Continuous Microdebrider-Based Dynamic Subcortical Motor Mapping: A Technical Advance in Tubular Retractor-Assisted Surgery

BACKGROUND: Transsulcal minimally invasive parafasicular (TsMIP) approaches to brain tumor resection use tubular retractors to minimize iatrogenic brain injury. Dynamic cortical and subcortical continuous neurophysiological mapping facilitates safer resection of motor-eloquent tumors. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique to address the challenge of combining TsMIP with tubular retractors and dynamic subcortical mapping using a single electrified stimulating microdebrider instrument. METHODS: We adapted the NICO Myriad microdebrider with continuous monopolar stimulation electrification using high-frequency stimulation with the train-of-5 technique. We performed continuous subcortical mapping using this device and compared it with standard dynamic monopolar subcortical mapping using a suction stimulation device. We found no significant difference in recorded stimulation response. RESULTS: Using a single operating instrument that provides synchronous tumor resection and monopolar subcortical mapping with the NICO Brainpath tubular retractor, we observed increased degrees of movement, faster surgical resection times with an enlarged working channel down the retractor, and improved safety because the stimulating probe sits 2 mm deep to the resection window. CONCLUSION: We show that the adapted device is reliable and provides similar stimulation response as conventional subcortical mapping. We advocate the use of our adapted microdebrider in TsMIP tubular retractor approaches.