Endoport-assisted microsurgical resection of cerebral cavernous malformations

The aim of this case series is to describe the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes for endoport-assisted microsurgical resection (EAMR) of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). Significant manipulation of subcortical white matter tracts may be necessary for the successful resection of CCM located in deep brain regions. Minimally invasive neurosurgical devices such as endoport systems can decrease disruption of the cortex and white matter tracts overlying deep-seated CCM through small cranial and dural openings. The role of endoport technology in modern CCM surgery is incompletely understood. Three patients with symptomatic CCM underwent EAMR at our institution using the BrainPath endoport system (NICO Corporation, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Complete resection was achieved in two patients. One patient with a large 4.5 cm callosal CCM was left with a small residual lesion. There were no postoperative complications and all patients were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale score 2 or less) at follow-up. Based on our initial experience with EAMR for CCM we believe the endoport can be an effective alternative to traditional retractor systems. Due to the nature of the small craniotomy and durotomy performed for endoport placement EAMR has the potential to improve surgical outcomes by reducing postoperative pain, analgesic requirements and hospital stays. Therefore, EAMR may be considered for appropriately selected CCM patients, although additional experience is necessary to improve our understanding of its role in CCM management.