Invasive EEG in refractory epilepsy: insertion of subdural grids through linear craniectomy reduces complications and remains effective

Raftopoulos, Christian;Ribeiro Vaz, José Géraldo;Tassigny, Dorota;Van Rijckevorsel, Germaine
(2015) Neurochirurgie — Vol. 61, n° 1, p. 16-21 (2015)

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  • Raftopoulos, ChristianUCLouvain
    Author
  • Ribeiro Vaz, José GéraldoUCLouvain
    Author
  • Tassigny, DorotaUCLouvain
    Author
  • Van Rijckevorsel, GermaineUCLouvain
    Author
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate our technique of implanting subdural grids by linear craniectomy under computer-assisted navigation for invasive electroencephalography in medically refractory epilepsy. Material and method: We report results from our first 38 consecutive patients with medically refractory epilepsy who underwent subdural grids implantation by linear craniectomy. For each case, a preoperative MRI was performed for navigation followed by a postoperative MRI for localization control of the intracranial electrode contacts. A linear skin incision, adapted to the depth and type of subdural electrode (strip or grid) and compatible with possible subsequent therapeutic surgery, was carried out. One or two linear craniectomies (maximal length 6. cm, width 1. cm) were then drilled with a bevel. The dura mater was incised under microscopic guidance to avoid opening the arachnoid. The required subdural electrodes were then slipped subdurally through each linear craniectomy (letter-box technique). Results: Forty-one invasive electroencephalographies were performed with 28 (68%) bilateral. For all invasive electroencephalographies, at least one subdural grid was implanted. Sixty-one subdural grids were implanted in total, 52 with 20contacts and nine with 32contacts. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage, no infection, no neurological deficit and no permanent complications were observed. Three subdural grids (5%) were not positioned exactly as planned but this had no consequence for the invasive electroencephalography analysis. Conclusion: The implantation of 61 consecutive subdural grids for invasive electroencephalography through linear craniectomies was associated with no transient or permanent complications in this population. This letter-box technique appears to be practical and safe without limiting explorative efficacy
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Raftopoulos, C., Ribeiro Vaz, J. G., Tassigny, D., & Van Rijckevorsel, G. (2015). Invasive EEG in refractory epilepsy: insertion of subdural grids through linear craniectomy reduces complications and remains effective. Neurochirurgie, 61(1), 16-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuchi.2014.09.005 (Original work published 2015)