World Neurosurg
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The art of surgery is becoming increasingly complex and dependent on scopes, screens, and technology, inviting a complex learning curve and development of hand-eye coordination and dexterity among other skills. We introduce an affordable, do-it-yourself microsurgical simulator that can be set up using a smartphone and a pair of reflective prism glasses. The glasses employ periscopic prisms on either side that reflect light perpendicularly. When the visual input is combined with the magnification of a smartphone camera, a real-time microsurgical experience can be simulated. ⋯ The microsurgical simulation technique proved to be useful in performing complex microsurgical tasks. A significant improvement in microsurgical skills was observed among our trainees. The cost of building the module can be as low as U.S. $5. We endorse the use of this technique for resident training and skill development, especially in resource-challenged environments.
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The aim of this study was to analyze practice trends in specific intracranial bypass types in a large, consecutive bypass experience. ⋯ Intracranial bypass remains an essential technique for open vascular neurosurgeons. The classic low-flow EC-IC bypasses, intracranial-to-intracranial, and combination bypasses increased over time, whereas the high-flow EC-IC interpositional bypasses decreased over time. These trends reflect the increasing use of flow diverters as well as the need for surgical revascularization for complex aneurysms, and those that failed previous endovascular therapy.
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Arterial pseudoaneurysms of the neck are rarely reported in the pediatric population and no dedicated large series are available. Trauma and infection are the most common causes for these aneurysms, with congenital and collagen vascular disorders being the less common causes. These lesions can be life threatening, especially when they present with bleeding or airway compromise. ⋯ Endovascular means of treatment for pediatric neck aneurysms is relatively simple and safe. Although parent vessel sacrifice is the gold-standard management, vessel-preserving strategies can be tried in select cases with favorable anatomy.
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The relationship between superior cervical ganglia (SCG) ischemia due to bilateral common carotid artery ligation (BCCAL) and basilar artery (BA) reconfiguration was investigated. ⋯ A meaningful and paradoxic correlation was detected between the BA VDI values and degenerated neuron density of SCG after BCCAL. Although a low degenerated neuron density within SCG may provoke excessive sympathetic activity and prevent excessive BA dilatation with steno-occlusive carotid artery diseases, a high degenerated neuron density may cause dangerous vasodilatation of BA.