Articles: surgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2008
Honoring the 75th anniversary of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Ever since the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) published its first volume in 1944, the journal has reflected the scientific, technical, and clinical evolution of our specialty and parent organization, first called the Harvey Cushing Society and later the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The JNS has been an uncompromising arbiter of progress in our specialty, and its superb editorial stewardship has led to its recognition as the premier journal in the field. ⋯ We hope you will enjoy these articles and the accompanying commentaries. In this issue we present the next paper in this series.
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The C7 plumb line method oversimplifies the true complexity of the spine. In a previous study, we mathematically modeled the normal spine using the spline function, enabling quantification of previously undescribed measurements such as area under the curve (AUC) and average sagittal position. The spine in fixed sagittal imbalance and the results of surgical correction have not been studied in a similar manner. ⋯ The average sagittal position more comprehensively captures the nuances of a nonlinear spinal curve. Subcurve analysis enabled by the spline model is particularly helpful in assessing deformity and surgical correction on a segmental level. Increased sensitivity to the nuances of the spinal curve in this model results in superior correlation with clinical outcomes when compared with the C7 plumb line. We feel that a critical examination of the spinal curve will lead to improved understanding of deformity and planning for an optimal correction.
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Clinical Trial
Percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of upper spinal cord pain pathways for cancer-related pain.
The author presents data to support the continued need for ablative procedures, particularly cordotomy, in the management of cancer-related pain. ⋯ Computed tomography-guided ablation of the upper cervical spinal cord is a safe and effective procedure to treat cancer pain involving the body or face. There remains a need for ablative procedures, in particular cordotomy, in the management of cancer-related pain.
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Comput. Aided Surg. · Mar 2008
Virtual reality-enhanced ultrasound guidance: a novel technique for intracardiac interventions.
Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, although a highly invasive interventional approach leading to numerous complications, is still the most common therapy option for treating many forms of cardiac disease. We are currently engaged in a project designed to replace many bypass surgeries with less traumatic, minimally invasive intracardiac therapies. This project combines real-time intra-operative echocardiography with a virtual reality environment providing the surgeon with a broad range of valuable information. ⋯ This augmented reality system is applicable to procedures such as mitral valve replacement and atrial septal defect repair, as well as ablation therapies for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Our goal is to develop a robust augmented reality system that will improve the efficacy of intracardiac treatments and broaden the range of cardiac surgeries that can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. This paper provides an overview of our interventional system and specific experiments that assess its pre-clinical performance.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Mar 2008
The importance of advanced cardiac life support certification in office-based surgery.
Safety in office-based surgery remains of paramount importance. Accordingly, many consider Advanced Cardiac Life Support training a critical component of safety preparation for office-based surgery. A survey was recently designed and distributed to assess the experience and attitudes of board-certified plastic surgeons toward Advanced Cardiac Life Support training. ⋯ Historically, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and facility accreditation were strongly recommended but often not required for office-based surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have taken steps to increase patient safety, mandating that outpatient plastic surgery only be performed at accredited facilities. Many credentialing organizations are now escalating the requirements for Advanced Cardiac Life Support/Basic Life Support certification.