World Neurosurg
-
Although several commercially available sutureless anastomotic techniques are available, they are not routinely used in neurosurgery. We performed an in vivo flow analysis of end-to-end anastomosis using a microvascular coupler device in rats. We report our first clinical use of the microvascular anastomotic coupler. ⋯ In vivo quantitative flow analysis demonstrated no flow difference between an unaltered artery and artery with end-to-end anastomosis using a microvascular coupler in rats. A 1-mm coupled anastomosis achieved a 4-fold flow increase with low-resistance venous outflow in rats, simulating increased arterial demand. The coupler was successfully used for extracranial-to-intracranial bypass in a patient.
-
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistula presents a pathologic connection between spinal subarachnoid space and adjacent epidural vein or veins. It is one of the 3 main causes of spontaneous intracranial hypotension along with dural defects and meningeal diverticulum. We performed a systematic review of the literature and analyzed individual participants' data focusing on clinical outcomes after different treatment modalities of CSF-venous fistula. ⋯ Surgical ligation of fistula is a treatment of choice. In approximately 70% of patients complete long-term resolution of symptoms is achieved after surgery. Endovascular treatment and fibrin glue injections are prospective and evolving options, which require further investigation.
-
Maximizing the patient's onco-functional balance is the central tenet of brain tumor surgery. Consequently, numerous surgical adjuncts have been developed to facilitate identification of the tumor-brain interface and preservation of functional anatomy. Among these, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) with direct cortical stimulation (DCS) and subcortical stimulation (SCS) remains the gold standard for real-time, functional mapping of motor and language activity. Stimulation techniques are not standardized and vary significantly across institutions, however. This is particularly true with SCS for mapping motor function. ⋯ Despite significant heterogeneity in published techniques, trends support use of the Taniguchi method for SCS. Novel dynamic stimulation techniques may improve accuracy. Prospective studies to define standardized guidelines are needed.
-
Review Historical Article
Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) on head wounds in his Kitāb al-Taysīr (Liber Teisir).
To present and evaluate the section concerning head wounds in Kitāb al-Taysīr (Liber Teisir) by Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar). ⋯ The information provided by Avenzoar on head injuries technically reflects the medical and surgical comprehension of his era. In the section that is the focus of this study, he first provided technical information related to head injuries and then offered his opinions on the controversial and problematic issues in treatment such as phlebotomy. This study revealed that Avenzoar approached the subject differently than his predecessors.
-
Review Case Reports
Accessory Nerve Disruption Following Core Needle Biopsy: A Review of Iatrogenic Accessory Nerve Injuries and an Illustrative Case.
Iatrogenic spinal accessory neve (SAN) injury is a rare complication. It most commonly occurs after open lymph node biopsies. Needle biopsy is thought to present lower risk to the SAN. ⋯ This case represents an unusual case of complete SAN disruption and palsy after core needle biopsy treated with sural nerve grafting. We review the literature on iatrogenic SAN injuries, diagnostic strategies, options for SAN surgical repair, and outcomes. SAN injuries can be challenging to diagnose but are amenable to prompt surgical options based on the mechanism and type of SAN injury.