Application of a new method of revealing foramen ovale under X-ray in radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Objective. This study is to apply a new method of revealing foramen ovale guided by digital X-ray imaging for precise puncture in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Design. Thirty cases of patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were chosen and treated by our newly discovered method, which features lateral cranial position, 'mid-cranial fossa arc' observation and temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation using Hartel method of foramen ovale puncture guided by X-ray real time imaging. The success rate of the 30 cases was 100%, all of which were a one-time success with accurate positioning and satisfactory treatment effect. None of them were wrongly penetrated into other foramens or caused any complications. Conclusion. By observing the bony mark 'mid-cranial fossa arc', foramen ovale can be clearly displayed in lateral cranial position and under the guidance of X-ray real time imaging this method can be applied successfully in precise puncture of foramen ovale in trigeminal neuralgia radiofrequency ablation.