Neurosurgery
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This case illustrates the use of an endovascular stent and coiling combination to treat a giant wide-necked pseudoaneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery. ⋯ The patient's neurological symptoms resolved completely after treatment, and he sustained no neurological complications during the 20-month follow-up period. This case illustrates the successful treatment of a wide-based giant pseudoaneurysm by using a combination of an endovascular stent and coil embolization.
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Cranioplasty is almost as ancient as trephination, yet its fascinating history has been neglected. There is strong evidence that Incan surgeons were performing cranioplasty using precious metals and gourds. Interestingly, early surgical authors, such as Hippocrates and Galen, do not discuss cranioplasty and it was not until the 16th century that cranioplasty in the form of a gold plate was mentioned by Fallopius. ⋯ Methyl methacrylate was introduced in 1940 and is currently the most common material used. Research in cranioplasty is now directed at improving the ability of the host to regenerate bone. As modern day trephiners, neurosurgeons should be cognizant of how the technique of repairing a hole in the head has evolved.