Neurosurgery
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The natural history of unilateral moyamoya disease (MMD) progressing to bilateral MMD remains an enigma in modern vascular neurosurgery. Few, small series with limited follow-up have reported relatively high rates of contralateral stenosis progression. ⋯ Previous series showed relatively high rates of progression in unilateral MMD (15%-30%), but these studies were small and long-term follow-up was rarely available. Our large series indicates that the rate of progression is lower than previously reported but still warrants yearly noninvasive screening. These data may provide indirect support for statin therapy in MMD.
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Wide-necked cerebral aneurysms in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remain difficult to treat with endovascular methods despite recent progress in the neuroendovascular field. ⋯ Comaneci-assisted embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in patients presenting with acute SAH is associated with high procedural safety and adequate occlusion rates. Furthermore, dual antiplatelet therapy can be safely avoided in this patient group.
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Opioid use in the management of pain secondary to spinal disorders has grown significantly in the United States. However, preoperative opioid use may complicate recovery in patients undergoing surgical procedures. ⋯ Following LLIF, patients prescribed preoperative opioids had increased postoperative lumbar pain, disability, and subjective pain.
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We have previously reported a method and device capable of manipulating ICP pulsatility while minimally effecting mean ICP. ⋯ Cardiac-gated manipulation of ICP pulsatility allows the study of intracranial pulsatile dynamics and provides a potential means of altering CBF.
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The factors driving the best outcomes following minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis are not clearly elucidated. ⋯ Preoperative employment and surgeries, including a fusion, were predictors of superior outcomes across the domains of disease-specific disability, back pain, leg pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Increasing age was predictive of superior outcomes for leg pain improvement and satisfaction.