How I do it: Management of venous bleeding from the superior petrosal vein during endoscopic microvascular decompression.

BACKGROUND A repair strategy for venous bleeding from the superior petrosal vein (SPV) is essential during endoscopic microvascular decompression. METHOD Sliced oxycellulose seats are rounded off, making balls around 10 mm in diameter. When venous bleeding arises from the SPV, the first oxycellulose ball is placed just behind the SPV in the surgical view. A second ball is then applied in front of the SPV. The SPV is thus immediately and entirely covered by oxycellulose, and hemostasis is safely achieved with the preservation of the SPV. CONCLUSION This oxycellulose ball technique offers simple, reliable control of venous bleeding from the SPV.