V-shape Bichannel Spinal Endoscopy: Technique and Practice

Technology related to spinal endoscopy has undergone rapid development over
the past 30 years. Some surgical techniques, such as the Unilateral Biportal
Endoscopy (UBE), have been widely applied. Meanwhile, the surgical instruments
of spinal endoscopy have also significantly evolved. However, there are still
problems in dealing with complex spinal disorders and diseases, including
limited surgical space, high rate of equipment damage and low surgical
efficiency. In this context, Professor Shisheng He and his team at the Tenth
People’s Hospital of Tongji University developed the V-shape Bichannel
Endoscopy System (VBE). As a brand new uniportal bichannel endoscope unlike
other existing endoscopes in clinical application, the VBE allows safe and
efficient transforaminal lumbar decompression and interbody fusion to be
performed under real-time and full-time endoscopic monitoring. The VBE
integrates the working channel and endoscopic channel so that the two become
one in a “V” shape. It requires only one incision. Both positions of the
instruments and the endoscope are fixed, which makes it easy to identify the
surgical site during operation. It is a completely different type of endoscope
to the UBE and represents a new surgical concept. The VBE is also the first
endoscopic system that can be performed in both air and water medium. As a
result, the surgical procedure is more convenient and easier for surgeons to
master. This book is edited by Professor Shisheng HE with contributions of
more than 25 experts in minimally invasive spine surgery. It provides detailed
information on the design principles, indications, surgical approaches, and
surgical techniques of the VBE. The authors hope that this book will be useful
to those who are committed to spinal endoscopic surgery.