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Augmented Reality-Assisted Percutaneous Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Assaf Berger1, Osamah J Choudhry, Douglas Kondziolka
1Department of Neurological Surgery, NYU Langone Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
Operative Neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) enhances trigeminal neuralgia surgery by improving needle placement accuracy and potentially reducing procedure time and radiation exposure. This technology offers a promising adjunct for percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy, aiding surgeons in complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Technology
- Radiology
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is often managed with percutaneous rhizotomy.
- Traditional procedures rely on fluoroscopy and anatomical landmarks.
- Augmented reality (AR) offers potential for improved surgical target localization using preoperative imaging.
Observation:
- A case study explored AR as an adjunct to fluoroscopy-guided glycerol rhizotomy (GR).
- The Medivis SurgicalAR system was registered to preoperative CT scans.
- AR goggles aided surgeons in trajectory planning for needle placement via the foramen ovale.
Findings:
- AR-assisted percutaneous GR enabled rapid and accurate spinal needle placement into the trigeminal cistern.
- A patient with refractory trigeminal neuralgia experienced pain relief post-procedure.
- The patient had no complications and was discharged shortly after observation.
Implications:
- AR-assisted percutaneous rhizotomy may shorten procedure duration and reduce radiation exposure.
- This technology could potentially accelerate the learning curve for surgeons performing these procedures.
- AR integration represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques.
