Neurosurgery
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Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are often considered unsuitable for endovascular coiling because of unfavorable morphological features. With improvements in endovascular techniques, several series have detailed the results and complications of endovascular treatment of MCA aneurysms. ⋯ Endovascular treatment of MCA aneurysms is feasible and effective in selected cases. The combined periprocedural mortality and morbidity is not negligible (5.1%) and the overall rate of complete or near-complete angiographic obliteration at follow-up approaches 82%.
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Brain surgery faces important challenges when trying to achieve maximum tumor resection while avoiding postoperative neurological deficits. ⋯ Interactive tractography can provide an intuitive way to inspect critical WM tracts in the vicinity of the surgical region, allowing the surgeon to have increased intraoperative WM information to execute the planned surgical resection.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of two antibiotic-impregnated ventricular catheters: a prospective sequential series trial.
External ventricular drains (EVDs) are valuable adjuncts in the management of neurosurgical patients but are associated with a significant risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection (range, 0% to 27%); a review of 23 studies reported a mean of 8.8%. ⋯ The use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters was associated with an extremely low risk of CSF infection compared with the reported mean of nearly 9% for standard EVD catheters. Infection rates for both C/R and M/R EVD catheters were zero. These results support the use of antibiotic-impregnated EVD catheters in routine clinical practice.
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A great deal of time and resources go into the development and training of neurosurgeons. One area that has minimal literature and assessment is leadership development. Under the core competency of interpersonal and communication skills, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has indicated that residents are expected to work effectively as a member or leader of a healthcare team. ⋯ Residents reported a significant knowledge gain for the majority of topics. Resident comments indicated a greater awareness of the impact of leading and ways to improve their personal leadership. Quantitatively and qualitatively, residents and faculty reported that the leadership program made a significant impact on the development of future neurosurgical leaders.