World Neurosurg
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Comparative Study
Identification of knowledge gaps in neurosurgery using a validated self-assessment examination: differences between general and spinal neurosurgeons.
The practice of neurosurgery requires fundamental knowledge base. Residency training programs and continuing medical education courses are designed to teach relevant neurosurgical principles. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps exist for neurosurgeons and may be different between cohorts of neurosurgeons. The Self-Assessment in Neurological Surgery (SANS) General Examination and Spine Examination are online educational tools for lifelong learning and maintenance of certification. This study examines the gaps in knowledge of spinal neurosurgeons and general neurosurgeons taking SANS. ⋯ The SANS Spine Examination demonstrated knowledge gaps in specific categories for spinal surgeons. The knowledge areas of diminished performance differed between spinal and general neurosurgeons. Identification of specific areas of deficiency could prove useful in the design and implementation of educational programs and maintenance of certification.
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Review Case Reports
Intravascular ultrasound in the evaluation and management of cerebral venous disease.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an important diagnostic tool in many interventions, particularly coronary and carotid artery angioplasty and stenting. In contrast, its application in the management of diseases of the cerebral venous system remains an unexplored territory. We report three patients in whom IVUS was used during angiography for the evaluation of venous flow obstruction secondary to venous sinus thrombosis, venous sinus stenosis, and a transverse sinus mass lesion, respectively. In addition, we review current literature to summarize previous experience, focusing on the advantages and limitations of IVUS technology in interventional cardiology, carotid artery disease, and venous disease. ⋯ IVUS is a promising tool that has potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and to guide the management of several diseases of the cerebral venous system. The cases we describe suggest that IVUS can be successfully used when performing endovascular interventions in patients with obstruction of venous outflow secondary to venous sinus stenosis, thrombosis, or mass lesions.
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Biography Historical Article
Sofia Ionescu, the first woman neurosurgeon in the world.
The authors present the activity of Mrs. Sofia Ionescu, the one female surgeon who was nominated as the first woman neurosurgeon in the world. Sofia Ionescu worked in the field of neurosurgery for 47 years, performing all the known neurosurgical procedures of the time. ⋯ The first documented surgical intervention performed by Diana Beck dates to 1952. Sofia Ionescu operated for the first time on a human brain as early as 1944. Furthermore, Diana Beck's actions surfaced in the year 1947, long after the war had ended and Sofia Ionescu had become a neurosurgeon.