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Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Current intraoperative devices to reduce visual loss after spine surgery
Alberto A Uribe1, Mirza N Baig, Erika G Puente
1Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Neurosurgical Focus
|August 3, 2012
Summary
Postoperative visual loss (POVL) after prone spine surgery is rare but serious. New devices may prevent eye compression, a key factor in POVL, potentially avoiding this complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Postoperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare but devastating complication following spine surgery in the prone position.
- The exact incidence and mechanisms of POVL remain challenging to ascertain.
- Identified causes include ischemic optic neuropathy (89%) and central retinal artery occlusion (11%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing devices designed to prevent ocular compression during prone spine surgery.
- To explore the features, advantages, and disadvantages of these preventative devices.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify devices used in prone-position spine surgeries.
- Seven distinct devices were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The identified devices aim to mitigate mechanical ocular compression.
- Analysis revealed varying features, advantages, and disadvantages among the reviewed devices.
- POVL appears multifactorial, with unclear pathophysiological mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Ocular compression is a critical, preventable factor in POVL.
- Utilizing specialized devices to eliminate eye compression may prevent this severe perioperative complication.
