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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2001; 44(2): 61-64
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-16006
ORIGINAL PAPER
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Thecaloscopy: The Endoscopy of the Lumbar Subarachnoid Space, Part I: Historical Review and Own Cadaver Studies

J. P. Warnke1 , M. Tschabitscher2 , A. Nobles3
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery Zwickau, Germany
  • 2Institute for Anatomy, University of Vienna, Austria
  • 3Nobles-Lai Engineering, Fountain Valley CA, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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Since 1931 only a few efforts have been made for direct visualization of the neural structures of the spinal canal. Given current technologies and minimally invasive techniques it is now possible to effectively view these structures. We describe here a new technique for inspection of the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spinal canal by using a flexible endoscope in ten fresh post-mortem adult human cadavers. According to the anatomical structures, namely the thecal sac and its anatomical position, the procedure is called thecaloscopy and the instrument is a thecaloscope. It was proven that the procedure is safe and easy to perform.

Key words:

Subarachnoid Space - Spinal Neuroendoscopic Technique - Thecaloscopy - Thecaloscope

References

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Corresponding Author:

J. P. Warnke,M.D. 

Department od Neurosurgery
Paracelsus Klinik of Zwickau

Werdauer Str. 68

08008 Zwickau

Germany

Phone: Phone:+ 49-375-5901601

Fax: Fax:+ 49-375-5901604

Email: E-mail:warnkej@gmx.de