New options for minimally invasive surgery with spinaloscopy - an experimental investigation

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, in vitro, a newly designe d spinaloscope with a diameter of 1.8 mm, with integrated portals for instr uments and irrigation. The 0 degrees optical system has a resolution of 600 0 pixels. The instrument portals can be used for surgical lasers, biopsy fo rceps or buns. We carried out our evaluations on fresh (unfixed) human lumb ar spine specimens. The position of the endoscope was documented by CT scan s. The endoscope was introduced into the spinal canal via the hiatus sacralis using a blunt trocar. The various structures and tissues were clearly ident ifiable and included the dura, the lig.flavum, the lig.long. posterior, spi nal nerves, small pieces of disc material and various fibrous bands. The us efulness of the biopsy forceps was also shown.