Video-assisted thoracoscopic image-guided spine surgery: evolution of 19 years of experience, from endoscopy to fully integrated 3D navigation

Abstract

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of thoracoscopic spine surgery from basic endoscopic procedures using fluoroscopy and anatomical localization through developmental iterations to the current technology use in which endoscopy and image-guided surgery are merged with intraoperative CT scanning.METHODSThe authors provided detailed explanations of their thoracoscopic spine surgery techniques, beginning with their early-generation endoscopy with fluoroscopic localization, which was followed with point surface matching techniques and early image guidance. The authors supplanted this with the modern era of image guidance, thoracoscopic spine surgery, and seamless integration that has reached its current level of refinement.RESULTSA retrospective review of single-institution thoracoscopic procedures performed by the senior author over the course of 19 years yielded a total of 160 patients, including 73 women and 87 men. The mean patient age was 55 years, and the range included patients 16–94 years of age. There were no patients with worsened neurological function. One hundred sixteen patients underwent surgery for thoracic disc herniation, 18 for underlying neoplasms with spinal cord compression, 14 for osteomyelitis and discitis, 12 for thoracic deformity with neurological changes, and 8 for traumatic etiologies.CONCLUSIONSMore than 19 years of experience has revealed the benefits of integrating thoracoscopic spine surgery with intraoperative CT scanning and image-guided surgery, including direct decompression without manipulation of neural elements, superior 3D spatial orientation, and localization of complex spinal anatomy. With the exponential growth of machine learning, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advances in imaging techniques and endoscopic imaging, there may be further refinements of this technique on the horizon.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Isolated Pulmonary Vein Compression by an Enlarging Vertebral Osteophyte

“…Efforts at video-assisted thoracoscopic spine surgery have been reported in the literature with excellent outcomes. 10 The video assisted thoracoscopic surgical exposure in this case allowed for excellent visualization of the T 8 osteophyte and its subsequent removal by the neurosurgical team was accomplished with relative ease using a long-handled drill. After removal of the osteophyte, the stent remained fully expanded.…”

Image-guided transthoracic transpedicular microdiscectomy for a giant thoracic disc herniation: patient series

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Innocenzi et al 13 report performing a posterior transpedicular approach for TDHs using a three-dimensional navigation system; image guidance has also been used in the thorascopic approach. 14…”

“…Despite the advent of minimally invasive techniques [15][16][17][18] and the use of image guidance, 14,19,20 further improvements to reduce the risk of complications and maximize accuracy in treating giant TDHs by identifying key anatomical structures are necessary. This is pertinent as the complication rate of thoracic discectomy remains at 20% to 30%.…”

Minimally-Invasive Assisted Robotic Spine Surgery (MARSS)

“…Since its introduction into the surgical arena in 2000, the Da Vinci robot (Da Vinci Technologies) has undergone a series of developments to expand the range of utilization ( 26 , 27 ). The telepresence modality utilized by the Da Vinci robot makes it one of the most versatile and utilitarian surgical instruments ( 28 ).…”