Quamdiu? Time to proficiency in endoscope-assisted minimally invasive clot evacuation

Spontaneous intraparenchymal brain hemorrhages are a devastating disease associated with significant disability or death. Minimally invasive clot evacuation (MICE) techniques can reduce mortality. We reviewed our experience with learning endoscope-assisted MICE to determine whether adequate results could be obtained in less than 10 cases.

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing endoscope-assisted MICE at a single institution by a single surgeon from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2023 using a neuro-endoscope, a commercial clot evacuation device, and frameless stereotaxis. Demographic data was collected along with surgical results and complications. Image analysis using software determined the degree of clot removal. Hospital length of stay and functional outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Score (extended) (GOS-E).

Eleven patients were identified: average age 60.82 years old, 64 % male, all had hypertension. There was a clear improvement in IPH evacuation over the series. By case #7, greater than 80 % of clot volume was evacuated consistently. All patients remained neurologically stable or improved following surgery. In long-term follow-up, four patients (36.4 %) had good outcomes (GOS-E ≥ 6) and 2 patients had fair outcomes (GOS-E = 4) (18 %). There were no surgical mortalities, re-hemorrhages, or infections.

With an experience of less than 10 cases, it is possible to obtain results comparable to most published series of endoscope-assisted MICE. Benchmarks such as greater than 80 % volume removal, less than 15 mL residual, and 40 % good functional outcomes can be obtained.