Combined Application of Arachnoid Membrane and Petrosal Dura to Transpose Dual Offending Arteries in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Two-Dimensional Operative Video

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is featured by episodic and severe unilateral facial pain triggered usually by innocuous cutaneous stimuli.1-4 Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a safe and effective treatment for cases refractory to medical treatment caused by neurovascular conflicts.1,5-7 This Video 1 demonstrates MVD using arachnoid membrane and petrosal dura to transpose dual offending arteries. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this operative video. The patient was a 64-year-old woman with refractory right trigeminal neuralgia (V2 territory). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated simultaneous conflict between the right trigeminal nerve (TN) and superior cerebellar (SCA) and anterior inferior cerebellar arteries (AICA). Due to progressive and refractory symptoms, MVD was indicated, with aid of neurophysiologic monitoring. A right retrosigmoid approach was employed and after exposure of the TN root, both AICA and SCA were identified conflicting with the nerve. The AICA was displaced inferolaterally and attached to the petrosal dura between the VII/VIII and IX cranial nerves using a USP #0 silk thread. The SCA was mobilized into a fissure created in the lateral pontomesencephalic arachnoid membrane and fixed with shredded Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene). Another piece of Teflon was positioned between the TN and the proximal segment of AICA to lighten the pulling force from the thread. Postoperative imaging demonstrated no signs of cerebellar contusion or hemorrhage. The patient presented complete resolution of her pain, and no neurologic deficits were observed. We demonstrate MVD with 2 different transposition techniques that can be considered for trigeminal neuralgia with dual offending arteries (AICA, SCA).