World Neurosurg
-
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is a powerful new technology that is enabling development of noninvasive applications for complex brain disorders. This is currently revolutionizing the treatment of tremor disorders, and a variety of experimental applications are under active investigation. To fully realize the potential of this disruptive technology, many challenges have been identified, some of which have been addressed and others remain to be solved. ⋯ While lesioning is the primary approved application of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound at present, the ability to transient and precisely open the blood-brain barrier has the potential to clear brain pathologies and deliver restorative therapies, but this more experimental method presents unique difficulties to overcome. Finally, regulatory and reimbursement hurdles currently remain complex and continue to limit widespread application of even approved, effective applications. Here we review many of these challenges, discuss several solutions that have already been developed, and propose potential options for addressing some of these complexities in the future.
-
Case Reports
Vertebral Artery Stump Syndrome Due To Chronic Complicated Aortic Dissection: A Case Report.
Vertebral artery (VA) stump syndrome arises when thrombi of an occluded proximal VA propagate to the brain and cause posterior circulation strokes. This phenomenon has been described in limited reports to date. ⋯ We describe a unique mechanism of VA stump syndrome due to VA occlusion and pressure waves from an aortic dissection and present the first report of VA stump syndrome treatment by surgical exclusion of the VA.
-
The performance of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion through a Kambin's triangle approach requires significant modifications when compared to a traditional transforaminal discectomy. Indeed, due to the inherently limited field of view, small working corridor, and need to deploy an adequately sized interbody graft, there are several important technical adaptations which can help improve the efficacy of this approach. In this manuscript, the technical aspects of a percutaneous, endoscopic interbody fusion are discussed in detail.
-
As previous studies reported, the balloon guide catheter is useful for identifying the fistula point during diagnosis of direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (d-CCF). We demonstrate an additional advantage of the balloon guide catheter during intraarterial endovascular treatment of d-CCF. ⋯ Using a balloon guiding catheter can reduce internal carotid artery flow near the fistula point at the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. As a result, better identification of the fistula point can be made, which allows easier placement of the microcatheter into the fistula point and more stable coil deployment.
-
Isolated spinal artery aneurysms are an extremely rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A limited number of case reports and case series have been reported in the literature. Treatment options include conservative management, surgical clipping/trapping, and endovascular procedures. Owing to the uncertain natural history of these lesions, there is no consensus about the optimal treatment. ⋯ Treatment decisions for spinal aneurysms should be made on a case-by-case basis, the goal being to offer the patient the best option, while avoiding exposure to unnecessary invasive procedures. As spontaneous resolution of a spinal artery aneurysm is unpredictable, our case highlights the importance of performing a perioperative vascular study if surgery is planned.