J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2014; 75(04): 268-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1371521
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Interhemispheric Endoscopic Fenestration of the Lamina Terminalis through a Single Frontal Burr Hole

André Beer-Furlan
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
2   Department of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
,
Fernando Gomes Pinto
2   Department of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
,
Alexander I. Evins
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
,
Luigi Rigante
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
,
Giulio Anichini
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
,
Philip E. Stieg
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
,
Antonio Bernardo
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

05 November 2013

03 January 2014

Publication Date:
02 May 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Objective We evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing a novel interhemispheric endoscopic fenestration of the lamina terminalis (IEFLT) through a single frontal burr hole immediately lateral to the superior sagittal sinus.

Methods Five cadaveric heads underwent IEFLT. Sequential burr holes were made beginning above the glabella and progressed cranially to caudally until the frontal sinus. An endoscope was inserted, and interhemispheric dissection of the arachnoid membranes was completed with endoscopic instruments in a straight direction from the point of entry to the lamina terminalis (LT). Angled optics (0 and 30 degrees) were used to study the neurovascular structures and surgical landmarks.

Results The IEFLTs were successfully completed in all specimens and allowed for good visualization of the inferior portion of the LT. The arachnoid dissections were achieved uneventfully. The endoscope provided good surface control of the LT and excellent stereoscopic visualization of the neurovascular complexes. Improved circumferential visualization of the superior part of the anterior portion of the third ventricle was attained.

Conclusion IEFLT is a potential alternative to the classic endoscopic third ventriculostomy and a simpler alternative to the subfrontal EFLT, although surgical maneuverability is still limited due to the size of the probe in relation to the narrow surgical corridor.