Insular cavernous malformation resection through a minipterional, transsylvian approach

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Brain cavernous malformations are vascular lesions prone to hemorrhage.
• Deep-seated lesions often necessitate extensive surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating a left posterior insular cavernous malformation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a mini-pterional craniotomy with a transsylvian approach.

Main Methods:

• A 23-year-old female with a 3 cm insular cavernous malformation and hematoma underwent surgery.
• A minimally invasive mini-pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach were employed.
• Endoscopic assistance was used for intraoperative visualization and confirmation of resection.

Main Results:

• Complete resection of the cavernous malformation was achieved.
• The mini-pterional craniotomy provided optimal exposure for the deep-seated lesion.
• Endoscopic guidance confirmed the successful removal of the lesion.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive surgery, including the mini-pterional craniotomy, is a viable option for deep-seated brain cavernous malformations.
• Endoscopic assistance enhances surgical precision and confirmation of resection in these complex cases.