Konstantin V. Slavin, MD
Donald M. O'Rourke, MD  
Ezriel E. Kornel, MD F.A.C.S
David J. Langer, MD
 

Konstantin V. Slavin, MD
University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois

Transparent tubular retractors provide unique means of deep visualization and even force distribution at the retracted brain tissue. Although the VYCOR tubular retractors are originally designed for removal of deep subcortical tumors, we have used them to access and evacuate intracerebral hematomas on several occasions. At the end, I and my team of residents were pleased to discover the ease of use and unique visualization and illumination of the surgical field that they deliver. The tubular nature of the retractor allows one to rotate it and change the angle of the approach without putting extra pressure on the brain tissue that inevitably occurs when using malleable or any other ribbon-type retractors.

 

	click on each picture for a larger image
	Below are several illustrations of intra-operative use of the tubular retractors as well as pre / post-surgical tomograms
	The illustration of intraoperative application of the large tubular retractor		Large tubular retractor is used for hematoma evacuation
	Pre-operative CT scan of a large right hemispheric hematoma		Post-operative CT scan after the hematoma was removed with assistance of the large tubular retractor
	Small tubular retractor accommodates both suction and bipolar forceps		The depth visualization through the tubular retractor allows a complete removal of abnormal tissue
	Pre-operative CT scan of the right temporal intracerebral hematoma		Post-operative CT demonstrates that removal of hematoma performed withtubular retractor results in clean and relatively atraumatic dissection

Donald M. O'Rourke, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
University of Pennsylvania

"Brain retractors were first designed for microneurosurgery, primarily for vascular lesions where elevation of the brain is critical for surgical treatment. The Vycor Brain Access Retractor System is a major advance in brain retraction for intracranial tumors where lesion isolation within the brain substance is top priority. A single tubular retractor isolates pathology easily with excellent lighting. The brain is retracted with equal pressure around the isolated lesion margin. The retractor can be easily used with frameless stereotactic systems and is remarkably easy to reposition during tumor resections. I believe the Vycor system is a much-needed upgrade to preexisting retractor systems, particularly for resection of intraaxial tumors."




 

Ezriel E. Kornel, MD, F.A.C.S
Westchester Medical Center
Brain and Spine Surgeons New York

"I have been extremely pleased with the Vycor ViewSite Brain Access System when using it to reach intra-axial cranial lesions. Reaching deep-seated gliomas was simplified with this system. Not only was I able to reach the lesions with great accuracy when melded with the frameless guidance system but access was rapid and there was excellent visibility of the pathology. The corticotomy was minimized and the amount of cortical retraction was also minimized, with the retraction pressure being distributed evenly around the entire corticotomy margin. Once the retractor was removed the cortex looked remarkably healthy. There was little need to change the amount of retraction or reposition the system. I only had to wand the ViewSite or advance it deeper to gain access to different areas of the lesion as we resected abnormal tissue. We also found we have an adequate amount of room for instruments. I look forward to utilizing the ViewSite System for all my subcortical and deep-seated cranial lesions."

David J. Langer, MD
Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery
St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital

"Brain retractor options have remained essentially unchanged for many years. I began using tubular retractors primarily designed for spinal surgery on select cranial procedures a few years ago to improve visibility, limit brain retraction and injury and improve ease of tumor removal. The Vycor retractor is an idealized version of this concept and I believe represents an outstanding retractor option for many intrinsic brain tumors and intra-ventricular lesions".
 

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