Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2009
Case ReportsSurgical planning for microsurgical excision of cerebral arterio-venous malformations using virtual reality technology.
To evaluate the feasibility of surgical planning using a virtual reality platform workstation in the treatment of cerebral arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) ⋯ Surgical planning of resection of an AVM with a virtual reality system allowed detailed and comprehensive analysis of 3D multi-modality imaging data and, in our experience, proved very helpful in establishing a good surgical strategy, enhancing intra-operative spatial orientation and increasing surgeon's confidence.
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Intraventricular meningiomas are relatively rare tumors that may benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery as a minimally invasive treatment strategy. We report our experience using gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) for intraventricular meningiomas. ⋯ Gamma knife radiosurgery may be an additional minimally invasive management option for small intraventricular meningiomas in patients who either fail or are unsuitable for resection.
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2009
Case ReportsIntra-aneurysmal flow patterns and wall shear stresses calculated with computational flow dynamics in an anterior communicating artery aneurysm depend on knowledge of patient-specific inflow rates.
To evaluate if knowledge of patient-specific inflow data in computational fluid dynamics simulations is required for the accurate calculation of intra-aneurysmal flow patterns and wall shear stress in an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (AcomA). ⋯ Intra-aneurysmal flow patterns and wall shear stress in an AcomA aneurysm calculated with computational flow dynamics depended strongly on the flow distribution between A1 segments. Patient-specific flow data measured with pcMRI obtained prior to computational flow dynamics are necessary for an accurate simulation of intra-aneurysmal flow patterns and calculation of wall shear stress in AcomA aneurysms. Further studies may indicate if wall shear stress calculated with computational flow dynamics can predict aneurysm growth and/or rupture.
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2009
Deep brain stimulation for secondary dystonia: results in 8 patients.
Dystonia is a medically intractable condition characterized by involuntary twisting movements and/or abnormal postures. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been used successfully in various forms of dystonia. In the present study, we report on eight patients with secondary dystonia, treated with DBS in our clinic. ⋯ Our results seem promising in the field of secondary dystonia treatment. More studies with greater number of patients and longer follow-up periods are necessary in order to establish the role of DBS in the management of secondary dystonia. Finally, the significance of brain SPECT imaging in the investigation of dystonia and functional effects of DBS should be further evaluated.