New device to treat chronic subdural hematoma—hollow screw

Abstract

Different surgical approaches exist for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma. None of these approaches is superior to the other, so a minimal-invasive device (a hollow screw) was developed. The system consists of a stable hollow screw of surgical steel with a perforated tip, a hand-drill, screwdriver with guide, and collection bag. To place the screw in the skull local anesthesia is necessary followed by stab incision and percutaneous trephination. The screw is then placed in the bone and the guide removed. After spontaneous drainage and irrigation, a closed drainage system with a collection bag is connected with the screw. First results with the new technology are promising, with a high rate of completely treated patients and a low rate of complications. Two of 86 patients had a local skin infection after implantation of the screw, and in 22 patients the procedure was repeated due to one or more cases of recurrent or residual hematoma. No neurological deterioration was caused by the screw or the surgical approach. The advantages of this new system are: quick and simple procedure, minimal invasive, excellent function, inexpensive and reusable. [Neurol Res 1999; 21: 77–78]