World Neurosurg
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The latency period from stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to obliteration of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) requires continuous imaging surveillance. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion is promising for noninvasive monitoring of AVMs after SRS. We studied longitudinal MR perfusion changes of brain AVMs treated with SRS. ⋯ There is a gradual decrease of rCBV and rCBF in the AVM nidus after SRS. MR perfusion imaging is promising for monitoring of hemodynamic changes of AVMs after SRS. Larger studies investigating clinical value of MR perfusion imaging for AVMs after SRS are warranted.
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For patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) with bilateral fixed dilated pupils (BFDP), the value of aggressively decompressive craniectomy (DC) treatment is still controversial. The objective of this study was to analyze and validate the outcome of DC in patients with sTBI with BFDP. ⋯ BFDP indicates a grave prognostic sign after sTBI, but the higher preoperative GCS score and shorter injury-surgery intervals in patients who underwent DC treatment might independently predict favorable outcome for patients with sTBI with BFDP, and patients might benefit more than expected if the DC treatment were applied more aggressively and positively.
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Multiple surgical specialties perform carotid endarterectomy (CEA). As indications for CEA narrows, neurosurgery residents are less exposed to this procedure. This study aims to determine trends in CEA training among graduating trainees in neurosurgery and compare these to general and vascular surgery. ⋯ Neurosurgery residents exceeded their minimum requirements for CEA, with increasing trend in higher level of participation. But neurosurgery residents' exposure to this procedure was far less significant than their colleagues in vascular surgery, a gap that may widen over time and should be addressed proactively.
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To train and validate an algorithm mimicking decision making of experienced surgeons regarding upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) selection in surgical correction of thoracolumbar adult spinal deformity. ⋯ An artificial neural network successfully mimicked 2 lead surgeons' decision making in the selection of UIV for adult spinal deformity correction. Future models integrating surgical outcomes should be developed.
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Microsurgical clipping, along with endovascular treatment, has evolved in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA), and these developments have resulted in a reduction of the complication rate. We discuss the need for a central venous catheter (CVC) insertion as an anesthetic preparation for microsurgical clipping. ⋯ CVC insertion for clipping surgery for UIA is not mandatory. Considering the possible complications associated with CVCs, we cautiously suggest aneurysm surgery with CVC insertion in patients with serious medical comorbidities, aneurysm sizes >10 mm, and difficult proximal parent artery control.