Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
Prosthesis Used in Microvascular Decompressions: A Multicenter Survey in Japan Focusing on Adverse Events
Mitsuhiro Hasegawa1, Toru Hatayama2, Akinori Kondo3
1Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan.
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of materials used as prostheses for microvascular decompression surgery (MVDs) in Japan and their possible adverse events (AEs) to determine preferable materials for MVDs.
Methods:
A questionnaire was sent to all members of the Japanese Society for MVDs, and answers were obtained from 59 institutions.
Results:
Among a total of 2789 MVDs, 1088 operations for trigeminal neuralgia, 1670 for hemifacial spasm, and 31 others, including 117 reoperations, were performed between April 2011 and March 2014. Nonabsorbable material was used in 96.5% of MVDs, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (80.5%), polyurethane (11.9%), expanded PTFE (2.1%), and silk thread (1.47%). The use of absorbable materials, including fibrin glue (87.5%), cellulose (13.5%), gelatin (4,77%), and collagen (1.76%), was reported. The major combinations were PTFE with fibrin glue (58.7%) followed by PTFE alone (7.60%). Eighty-eight AEs in 85 (3.2%) cases were reported among 2672 first operations. AEs included 51 central nervous system dysfunctions, 15 wound infections/dehiscence, and 10 others, which were presumed to be related to the intraoperative procedure. Among relatively high-, moderate-, and low-volume centers, there were no significant differences in the frequency of AEs (P = 0.077). Tissue-prosthesis adhesion and/or granuloma formation were reported in 13 cases of 117 reoperations. The incidence of adhesion-related recurrence was 11.1% of all reoperations.
Conclusions:
The number of AEs was quite low in this survey, and intradural use of any prosthesis reported in this paper might be justified; however, further development of easily handled and less-adhesive prosthesis materials is awaited.
Insights
The study found that nonabsorbable materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are common in microvascular decompression surgery (MVDs) in Japan, with a low rate of adverse events (AEs). Further development of less-adhesive prostheses is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Microvascular decompression surgery (MVDs) utilizes prostheses to separate cranial nerves from vascular structures.
- Material characteristics and associated adverse events (AEs) are crucial for optimizing MVD outcomes.
- Understanding current practices in Japan provides insights into prosthesis selection and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize materials used for MVD prostheses in Japan.
- To identify and analyze adverse events (AEs) associated with these materials.
- To inform the selection of preferable materials for MVD procedures.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey was distributed to members of the Japanese Society for MVDs.
- Data were collected from 59 participating institutions.
- Analysis included material types, combinations, and reported AEs in over 2700 MVD procedures.
Main Results:
- Nonabsorbable materials, primarily polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), were used in 96.5% of MVDs.
- The overall AE rate was low at 3.2% for first operations, with no significant difference across volume centers.
- Adhesion and granuloma formation occurred in 13 reoperations, leading to an 11.1% recurrence rate.
Conclusions:
- The intradural use of current MVD prostheses appears justified due to a low incidence of AEs.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the predominant nonabsorbable material used.
- There is a need for improved prosthesis materials that are easier to handle and exhibit reduced tissue adhesion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Introduction to Surveying, Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveys
Types of Surveys
Survey Safety
Errors and Mistakes in Surveying
Topographic Surveying and Contours

