Intraventricular injectable tumor model for neuroendoscopic surgery: Laboratory Study

Abstract

Abstract Intraventricular tumors present difficult challenges to the neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons have begun to explore the possibilities of the endoscope in the complete resection of solid intraventricular tumors. The learning curve is considered steep when dealing with such lesions endoscopically. The aim of this study was to develop a laboratory training model for pathological intraventricular neuroendoscopic surgery. Thirty formalin-fixated, latex-injected cadaveric heads were used. The contrast-enhancing tumor polymer, Stratathane resin ST-504 derived polymer (SRSDP), was injected into the lateral ventricle via Frazer’s point under direct endoscopic visualization and real-time fluoroscopic guidance. Neurosurgeon participants at a ventricular endoscopic course then performed an endoscopic approach to the intraventricular tumor model lesion via an ipsilateral frontal burr hole. The properties of the SRSDP mixture could be manipulated through varying concentrations of source materials in order to achieve a desired consistency and allow for piecemeal resection. Tumor could be injected into the lateral and third ventricles. The tumor model allowed participants to compare both normal and pathological endoscopic anatomy in the one specimen. Our novel injectable tumor model can assist neurosurgeons preparing themselves for the challenges associated with a piecemeal resection of a solid lesion in the lateral or third ventricle.