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.