Teflon bridge technique for endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression of ectatic basilar ar...
Teflon bridge technique for endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression of ectatic basilar artery and anterior inferior cerebellar artery for trigeminal neuralgia: operative video and technical nuances In this illustrative operative video, the authors demonstrate a Teflon bridge technique to achieve safe transposition of a large, tortuous ectatic basilar artery (BA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) complex to decompress the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve in a 61-year-old woman with refractory trigeminal neuralgia via an endoscopic-assisted retractorless microvascular decompression. Postoperatively, the patient experienced immediate facial pain relief without requiring further medications. The Teflon bridge technique can be a safe alternative to sling techniques when working in narrow surgical corridors between delicate nerves and vessels. The operative technique and surgical nuances are demonstrated. Departments of 1Neurological Surgery and 2Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 3Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Neurological Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark; Saint Barnabas Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health, Livingston, New Jersey