Percutaneous Endoscope-assisted Visualized Implantation of Puncture Cylindrical Electrodes for Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Yu Yong 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation is an established technique wherein diverse electrode types are strategically implanted within the spinal epidural space for neuromodulation. Traditional percutaneous puncture cylindrical electrodes (PEs) are predominantly implanted by interventionalists utilizing a percutaneous technique under the monitor of radiation, which is a nonvisualized procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to assess the feasibility of percutaneous endoscope-assisted visualized implantation approach for PEs, delineating its specific merits and demerits compared to the traditional method.

STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory study with Institutional Review Board Number B2023-056

SETTING: Clinical Anatomy Research Center, Fudan University.

METHODS: Eight freshly procured adult cadavers (4 women and 4 men) were operated on in this study. They were divided into either Group A or Group B, each encompassing 4 cadavers. Group A was subjected to endoscope-assisted PEs implantation, whereas Group B followed the conventional PEs implantation route.
In both groups the operative time of introducer needles placement (OTNP), total operative time (TOT), fluoroscopy time of introducer needles placement (FTNP), and total fluoroscopy time (TFT) were documented and analyzed. Furthermore, the precise positioning of the PEs and any ensuing complications were systematically examined.

RESULTS: Both Group A and Group B successfully executed all predetermined surgical steps. A total of 16 PEs were implanted (dual electrodes in each cadaver): 8 using the percutaneous endoscope-assisted visualized approach (Group A) and 8 via the traditional methodology (Group B). Group A’s mean ± SD durations for OTNP, TOT, FTNP, and TFT were 10.25 ± 1.03 minutes, 31.63 ± 5.87 minutes, 4.58 ± 1.35 seconds, and 43.73 ± 14.46 seconds, respectively. In contrast, Group B exhibited mean ± SD times of 11.55 ± 2.81 minutes, 44.75 ± 7.85 minutes, 23.53 ± 4.16 seconds, and 66.30 ± 6.35 seconds for the same metrics. No discernible statistical difference in OTNP and TOT emerged between the groups. However, Group A demonstrated reduced durations for both FTNP and TFT compared to Group B. The optimal position of the PEs was verified via fluoroscopy, with no recorded instances of dura rupture. These outcomes suggest that this endoscope-assisted technique neither increases surgical time nor compromises efficacy. Instead, it leads to a marked reduction in fluoroscopic duration relative to the traditional methodology.

LIMITATIONS: Anatomical study on a human cadaver, the quantity of cadavers, and the procedure’s steep learning curve.

CONCLUSION: With the assistance of percutaneous spinal endoscopy, introducer needles can be punctured through the ligamentum flavum at the anticipated interlaminar window locus under direct visualization, improving the convenience of the puncture and reducing fluoroscopic exposure. It is a viable alternative for surgeons from diverse training backgrounds to implant PEs, particularly benefiting those well-versed in endoscopic spine surgery techniques.

KEY WORDS: Percutaneous endoscopic, puncture cylindrical electrodes, spinal cord stimulation, anatomical study