Neurosurgery
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To test the hypothesis that in spinal cord stimulation, an increase in the number of cathodes increases the energy per pulse, contrary to an increase in the number of anodes, which decreases energy consumption per pulse. ⋯ When the paresthesia area can be covered with several configurations, it will be beneficial for the patient to program a configuration with 1 cathode and either no or multiple anodes.
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The first in vitro biomechanical investigation comparing the immediate and postcyclical rigidities of thoracic translaminar versus pedicle screws in posterior constructs crossing the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). ⋯ Both upper thoracic translaminar and pedicle screws allow for rigid fixation at the CTJ. Although translaminar screw constructs demonstrated one eighth of a degree more motion at the CTJ after cycling, this minimal difference is likely less than would influence the biological fusion process. Upper thoracic translaminar screws are a biomechanically effective option to rigidly stabilize the CTJ.
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We present observations of the anatomy of the sylvian fissure region and their clinical application in neuroimaging, microsurgery for middle cerebral artery aneurysms and insular lesions, frontobasal resections, and epilepsy surgery. ⋯ The anatomic relationships of the sylvian fissure region can be helpful in preoperative planning and can serve as reliable intraoperative navigation landmarks in microsurgery involving that region.
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Endoscopic endonasal approaches provide an access method to the midline cranial base. To integrate these approaches into neurosurgical practice, the extent of their anatomic exposure must be compared with that provided by more traditional transcranial approaches. ⋯ The endonasal approaches achieve a direct and wide exposure of the midline cranial base bilaterally. Lateral exposure, beyond the cranial nerves and carotid artery, are challenging. Transcranial approaches are limited by the narrow corridors provided by the cranial nerves, and they do not visualize the contralateral paramedian cranial base very well. Three-dimensional endoscopes augment the spatial orientation and may improve patient safety and the learning curve for endoscopic approaches to the midline cranial base.
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Case Reports
Cranial migration of a baclofen pump catheter associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage: case report.
Cephalad migration of an indwelling intrathecal catheter within the spinal canal has rarely been described. Cranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) related to movement of this type of catheter has not been described. We report a case of SAH coincident with the migration of a free fragment of a baclofen pump catheter into the prepontine cistern. ⋯ Cephalad catheter migration is a rare phenomenon. The mechanism of rostral migration remains unclear. The forces that propel a free fragment of catheter under these circumstances seem to be sufficient to cause a small vessel to rupture and bleed. Given the lack of an observed arterial injury, we postulate that venous bleeding caused this hemorrhage.