Neuroendoscopic treatment of
colloid cysts is limited by the reach and flexibility of the instruments that can be passed through the working channels of the rigid
neuroendoscope. The authors describe a case of a third ventricular
colloid cyst where a large solid
colloid fragment was recovered using a
nitinol stone retrieval basket as a flexible wall-guided atraumatic salvage instrument. A flexible
nitinol stone retrieval basket was successfully used through an endoscopic working channel to retrieve a large portion of the
colloid cyst from the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle in a 70-year-old man who presented with progressive
memory loss,
urinary incontinence, and slowness of gait. A flexible
nitinol stone retrieval basket can be safely and effectively maneuvered in the ventricular system, using the ventricular wall for deflection, and can be used to retrieve
colloid cyst fragments as a salvage technique. Remaining free-floating large
colloid cyst fragments in the ventricular system do not necessarily require a second
craniotomy or bur hole for access but may be retrieved using a
nitinol stone retrieval basket.