Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms often require the use of the technically complex Y-stent technique, which has recently been shown to narrow bifurcation angle in a hemodynamically favorable manner. We sought to evaluate the single center efficacy and safety of Y-stent supported aneurysm coil embolization. All patients undergoing Y-stent supported coiling between September 2006 and December 2012 were identified; records were analyzed for procedural results and complications, with follow-up evaluated for occlusion rate and neurological adverse events. ⋯ At latest follow-up, Raymond grade I occlusion was achieved in 16 patients (80%), Raymond grade II occlusion achieved in four patients (20%) and Raymond grade III occlusion in zero patients. Y-stenting for complex intracranial aneurysms appears effective in achieving durable aneurysm occlusion with an acceptable safety profile. Though the procedure is technically more complex than single-stent procedures, the Y-stent configuration should be considered when single-stent supported coiling is not feasible or sufficient.
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Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) has advantages for exploring deeper epileptic foci. Nevertheless, SEEG can only sample isolated cortical areas and its spatial limitation, with the inability to record contiguous cortical regions, may cause difficulties in interpretation. In light of these limitations, the authors describe the hybrid technique of SEEG and subdural strip electrode placement. ⋯ The dura was opened and, under live fluoroscopic guidance, strip electrodes were slid into the subdural space. In these patients, the additional subdural strip electrodes provided (1) information regarding the precise description of seizure spread in the cortical surface adjacent to the subdural space, (2) identification of epileptogenic zones located near the crown, (3) more precise definition of functional cortex and (4) a better delineation of the interface between epileptogenic zones and functional cortex. This hybrid technique provides additional data compared to either technique alone, offering superior understanding of the dynamics of the epileptic activity and its interaction with functional cortical areas.
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Sickle cell disease can present with neurological manifestations. One such presentation is with posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy also known as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. ⋯ Only a few patients with the association between sickle cell disease and posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy have been described in the adult literature. We present two patients from our institutions to emphasise the association between the two conditions and summarise the published cases in the literature.
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The conventional technique of intracranial aneurysm embolization using Onyx HD-500 (ev3 Neurovascular, Irvine, CA, USA) involves repetitive balloon inflation-deflation cycles under general anesthesia. By limiting parent artery occlusion to 5 minutes, this cyclic technique is thought to minimize cerebral ischemia. However, intermittent balloon deflation may lengthen procedure time and allow balloon migration, resulting in intimal injury or Onyx leakage. ⋯ Permanent non-disabling neurological morbidity occurred in one patient (4.2%). Minor, transient, and/or angiographic complications were seen in three patients (12.5%), none related to the technique itself. Onyx embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms can be safely and effectively performed using continuous balloon inflation under conscious sedation.
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An awake craniotomy for epilepsy surgery is presented where a bilingual patient post-operatively reported temporary aphasia of his first language (Spanish). This case report discusses the potential causes for this clinical presentation and methods to prevent the occurrence of this in future patients undergoing this form of surgery.