioning of the offending vessel.

Successful Microvascular Decompression For Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to a Persistent Trigeminal Artery

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Shunchang Ma ◽  
Pankaj K Agarwalla ◽  
Harry R van Loveren ◽  
Siviero Agazzi
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Persistent Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Artery ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Endoscopic Video ◽  
Operative Microscope

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare but important anatomic variant that contributes to trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the responsible vessel(s) away from the trigeminal nerve provides the most complete and durable relief from TN. The role and technique of MVD for TN associated with a PTA has not been fully defined in the literature. Furthermore, assessment of PTA anatomy intraoperatively with a microscope is challenging. We report the first 3-dimensional (3D) microscopic video and first intraoperative endoscopic video of a successful MVD of the trigeminal nerve in a patient who suffered TN from a tortuous, compressive PTA. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 66-yr-old right-handed female presented with right facial pain in V2 and V3 distributions with a clinical picture of TN. Imaging demonstrated trigeminal nerve compression secondary to a PTA and MVD was performed with a 3D operative microscope and an endoscope. The PTA appeared to compress the nerve directly at the trigeminal porus and also had compressive superior cerebellar artery variant branches. The nerve was decompressed at all points of compression with Teflon pledgets along its entire cisternal length. Postoperatively, she is free with trigeminal pain episodes at 4-mo follow-up. CONCLUSION In cases of TN associated with a PTA, we recommend decompression along the entire length of the nerve wherever there is compression. Furthermore, we find both the operative microscope and particularly the endoscope useful to assess vascular anatomy intraoperatively.

Outcomes of Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia secondary to vertebrobasilar ectasia

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Jae Park ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka ◽  
Hideyuki Kano ◽  
Oren Berkowitz ◽  
Safee Faraz Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Vascular Compression ◽  
Recurrent Pain

Object Vertebrobasilar ectasia (VBE) is an unusual cause of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The surgical options for patients with medically refractory pain include percutaneous or microsurgical rhizotomy and microvascular decompression (MVD). All such procedures can be technically challenging. This report evaluates the response to a minimally invasive procedure, Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), in patients with TN associated with severe vascular compression caused by VBE. Methods Twenty patients underwent GKS for medically refractory TN associated with VBE. The median patient age was 74 years (range 48–95 years). Prior surgical procedures had failed in 11 patients (55%). In 9 patients (45%), GKS was the first procedure they had undergone. The median target dose for GKS was 80 Gy (range 75–85 Gy). The median follow-up was 29 months (range 8–123 months) after GKS. The treatment outcomes were compared with 80 case-matched controls who underwent GKS for TN not associated with VBE. Results Intraoperative MR imaging or CT scanning revealed VBE that deformed the brainstem in 50% of patients. The trigeminal nerve was displaced in cephalad or lateral planes in 60%. In 4 patients (20%), the authors could identify only the distal cisternal component of the trigeminal nerve as it entered into the Meckel cave. After GKS, 15 patients (75%) achieved initial pain relief that was adequate or better, with or without medication (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] pain scale, Grades I–IIIb). The median time until pain relief was 5 weeks (range 1 day–6 months). Twelve patients (60%) with initial pain relief reported recurrent pain between 3 and 43 months after GKS (median 12 months). Pain relief was maintained in 53% at 1 year, 38% at 2 years, and 10% at 5 years. Some degree of facial sensory dysfunction occurred in 10% of patients. Eventually, 14 (70%) of the 20 patients underwent an additional surgical procedure including repeat GKS, percutaneous procedure, or MVD at a median of 14 months (range 5–50 months) after the initial GKS. At the last follow-up, 15 patients (75%) had satisfactory pain control (BNI Grades I–IIIb), but 5 patients (25%) continued to have unsatisfactory pain control (BNI Grade IV or V). Compared with patients without VBE, patients with VBE were much less likely to have initial (p = 0.025) or lasting (p = 0.006) pain relief. Conclusions Pain control rates of GKS in patients with TN associated with VBE were inferior to those of patients without VBE. Multimodality surgical or medical management strategies were required in most patients with VBE.

scholarly journals Analysis of Failed Microvascular Decompression in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (05) ◽  
pp. 567-571
Author(s):  
Zhenyu Huang ◽  
Benfang Pu ◽  
Fusheng Li ◽  
KaiZhang Liu ◽  
Chunhui Hua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Complete Relief ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Definitive Therapy ◽  
Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Early Reoperation

Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) has been widely accepted as a definitive therapy for primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, some patients may not experience relief of TN symptoms following surgery. In this study, the findings of redo MVD are discussed.Methods Between 2015 and 2017, 205 patients with primary TN underwent MVD surgery in Shanghai Tongren Hospital. Among these patients, 187 had immediate complete relief of symptoms, 8 improved apparently, and 10 reported no symptom relief. Of the 10 patients without relief, 6 underwent reoperation within 5 days, 2 underwent reoperation 3 months after the first procedure, and 2 refused to undergo reoperation.Results The symptoms of those patients who received reoperation disappeared immediately after the surgery. In the second operations, new conflict sites at the motor roots were found in five cases. The real offending vessels were the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) or branch of the SCA in seven cases and the petrosal vein in one case. The nerve was not decompressed completely in either of the two cases. At the 12-month follow-up, no recurrence was found. For the other two patients who did not have reoperation, their symptom persisted. Postoperative complications showed no significant differences between the first and second operations.Conclusion Compression of the motor roots might be one of the causes of TN. Thorough exploration of both sensory and motor roots of the trigeminal nerve is essential to performing a successful MVD operation. Early reoperation for resistant TN after MVD does not increase the incidence of complications.

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