Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
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Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAM) are rare but clinically significant intracranial arteriovenous shunt lesions that most often present in neonates and infants. ⋯ Contemporary endovascular techniques remain the preferred treatment for VGAM in all age groups. Early diagnosis and multimodality treatment are essential for the best management and treatment of the complex constellation of clinical problems often arising from this disorder.
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Frameless imaged-guided neuronavigation is a useful adjunct to neuroendoscopy in paediatric patients, especially those with abnormal or complex ventricular or cyst anatomy. The development of electromagnetic neuronavigation has allowed the use of image-guided navigation in the very young patient in whom rigid fixation in cranial pins is contraindicated. The technique and the authors' experience of its use in a series of paediatric patients are described. ⋯ Pinless, frameless electromagnetic neuronavigation was found to be a safe technique that can supplement endoscopic surgery in the very young patient. It allows the use of direct navigation of the endoscope in patients that are unable safely to undergo rigid cranial fixation in pins due to young age or thin skull vaults. This has proven to be a useful adjunct to neuroendoscopy in the subset of infants who have complicated or distorted ventricular anatomy and can improve the safety and accuracy of this type of surgery. It is also an alternative to optical neuronavigation in conjunction with neuroendoscopy in patients of any age.