Initial Experience with High-Definition Camera-On-a-Chip Flexible Endoscopy for Intraventricular Neurosurgery.

Abstract

The usefulness of existing neuroendoscopes has been limited by either decreased range of motion or suboptimal image resolution. The flexible high-definition chip-camera endoscope has emerged as a potential solution to the shortcomings of available instruments by combining superior flexibility and image quality in order to better operate within spatially constrained intraventricular operations. Here we describe a 36-year-old woman who presented with hydrocephalus caused by an obstructive mass arising from the tectum. A high-definition camera-on-a-chip flexible neuroendoscope was used to sample the tectal mass after a traditional neuroendoscope was used to perform a third ventriculostomy. As demonstrated by this initial experience, the use of high-definition camera-on-a-chip flexible endoscopy may provide enhanced intraoperative visualization and application for intraventricular neurosurgery.