World Neurosurg
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Treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms by endovascular coiling is associated with a better neurologic outcome when compared with neurosurgical clipping but has a higher risk for target aneurysm rebleeding after treatment. We hypothesize that aggressive retreatment of coiled aneurysms will lead to fewer recurrent hemorrhages as compared with historical values of 2.3%-3.0%. ⋯ Aggressive retreatment of previously ruptured, coiled cerebral aneurysms for persistent aneurysm patency reduces the recurrent hemorrhage risk to that historically seen in neurosurgically clipped aneurysms with minimal additional morbidity. This study validates a large body of literature demonstrating the significance of post-treatment aneurysm remnants and their association with recurrent hemorrhage.
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Electric cortical stimulation (ECS) has been the gold standard for intraoperative functional mapping in neurosurgery, yet it carries the risk of induced seizures. We assess the safety of focal cortical cooling (CC) as a potential alternative to ECS. ⋯ CC when used as an intraoperative mapping technique is safe and may complement ECS.
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Neurovascular compression syndromes have well characterized clinical symptoms, but precise identification of the pathologic contact between the nerves and vessels can be challenging at neuroimaging. Considering that neurovascular contacts are frequent imaging findings in asymptomatic patients, correct visualization of pathological contact is crucial for the diagnosis and surgical planning. We have used magnetic resonance imaging fusion by overlaying color-coded T1-weighted postcontrast onto high-resolution T2-weighted images to better delineate imaging findings by enhancing vascular structures.
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Subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common form of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Orlando and colleagues derived a prediction tool for neurosurgical intervention, the "Orlando Tool," consisting of (a) maximum thickness of hematoma, and (b) presence of acute-on-chronic (AOC) hematoma. This study externally validated the Orlando Tool. ⋯ The Orlando Tool accurately predicts neurosurgical intervention in patients with isolated, traumatic SDH and preserved consciousness.
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Posterior cervical approaches for atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction pathologies with or without instrumentation are often associated with excessive soft tissue dissection and bleeding consequent with disruption of the venous plexus. A few minimally invasive approaches to this region have been reported from clinical and cadaveric studies in an effort to minimize blood loss, reduce soft tissue dissection, and decrease postoperative pain; however, unilateral minimally invasive approaches have not been described. Here, we describe a minimally invasive atlantoaxial and craniovertebral approach. ⋯ We present a novel, unilateral minimally invasive approach to reach the atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction. This could allow for faster postoperative recovery, less pain and opioid requirement, and increased maintenance of atlantoaxial stability. Such a technique, after being confirmed in patients, could optimize this surgical technique.