Ulrich Hubbe
University of Freiburg
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Featured researches published by Ulrich Hubbe.
Neurosurgery | 2003
Vassilios I. Vougioukas; Ulrich Hubbe; J. Schipper; Uwe Spetzger
OBJECTIVEThe transoral approach is an elegant reliable surgical procedure that provides anterior exposure of the cranial base and the craniocervical junction. Our objective was to demonstrate the advantages of neuronavigation in planning and performing the transoral approach. METHODSThree patients with chordomas and one patient with rheumatoid atlantoaxial subluxation were considered for a neuronavigated transoral procedure. For image guidance, the Stryker navigation system (Stryker Instruments, Kalamazoo, MI) was used. Registration was performed with individually constructed occlusal splints with four markers. RESULTSThe transoral approach was successfully used for two patients with chordomas involving the cranial base and the upper spine and for one patient with dislocation of the dens and medullary compression. In one case, preoperative simulation of the approach and trajectory planning demonstrated that adequate resection could not be achieved via the transoral route, and a paracondylar suboccipital approach was used. The registration accuracy achieved with the occlusal splint was less than 1 mm. CONCLUSIONNeuronavigation is a useful tool for planning and performing a transoral approach. It optimizes preoperative planning, clarifies and secures resection limits, and reduces overall surgical morbidity. Registration with an occlusal splint with four markers proved to be an attractive alternative to conventional systems.
Childs Nervous System | 2003
Vassilios I. Vougioukas; Ulrich Hubbe; Albrecht Hochmuth; Nils C. Gellrich; Vera Van Velthoven
IntroductionProgress in image-guided neurosurgery, and specifically in computer-assisted frameless navigation techniques and the application of robotic systems, has brought about many changes in the way we approach and treat pathologies involving the adult and pediatric central nervous system (CNS). Nevertheless, children are a patient group with special demands, in whom image-guided surgical techniques have certain limitations. In this article we address the common problem of registration accuracy in image-guided neurosurgery and assess both the reliability and the potential of ultrasound-based neuronavigation and robot-assisted neuroendoscopy in pediatric patients.Methods and resultsWe present our experience with new referencing and tracking techniques adapted to the needs of the pediatric patient. In addition, advantages and limitations of a 3D real-time ultasonography-based navigation system are demonstrated. Finally, we describe our experience with robot-assisted neuroendocopy and discuss the possible implications of the technique for the future.ConclusionImage-guided techniques in pediatric neurosurgery are valuable tools and may open up new perspectives in the future. From our point of view, these tools enhance both intellectual and manual surgical skills, which does not mean that they should be considered as a replacement for such skills.
Acta Neurochirurgica | 2006
Vassilios I. Vougioukas; Coulin C; M. Shah; Ansgar Berlis; Ulrich Hubbe; V. van Velthoven
SummaryBackground. Despite major advances in endovascular embolization techniques, microsurgical resection remains a reliable and effective treatment modality for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). However, intraoperative detection of these lesions and identification of feeding arteries and draining veins can be challenging. In a series of 6 patients who were not candidates for definitive treatment by endovascular embolization we evaluated the benefits and limitations of computer-assisted image guidance for surgical ablation of DAVF. Methods. Of the 6 patients, 5 presented with haemorrhage and one with seizures. Diagnosis of DAVF was made by conventional angiography and dynamic contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA). All patients were surgically treated with the assistance of a 3D high resolution T1-weighted MR data set and time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA) obtained for neuronavigation. Registration was based on cranial fiducials and image-guided surgery was performed with the navigation system. Findings. Four of the 6 patients suffered from DAVF draining into the superior sagittal sinus, one fistula drained into paracavernous veins adjacent to the superior petrosal sinus and one patient had a pial fistula draining in the straight sinus. DAVF diagnosed with conventional angiography could be located on CE-MRA and MRA prior to surgery. MRI and MRA images were combined on the neuronavigation workstation and DAVF were located intraoperatively by using a tracking device. In 4 out of 6 cases neuronavigation was used for direct intraoperative identification of DAVF. Brain shift prevented direct tracking of pathological vessels in the other 2 cases, where navigation could only be used to assist craniotomy. Microsurgical dissection and coagulation of the fistulas led to complete cure in all patients as confirmed by angiography. Conclusions. Neuronavigation may be used as an additional tool for microsurgical treatment of DAVF. However, in this small series of 6 cases, surgical procedures have not been substantially altered by the use of the neuronavigation system. Image guidance has been beneficial for the location of small, superficially located DAVF, whereas a navigated approach to deep-seated lesions was less accurate due to the familiar problem of brain shift and brain retraction during surgery.
Neurosurgery | 2004
Vassilios I. Vougioukas; Ulrich Hubbe; Vera van Velthoven; Thomas M. Freiman; Alexander Schramm; Uwe Spetzger
OBJECTIVE:Cranial defects resulting from congenital deformities, ablative resection of osseous tumors, traumatic injury, and destructive infectious lesions are often severe enough to warrant surgical reconstruction. In particular cases, satisfactory cosmetic results may be difficult to achieve because of the extent and location of the lesion. METHODS:We evaluated the role of neuronavigation for reconstruction of large cranial defects with prefabricated titanium and intraoperatively constructed neuronavigation-assisted polymethylmethacrylate implants. RESULTS:Neuronavigation-assisted cranial reconstruction was performed in 14 patients. Surgical procedure, illustrative cases, postoperative results, and apparent benefits of the technique are presented and discussed. In all patients, excellent cosmetic results were achieved. CONCLUSION:In cranial reconstruction, neuronavigation is of value not only for intraoperative determination of resection margins but also for preoperative assessment and planning. The combination of navigation techniques with prefabricated or intra-operatively constructed implants enables achievement of excellent cosmetic results.
PLOS ONE | 2015
Paulo Pereira; David Buzek; Jorg Franke; Wolfgang Senker; Arkadiusz Kosmala; Ulrich Hubbe; Neil Manson; Wout Rosenberg; Roberto Assietti; Frederic Martens; Giovanni Barbanti Brodano; Kai Michael Scheufler
Minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion (MILIF) offers potential for reduced operative morbidity and earlier recovery compared with open procedures for patients with degenerative lumbar disorders (DLD). Firm conclusions about advantages of MILIF over open procedures cannot be made because of limited number of large studies of MILIF in a real-world setting. Clinical effectiveness of MILIF in a large, unselected real-world patient population was assessed in this Prospective, monitored, international, multicenter, observational study. Objective: To observe and document short-term recovery after minimally invasive interbody fusion for DLD. Materials and Methods: In a predefined 4-week analysis from this study, experienced surgeons (≥30 MILIF surgeries pre-study) treated patients with DLD by one- or two-level MILIF. The primary study objective was to document patients’ short-term post-interventional recovery (primary objective) including back/leg pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), health status (EQ-5D) and Patient satisfaction. Results: At 4 weeks, 249 of 252 patients were remaining in the study; the majority received one-level MILIF (83%) and TLIF was the preferred approach (94.8%). For one-level (and two-level) procedures, surgery duration was 128 (182) min, fluoroscopy time 115 (154) sec, and blood-loss 164 (233) mL. Time to first ambulation was 1.3 days and time to study-defined surgery recovery was 3.2 days. Patients reported significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced back pain (VAS: 2.9 vs 6.2), leg pain (VAS: 2.5 vs 5.9), and disability (ODI: 34.5% vs 45.5%), and a significantly (P < 0.0001) improved health status (EQ-5D index: 0.61 vs 0.34; EQ VAS: 65.4 vs 52.9) 4 weeks postoperatively. One adverse event was classified as related to the minimally invasive surgical approach. No deep site infections or deaths were reported. Conclusions: For experienced surgeons, MILIF for DLD demonstrated early benefits (short time to first ambulation, early recovery, high patient satisfaction and improved patient-reported outcomes) and low major perioperative morbidity at 4 weeks postoperatively.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery | 2013
Christoph Scholz; Ulrich Hubbe; Miriam Deininger; Martin H. Deininger
OBJECT In single patients with a cerebral aneurysm an external ventricular drain (EVD), an intracranial pressure (ICP) gauge or a combined EVD and ICP gauge placement is necessary after coil embolization and initiation of postprocedural anticoagulation. The aim of this study was to examine the hemorrhage rates of drain placement within 48 h after aneurysm coiling and under anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed hemorrhage rates of EVD, ICP gauge or combined EVD and ICP gauge placement in 27 patients within 48 h after coil embolization under different anticoagulation or antiplatelet schemes (heparin, acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel). In patients with continuous heparin via perfusor the application was stopped periprocedurally. The results were compared to literature. RESULTS Four hemorrhages (14.8%) were observed. Three hemorrhages were petechial and one was by definition a larger hemorrhage with 8 mm×10 mm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS EVD, ICP gauge or combined EVD and ICP gauge placements within 48 h after cerebral aneurysm coiling and under different anticoagulation or antiplatelet regimens seem to have no increased risk of hemorrhages compared to literature.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery | 2015
Christoph Scholz; Ulrich Hubbe; Evangelos Kogias; Jan-Helge Klingler
OBJECT Synovial cysts are generally located in the lumbar spine adjacent to facet joints. Most studies recommend surgical resection. Adhesions of the lumbar synovial cyst to the dura are common and can result in dural tears with subsequent CSF fistula or nerve injury. The recurrence rate after incomplete resection of lumbar synovial cysts is unclear. For this purpose, we report on our experience of 148 patients who underwent synovial cyst resection from 2000 to 2011. METHODS We reviewed records of patients who underwent microsurgical resection of symptomatic lumbar synovial cysts between 2000 and 2011 with a minimum one-year follow-up to identify cases with incomplete synovial cyst resection. Patient and surgical reports were retrospectively evaluated regarding extent of cyst resection, dural tears and surgery-related complications. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires regarding their clinical outcome and to report on further lumbar operations. RESULTS We identified 148 patients with lumbar synovial cysts who were surgically treated in our department. In 8 patients (5.4%), the synovial cysts were not resected completely due to dural adhesions and high risk for dural tears. Sufficient decompression was achieved in all patients. Seven of these patients were pleased with the results of the operation and would undergo surgery again. The remaining patient suffered from a facet joint syndrome, which was successfully treated conservatively, without evidence of a recurrent synovial cyst in the MRI. CONCLUSIONS Only in case of severe adhesions to the dura complete resection was not enforced to avoid dural tears. In none of the 8 patients symptomatic recurrence of synovial cysts occurred. Aware of the limited numbers, we suggest rather leaving remnants of an attached synovial cyst behind after a sufficient decompression than risking dural tears and surgery-related complications. This trial is registered with DRKS00006133.
Journal of Neurosurgery | 2011
Evangelos Kogias; Achim Kircher; Martin H. Deininger; Nikolaos Psarras; Tobias Keck; Arnd-Oliver Schäfer; Ulrich Hubbe
The authors report a very rare cause of low-back pain and sciatica in a patient with iliac vein thrombosis attributed to absence of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with massively dilated venous collaterals draining via a paraspinal plexus into the azygous system. This 21-year-old man presented with acute low-back pain radiating to the left ventral thigh. The initial CT scan revealed an intraspinal lesion that mimicked lumbar disc herniation. Further clarification revealed an iliac vein thrombosis, which was triggered by the absence of the infrarenal segment of the IVC, a very rare vascular anomaly. Collateral venous return was developed and led to lumbar varicosities and epidural vein engorgements. Laboratory examinations revealed factor V mutation as a predisposing factor for thrombosis. The patients symptoms were relieved with anticoagulation and antiinflammatory therapy. Absence of the infrarenal IVC associated with iliac vein thrombosis should be regarded as a very rare cause of radicular and low-back pain, and this condition can mimic the clinical and radiological signs of lumbar disc herniation. Sciatica might be the first clinical manifestation of this rare venous anomaly.
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques | 2014
Jan-Helge Klingler; Ronen Sircar; Christian Scheiwe; Evangelos Kogias; Marie T. Krüger; Christoph Scholz; Ulrich Hubbe
Study Design: A radiation exposure study in vitro. Objective: This study aimed to compare the radiation exposure of 2 different 3-dimensional (3D) C-arm devices on an anthropomorphic phantom. Summary of Background Data: Minimally invasive pedicle screw placement requires intraoperative imaging techniques for visualization of the unexposed spine. Mobile 3D C-arms compose a 3D image data set out of multiple successive fluoroscopic images. Methods: We compared the 3D C-arm devices Siremobil Iso-C 3D (Siemens Sector Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and Vision FD Vario 3D (Ziehm Imaging, Nuremberg, Germany) regarding their radiation exposure. For this purpose, dosimeters were attached on an anthropomorphic phantom at various sites (eye lenses, thyroid gland, female, and male gonads). With each C-arm, 10 automated 3D scans as well as 400 fluoroscopic images were performed on the cervical and lumbar spine, respectively. Results: The Vision FD Vario 3D generally causes higher radiation exposures than the Siremobil Iso-C 3D. Significantly higher radiation exposures were assessed at the eye lenses performing cervical (294.1 vs. 84.6 &mgr;Sv) and lumbar 3D scans (22.5 vs. 11.2 &mgr;Sv) as well as at the thyroid gland performing cervical 3D scans (4405.2 vs. 2761.9 &mgr;Sv). Moreover, the Vision FD Vario 3D caused significantly higher radiation exposure at the eye lenses for standard cervical fluoroscopic images (3.2 vs. 0.4 &mgr;Sv). Conclusions: 3D C-arms facilitate minimally invasive and accurate pedicle screw placement by providing 3D image datasets for intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation. However, the hereby potentially increased radiation exposure has to be considered. In particular, the Vision FD Vario 3D appears to generally evoke higher radiation exposures than the Siremobil Iso-C 3D. Well-indicated application of ionizing radiation and compliance with radiation protection principles remain mandatory to keep radiation exposure to patient and staff as low as reasonably achievable.
The Scientific World Journal | 2014
Jan-Helge Klingler; Marie T. Krüger; Ronen Sircar; Evangelos Kogias; Christoph Scholz; Florian Volz; Christian Scheiwe; Ulrich Hubbe
Purpose. To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease using PEEK cages or PMMA spacers with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Methods. Anterior cervical discectomy was performed in 107 patients in one or two levels using empty PEEK cages (51 levels), Sulcem PMMA spacers (49 levels) or Palacos PMMA spacers (41 levels) between January, 2005 and February, 2009. Bony fusion, subsidence, and sagittal alignment were retrospectively assessed in CT scans and radiographs at follow-up. Clinical outcome was measured using the VAS, NDI, and SF-36. Results. Bony fusion was assessed in 65% (PEEK cage), 57% (Sulcem), and 46% (Palacos) after a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Mean subsidence was 2.3–2.6 mm without significant differences between the groups. The most pronounced loss of lordosis was found in PEEK cages (−4.1°). VAS was 3.1 (PEEK cage), 3.6 (Sulcem), and 2.7 (Palacos) without significant differences. Functional outcome in the PEEK cage and Palacos group was superior to the Sulcem group. Conclusions. The substitute groups showed differing fusion rates. Clinical outcome, however, appears to be generally not correlated with fusion status or subsidence. We could not specify a superior disc substitute for anterior cervical discectomy. This trial is registered with DRKS00003591.