World Neurosurg
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Cerebral infarction, resulting from acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, typically manifests with a wide ischemic area and severe symptoms. Mechanical thrombectomy proves effective within 24 hours of disease onset and in less ischemic infarction core. However, in cases with well-developed collateral flow and mild symptoms, conservative treatment is initially selected. If symptoms worsen or ipsilateral hemisphere perfusion decreases, superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis is considered. Revascularization therapy may also be effective. Contralateral angiography allows for ipsilateral blood flow verification once complete revascularization is achieved, albeit with potential treatment-related complications. Here, we describe retrograde angiography using an intermediate catheter (IMC) and contralateral contrast injection to achieve safer revascularization. ⋯ Advancements in IMC technology facilitate distal catheter guidance to the ICA, even in proximal occlusion. Combining this technique with contralateral imaging allows us to confirm the extent of occlusion and recanalization status without antegrade imaging, making recanalization therapy safer.
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Distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms comprise 4-5% of all intracranial aneurysms.1-3 Rarely, these aneurysms can be complex and less amenable to conventional clipping or endovascular techniques, requiring alternative treatment strategies.4,5 Surgical modalities employed in these situations may involve trapping and flow replacement techniques to exclude the aneurysm while maintaining normal perfusion to the affected territories.4-7 In this video, we describe the Modified Trapping Technique for cases where two branches arise from the aneurysm and cannot be sacrificed. This technique involves the transposition of one of the branches and its reimplantation distally to the lesion. The aneurysm is then clipped, trapping the segment from which the disconnected branch originated, while preserving anterograde blood flow to both non-occluded and reimplanted branches. ⋯ The patient tolerated the procedure well, and postoperative imaging showed complete aneurysm occlusion and patency of both the non-occluded and reimplanted pericallosal arteries. The patient consented to the procedure and the publication of her images. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary.
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Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-related skeletal abnormalities are understudied. Awareness of skull thickening in patients with TSC is important from the surgical standpoint because a thick skull might complicate craniotomy. This study aimed to discover if patients with TSC are generally prone to skull thickening by retrospectively investigating the frequency and characteristics of skull thickening in these patients. ⋯ Patients with TSC have skull thickening, which is often linked to intracerebral calcification. The presence of skull thickening may require modification of surgical approach during craniotomy. Skull thickening and the underlying intracerebral calcification likely share a common precipitating factor given their relationship. Future studies are warranted to clarify the genetic underpinnings of this relationship and even broader skeletal abnormalities in TSC.
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The time from onset to symptom deterioration in ischemic stroke often exceeds 24 hours, and this ultra-late time window is excluded from the endovascular treatment (EVT) guideline. This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of EVT in progressive acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion stroke patients with onset to symptom deterioration times of 24 hours-7 days. ⋯ For patients with progressive acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in the ultra-late time window, EVT remains a viable treatment approach.
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Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to provide unprecedented computational power by processing data in a fundamentally different way from classical binary computers. Quantum computers use "qubits" which superimpose 0 and 1. Because qubits can exist in multiple states at the same time, quantum computers can perform "quantum parallelism" wherein data are processed simultaneously rather than sequentially. ⋯ With its inherent sensitivity and precision, quantum computing could advance the understanding of disease processes and development, providing neurosurgeons with deeper insight into patient pathologies. Challenges such as biocompatibility, cost, and ethical considerations remain significant barriers to integrating the technology into neurosurgical practice. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for realizing the transformative potential of quantum computing in advancing neurosurgical care and improving clinical outcomes.