# Central Venous Catheter for Treating Pseudomeningocele Compressing the Spinal Cord After Thoracic Ossification Surgery: Case Series

## TL;DR

A new minimally invasive method using central venous catheters is proposed to treat spinal cord compression caused by pseudomeningocele after spinal surgery.

## Contribution

An innovative ultrasound-guided central venous catheter drainage technique is introduced for managing postoperative pseudomeningocele.

## Key findings

- All 17 patients achieved complete pseudomeningocele drainage confirmed by MRI.
- The technique provided rapid neurological recovery and durable results without recurrence.
- The method shows potential for broader use in postoperative spinal complications.

## Abstract

Symptomatic pseudomeningocele (PMC) causing spinal cord compression is a severe complication following spinal surgery. Traditional management remains controversial, with surgical revision carrying significant risks. This study evaluates an innovative minimally invasive approach using central venous catheterization for percutaneous PMC drainage.

A multicenter case series included 17 patients with thoracic ossifying disease who developed PMC with neurological deterioration postoperatively. Under B‐ultrasound guidance, an experienced spinal surgeon performed percutaneous puncture and drainage of the PMC using a central venous catheter system. All patients achieved complete PMC drainage confirmed by MRI, with resolution of spinal cord compression.

Ultrasound‐guided central venous catheter drainage is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative for managing PMC‐induced spinal cord compression. This technique achieves rapid symptomatic relief, neurological recovery, and durable results without recurrence. Its successful extension to postoperative pseudocyst/abscess drainage suggests broad applicability in spinal complications.

This study addresses a critical clinical challenge: the management of symptomatic pseudomeningocele (PMC) causing spinal cord compression following spinal surgery. Traditional treatments face limitations in efficacy and invasiveness. Here, we propose an innovative minimally invasive technique using central venous catheterization under ultrasound guidance for percutaneous drainage of PMC.