Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2010
Flow replacement bypass for aneurysms: decision-making using intraoperative blood flow measurements.
There is much debate regarding the optimal strategy for extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass for complex aneurysms. We introduce the concept of a flow replacement bypass which aims to compensate for loss of flow in the efferent vessels of the aneurysm. The strategy to achieve this utilizes direct intraoperative flow measurements to guide optimal revascularization by matching graft flow to demand. ⋯ Direct intraoperative measurement of flow deficit in aneurysm surgery requiring parent vessel sacrifice can guide the choice of flow replacement graft and confirm the subsequent adequacy of bypass flow.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2010
Transcranial color-coded duplex sonography allows to assess cerebral perfusion pressure noninvasively following severe traumatic brain injury.
Assess optimal equation to noninvasively estimate intracranial pressure (eICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP) following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) using transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCDS). ⋯ TCCDS-based equation (ICP = 10.927 x PI - 1.284) allows to screen patients at risk of increased ICP and decreased CPP. However, adequate therapeutic interventions need to be based on continuously determined ICP and CPP values.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2010
Case ReportsDecompressive craniectomy for neurotrauma: the limitations of applying an outcome prediction model.
There is currently much interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy for patients with severe head injury. A number of studies have demonstrated that not only can the technique lower intracranial pressure but can also improve outcome. Whilst many patients who would otherwise have died or had a poor outcome now go on to make a good recovery, there is little doubt that complications can have a very significant impact on long term outcome. ⋯ This report illustrates the potential clinical applications and limitations of an outcome prediction model and demonstrates the impact that complications can have on eventual outcome.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2010
The combination of semi-sitting position and intraoperative MRI--first report on feasibility.
Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has been established as a routine imaging modality with a remarkable impact on specific neurosurgical procedures. The technological advancement continuously extends the spectrum of iMRI, leading to an increasing number of installations. Yet, procedures in which a semi-sitting position would be advantageous were beyond the reach of iMRI. ⋯ This report demonstrates for the first time that the combination of iMRI and the semi-sitting position is feasible and that this procedure bears specific benefits. Issues such as brain shift due to table tilting warrant further investigations in order to expand this technique to posterior fossa craniotomies.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2010
Citicoline and postconditioning provides neuroprotection in a rat model of ischemic spinal cord injury.
Ischemic spinal cord injury is a chain of events caused by the reduction and/or cessation of spinal cord blood flow, which results in neuronal degeneration and loss. Ischemic postconditioning is defined as a series of intermittent interruptions of blood flow in the early phase of reperfusion and has been shown to reduce the infarct size in cerebral ischemia. Our study aimed to characterize the relationship between the neuronal injury-decreasing effects of citicoline and ischemic postconditioning, which were proven to be effective against the apoptotic process. ⋯ It is thus thought that combining citicoline with postconditioning provides protection by inhibiting the caspase pathway and by increasing the antiapoptotic proteins.