Initial Experience with High-Definition Camera-On-a-Chip Flexible Endoscopy for Intraventricular Neurosurgery

World Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;84(6):2053-8. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.07.056. Epub 2015 Aug 5.

Abstract

Objective: The usefulness of existing neuroendoscopes has been limited by either decreased range of motion or suboptimal image resolution. The flexible high-definition chip-camera endoscope has emerged as a potential solution to the shortcomings of available instruments by combining superior flexibility and image quality in order to better operate within spatially constrained intraventricular operations.

Case description: Here we describe a 36-year-old woman who presented with hydrocephalus caused by an obstructive mass arising from the tectum. A high-definition camera-on-a-chip flexible neuroendoscope was used to sample the tectal mass after a traditional neuroendoscope was used to perform a third ventriculostomy.

Conclusions: As demonstrated by this initial experience, the use of high-definition camera-on-a-chip flexible endoscopy may provide enhanced intraoperative visualization and application for intraventricular neurosurgery.

Keywords: Biopsy; Endoscopy; Flexible scope; High-definition; Third ventriculostomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Ventricles / surgery*
  • Endoscopy / instrumentation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuroendoscopes*
  • Neuroendoscopy / instrumentation*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Tectum Mesencephali / pathology
  • Ventriculostomy / methods*