Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsEndoscopic fenestration of intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid cysts: the contralateral approach.
The endoscopic fenestration of intraventricular CSF cysts has evolved into a well-accepted treatment modality. However, definition of the optimal trajectory for endoscopic fenestration may be difficult. Distorted ventricular anatomy and poor visibility within the cyst due to its contents can make endoscopic fenestration challenging if approached from the ipsilateral side. In addition, transcortical approaches can theoretically cause injury to eloquent cortex, particularly in patients with dominant-sided lesions. The aim of this study was to examine the value of the contralateral transcortical transventricular approach in patients with dominant-sided ventricular cysts. ⋯ The contralateral approach to ventricular cysts can achieve excellent surgical outcomes while minimizing approach-related trauma to the dominant hemisphere. Careful case selection is essential to ensure that the contralateral endoscopic trajectory is the best possible exposure for sufficient cyst fenestration and restoration of CSF circulation.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsReal-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided frameless stereotactic brain biopsy: technical note.
The object of this study was to assess the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of real-time MRI-compatible frameless stereotactic brain biopsy. ⋯ The ability to place a biopsy cannula under real-time imaging guidance permits on-the-fly alterations in the cannula trajectory and/or tip placement. Real-time imaging during MRI-guided brain biopsy provides precise safe targeting of brain lesions.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Parkinson's disease outcomes after intraoperative CT-guided "asleep" deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus internus.
Recent studies show that deep brain stimulation can be performed safely and accurately without microelectrode recording ortest stimulation but with the patient under general anesthesia. The procedure couples techniques for direct anatomical targeting on MRI with intraoperative imaging to verify stereotactic accuracy. However, few authors have examined the clinical outcomes of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients after this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PD outcomes following "asleep" deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus internus (GPi). ⋯ Globus pallidus internus leads placed with the patient under general anesthesia by using direct anatomical targeting resulted in significantly improved outcomes as measured by the improvement in the off-medication motor score at 6 months after surgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsReport of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted deep brain stimulator: important neurosurgical considerations and radiotherapy practice principles.
Patients with implanted neuromodulation devices present potential challenges for radiation therapy treatment planning and delivery. Although guidelines exist regarding the irradiation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, fewer data and less clinical experience exist regarding the effects of radiation therapy on less frequently used devices, such as deep brain stimulators. A 79-year-old woman with a history of coarse tremors effectively managed with deep brain stimulation presented with multiple intracranial metastases from a newly diagnosed lung cancer and was referred for whole-brain radiation therapy. ⋯ The patient tolerated the treatment well with no acute complications and no apparent change in the functionality of her neurostimulator device or effect on her underlying neuromuscular disorder. This represents the first reported case of the safe delivery of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted neurostimulator device. In cases such as this, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists should have discussions with patients about the risks of brain injury, device malfunction or failure of the device, and plans for rigorous testing of the device before and after radiation therapy.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsDural incision in the petrosal approach with preservation of the superior petrosal vein.
The petrosal approach has been applied for the treatment of many lesions in the posterior fossa, but the location and preservation of the superior petrosal veins (SPVs) during this approach are usually not particularly considered. The authors developed a technique of dural incision with special consideration of the location of the SPVto preserve venous flow during the petrosal approach. ⋯ The SPVs should be considered critical structures in the petrosal approach. Preoperative evaluation of the SPV anatomy should be performed in patients undergoing such surgical treatment, and the dural opening must be performed with special attention to the SPVto avoid intraoperative injury and postoperative complications.