Neurosurgery
-
Comparative Study
Ideal suture diameter is critical for consistent middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice.
The use of transgenic and knockout mice has led to a need for a consistent model of mouse transient focal cerebral ischemia. In a great majority of the published mouse middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion studies, the methods indicated the type of intraluminal suture used without indicating the actual suture diameter after modification. We attempted to determine the ideal suture diameter to produce consistent occlusion in the MCA of adult male C57BL/6 mice. ⋯ Small changes in the diameter of the occlusion suture tip affect consistency in the mouse MCA occlusion model.
-
We reviewed many of the essential Greek myths to identify the methods used at that time to relieve the pain of both illness and surgery, and we discovered many pioneering methods. Both gods and demigods implemented these methods to ease pain, to conduct surgery, and, on occasion, to kill mythological beings. ⋯ This article identifies highlights in the development of concepts to treat pain in Greek mythology. The examples found in the Greek myths remind us of the historical significance of pain treatment.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Spinal cord stimulation versus repeated lumbosacral spine surgery for chronic pain: a randomized, controlled trial.
Persistent or recurrent radicular pain after lumbosacral spine surgery is often associated with nerve root compression and is treated by repeated operation or, as a last resort, by spinal cord stimulation (SCS). We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to test our hypothesis that SCS is more likely than reoperation to result in a successful outcome by standard measures of pain relief and treatment outcome, including subsequent use of health care resources. ⋯ SCS is more effective than reoperation as a treatment for persistent radicular pain after lumbosacral spine surgery, and in the great majority of patients, it obviates the need for reoperation.
-
Review Case Reports
Use of "bonnet" bypass with radial artery interposition graft in a patient with recurrent cranial base carcinoma: technical report of two cases and review of the literature.
Two patients with recurrent cranial base carcinomas involving the carotid artery received a "bonnet" bypass using the contralateral superficial temporal artery as the donor vessel because the ipsilateral common and external carotid arteries were unavailable. The radial artery was used as the graft. ⋯ When aggressive resection of cranial base tumors is needed and the ipsilateral carotid artery is unavailable as a donor vessel, a "bonnet" bypass with carotid artery sacrifice may be performed. Compared with vein grafts, microsurgical anastomosis is easier and the patency rate is higher with a radial artery graft.
-
Comparative Study
Dobutamine versus milrinone after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Neurogenic stunned myocardium is a well-recognized complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Dobutamine and milrinone are both used for neurogenic stunned myocardium, but there are few data comparing them after subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ These data suggest that milrinone and dobutamine should be used in different clinical situations. Milrinone may be more effective in patients with severely depressed systolic function but who have at least normal vascular resistance and blood pressure and in whom raising cardiac output is the primary goal. Dobutamine may be superior when vascular resistance or blood pressure is low.