World Neurosurg
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Aspirin has been implicated in the postoperative management of moyamoya disease (MMD) in order to avoid bypass failure and decrease the incidence of subsequent stroke. However, its effect has not been completely determined yet. ⋯ Our findings showed that aspirin might not decrease the incidence of postoperative ischemic stroke or increase patency rate of bypass graft, but it does not increase the risk of hemorrhages, either. Also, postoperative aspirin therapy might improve outcome. More studies are needed to provide evidence for postoperative antiplatelet therapy in MMD management.
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In endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms, a tortuous cervical internal carotid artery can limit guiding catheter access to a sufficiently high position. Although intermediate distal access catheters can go beyond the tortuous segment of internal carotid arteries, they may increase the risk of procedure-related complications, require significantly complex technical procedures, and limit the use of adjunctive techniques. Using simple neck extension alone, we successfully improved guiding catheter access in 2 patients. ⋯ The simple neck extension technique successfully improved accessibility of the guiding catheter. As the need for safe and highly skilled intervention increases, our technique may be useful because it can reduce procedure-related complications and allow balloon-assisted techniques.
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Direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) are high-flow arteriovenous shunts that are typically the result of a severe head injury. The endovascular treatment of these lesions includes the use of detachable balloons, coils, liquid embolic agents, and covered stents. To minimize the chance of treatment failure and subsequent complications, endoluminal reconstruction using a flow-diverting stent may be added to the treatment construct. ⋯ We believe that endovascular coil or balloon occlusion of the fistula from either a transvenous or transarterial approach followed by flow diversion may be an appropriate treatment for direct CCFs. This addition of a flow diverter may facilitate endothelialization of the injury to the internal carotid artery.
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To evaluate motor function during neuroendoscopic resectioning of deep-seated brain tumors using endoscopically guided depth electrodes. ⋯ Continuous MEP measurement using depth electrodes can serve as a new monitoring technique for endoscopic resectioning of deep-seated brain tumors.
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Sufficient visualization of the operating field is crucial for success in surgery and is important especially concerning minimally invasive and deep approaches in spine surgery. ⋯ The combination of tube and microscope seems to be the best choice for deep approaches in microsurgical spinal surgery. An endoscope supplies illuminance comparable to a surgical microscope.