Endoscopic-Assisted Microvascular Decompression of Ectatic Vertebral Artery for Hemifacial Spasm: Operative Video and Technical Nuances

Abstract

In this operative video atlas manuscript, the authors demonstrate the operative nuances and surgical technique for endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression of a large ectatic vertebral artery causing hemifacial spasm. A retrosigmoid approach was performed and a large ectatic vertebral artery was transposed away from the root exit zone of cranial nerve VII ( Fig. 1 ). The lateral spread response disappeared, signifying adequate decompression of the facial nerve ( Fig. 2 ). The use of endoscopic-assistance during the microsurgical decompression was very useful to confirm the origin and also the resolution of neurovascular conflict. Postoperatively, the patient experienced immediate resolution of hemifacial spasm with normal facial nerve and hearing function. Written consent was obtained from the patient to publish videos, photographs, and images from the surgery.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/RlMz44uCDCw .

Fig. 1.

Intraoperative endoscopic photographs of a left retrosigmoid approach for microvascular decompression of an ectatic vertebral artery compression of the facial nerve. Views of the anatomy before ( A ) and after ( B ) decompression are visualized. Placement of Teflon sponges separated the ectatic vertebral artery from the root exit zone of the 7th cranial nerve (VII).

Fig. 2.

( A ) Preoperative FIESTA MRI demonstrates a large, ectatic vertebral artery compressing the root exit zone of the 7th cranial nerve. ( B ) Postoperative FIESTA MRI shows transposition of the vertebral artery after microvascular decompression of the 7th cranial nerve. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

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