Neurosurgery
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Historical Article
Evandro Pinto da Luz de Oliveira, MD, PhD (November 8, 1945-February 11, 2021): A Giant of Microneurosurgery and Neuroanatomy.
Dr Evandro de Oliveira, one of the most acclaimed and recognized names in neurosurgery, anywhere in the world, tragically left us on February 11, 2021, at the age of 75. The Rhoton Society submits an account of Dr Evandro de Oliveira's life with highlights of his personal journey, and his special contributions to the fields of microneurosurgery and neuroanatomy.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is widely accepted as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery in the management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Dilated AVM outflow veins or varices may be caused by high-flow or partial outflow obstruction, which may increase the risk of a hemorrhage before or after SRS. ⋯ The presence of AVM variceal venous drainage did not affect the obliteration rate and did not confer a higher risk of a subsequent hemorrhage both before and after SRS.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The effect of neuropathic pain medication use on SCS outcome is poorly understood. ⋯ The use of gabapentinoids was associated with a significantly lower spinal cord stimulator explantation rate and a higher chance of opioid discontinuation or >50% dose reduction. This indicates that patients with SCS could benefit from concomitant use of gabapentinoids. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to verify this hypothesis.
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During focused ultrasound ablation (FUSA), the presumed stereotactic target is tested with subthreshold sonications before permanent ablation. This testing relies on ultrasound-induced reversible clinical effects (thermal neuromodulation, TN). However, the thermal dose and spot size thresholds to induce TN are not yet defined. ⋯ The TN thermal dose and spot size thresholds are significantly higher than the current FUSA standard of care. We recommend long duration (>30 s), subthreshold sonications for intraoperative testing during FUSA. Future investigations should test whether the thermal dose threshold is tissue-specific and determine the mechanisms underlying focused ultrasound TN.