World Neurosurg
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Multicenter Study
Multicenter registry of liquid embolic treatment of cerebral aneurysms.
The Cerebral Aneurysm Multicenter European Onyx trial was the first multicenter prospective case series using liquid embolization for cerebral aneurysms. It suggested a possible decreased risk for recanalization of smaller aneurysms compared with coil embolization. After publication of that trial, the Onyx HD embolic agent, injection devices, and treatment protocols have all been updated and improved to increase efficacy and decrease adverse events. We present the results from a multicenter registry of liquid embolization treatments using the current method and materials. We hypothesize that the evolution of this technique will result in lower complication and recanalization rates when compared with earlier series. ⋯ Recent advances in liquid embolization have led to decreased recanalization and complications. Liquid embolization is more likely to achieve a durable result in smaller aneurysms that have not been previously treated.
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To report a minimally invasive, nontubular endoscopic technique to resect intraparenchymal brain tumors and assess the feasibility, safety, and surgical resection margins achievable by this novel technique. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that resection of intraparenchymal tumors using a minimally invasive endoscopic technique is technically feasible and safe, achieves good tumor resection margins, and has some potential advantages over a traditional microscopic technique.
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Metastatic disease of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) can cause pain, cranial nerve deficits, occipitocervical instability, or brainstem/spinal cord compression if left untreated. Many patients with metastasis in this region have a high burden of systemic disease and short life expectancy, making them poor candidates for aggressive surgical resections and fusion procedures. Traditionally, symptom palliation and local disease control in these patients has been achieved through conventional radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has the advantage of precisely delivering radiation to a target in fewer fractions. To our knowledge, we report the results of the largest series of patients with CVJ metastasis treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. ⋯ In well-selected patients, SRS for metastatic lesions of the CVJ has a low risk for complications or treatment failure, while achieving a high rate of palliation of pain symptoms.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective but costly treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD). This study examined the cost-effectiveness of DBS in relation to its improved effectiveness to help funding decision makers decide whether the treatment should be adopted. The incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life year has been benchmarked as being between US$50,000 and US$100,000 by US agencies, whereas it is less than €30,000 per quality-adjusted life year in Europe. ⋯ Cost-effectiveness of subthalamic nucleus DBS for treatment of advanced PD is greater during a 2-year period than 1 year only. These results can be used as a reference for the use of DBS for PD in a region with public health financing.