Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2020
Fine configuration of the dural fibrous network and the extradural neural axis compartment in the jugular foramen: an epoxy sheet plastination and confocal microscopy study.
The extradural neural axis compartment (EDNAC) is an adipovenous zone that is located between the meningeal (ML) and endosteal (EL) layers of the dura mater and has been minimally investigated in the jugular foramen (JF) region. In this study, the authors aimed to explore the fine architecture of the EDNAC within the JF and evaluate whether the EDNAC can be used as a component for JF compartmentalization. ⋯ Excluding the IJV, the neurovascular structures in the JF traverse the dural fibrous network that is dominant in the foraminal EDNAC. The results of this study will contribute to anatomical knowledge of the obscure yet crucially important JF region, increase understanding of foraminal tumor growth and spread patterns, and facilitate the planning and execution of surgical interventions.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2020
The endonasal patient reference tracker: a novel solution for accurate noninvasive electromagnetic neuronavigation.
Electromagnetic (EM) navigation provides the advantages of continuous guidance and tip-tracking of instruments. The current solutions for patient reference trackers are suboptimal, as they are either invasively screwed to the bone or less accurate if attached to the skin. The authors present a novel EM reference method with the tracker rigidly but not invasively positioned inside the nasal cavity. ⋯ Application of the EM endonasal patient tracker was found to be feasible with high procedural stability ex vivo as well as in the clinical setting. This innovation combines the advantages of high precision and noninvasiveness and may, in the future, enhance EM navigation for neurosurgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2020
Case ReportsThe middle communicating artery: a novel fourth-generation bypass for revascularizing trapped middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms in 2 cases.
The anterior and posterior communicating arteries are natural connections between arteries that enable different adjacent circulations to redistribute blood flow instantly in response to changing supply and demand. An analogous communication does not exist in the middle cerebral circulation. A middle communicating artery (MCoA) can be created microsurgically between separate middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunks, enabling flow to redistribute in response to changing supply and demand. ⋯ This report introduces the concept of the MCoA and demonstrates two variations. Angioarchitectural and technical elements include the donation of flow from an adjacent circulation, a communicating bypass, the application of fourth-generation bypass techniques, and a minimized ischemia time. The MCoA construct is ideally suited for rebuilding bi- and trifurcated anatomy after trapping or distally occluding complex MCA aneurysms.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2020
A light on the dark side: in vivo endoscopic anatomy of the posterior third ventricle and its variations in hydrocephalus.
Despite the technological advancements of neurosurgery, the posterior part of the third ventricle has always been the "dark side" of the ventricle. However, flexible endoscopy offers the opportunity for a direct, in vivo inspection and detailed description of the posterior third ventricle in physiological and pathological conditions. The purposes of this study were to describe the posterior wall of the third ventricle, detailing its normal anatomy and surgical landmarks, and to assess the effect of chronic hydrocephalus on the anatomy of this hidden region. ⋯ The use of a flexible scope allows the complete inspection of the posterior third ventricle. The anatomical variations caused by chronic hydrocephalus might be clinically relevant, in light of the commissure functions.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2020
Endoscopic endonasal approach for suprasellar meningiomas: introduction of a new scoring system to predict extent of resection and assist in case selection with long-term outcome data.
The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has gained increasing popularity for the resection of suprasellar meningiomas (SSMs). Appropriate case selection is critical in optimizing patient outcome. Long-term outcome data are lacking. The authors systematically identified preoperative factors associated with extent of resection (EOR) and determined the relationship between EOR and long-term recurrence after EEA for SSMs. ⋯ The EEA is a safe and effective approach to SSMs, with favorable visual outcomes in well-selected cases. The combination of postoperative MRI-based EOR with direct endoscopic inspection can be used in lieu of Simpson grade to predict recurrence. GTR dramatically reduces recurrence and can be achieved regardless of tumor size, proximity or encasement of the anterior cerebral artery, or medial optic canal invasion. Risk factors for incomplete resection include prior surgery, tumor lateral to the optic nerve, and complete ICA encasement.