ioCT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia: how I do it

Percutaneous trigeminal nerve rhizotomy is usually performed by free-handed puncture of the foramen ovale under radiographic control with the patient kept semiconscious. The procedure has thus been reported to be highly uncomfortable for both the patient and surgeon. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a technique that includes precise navigated, CT-guided puncture of the foramen with the patient in general anesthesia and confirmation of needle placement by intraoperative CT.

Radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal nerve was guided by intraoperative CT navigation with neuromonitoring of trigeminal nerve function. The patient was kept under general anesthesia during the procedure.

CT-guided percutaneous trigeminal nerve rhizotomy is a safe and efficient treatment strategy for the management of trigeminal neuralgia without the need of the patient being in a semiconscious state.