Hybrid fluoroscopy-neuronavigation technique for percutaneous balloon compression in trigeminal neuralgia: how I do it.
other · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41981205.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1007/s00701-026-06856-w and PMC identifier 13186841.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Percutaneous balloon compression is an established treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, especially in patients refractory to medical therapy or unfit for open surgery. Cannulation of the foramen ovale can be challenging due to anatomical variations. This article describes a hybrid technique combining fluoroscopy and electromagnetic neuronavigation to improve accuracy and safety. Preoperative CT planning allows individualized trajectory design, while intraoperative dual guidance minimizes multiple passes. Balloon compression is performed for 1-3 min to balance efficacy and complications. This minimally invasive procedure is effective, repeatable, and particularly suitable for elderly or comorbid patients, with a short learning curve for junior surgeons.
Medical subject headings
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Neuronavigation
- Catheterization