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An update on current devices for the port technique: A systematic review
Sabrina Smith1, Saniya Mediratta2, Jennifer Knight3
1Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. sabrinalucy.smith@nhs.net.
Neurosurgical Review
|April 27, 2025
Summary
This systematic review compares nine tubular retractor devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery. No significant differences in complication rates were found between the devices, highlighting the need for further comparative studies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Devices
Background:
- The port technique using tubular retractors for deep brain access in neurosurgery has evolved since 1988.
- Multiple dedicated devices have emerged, but formal comparisons of their benefits and limitations are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and summarize all available port technique devices for deep brain access.
- To compare the benefits and limitations of these neurosurgical devices.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (searched up to 5/7/2024).
- Included peer-reviewed English articles on cranial retractors for adult human brain access, excluding reviews.
- Data extracted from 33 articles, analyzing nine identified devices.
Main Results:
- Nine devices were identified, including five commercially available and one nearing commercialization.
- All included studies were case series or reports (n=335).
- No statistically significant difference in complication rates was observed among the nine devices.
Conclusions:
- The study identified nine port technique devices for neurosurgical access.
- Current evidence shows no significant difference in complication rates across these devices.
- Ongoing clinical trials (n=364-639) will provide further comparative data.
