Month: July 2015

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Tissue Ablation Dynamics During Magnetic Resonance–Guided, Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy

Use of High-Field Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Enhance the Extent of Resection of Enhancing and Nonenhancing Gliomas

Neurosurgery 77:51–58, 2015

Magnetic resonance–guided, laser-induced thermal therapy is a real- time magnetic resonance thermometry–guided, minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of intracranial tumors, epilepsy, and pain. Little is known about its dynamics and the effects of various pathologies on overall ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between thermal energy delivery and the time to maximal estimares thermal damage and whether differences exist between various intracranial pathologies.

METHODS: We used real-time ablation data from 28 patients across 5 unique intra- cranial pathologies. All ablations were performed using the Visualase Thermal Therapy System (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota), which uses a 980-nm diffusing tip diode laser. The thermal damage area was plotted against time for each ablation. We then estimated the duration of time required to reach 50% (t 50 ) and 97% (t 97 ) of maximal damage. Comparisons were then made between different intracranial pathologies.

RESULTS: The duration required to reach maximal thermal damage estimate (TDE) among all ablations was 159+-2 seconds, and the t 50 and t 97 were 43  21 and 136+-57 seconds, respectively, where t 97 was reached at an average of 23 seconds before the maximal TDE. The t 97 was shorter in the recurrent metastasis/radiation necrosis and epilepsy groups compared with the previously untreated glioblastoma multiforme group.

CONCLUSION: The optimal duration can be estimated by the t 97 , which can be achieved in less than 3 minutes and differs across ablation targets. TDE expansion decelerates with prolonged ablation. Future studies are needed to examine the radiographic and clinical outcomes as well as the effects of ablation power, irrigation speed, and the effect of previous therapies on ablation dynamics.

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Quantitative analysis of the Kawase versus the modified Dolenc-Kawase approach for middle cranial fossa lesions with variable anteroposterior extension

The_Middle_Fossa_Approach_and_Extended_Middle

J Neurosurg 123(1):14-22

The surgical corridor to the upper third of the clivus and ventral brainstem is hindered by critical neurovascular structures, such as the cavernous sinus, petrous apex, and tentorium. The traditional Kawase approach provides a 10 × 5–mm fenestration at the petrous apex of the temporal bone be tween the 5th cranial nerve and internal auditory canal. Due to interindividual variability, sometimes this area proves to be insufficient as a corridor to the posterior cranial fossa. The authors describe a modification to the technique of the extradural anterior petrosectomy consisting of additional transcavernous exploration and medial mobilization of the cisternal component of the trigeminal nerve. This approach is termed the modified Dolenc-Kawase (MDK) approach.

METHODS
The authors describe a volumetric analysis of temporal bones with 3D laser scanning of dry and drilled bones for respective triangles and rhomboid areas, and they compare the difference of exposure with traditional versus modified approaches on cadaver dissection. Twelve dry temporal bones were laser scanned, and mesh-based volumetric analysis was done followed by drilling of the Kawase triangle and MDK rhomboid. Five cadaveric heads were drilled on alternate sides with both approaches for evaluation of the area exposed, surgical freedom, and angle of approach.

RESULTS
The MDK approach provides an approximately 1.5 times larger area and 2.0 times greater volume of bone at the anterior petrous apex compared with the Kawase’s approach. Cadaver dissection objectified the technical feasibility of the MDK approach, providing nearly 1.5–2 times larger fenestration with improved view and angulation to the posterior cranial fossa. Practical application in 6 patients with different lesions proves clinical applicability of the MDK approach.

CONCLUSIONS
The larger fenestration at the petrous apex achieved with the MDK approach provides greater surgical freedom at the Dorello canal, gasserian ganglion, and prepontine area and better anteroposterior angulation than the traditional Kawase approach. Additional anterior clinoidectomy and transcavernous exposure helps in dealing with basilar artery aneurysms.

Keywords: Kawase,Dolenc,petrous,cadaver,quantitative,petrosectomy,skull base

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Combination of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Intraoperative Fluorescence to Enhance the Resection of Contrast Enhancing Gliomas

Combination of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Intraoperative Fluorescence to Enhance the Resection of Contrast Enhancing Gliomaspdf

Neurosurgery 77:16–22, 2015

Evidence suggests that extent of resection (EOR) is a prognostic factor for patients harboring gliomas. Recent studies have displayed the importance of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guidance in order to maximize EOR.

OBJECTIVE: To compare iMRI and 5-ALA fluorescence-guidance and the impact on patient survival.

METHODS: Thirty-two patients with contrast-enhancing gliomas undergoing intended gross total resection (GTR) were included in a prospective study. Surgeries were started under white-light conditions. When GTR was thought to be achieved, an iMRI scan was performed and a blue light turned on to search for unintentionally remaining tumor tissue. iMRI findings were compared with intraoperative fluorescence findings. Histological examination of tumor bulk and any additionally resected tissue was performed. All patients underwent early postoperative high-field MRI to determine EOR.

RESULTS: In 13 patients (40.6%), iMRI and fluorescence unequivocally did not show residual tumor intraoperatively. In 19 patients (59.4%), resection was continued due to iMRI or fluorescence findings. In 9 of these (47.4%), iMRI and fluorescence findings were inconsistent regarding residual tumor. GTR according to postoperative MRI was achieved in all but 1 patient. Histological examination ruled out false positive findings in all additionally resected specimens. Sensitivity and specificity to detect residual tumor tissue were 75% and 100%, respectively, for iMRI and 70% and 100% for 5-ALA fluorescence.

CONCLUSION: Use of iMRI as well as fluorescence-guidance are appropriate methods to improve the extent of resection in surgery of contrast-enhancing gliomas. Best results can be achieved by complementary use of both modalities.

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