Endoscopic Placement of Intracystic Catheters: A Technical Note

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Precise catheter placement is crucial in intraventricular neuroendoscopic surgery for tumor resection, biopsy, or cyst fenestration.
• Standard ventriculoscopes have small working channels, limiting direct visualization for catheter placement.
• Existing techniques often require separate transcortical trajectories or additional specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative technique for accurate intraventricular and intracystic catheter placement.
• To demonstrate the use of a standard small bore working ventriculoscope without supplementary devices.
• To enhance procedural efficiency and safety in neuroendoscopic interventions.

Main Methods:

• A peel-away sheath is utilized to gain ventricular access, allowing endoscope insertion.
• The endoscope is maneuvered to the target catheter position within the ventricle.
• The peel-away sheath is advanced over the endoscope, the endoscope is removed, and the catheter is inserted and secured.

Main Results:

• The described technique enables precise placement of intraventricular or intracystic catheters.
• The method successfully utilizes a standard small bore working ventriculoscope.
• No additional specialized equipment or separate transcortical trajectories are necessary.

Conclusions:

• This technique offers a straightforward and effective solution for accurate catheter placement in neuroendoscopy.
• It simplifies the procedure by eliminating the need for extra equipment and complex trajectories.
• The method enhances the capabilities of standard neuroendoscopic instruments for critical interventions.