Percutaneous Radiofrequency Cervical Cordotomy: Technique

Abstract

Cred i t for the concept ion of pe rcu taneous cordo tomy belongs to N[ullan and his associates of Chicago. 2 However , the i r t echn ique utilizes a rad ioac t ivet ipped needle, and, since isotopic needles are no t generally available, the me thod canno t be used by all neurosurgeons. I t is import a n t t h a t a m e t h o d be available which could be appl icable in any neurosurgical unit , since the pe rcu taneous approach is the mos t acceptable p rocedure ye t to be developed. I t is s imple to perform, it is well to le ra ted by the pa t i en t , and it m a y be offered to those in all s ta tes of heal th , including pa t ien ts who otherwise could no t or should no t be subjec ted to a major opera t ive procedure . This repor t describes a modif icat ion of the Mul lan technique which utilizes s t a n d a r d equ ipmen t , available commercia l ly or easily buil t , and por table ins t rumenta t ion . I t appears to app roach the pract ica l ideal for generalized use.