Role of hybrid operating room in management of low-velocity penetrating brain injury

Abstract

Penetrating brain injuries (PBIs) are a severe subtype of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), where an object pierces the cranium and meninges. Based on the speed of penetration, it can be classified into high and low-velocity penetration. Low-velocity penetrating injury (LVPBI) cause lacerations to the scalp, depressed skull fractures as well as localized brain tissue and blood vessel damage along the object's path of travel. There have been many case reports and small case series published describing these events. However, there is no standardized guideline for general management to improve patient outcomes. In this report we discuss our experience of using the hybrid theatre to manage such cases. We present the clinical management of a 10-year-old boy who was shot in the head with a harpoon. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) demonstrated that the harpoon punctured through the jugular foramen and had a high probability of internal jugular vein (IJV) and internal carotid artery (ICA) involvement. The surgery was performed seven days after injury in a hybrid operating room (OR). We used intraoperative digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) to guide our decision to permanently occluded the IJV and ICA. The patient had a good postoperative recovery and was sent home after three weeks of observation in the hospital. Despite the high cost, intraoperative cerebral angiography in hybrid theatre for selected patients with penetrating brain injury where major blood vessel damage is anticipated might benefit overall patient outcome.