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Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
Neuronavigation assisted percutaneous balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia. How I
P Rochat1, J B Springborg2, P Birkeland2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. per.bjoernstad.rochat@regionh.dk.
Background:
Surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia includes percutaneous techniques, including balloon compression, first described in 1983 by Mullan and Lichtor (J Neurosurg 59(6):1007-1012, 6).
Method:
Here we present a safe and simple navigation-assisted percutaneous technique for balloon compression, which can also be used for glycerol injection.
Conclusion:
The navigation-assisted percutaneous technique for balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia is a quick and safe treatment for patients not candidates for microvascular decompression.
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