Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2000; 43(3): 132-134
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-14508
ORIGINAL PAPER
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Ultrasonic Contact Microprobe

J. Paladino1 , K. Rotim1 , D. Štimac1 , N. Pirker1 , A. Štimac2
  • 1 Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
  • 2 Brodarski Institute, Measurement, Vibrations and Acoustics Department, Zagreb, Croatia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

The authors describe their first clinical experiences in endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with the original ultrasonic contact microprobe (UCM) designed at the Department of Neurosurgery in Zagreb. The analysis includes the clinical course of disease in eight patients submitted to surgery from May to September 1999 (3 men and 5 women, from 14 to 61 years of age). Surgery was performed in patients with neurological symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure and neuroradiological evidence of non-communicating hydrocephalus caused by mesencephalic aqueduct stenosis. The perforation in the base of the third brain ventricle made by the ultrasonic contact microprobe was widened by a balloon catheter. The authors have come to conclusion that the ETV when performed by contact ultrasonic microprobe is a small risk procedure in case of non-communicating hydrocephalus. For its small diameter (1.6 mm) and simple handling the newly designed contact ultrasonic microprobe is very suitable for use in neuroendoscopy as it enables fenestration of the third brain ventricle with minimal thermal and ultrastructural damage to the adjacent neurovascular structures. Further research will be focused on defining indications for the use of the device in other neuroendoscopic procedures as well.

References

  • 1 Hopf N J, Grunert P, Fries G, Resch K DM, Perneczky A. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy: Outcome analysis of 100 consecutive procedure.  Neurosurg. 1999;  44 795-806
  • 2 Hellwig D, Haag R, Bartel V. et al . Application of new electrosurgical devices and probes in endoscopic surgery.  Neurol Res. 1999;  21 67-72
  • 3 Grotenhuis J A. Manual of endoscopic procedures in neurosurgery. Nijmegen, Netherlands: Uitgeverij Machaon 1995
  • 4 Perneczky A, Tschabitscher M, Resch K DM. Endoscopic anatomy for neurosurgery. Stuttgart, New York: Georg Thieme 1993
  • 5 Jones R F, Stening W A, Kwok B C, Sands T M. Third ventriculostomy for shunt infections in children.  Neurosurgery. 1993;  32 (5) 855-859
  • 6 Schroeder H WS, Gaab M R. Endoscopic aqueductoplasty: Technique end results.  Neurosurg. 1999;  45 (3) 508-515
  • 7 Teo C, Burson T, Misra S. Endoscopic treatment of trapped fourth ventricle.  Neurosurg. 1999;  44 (6) 1257-1261
  • 8 Oka K, Go Y, Yamamoto M, Kumate S, Tomonaga M. Experience with an ultrasonic aspirator in neuroendoscopy.  Minim Invas Neurosurg. 1999;  42 32-34
  • 9 Flamm E S, Ransohoff J, Wuchinich D. et al . Preliminary experience with ultrasonic aspirator in neurosurgery.  Neurosurg. 1978;  2 240-245

Corresponding Author

Krešimir  Rotim,M.D., M. Sc 

Department of Neurosurgery Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb

Kispaticeva 12 10000 Zagreb Croatia

Phone: Phone:+38512421873

Fax: Fax:+38512421873

Email: E-mail:kresimirr@hotmail.com