Neurosurgery
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The effect of transluminal balloon angioplasty on cerebral biochemical monitoring during treatment of severe cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was investigated. ⋯ Transluminal balloon angioplasty led to a continuous and effective resolution of cerebral vasospasm observed by sustained, improved cerebral biochemical parameters. Both P(ti)O(2) and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio might provide an early diagnosis of severe cerebral vasospasm after SAH and continuous surveillance of threatened tissue regions after transluminal balloon angioplasty.
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Recent neurosurgical literature reflects rapidly evolving, technically enhanced methods that promise to improve neurosurgical outcomes. We review our experience with computer image guidance, linear or sigmoid incisions after minimal shaving, and liquid wound dressing with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond; Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) for tumor craniotomy or craniectomy in our attempt to optimize craniotomy or craniectomy for tumor. ⋯ Modern neurosurgical techniques are beneficial for patients undergoing craniotomy or craniectomy for tumor and seem to be superior to standard techniques. Although the study is multifactorial and retrospective, this conclusion is further supported by the enhanced self-image patients have during the postoperative period.
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To analyze surgical results for the highly variable Spetzler-Martin Grade III arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), to demonstrate that outcomes vary among the different types of Grade III lesions, and to introduce a simple modification of the grading scale that might improve its usefulness for these AVMs. ⋯ Grade III AVMs are a heterogeneous group, with each type possessing different surgical risks, and the Spetzler-Martin grading scale should be modified accordingly. Grade III- AVMs (S1V1E1) have a surgical risk similar to that of low-grade AVMs and can be safely treated with microsurgical resection. Grade III+ AVMs (S2V0E1) have a surgical risk similar to that of high-grade AVMs and are best managed conservatively. Grade III AVMs (S2V1E0) have intermediate surgical risks and require judicious selection for surgery. Grade III* AVMs (S3V0E0) are either exceedingly rare, with a surgical risk that is unclear, or theoretical lesions with no clinical relevance.
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To develop a method to place a lesion precisely in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and evaluate its effectiveness. ⋯ The combination of computed tomographic imaging, semimicroelectrode recording, and microstimulation provides an effective method to identify the STN lesion in parkinsonian patients. The method used for anatomic localization and electrophysiological mapping of the subthalamus was found to be effective in reaching the sensorimotor region of the nucleus. We carried out an accurate determination of the subthalamus location and its volume in the lesioning.
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Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is known to cause acute obstructive hydrocephalus, refractory elevated intracranial pressures (ICPs), and lowered cerebral perfusion pressures, leading to cortical ischemia. Frequent obstruction of external ventricular drains as a result of thrombus is a recurring theme. We present a case of IVH secondary to periventricular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was not visible at admission angiography and was treated by intraventricular infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator before surgical intervention. ⋯ Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is effective in resolving IVH causing obstructive hydrocephalus and uncontrollable ICP posing a life-threatening situation, secondary to ruptured arteriovenous malformation, before surgical intervention.