Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialCryopreserved human umbilical cord as a meningeal patch during in utero spina bifida repair in a modified ovine model.
Despite in utero spina bifida (SB) repair, more than two-thirds of patients with SB are unable to ambulate independently, and 1 in 4 children need surgery for tethered cord by school age. The objective of this study was to test the cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) as an antiscarring material to reduce tethering and improve function in a modified in utero SB repair model. ⋯ In a modified ovine SB model, the HUC as a meningeal patch allows regeneration of the arachnoid layer, prevents spinal cord tethering, and improves spinal cord function after in utero SB repair.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2023
HummingFlow: novel single twist-drill access for ventricular drainage, irrigation, monitoring, and automated local drug delivery in subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The management of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains one of the most important targets for neurocritical care. Advances in monitoring technology have facilitated a more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches, but interventions are generally limited to either systemic therapies or passive CSF drainage. The authors present a novel approach that combines a multimodal monitoring bolt-based system with an irrigating ventricular drain capable of delivering intrathecal medications and describe their early experience in patients with aSAH. ⋯ Combined CSF drainage, irrigation, multimodality monitoring, and automated local drug delivery are feasible using a single twist-drill hole device. Further investigation of irrigation settings and treatment approaches in high-risk cases is warranted.