World Neurosurg
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This study aims to identify clinical factors that may predict failed endoscopic lumbar spine surgery to guide surgeons with patient selection during the initial learning curve. ⋯ The outcomes of endoscopic spine surgery are encouraging with low complication and reoperation rates. However, patients with calcified disc herniations, central canal stenosis, or disc herniation with concurrent degenerative stenosis present challenges during the initial learning curve and may benefit from traditional open or other minimally invasive techniques.
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Intraosseous dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are distinct in that the fistula is located within the bone rather than the dura through which the dural vessels pass. It has been stated that only fistulas within marrow should be considered as intraosseous DAVFs rather than DAVFs with traditional angioarchitecture that erode into bone or are located within a bony foramen. ⋯ Three- or four-dimensional digital subtraction angiography is useful for determining the location of the fistula and developing treatment plans. We present an intraosseous DAVF around the pterygopalatine fossa using a transvenous approach.
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The differential for vertebrobasilar insufficiency is wide and can be caused by posterior circulation infarcts, steal-type phenomena, or other systemic causes. In the absence of imaging findings explaining symptomology, the utility of appropriate history gathering and dynamic angiography cannot be understated in identifying Bow Hunter's syndrome, a rare cause of dynamic vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We present a case of a 69-year-old man who complained of presyncope and severe dizziness when turning his head towards the right. ⋯ Next, discectomy and posterior osteophyte removal were completed in typical fashion followed by graft, plate, and screw placement. Postoperatively the patient had immediate resolution of symptoms and continued so at eight month follow-up. Imaging demonstrated return to normal caliber of the right vertebral artery and successful decompression.
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Learning curve, training, and cost impede widespread implementation of new technology. Neurosurgical robotic technology introduces challenges to visuospatial reasoning and requires the acquisition of new fine motor skills. Studies detailing operative workflow, learning curve, and patient outcomes are needed to describe the utility and cost-effectiveness of new robotic technology. ⋯ This study demonstrated institutional workflow evolution and learning curve for the Autoguide in pediatric sEEG, resulting in reduced operative times and increased accuracy over a small number of cases. The platform may seamlessly and quickly be incorporated into clinical practice, and the provided workflow can facilitate a smooth transition.
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Review Meta Analysis
Predictors for rupture of small (<7mm) intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Identifying predictors for rupture of small intracranial aneurysms (sIAs) have become a growing topic in the literature given the relative paucity of data on their natural history. The authors performed a meta-analysis to identify reliable predictors. ⋯ Morphology related predictors are superior to the classic patient demographic predictors present in most scoring systems. Given that morphology predictors take time to measure, our findings may be of great interest to developers seeking to incorporate artificial intelligence into the treatment decision-making process.