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Percutaneous Balloon Compression Guided by a Compression-Time Effect in Trigeminal Nerve Branches.
Bowen Chang1, Jiaming Mei1,2
1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, PR China.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|September 2, 2024
Summary
Adjusting balloon compression time in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treatment can reduce postoperative numbness. This percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) strategy balances efficacy and complications for TN patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pain Management
- Neurology
Background:
- Percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) is a key treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
- Optimizing PBC duration is crucial to balance treatment outcomes and postoperative complications.
- Understanding the relationship between compression duration and sensory response is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of percutaneous balloon compression duration on facial numbness.
- To determine the relationship between compression time and the onset of numbness in trigeminal nerve territories.
- To guide PBC procedural adjustments for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory cohort (33 patients) recorded compression time to numbness onset.
- A validation cohort (76 patients) was randomized into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups.
- EG had adjusted compression times based on initial findings; CG had a standardized 180s compression time.
Main Results:
- Mean compression time to numbness: V1 (89s), V1+V2 (124s), V1+V2+V3 (181s).
- All 76 patients achieved complete pain relief.
- The experimental group experienced significantly less facial numbness compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Facial numbness in trigeminal nerve branches emerges sequentially with increasing balloon compression time.
- This ordered response can inform percutaneous balloon compression protocols.
- Optimized compression duration can mitigate complications while maintaining treatment efficacy for trigeminal neuralgia.
