Document Detail


Aneurysm clips for durotomy repair: technical note.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20173581     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Dural injury is a common complication of lumbar spine surgery. Primary closure is the "gold standard." OBJECTIVE: This technical note describes a failed primary closure of a durotomy revised using an aneurysm clip. METHODS: From 2005 to 2009, 5 patients underwent repair of a durotomy with the use of aneurysm clips. Resolution of the cerebrospinal fluid leak was seen in all patients. An 84-year-old woman underwent a laminectomy with an inadvertent dural tear that was primarily repaired with suture. On postoperative day 8, the patient presented with new incisional drainage. The wound was explored, and the dura had torn around the previous sutured closure. A curved aneurysm clip was used to obtain dural closure. Postoperatively, the patient's incision remained dry. RESULTS: Microsurgical closure with suture is the primary modality in durotomy repair. Difficulty arises when the dura is friable and multiple small tears are present. Suturing worsens the durotomy. Also, the durotomy is often caused along a bony edge with limited visualization, requiring additional bone removal to suture, therefore risking destabilization of the spine. CONCLUSION: We describe the application of an aneurysm clip to treat a recurrent durotomy where the standard practice of sutured closure failed. Aneurysm clips offer a quick, safe, and secure manner to close dura without risking spinal destabilization. They offer significant benefit to already torn, friable dura. Postoperatively, patients have no limitations and are therefore prevented from being exposed to additional risks associated with bed rest. Aneurysm clips are cost and clinically effective in the management of dural injuries.
Authors:
Alexandra D Beier; Ryan J Barrett; Teck M Soo
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Neurosurgery     Volume:  66     ISSN:  1524-4040     ISO Abbreviation:  Neurosurgery     Publication Date:  2010 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-02-22     Completed Date:  2010-06-08     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7802914     Medline TA:  Neurosurgery     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  E124-5; discussion E125     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Providence Hospital and Medical Center, Section of Neurosurgery, Southfield, Michigan, USA. alexandra.beier@gmail.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Dura Mater / injuries*,  pathology,  surgery*
Female
Humans
Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery
Laminectomy / adverse effects
Lumbar Vertebrae / anatomy & histology,  pathology,  surgery*
Male
Middle Aged
Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*
Postoperative Complications / etiology,  pathology,  surgery*
Reoperation / methods
Spondylosis / surgery
Surgical Instruments / standards,  trends*
Suture Techniques / adverse effects

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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