World Neurosurg
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Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is defined by a bony defect overlying the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in the middle cranial fossa floor, causing a myriad of vestibular and auditory symptoms. Patients with thin bone without full dehiscence overlying the SSC also present with similar symptoms. There are currently no guidelines for surgical management of patients with thin bone. The authors offer their experience with thin bone patients to characterize their symptomatology and explore whether these patients benefit from surgical intervention typically offered to SSCD patients. ⋯ Surgical management of thin bone patients via middle fossa craniotomy, a similar technique to SSCD repair, provides significant symptomatic resolution. Therefore, surgery should be considered in thin bone patients with debilitating symptoms, albeit not having a true dehiscence.
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Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are being increasingly used in the medical field, especially for image recognition in high-resolution, large-volume data sets. The study represents the current state of research on the application of CNNs in image segmentation and pathology detection in spine magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ State-of-the-art CNNs can detect and segment-specific anatomical landmarks and pathologies across a wide range, comparable to the skills of radiologists and experienced clinicians. With rapidly evolving network architectures and growing medical image databases, the future is likely to show growth in the development and refinement of these capable networks. However, the aid of automated segmentation and classification by neural networks cannot and should not be expected to replace clinical experts.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) has grown as a first-line surgical intervention for severe facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia and/or hemifacial spasm. We sought to examine the safety and cost-benefits of discharging patients with MVD within 1 day of admission. ⋯ In our experience, MVDs are a safe, elective intervention. Our findings suggest that postoperative day 1 discharge in patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course may be safe while improving hospital resource use.
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External ventricular drain (EVD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placements are among the most common critical care procedures for severe brain injury. Quality improvement initiatives have streamlined similar processes. The aim of the project was to decrease the time to collect supplies for EVD or ICP monitor placement by 25% by April 1, 2021. ⋯ The time reduction and enthusiasm are likely associated with the simplicity and comprehensiveness of the intervention design. Including key stakeholders in decision-making and succinct communications reduced resistance to change.
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Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has now evolved to become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. Arterial perforation is a potential complication of MT, and the risk of this event during blind crossing the occlusion site has been elucidated. The intracranial arterial system shows morphological structural symmetry, so we investigated the utility of the bilateral symmetry of the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) as a preprocedural evaluation to predict hidden running course distal to the thrombus. ⋯ The symmetry of bilateral M1-2 structures was demonstrated in most cases from the perspectives of 4 parameters. The MCA symmetry can predict the running course of the MCA before crossing the occlusion site and shows potential benefits for neurointerventionalists.