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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2003; 46(4): 208-214
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42348
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Neuroendoscopy Based on Computer Assisted Adjustment of the Endoscope Holder in the Laboratory

J.  Burtscher1 , R.  Sweeney3 , R.  Bale2 , W.  Eisner1 , K.  Twerdy1
  • 1University Hospital Innsbruck, Department of Neurosurgery, lnnsbruck, Austria
  • 2University Hospital Innsbruck, Department of Radiology, Interdisciplinary Stereotactic Interventional Planning Laboratory (SIP Lab), Innsbruck, Austria
  • 3University Hospital Innsbruck, Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Innsbruck, Austria
This paper has been included in the Poster Program of the 2002 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, April 6 - 11, 2002 and of the Annual Meeting of the DGNC, June 2 - 5, Halle/Saale, Germany.Disclosure StatementReto Bale is co-owner of the VBH Head Holder, SIP-Lab Frame and aiming device patents.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 September 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Objective: We present our initial clinical experience with a novel technique of frameless stereotactic neuroendoscopy using a neuronavigation system, a specially designed aiming device (endoscope holder/targeting device) combined with a vacuum-mouthpiece based head holder. Due to the reproducibility of patient immobilization in the fixation system, the endoscope holder can be adjusted in the laboratory in the absence of the patient.

Methods: An individual vacuum-mouthpiece was fabricated. The patients were scanned with an external reference frame attached to this mouthpiece and the images were transferred to the neuronavigation system. Determination of the path, mouthpiece-based registration and adjustment of the targeting device were performed the day before surgery in the absence of the patient. In the OR the patient was repositioned and the endoscope was introduced through the preadjusted aiming device to the precalculated depth.

Results: The novel technique was successfully used for frameless endoscopic navigation in five patients. Three endoscopic third ventriculostomies in adults, one endoscopic septostomy due to unilateral hydrocephalus in an adult female patient and one endoscopic ventriculo-cysto cisternostomy in a 20-month-old girl with a suprasellar arachnoid cyst, were performed with excellent clinical results and without technical complications.

Conclusion: Our initial experience indicates that frameless stereotaxy, in combination with a relocatable head holder and a special targeting device, allows for precise and preplanned advancement of the neuroendoscope, reducing or even eliminating intraoperative registration and endoscope trajectory adjustments, thus substantially reducing OR time. Due to the non-invasive but rigid immobilization method, neuronavigation can also be performed in children under 2 years of age.

Key words

Frameless stereotaxis - neuroendoscopy - stereotaxy - VBH head holder

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Johannes Burtscher, M. D. 

Department of Neurosurgery

Anichstr. 35

6020 Innsbruck

Austria ·

Email: Johannes.Burtscher@uibk.ac.at

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