Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Durable, Noncompressive Technique Using Teflon Secured With Mini Clip.

BACKGROUND

In cases of trigeminal neuralgia, the importance of durable separation of involved vessels from the trigeminal nerve as well as avoiding ongoing or recurrent compression by implanted material has been affirmed in recent literature.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate a novel and straightforward technique for trigeminal nerve decompression using a construct of Teflon felt patty (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, Arizona) secured with an aneurysm mini clip to achieve lasting results with no residual contact between implant or vessels and the nerve.

METHODS

Description of our technique and accompanying surgical video.

RESULTS

As demonstrated in the video, this technique achieves an ideal, durable separation of the trigeminal nerve from the offending vasculature.

CONCLUSION

The authors present a description of a technique for decompression with the goal of leaving no contact between implanted material and the nerve. This is accomplished by securing the Teflon felt (Bard Peripheral Vascular) to the tentorium with an aneurysm clip.