Development of Fine Fiberscopes for Subarachnoid and Epidural Spaces

Abstract

An Endoscope system with a 0.9 or 1.4mm flexible fiberscope which contained 1000 or 3000 elements of 8μm glass fiber was developped. The fiberscopes were inserted through the 14G Touhy needle placed in the subarachnoid or epidural space at the level of L_1-2 or L_3-4. The view of ligament and dura in epidural space were obscure. However, dorsal roots and vessels on the surface of spinal cord in subarachnoid space were clearly observed. With minor improvements, our endoscope system could be applicable to the diagnosis and treatment for disorders in subarachnoid and epidural spaces.