Teflon bridge technique for endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression of ectatic basilar artery and anterior inferior cerebellar artery for trigeminal neuralgia: operative video and technical nuances

In this illustrative operative video, the authors demonstrate a Teflon bridge technique to achieve safe transposition of a large, tortuous ectatic basilar artery (BA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) complex to decompress the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve in a 61-year-old woman with refractory trigeminal neuralgia via an endoscopic-assisted retractorless microvascular decompression. Postoperatively, the patient experienced immediate facial pain relief without requiring further medications. The Teflon bridge technique can be a safe alternative to sling techniques when working in narrow surgical corridors between delicate nerves and vessels. The operative technique and surgical nuances are demonstrated. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/hIHX7EvZc1c