• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.29-35
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• 2017

In this paper, we investigated a manufacturing process of metal micro-wire interconnection on submillimeter diameter catheter. Over the years, flexible electronic researches have focused on flexible plane polymer substrate and micro electrode manufacturing on its surface. However, a curved polymer substrate, such as catheter, is very important for medical application. Among many catheters, importance of submillimeter diameter steerable catheter is increasing to resolve the several limitations of neurosurgery. Steering actuators have been researched for realizing the steerable catheter, but there is no research about practical wiring for driving these actuators. Therefore we developed a new manufacturing process for metal micro-wire interconnection on submillimeter diameter catheter. We designed custom jigs for alignment of the metal micro-wires on the submillimeter diameter catheter. An UV curing system and commercial products were used to reduce the manufacturing time and cost; Au micro-wire, UV curable epoxy, UV lamp, and submillimeter diameter catheter. The assembled catheter was characterized by using an optical microscope, a resistance meter, and a universal testing machine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1019-1023
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• 2000

Objective : Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is gaining popularity as a minimally invasive surgical option for certain types of hydrocephalus as an alternative to shunting. The authors have tried to fenestrate down to the subdural space passing through the prepontine cistern to lessen or avoid the chance of redoing due to healing. Materials and Method : A 48-year-old male patient with several years of intractable headache was presented. Magnetic Resonance Image(MRI) of the brain revealed marked ventricular dilatation with stenotic cerebral aqueduct. A 2.3mm flexible steerable endoscope($Neuroview^{(R)}$) was introduced via precoronal route and accessed to the third ventricular floor. Using 3-French Fogarty balloon catheter, thin third ventricular floor and the arachnoid membrane of the prepontine cistern were fenestrated, so called "double fenestration". To confirm the fenestration, subdural compa-rtment of the left abducens nerve was identified during the procedure. Forceful pulsating flow through the orifice convinced the patency of the opening. Results : The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day without any postoperative complications. The postoperative follow-up MRI of the brain, at second and sixth months, clearly demonstrated the flow void through the third ventricular floor. Conclusions : Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was successfully performed on an adult hydrocephalus patient with aqueduct stenosis. The third ventricular floor and arachnoid membrane of the prepontine cistern were fenestrated to achieve double fenestration to minimize the chance for failure. The details of this procedure and results are described.