World Neurosurg
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Balloon guide catheters (BGC) are designed to induce flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, and have been associated with improved clinical and angiographic outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relative technical and clinical outcomes associated with BGC vs. non-BGC approaches. ⋯ BGCs yield superior technical and clinical outcomes while reducing patient complications.
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Intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques are usually implemented during spine surgery (IONMS) to avoid nefarious abuse of the nervous system that can cause post-operative problems. A lack of bibliometric analysis on the topic of IONMS has been identified. ⋯ Research production by country seems to be in line with what is observed in other surgical fields, but IONMS research funding seems to be lower, even with a clear interest of private funding agencies. The conceptual networks have put into evidence the importance of motor evoked potential, electromyography and the effect of anaesthesia, particularly in scoliosis surgery.
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To study a large multi-institutional sample of patients undergoing anterior vs. posterior approaches for surgical decompression of thoracic myelopathy. ⋯ Although the anterior approach to surgical decompression of thoracic myelopathy demonstrated a lower complication rate, this result did not reach statistical significance. The anterior approach was associated with significantly shorter mean operative time, but otherwise there were no significant differences in operative or postoperative outcomes. These findings may support the favorability of the anterior approach but warrant further investigation in a larger study.
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Women have been a minority in neurosurgery since the foundation of the specialty. Women who choose to pursue neurosurgery or advance in their career must overcome various obstacles. In this article, we discuss the proportion of women in neurosurgery globally and the obstacles they face, as well as the solutions being implemented. ⋯ With the shortage of neurosurgeons in many regions of the world, the recruitment of female neurosurgeons plays a vital role in meeting those demands. Our cultures and professional societies should celebrate their inclusion and promotion, and accommodate the complex role of women as neurosurgeons, mothers, partners, scientists, and leaders.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with a high-definition three-dimensional (3D) exoscope (EX) for cervical spine surgery versus a binocular operating microscope (OM). ⋯ Overall, our study showed that the EX appears to be a safe alternative for common ACDF with the unique advantage of excellent comfort and also serves a useful educational tool for the surgical team. However, our investigation revealed several important limitations of this system, including slightly inferior visualization and illumination quality compared with the OM.