Multiple bioabsorbable corticosteroid-eluting stent placement with associated skull base injury

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Bioabsorbable corticosteroid-eluting sinus stents (BCES) are utilized to enhance post-surgical healing in sinus procedures.
• Ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes requires careful consideration of device placement and anatomical factors.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old patient developed altered mental status following sinus surgery involving BCES placement.
• Intraoperative findings revealed eight BCES, with one penetrating a dural defect into the skull base.

Findings:

• The complication involved a BCES migrating through the skull base into the dura.
• Surgical extraction of the stents and repair of the dural defect led to successful patient recovery.

Implications:

• This case highlights the first reported significant complication associated with BCES.
• Meticulous preoperative imaging review, a strong understanding of skull base anatomy, and cautious application of BCES are paramount for preventing adverse events.