Teflon Felt Research Articles

Microvascular decompression of a vertebral artery loop causing cervical radiculopathy: illustrative case.

Vertebral artery loops are a rare cause of cervical radiculopathy. Surgical options for nerve root decompression include an anterior or posterior approach, with or without additional microvascular decompression. The authors describe a case of a 49-year-old man with a long-standing history of left-sided neck pain and migraines, who was found to have a vertebral artery loop in the left C3-4 neural foramen compressing the left C4 nerve root. The patient underwent a posterior cervical decompression with instrumented fusion and macrovascular decompression of the left C4 nerve root via Teflon felt insertion. In a literature review, we identified 20 similar cases that had also been managed surgically. Although the anterior approach is more frequently described in the literature, a posterior approach for nerve compression by a vertebral artery loop is also a safe and effective treatment. The authors report the third case of this surgical approach with a good outcome.

Surgical Outcome of Postinfarction Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture.

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare and fatal complication after acute myocardial infarction. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are recommended. Between August 1999 and February 2023, 11 patients aged between 64 and 79 years developed LVFWR after acute myocardial infarction (mean interval, 3.5 days). Three patients had active bleeding (blowout-type LVFWR), and the other 8 patients experienced the oozing or sealed state. Eight patients were treated using a sutureless technique with Teflon felt and glue, 2 patients were treated using the primary suture closure technique, and 1 was treated using both the primary suture and the sutureless technique with Teflon felt and glue. One patient died in the operating room as a result of bleeding. Cardiovascular stability and hemostasis were achieved in the other 10 patients. There were 3 early deaths (all 3 cases as a result of area bleeding; 1 was treated with primary suture, 2 with sutureless glue). Three patients received percutaneous coronary intervention before discharge. All 8 remaining patients survived and were discharged. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 97 months, with 4 patients exhibiting New York Heart Association class I symptoms and 1 exhibiting New York Heart Association class II symptoms. Optimal surgical treatment for postinfarction LVFWR remains controversial. The sutureless technique may be a promising strategy for treating postinfarction LVFWR.

Surgical Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm via Microvascular Decompression of a Large, Ectatic Vertebral Artery.

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder caused by compression of the facial nerve at the nerve root entry zone, often due to ectatic or aberrant vasculature. Pathologic compression of the nerve-brainstem interface results in involuntary, paroxysmal contractions of ipsilateral facial muscles that may cause considerable impairments in quality of life. For those with severe symptoms, have positive imaging demonstrating vascular compression, or who fail other management modalities, 1 2 3 4 microvascular decompression offers potential definitive treatment. 5 6 Traditionally, nonabsorbable packing agent is used to pack between the nerve and offending vascular structure. However, for large and more complex arterial structures, simple nonabsorbable padding is often not sufficient. In this operative video, we demonstrate microvascular decompression for intractable hemifacial spasm in a 52-year-old female using a specialized sling tacked to the petrous dura for management of a large, ectatic vertebral artery. Following a standard left retrosigmoid craniotomy, an atheromatous ectatic vertebral artery was identified. We fashioned a bovine pericardium sling around the vessel and used a permanent aneurysm clip to secure it to an incision portion of petrous dura. We subsequently identified potential additional facial nerve root compression by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) branches, which were elevated and secured using Teflon felt packing. Following elevation of all three vessels, the lateral spread response resolved. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the patient reported substantial relief in her hemifacial spasms and endorsed highly improved quality of life.

Inflammatory response of Teflon felt strip 41 years after surgical repair for Ebstein’s anomaly

Inflammatory response of Teflon felt strip 41 years after surgical repair for Ebstein’s anomaly

652 SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL REPAIR OF LEFT VENTRICULAR PSEUDOANEURYSM IN A PATIENT WITH SUBACUTE ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract A 65-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain begun 4 days before. Past medical history consisted of ischemic stroke and diabetes mellitus. Of note, he was not taking any medication. Vital signs: blood pressure 90/50 mmHg, heart rate 50/minute, respiratory rate 18/minute, body temperature 36.5°C; saturation oxygen level 93%. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin was mildly elevated (121 pg/mL). Electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia, Q waves with ST elevation in antero-lateral leads consistent with subacute STEMI. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed aneurysmatic expansion of apical left ventricular (LV) walls (ejection fraction 30%) with a large apical thrombus (35×15 mm). Coronary angiography showed complete occlusion of proximal left anterior descending artery and a critical stenosis of right coronary artery; percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation on right coronary artery was performed. He received triple antithrombotic therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel, intravenous heparin first and then oral anticoagulation with warfarin. During coronary care unit stay, the patient was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. However, a control TTE (day 6) in cardiology ward revealed the presence of pseudoaneurysm with an oval out-pouching (23 × 13 mm) from the apical aspect of LV septum, communicating with the LV chamber through a passage measuring 1.6 cm. Partially organized pericardial effusion was evident around right ventricular free wall (Figure 1). Thus, the patient was immediately transferred to the cardiac surgery department for urgent surgical repair. The LV anterior wall rupture with pseudoaneurysm was then treated with endoaneurysmectomy of the LV with dacron patch and freewall reconstruction with prolene sutures and teflon felt stripes. The patient was finally discharged 3 weeks after surgery with betablockers, ace- inhibitors, diuretics, statins and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. At one month follow-up visit, the patient was hemodynamically stable with acceptable functional capacity. Figure 1Modified five chamber view (a, b) and three chamber view (c, d) showing apical LV pseudoaneurysm (arrows) with moderate pericardial effusion (arrowhead); color Doppler through the passage (arrow) in 3 chamber view (d). LV, left ventricular.

Comparison of two techniques in proximal anastomosis in acute type A aortic dissection.

The proximal anastomosis is an important procedure during the acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) surgery. The conventional method is a double patch sandwich technique with Teflon felt. Adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique as a novel approach has been applied to many patients in our center. Herein, This technique would be introduced, and the perioperative and 1-year follow-up results of the two different anastomosis methods were also evaluated. Between December 2017 and May 2021, 143 AAAD patients who underwent total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the eversion technique group (adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique for proximal anastomosis, n = 64) and the sandwich technique group (n = 79). The medical records were analyzed and compared between the groups. The mean operation time was 466 ± 73 min in the eversion technique group and 513 ± 81 min in the sandwich technique group (P < 0.001). Compared with the sandwich technique group, the eversion technique group also showed a shorter time on proximal anastomosis (38 ± 12 min vs. 58 ± 20 min, P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (195 ± 26 vs. 211 ± 40 min, P = 0.003), and aortic cross-clamp (120 ± 23 min vs. 134 ± 27 min, P = 0.002). Furthermore, a decreased proportion of >600 ml fresh frozen plasmas transfusion was observed in eversion technique group (10.9% vs. 34.2%, P = 0.002). No statistical differences were found in the postoperative morbidities and 1-year follow-up outcomes. Proximal anastomosis with adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique is a promising surgical option for AAAD patients, with favorable perioperative and 1-year follow-up results.

How we repair acute type A dissection in Gangnam severance hospital.

Total arch replacement for aortic dissection is traditionally associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Here, we share our strategies for improving surgical outcomes such as Y incision, unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion, Teflon felt neo-media formation, and reinforcement of the anastomosis site.

Lateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach for Superior Oblique Myokymia: A Case Series.

Few reports have shown that superior oblique myokymia (SOM) may result from vascular compression of the trochlear nerve and may be curable using microvascular decompression (MVD). To report the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of 2 cases of SOM and provide a review of the related literature. Two patients with SOM were treated using MVD with the lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach. The patients underwent diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional fusion imaging preoperatively. A lateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed in the park-bench position. The trochlear nerve and branches of the superior cerebellar artery were confirmed after opening the cerebellomesencephalic fissure over the tentorial surface of the cerebellum. The vessel, which compressed the root exit zone of the trochlear nerve, was transposed far from the nerve and attached to the surface of the midbrain using Teflon felt and fibrin glue. The first case showed compression on both the ventral and rostral sides of the trochlear nerve root exit zone, and the second showed compression only on the ventral side. Large bridging veins on the tentorial surface of the cerebellum complicated the approach in the second case. Postoperatively, both patients had immediate and complete resolution of symptoms without recurrence at the 24-mo and 17-mo follow-ups, respectively. Five previous reports described the complete resolution of SOM after MVD. A presentation of an intermittent fluttering ocular sensation should prompt magnetic resonance imaging for ipsilateral trochlear nerve compression. The lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach allows safe and efficacious MVD for SOM.

Four-branched graft inversion technique for the distal anastomosis in acute aortic dissection

BackgroundDistal anastomosis bleeding is an issue during total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. We used the 4-branched graft inversion technique for the distal anastomosis in acute aortic dissection. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of the technique used during the frozen elephant trunk procedure for acute aortic dissection.MethodsFrom January 2017 to July 2019, 109 patients underwent total arch replacement for type A acute aortic dissections. Patients were divided according to the technique used for the distal anastomosis as follows: group G (n = 57; 4-branched graft inversion technique) and group C (n = 52; conventional method with Teflon felt). The postoperative variables were analysed.ResultsThe hospital mortality rate was 9.2% (10/109). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac arrest, and circulatory arrest times were 234.95 ± 71.88 min, 168.25 ± 61.33 min, and 39.19 ± 9.45 min, respectively. The circulatory arrest and cardiac arrest times were shorter in the graft inversion group than in the conventional group (36.46 ± 7.88 min vs. 42.19 ± 10.17 min, P = 0.001 and 156.21 ± 55.99 min vs. 181.44 ± 64.68 min, P = 0.031, respectively). There were 7 cases of stroke (6.4%) and 5 cases of paraplegia (4.6%). Additionally, 13 patients (11.9%) required temporary continuous renal replacement therapy. Respiratory failure occurred in 19 patients (17.4%). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups.ConclusionsThe 4-branched graft inversion technique provides effective and confirmed haemostasis during total aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk procedure.

Fate of Preserved Aortic Root Following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

We examined the long-term fate of the preserved aortic root after emergent repair of acute Type A aortic dissection. 144 patients (60% males, mean age 60.5 years) underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement for acute Type A aortic dissection. Long-term survival, as well as growth, reoperation, and adverse events of the aortic root (rupture, pseudoaneurysm, and persistent dissection) were retrospectively assessed. Operative mortality was 9%, and overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 87.8%, 76.4%, and 64.6%, respectively. Reoperation on the proximal aorta was performed in 16 patients (12.2%) within a median of 2.45 years post-operatively. Indications were severe aortic insufficiency (AI) (n = 6), aortic root pseudoaneurysm (n = 8), pseudoaneurysm with severe AI (n = 1), and persistent dissection with severe AI (n = 1). The aortic root grew at 0.2mm/year (interquartile range 0-0.8). Among survivors (n = 131), 28 patients (21.3%) reached aortic root diameter ≥ 45 mm (mean diameter 47.6 mm, range 45-54 mm). Survival free from proximal aortic reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 96.6%, 94.5%, and 92.2%, respectively. No non-reoperated patient-despite persistent, unoperated enlargement or distortion or pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root-developed free rupture or fistula to a cardiac chamber. Root-sparing ascending aortic replacement for acute Type-A aortic dissection showed satisfactory long-term outcomes with relatively low rates of re-intervention or serious aortic root adverse events despite dilatation and irregularity of aortic root contour. Dense adhesions from prior surgery, proximal aortic suture line, and Teflon felt seem to discourage free rupture or fistulization.

Surgical treatment for brachiocephalic artery aneurysm with Takayasu arteritis using isolated cerebral perfusion: a case study

BackgroundTakayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that induces stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysmal degeneration of the aorta and its major branches. Though rarely reported, proximal aneurysmal lesions from the aortic root to the arch are more common in Asian populations than in Western populations. In the surgical treatment of TA, anastomotic aneurysm can be problematic. Furthermore, atherosclerotic complications should be considered in surgical treatment for elderly TA patients.Case presentationHere, we report a case of brachiocephalic artery (BCA) aneurysm with TA for which surgical treatment was successful. Though it was solely a lesion of the brachiocephalic artery, after considering the patient’s clinical background and the features of TA, we chose a partial arch replacement. Further, for avoidance of anastomotic aneurysm, both distal and proximal anastomosis were reinforced with Teflon felt strips. Preoperative computed tomography detected severe atherosclerotic changes in the arch vessels. The patient underwent partial arch replacement using isolated cerebral perfusion (ICP) for brain protection and recovered without any neurological deficits.ConclusionsIn avoidance with anastomotic aneurysm, reinforcement of the anastomosis was introduced. ICP was effective for brain protection in case with severe atherosclerotic changes.

Surgical Management of the Trigeminocerebellar Artery in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia.

The trigeminocerebellar artery (TCA) is a variant branch of the basilar artery supplying the trigeminal nerve root and cerebellar hemisphere, which may contribute to trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). Despite its unique anatomic description, information regarding the preoperative diagnosis and surgical management of TCA is lacking. To evaluate our preoperative diagnosis of TCA using 3-dimensional (3D) images and surgical management of TGN cases with TCA involvement. We reviewed our 15 patients with TCA involvement (3.3%) among 460 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular decompression for TGN. In this study, all patients were examined using 3D images using GammaPlan (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). TCAs were divided into 2 groups based on surgical findings: encircling type and intraneural type. Biographical data, radiological findings, and operative video recordings were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical outcomes and follow-up were assessed and compared between the 2 groups. TCA involvement was confirmed preoperatively in 14 of the 15 patients using 3D images. All patients were operated with our unique transposition technique and became pain free immediately after the surgery. Pain-free status was maintained during the follow-up period (3.5±2.6 yr) in all patients but one in whom pain recurred 4 yr after the initial surgery. Re-exploration revealed an adhesion between the Teflon felt and the nerve root. Although TCA involvement is rare, an accurate preoperative diagnosis is essential because the decompression technique may differ from those used for other common cases. Scrutinizing anatomically rare variation with 3D images is recommended for predicting TCA involvement.

Repair of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defects in Adults: A Single Center Experience

Limited data are available on long-term outcome after repair of partial atrioventricular septal defects (pAVSD) in adults. We sought to review our experience. Between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 2016, 179 adult patients [median age (IQR) 34 (18, 72) years] underwent primary repair of pAVSD. The most common associated defects were secundum atrial septal defect (n = 38) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) (n = 7). Left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) zone of apposition (ZOA) was complete in 47 patients and LAVV regurgitation (≥moderate) was present in 73 patients. Autologous pericardium (n = 79, 45%) and polytetrafluoroethylene felt (n = 56, 32%) were mainly used for pAVSD closure. Repair techniques for LAVV regurgitation included: ZOA suture closure (n = 142), suture annuloplasty (n = 10) and posterior band annuloplasty (n = 9). Six had LAVV replacement. There were 61 deaths over a median follow-up of 21 years (IQR 10, 38), with only 4 early deaths. In a limited subset of patients with 80 paired measurements (n = 40), median right ventricular systolic pressure declined from 43 mm Hg (IQR 35-51) to 33 mm Hg (IQR 30-44) postoperatively (P < 0.001), and this improvement was sustained over long-term follow-up (P = 0.513). A total of 34 patients underwent a reoperation (recurrent LAVV regurgitation, n = 26; left ventricular outflow-tract obstruction, n = 7; LAVV stenosis, n = 4; patch dehiscence, n = 1) with cumulative incidence of 6% and 16% at 10 and 15 years, respectively. Repair of pAVSD in adults can be done safely with low early mortality and good long-term outcomes. Postrepair reduction of pulmonary artery pressure is significant. Despite the low re-operation rates, long-term surveillance remains essential.

Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction with Teflon felt synthetic graft for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears: clinical and radiographic results at minimum 2-year follow-up

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was developed to improve shoulder function and relieve pain in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. Here, we investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes and postoperative complications of SCR using a Teflon graft for reconstruction. Thirty-five consecutive patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears underwent SCR with Teflon grafts. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeonsscore, active shoulder elevation, shoulder muscle strength, visual analog scalepain scores, acromiohumeral distance, and postoperative complications were investigated. Data obtained before and after surgery were compared by using a paired t-test, χ2test, and 1-way analysis of variance, and data from 1-layer-graft SCR (15 patients; mean age, 75.1 years) and 3-layer-graft SCR (20 patients; mean age, 76.6 years) were compared by using an unpaired t-test. The average time to final follow-up was 42 months (range, 24-69 months). SCR using Teflon grafts of either 1 or 3 layers significantly improved the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (by 20.8, P = .001 for a 1-layer graft; and by 31.1, P < .0001 for a 3-layer graft), visual analog scale score for motion pain (by 3.2, P = .001; and by 3.0, P < .0001), and muscle strength in shoulder abduction (by 11.9 N, P = .02; and by 10.9 N, P = .008). Active elevation at final follow-up was significantly greater in the 3-layer-graft group (142° ± 27°) than in the 1-layer-graft group (107° ± 42°) (P = .006). One year after SCR, acromiohumeral distance in the 3-layer-graft group was significantly greater than preoperatively (P = .04), whereas in the 1-layer-graft group, it was not. On postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, none of the patients in the 3-layer-graft group had graft tears, whereas 2 patients had graft tears and 1 patient had severe synovitis after 1-layer-graft SCR. SCR using a Teflon graft-especially a 3-layer graft-significantly improved shoulder function and shoulder abduction strength, with pain relief and a low rate of postoperative complications. SCR using a Teflon graft can be a viable option for irreparable rotator cuff tears, especially when an autograft or allograft is not available.

The hanging technique using the superior petrosal vein in surgical transposition for trigeminal neuralgia

BackgroundRecently, transposition of the offending vessel has become the gold standard technique in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. Teflon felt is the main material used, and the effectiveness of transposing the offending vessel to the cerebellar tentorium using Teflon felt has been widely demonstrated. However, foreign body reaction occurs in some cases causing granulation tissue formation and recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia. We investigated an alternative technique where the offending vessel (superior cerebellar artery) is transposed to the superior petrosal vein without use of Teflon felt for treating trigeminal neuralgia. MethodsThis study involved 12 patients who underwent surgery using the hanging technique for trigeminal neuralgia in which the superior cerebellar artery was the offending vessel. Surgery was performed using the retrosigmoid approach. The horizontal fissure of the cerebellum was opened, the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was accessed via the infratentorial supracerebellar approach, and the superior cerebellar artery was detached and released. The artery was then moved to the tentorium, formed into a loop, hung on the superior petrosal vein, and affixed with fibrin glue. ResultsFacial pain improved in all cases and sufficient decompression of the trigeminal nerve was confirmed on imaging postoperatively. ConclusionThis hanging technique is expected to have low risk of recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia because it does not use foreign materials potentially causing granulation tissue formation and adhesion around the trigeminal nerve. This simple practical technique using existing anatomical structures and no foreign materials appears promising, although long-term follow-up is required.

Case report of recurrent hemifacial spasm attributed to over-impaction with Teflon sponge

Background: Hemifacial spasm (HS) is a muscular disorder frequently exacerbated by arterial compression amenable to surgical intervention through microvascular decompression (MVD). Recurrence is a known cause and warrants investigation.Case Description: A 65-year-old woman presented with the left HS of 7 years duration. Her symptoms were initially well controlled with botulinum toxin injections. However, these injections eventually lost their effectiveness, necessitating MVD. At surgery, the anterior inferior cerebellar artery was indenting the facial nerve at its root entry zone. This was carefully dissected away, and several Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) felt pledgets were used for decompression. Postoperatively, the patient reported great improvement of her symptoms for 3 months. Gradually her spasms returned, intermittently at first, until finally they became persistent 6 months postoperatively. An MRI was obtained showing elevation and posterior displacement of the VII-VIII complex by the pledgets. After failing to improve, the patient opted for reoperation 10 months after initial MVD. At surgery, the Teflon pledgets were displacing the VII-III nerves posteriorly and superiorly. The Teflon pledgets were dissected free, and the nerve dis-impacted. On her postoperative visit 1 year later, she is spasm free, subjectively, and objectively.Conclusion: This case illustrates the value of re-imaging recurrent HS, and re-exploration with a favorable rkesult.

How to anastomose a patch to avoid residual leak in the infarct exclusion method

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect is a potentially lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction for which surgical repair is mandatory. The infarct exclusion method has contributed to improving surgical outcomes, but a certain percentage of residual leakage continues to be reported. We considered possible mechanisms of residual leakage and modified the sewing method to overcome these mechanisms. A bovine pericardial patch and a Teflon felt strip between the patch and endocardium to achieve good fit were used. The patch and felt were anchored with U stay sutures and reinforced with a running suture. Use of the modified method in seven cases showed improved outcomes. Only one patient had trivial leakage, compared to nine cases using the older method; six of nine patients had residual leaks, including three minor ones. Our method is a rational approach that effectively reduces residual leakage.

Intraoperative Management of an Enlarged Suprameatal Tubercle During Microvascular Decompression of the Trigeminal Nerve, Surgical and Anatomical Description: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The suprameatal tubercle is a variable prominence of the posterior aspect of the petrous part of the temporal bone located above the internal acoustic meatus. An enlarged suprameatal tubercle (EST) may present an obstacle during posterior fossa operations, including microvascular decompression (MVD). In this video we present the case of a 55-yr-old woman with 2 yr of medically refractory left V2-3 typical trigeminal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suspicious for a compressive superior cerebellar artery (SCA) loop, and negative for any other pathological findings. A left retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed, and upon initial exploration, only the most proximal, superior aspect of the trigeminal nerve was unobscured by an EST. The EST was subsequently removed using the ultrasonic aspirator with bone cutting attachment, allowing full visualization of the nerve from root entry zone (REZ) to Meckel's cave. Inferiorly, a small EST remnant was left to protect the VII-VIII complex. An MVD was performed using Teflon felt to elevate the SCA loop off the REZ and nerve, which was then fully explored, to ensure complete decompression. The patient recovered well with resolved trigeminal neuralgia and no new deficit. EST is a rare anatomic variant, with potentially significant implications for visualization of structures superior and deep to the internal acoustic canal, including the trigeminal REZ and nerve. Resection of the tubercle is safe, and recommended where it markedly obstructs the operative corridor. Care should be taken to wax the drilled surface of the petrous temporal bone and minimize incumbent risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Informed consent was appropriately documented and verified as outlined by our institutional guidelines.

The long-term clinical outcomes of microvascular decompression for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia compressed by the vertebra-basilar artery: a case series review

BackgroundMicrovascular decompression (MVD) is a type of neurosurgery used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN) caused by the vertebrobasilar contact/compression. The surgery is not risk-free, however; it may cause recurrent facial pain or other side-effects. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term pain relief and the complications of MVD surgery for the vertebrobasilar compression treatment.MethodsTwenty-three patients with TN compressed by the vertebra-basilar artery (VBA) were treated with MVD. Teflon felt was placed between the brain stem and the offending artery to mobilize the artery towards the skull base and the clivus. The Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Intensity Scale score was used to assess pre- and post-surgical pains.ResultsOf 23 patients with pre-operative BNI IV to V, 19 patients (83%) were pain-free after surgery. Four patients experienced transient partial pain relief with BNI II–III, and 3 of them (13%) were completely pain-free within 3 months. The success rate was 96%. Three patients (13%) had pain recurrences, and one received a second MVD surgery for pain relief during the period of follow-up. Four patients suffered from TN hypesthesia, and only 2 patients (8.6%) had permanent facial hypesthesia, while one patient (4.3%) developed a gradual hearing loss after surgery.ConclusionsWhile our success rate of immediate pain relief after surgery was comparable with some reports, the percentage of patients who had pain recurrences was lower, and cases who had permanent facial hypesthesia or developed a gradual hearing loss were fewer after MVD surgery. Our rate of transient complications was higher, and the postoperative pain relief seemed unusually delayed. Our study indicates that MVD is an effective, reliable, and safe neurosurgery for treatment of TN compressed by the VBA albeit our small sample size. Failure of treatment and recurrence of the disease as well as complications could be minimized by preventing displacement of the Teflon implant and extraneous Teflon touching the trigeminal nerves.

Penetrating Offending Vessel, The Most Surgically Demanding Type during Microvascular Decompression Surgery in Hemifacial Spasm

Abstract INTRODUCTION Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective and curative treatment option for neurovascular compression syndrome and it is increasingly performed around the world. This study aimed to identify and describe the most technically difficult cases, which were the patients with penetrating offending vessel through the facial nerve, from our experiences and to give surgical tips for the successful MVD. METHODS Surgical records and intraoperative video of hemifacial spasm patients with penetrating offending vessels were reviewed. Interposition of Teflon felt between nerve and vessel was pursued, and neurectomy was avoided as much as possible. RESULTS Five patients with hemifacial spasm were identified as having a penetrating offending vessel through the facial nerve during the last 5 yr of MVD surgery in our institution. Four AICAs and one PICA were the causative vessels. Partial neurectomy was required in 1 patient. During the median follow-up of 6 mo (range, 1-26), all patients were spasm-free. No patients including the one with partial neurectomy were involved in facial palsy or hearing loss. CONCLUSION MVD in HFS patients with penetrating offending vessel through the facial nerve is the most surgically challenging and demands a high surgical skill. Interposition with Teflon felt is effective and neurectomy should be avoided. Intraoperative monitoring of free-running EMG and abnormal muscle response are helpful to decide the extent of surgery.