ENDOSCOPIC ELECTRODE IMPLANTATION - A NEW TECHNIQUE IN AN ANIMAL-MODEL

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to describe a technique of c reating an endoscopic interstitial working space; and (2) to describe the technique of implanting the modified double helix and the Huntingt on cuff electrode in the space created, Two cannulated balloons were i nserted on either side of a standard arthroscope, which had been inser ted to identify the target branch of the sciatic nerve, Traction was a pplied on each cannula after inflating the balloons with 3 to 5 cc of saline, to create a cylindrical operating space between them. After mo bilizing a segment of the nerve, either of the 2 electrodes was implan ted with the aid of special instruments, The results indicate that (a) it is possible to create interstitial operating spaces reliably and c onsistently; (b) satisfactory hemostasis can be achieved through the t amponade effect of the balloons and endoscopic cautery units; (c) exce llent visualization is achievable; and (d) it is possible to implant e lectrodes in a reproducible manner, The interstitial spaces are portab le and can be used for various procedures in most anatomic locations, Modification of the cuff electrode will be necessary to make it easier for endoscopic implantation.