World Neurosurg
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Deep brain stimulation within or adjacent to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) represents the most common stereotactic procedure performed for Parkinson disease. Better STN imaging is often regarded as a requirement for improving stereotactic targeting. However, it is unclear whether there is consensus about the optimal target. ⋯ This survey illustrates that most sites regarded as optimal for STN stimulation are close to each other, but there appears to be no uniform perception of the optimal anatomic target, possibly influencing surgical results. The anatomic sweet zone for STN stimulation needs further specification, as this information is likely to make magnetic resonance imaging-based target definition less variable when applied to individual patients.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of transarticular screw fixation and C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screw fixation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with atlantoaxial instability.
Many surgical procedures have been introduced to manage atlantoaxial instability caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent complications and improve fusion rate. We report the surgical outcome between transarticular screw fixation (TAF) and C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screw fixation (C1LM-C2P) in patients with atlantoaxial instability from RA. ⋯ Two surgical techniques showed a good fusion rate by rigid fixation in the immediate postoperative period and fewer surgery-related complications in patients with RA. Because surgical complications are more likely during the learning curve (as with other surgical techniques), surgeons should carefully evaluate patients before surgery by radiologic and neurologic examinations.
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Thromboembolic occlusion of distal branches in anterior and posterior circulation may produce severe clinical deficits. A Direct Aspiration at first Pass Technique (ADAPT) is a simple, fast method for achieving good angiographic and clinical outcomes using large-bore catheters in large vessel occlusions. We present our results using ADAPT with distal cerebral artery occlusions. ⋯ Acute distal anterior circulation thromboembolic occlusions may be treated safely with intraarterial thrombectomy. Prior studies have demonstrated the success of ADAPT in proximal large vessel occlusions. This series suggests that ADAPT is an effective, safe method for performing thrombectomy in distal branches of anterior and posterior circulation.
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After a 4-year planning period, a joint Ethiopian/Norwegian training program in neurosurgery was started in June 2006. The collaborating partners were Addis Ababa University; Department of Surgery, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital; University of Bergen; Haukeland University Hospital; and Myungsung Christian Medical Center, a Korean missionary hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ⋯ This article gives an account of the strategies underlying the program planning, the history of the program, and on the experience gained by it. Finally, ethical problems and challenges encountered in the program are discussed.
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Ruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms involving small-diameter parent arteries are difficult to treat. Parent artery occlusion is a relatively simple and reliable treatment. However, occasionally, the parent arteries have to be retained. The arrival of the low-profile stent (LVIS Jr.) has made reconstructive endovascular treatment for fusiform aneurysms involving small-diameter parent arteries possible. ⋯ Stenting after a coiling technique using the LVIS Jr. stent provides a possible method for reconstructive endovascular treatment of intracranial fusiform aneurysms with parent arteries <1.5 mm in diameter.