The animation shows the existing cause of trigeminal neuralgia: an artery is in direct contact with the trigeminal nerve and thus triggers the sensation of pain. The individual steps of a microvascular decompression (according to Jannetta) are shown below. Through a small opening in the skull, the point of contact between the blood vessel and the nerve is exposed and both structures are separated with a piece of Teflon absorbent cotton to prevent direct contact and thus further irritation.
Rights of use of the visual material: Inselspital Bern
Music: Kevin McLeod – Impact prelude – License: Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0)
-> More info + screenshots on project “Animation microvascular decompression surgery”