Pipes Feed Preview: Feed not found & ScienceDirect Publication: The Spine Journal & ScienceDirect Publication: World Neurosurgery & Neurosurgery : nature.com subject feeds & jns - News & Surgical Neurology International & Feed not found & Feed not found & Feed not found & Feed not found & Feed not found & Feed not found & Feed not found & jns - News & Journal of Neurosurgery & Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine & Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics & Neurosurgical Focus & Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry current issue & AANS Neurosurgeon & Neurosurgery & tandf: British Journal of Neurosurgery: Table of Contents & Asian Journal of Neurosurgery & The New England Journal of Medicine: Search Results in Neurology/Neurosurgery & Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery & Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base & Journal of Neurological Surgery Reports & Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury & Neuropediatrics

  1. Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products

    Fri, 06 Dec 2024 22:13:34 -0000

    Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products Category: Article Type: Nolan Kyle Winslow, Alexander Scott Himstead, Sumeet VaderaDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, United StatesCorrespondence Address:Nolan Kyle Winslow, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, United States.DOI:10.25259/SNI_277_2024Copyright: © 2024 … Continue reading Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products
    <div><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"> <html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body><div class="row"><div class="col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><div class="media-body details-body"> <a href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13273"><h2 class="media-heading"><h2 class="media-heading">Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products</h2></h2></a> </div><div class="disp_categories"> <p><label>Category: </label><span></span></p> <p><label>Article Type: </label><span></span></p> </div><a href="mailto:nolankwinslow@gmail.com" target="_top">Nolan Kyle Winslow</a>, <a href="mailto:ahimstea@hs.uci.edu" target="_top">Alexander Scott Himstead</a>, <a href="mailto:svadera1@hs.uci.edu" target="_top">Sumeet Vadera</a><ol class="smalllist"><li>Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, United States</li></ol><p><strong>Correspondence Address:</strong><br>Nolan Kyle Winslow, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, United States.<br></p><p><strong>DOI:</strong>10.25259/SNI_277_2024</p>Copyright: © 2024 Surgical Neurology International This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, transform, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.<div class="parablock"><p><strong>How to cite this article: </strong>Nolan Kyle Winslow, Alexander Scott Himstead, Sumeet Vadera. Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products. 06-Dec-2024;15:454</p></div><div class="parablock"><p><strong>How to cite this URL: </strong>Nolan Kyle Winslow, Alexander Scott Himstead, Sumeet Vadera. Early case series with placement of NeuroOne Evo stereoelectroencephalography depth electrodes and review of other Food and Drug Administration-approved products. 06-Dec-2024;15:454. Available from: <a href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13273">https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13273</a></p></div> </div> <div class="col-lg-3 col-sm-4 col-xs-12"><div class="article-detail-sidebar"><div class="icon sidebar-icon clearfix add-readinglist-icon"><button id="bookmark-article" class="add-reading-list-article">Add to Reading List</button><button id="bookmark-remove-article" class="remove-reading-list-article">Remove from Reading List</button></div><div class="icon sidebar-icon clearfix"><a class="btn btn-link" target="_blank" type="button" id="OpenPdf" href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13273/SNI-15-454.pdf"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/pdf-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a><a target="_blank" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="return PrintArticle();"><img decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/file-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a><a class="btn btn-link" type="button" id="EmaiLPDF"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/mail-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a></div><div class="date"> <p>Date of Submission<br><span class="darkgray">10-Apr-2024</span></p> <p>Date of Acceptance<br><span class="darkgray">15-Nov-2024</span></p> <p>Date of Web Publication<br><span class="darkgray">06-Dec-2024</span></p> </div> </div></div> </div> <!--.row --><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="blogheading pull-left Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Abstract">Abstract</a></h3> <div class="clearfix"></div> <div class="hline"></div> <p><strong>Background: </strong>Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a common diagnostic surgical procedure for patients with medically refractory epilepsy. We aimed to describe our initial experience with the recently released NeuroOne Evo SEEG electrode product (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) and review technical specifications for other currently approved depth SEEG electrodes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a record review on the first five patients implanted with NeuroOne Evo SEEG electrode product using the robotic stereotactic assistance robot platform and described our surgical technique in detail. We recorded technical specifications of all currently Food and Drug Administration-approved SEEG electrodes for comparison.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our initial 5 surgical patients were reviewed. The average total time of operation was 92 min, with an average of 16.8 electrodes. The estimated time per electrode insertion was </p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NeuroOne SEEG electrodes can be implanted with efficiency and provide a valuable additional tool for the epilepsy surgeon. A tapered drill bit prevents the bolt from being placed beyond the inner cortex and may reduce the risk of brain contusion or inadvertent advancement of anchor bolts, and the electrode internal stylet also affords the potential to reduce the number of trajectory passes.</p><p><strong>MeSH Terms: </strong>Epilepsy, EEG, Drug-resistant Epilepsy, Intracranial EEG</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>AdTech, DiXi, NeuroOne, Positron emission tomography (PMT), Stereoelectroencephalography</p><p></p></div> </div></body></html> </div><div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><p></p><p><inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="SNI-15-454-inline001.tif"/></p><p></p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a widely utilized technique in invasive monitoring for medically refractory epilepsy when less invasive techniques are unable to distinguish potential epileptogenic areas effectively. In this procedure, multiple electrodes are surgically implanted into the brain using one of several targeting methods. Stereotactic head frames and surgical robots are common tools used for insertion. Robotic insertion has been shown to lower average operative time and perhaps improve accuracy.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3"> <a href='#ref3'>3</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5"> <a href='#ref5'>5</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6"> <a href='#ref6'>6</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref9"> <a href='#ref9'>9</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref11"> <a href='#ref11'>11</a> </xref>] The procedure is generally considered to have a low complication rate, with hemorrhage being the most common adverse event at 1–3%.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6"> <a href='#ref6'>6</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref10"> <a href='#ref10'>10</a> </xref>] Electrode design and placement techniques have been relatively unchanged to date, and most electrode manufacturers recommend similar steps for the placement of each electrode. These include accessing the cranial vault, placement of a fixed skull bolt, opening of the dura, creation of a tract for the electrode to traverse, and placement of the electrode, which is subsequently fixed to the skull bolt.</p><p>Currently, Food and Drug Administration-approved SEEG electrode products include those from AdTech (Oak Creek, WI), PMT (Chanhassen, MN), DiXI (Chaudefontaine, France), and NeuroOne (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) companies. NeuroOne is the most recently approved of these, and little has been published about this electrode system to date.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4"> <a href='#ref4'>4</a> </xref>]</p><p>SEEG is becoming a more and more prevalent method of intracranial monitoring when advanced diagnostics are required to localize a patient’s epilepsy. Due to the minimally invasive nature of SEEG, our center frequently employs this technique in refractory epilepsy that scalp electroencephalography (EEG) is unable to categorize confidently. The NeuroOne electrode design provides for reduced steps during implantation and makes the process of implantation more efficient. The authors report our initial experience and the technical specifications of the NeuroOne electrodes, with the goal of making the reader aware of new devices in epilepsy surgery, which could enhance safety and reduce steps involved in the implantation process.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="MATERIALS AND METHODS">MATERIALS AND METHODS</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>We performed a case series review of our first five consecutive patients with Zimmer NeuroOne EVO SEEG electrodes inserted at the University of California, Irvine Douglas, over approximately 6 months in 2023. The clinical, radiographic, and surgical history of each epilepsy patient was reviewed retrospectively through medical record review [<xref ref-type="table" rid="T1"> <a href='#T1'>Table 1</a> </xref>]. No identifiable information was maintained for our report. The total operative time recorded was based on nursing operative documentation. The senior surgeon (Author SV) performed all procedures. Technical specifications of currently approved electrode products are listed in <xref ref-type="table" rid="T2"> <a href='#T2'>Table 2</a> </xref>. Images of NeuroOne electrode insertion equipment are displayed in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="F1"> <a href='#F1'>Figure 1</a> </xref>. To be selected for SEEG implantation, each patient care plan was agreed upon at a multidisciplinary care conference. SEEG was performed to clarify the localization of epilepsy when focal epilepsy was suspected but not diagnosed with noninvasive methods, when bilateral epileptiform activity was suspected, and in other instances.</p><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='F1'></a> <br /><img src='https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13273/SNI-15-454-g001.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Figure 1:</h3><p>Various equipment components used with NeuroOne stereoelectroencephalography electrodes.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='T1'></a> <br /><img src='https://i2.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13273/SNI-15-454-t001.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Table 1:</h3><p>Patient demographics from initial cases with NeuroOne electrode product.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='T2'></a> <br /><img src='https://i2.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13273/SNI-15-454-t002.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Table 2:</h3><p>Comparison data from each currently FDA-approved SEEG depth electrode product.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><p>Surgical and medical device photographs were collected without any identifying features or patient identifiers, and, as is standard practice at our institution, each patient has consented before surgery to the possibility of publishing any photographs or videos obtained in connection with their clinical and surgical information in a de-identified fashion. This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Local Institutional Review Board Approval was granted before study initiation. This case series has been reported in line with the PROCESS guideline.</p><h3 class = "title3">Surgical procedure</h3><p><list list-type="order"> <list-item><p>Procedures were performed under general endotracheal anesthesia. After preprocedural time-out and clipping of hair, the head was fixed into place with a Leksell stereotactic frame (Elekta Solutions, Sweden) or Mayfield skull clamp system (Integra Neurosciences, Plainsboro, NJ) and then attached to the robotic stereotactic assistance (ROSA) robot (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). Facial registration was performed using the built-in robotic software and laser capabilities, utilizing both preoperative computed tomography (CT) and double-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. This registration process takes between 20 and 40 min. Once the robot is calibrated, the patient is prepped and draped. Electrode trajectories were preplanned and loaded onto the robot.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>Variable-length NeuroOne electrodes were inserted with ROSA assistance through previously planned trajectories as described in the following text. Systolic arterial pressure was maintained below 130 mmHg for the duration of electrode insertion time. Antiplatelets and anticoagulants were held for multiple days before each procedure.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>Drilling into the skull was accomplished with a 2.1 mm tapered drill bit aimed through a robotic attachment piece along the trajectory for each electrode. The width of the bone at each entry point was measured on preoperative images, and the robotic attachment for drill guidance was used as a safety stop and positioned 3–5 mm beyond the anticipated bone width. With each increase in the depth of drilling, the surgeon would move the robot drill guide several millimeters along the trajectory and then advance the drill. In doing so, the surgeon was able to maintain manual feedback upon drilling through the inner table of the calvarium and perform one final 1–2 mm advancement of the drill guide (and subsequently, drill bit) with the intent to perforate through the dura mater with the drill tip. These drilling steps are illustrated in our associated surgical video [<xref ref-type="supplementary-material" rid="Supp1"> <a href='#Supp1'> Video 1 </a> </xref>]. Unlike the design of other drill bits, the NeuroOne drill provides a tapered tip which prevents the bolt from being placed too deep within the skull and also reduces the risk of causing intracranial injury.</p> <h3>Video 1</h3> <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1036885289?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Initial experience with NeuroOne SEEG"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></br> </list-item> <list-item><p>An alternative to using the drill tip to perforate the dura is to use a separate probe with a tapered sharp endpoint combined with a cautery device to open the dura. With this method, the surgeon can also palpate the dura and use monopolar electrocautery periodically to transmit electricity through the palpation probe and create a small opening within the dura.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>Varying length bolts (20–35 mm) were placed into the predrilled hole based on the measured soft-tissue thickness at each location. Once into the bone, approximately 5 turns were performed to anchor each bolt.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>After dural perforation, each electrode was inserted. No preinserting stylet pass was used, as the NeuroOne Evo SEEG electrode has an incorporated internal stylet, which provides adequate rigidity for placement. Electrodes were planned and placed with an orthogonal trajectory whenever possible.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>Each electrode was anchored to a metal bolt fixated in the skull by tightening the electrode cap until finger tight.</p></list-item> <list-item><p>Each electrode had between 10 and 16 contacts. After insertion, electrodes were labeled, and sterile bandages were dressed along each exit site. Postoperative X-rays were obtained before leaving the operating room (OR) [<xref ref-type="fig" rid="F2"> <a href='#F2'> Figure 2 </a> </xref>]. After each surgery, a fine-cut, noncontrast head CT was obtained to record electrode position and rule out obvious hemorrhage. Inpatient monitoring was performed in a specialized unit for EEG patients.</p></list-item> </list></p><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='F2'></a> <br /><img src='https://i2.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13273/SNI-15-454-g002.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Figure 2:</h3><p>Postoperative X-rays on each patient after stereoelectroencephalography placement.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="RESULTS">RESULTS</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Our initial five cases with NeuroOne EVO electrodes proceeded without any apparent technical issues. It is reasonable to expect an average time of <2 min per electrode insertion with this system. We did not have any intracranial hemorrhage on immediate postoperative CT scans. Monitoring yielded diagnostic information in all patients, and there were no apparent hardware complications. Surgical removal of the electrode and anchor bolt systems after monitoring proceeded without any complications, and incisions (closed with staples) were well healed at 2-week follow-up appointments for each patient.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="DISCUSSION">DISCUSSION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>There are several small alterations to surgical techniques utilized in our series that make electrode insertion more efficient. The use of a robot to aid in the efficiency and accuracy of electrode insertion has been documented previously.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3"> <a href='#ref3'>3</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5"> <a href='#ref5'>5</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6"> <a href='#ref6'>6</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref11"> <a href='#ref11'>11</a> </xref>] Our technique to use the drill-guide attachment on the robot arm as a drill safety stop reduces time with each burr hole and reduces the inadvertent advancement of the drill. The tapered design of the NeuroOne drill bit is uniquely designed to prevent the anchor bolt and the drill from extending into the cranial vault or excessively deep placement of the anchor bolt. This appears to be a useful safety feature during drill use for both experienced surgeons and those in training. In our institutional-specific practice, we utilize the ROSA robot drill attachment as a safety stop for the drill. With the separate attachable safety stop, the surgeon must use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the safety stop on the drill bit; each time, more length of the drill bit needs to be exposed. Using the robot drill-guide attachment, the surgeon can easily move the drill guide several millimeters further along the robotic trajectory each time the drill needs to be advanced, and with less chance of the safety-stop unintentionally moving. A final nuance with the potential to reduce operative time is the absence of a preelectrode pass through the brain with a stylet to create a tract for the electrode to traverse. The NeuroOne electrodes have a built-in stylet that provides significant rigidity to obviate the need for the creation of a tract. Once the dura has been perforated adequately, the risk of errant placement of electrodes is significantly reduced.</p><p>Other benefits of a built-in stylet model are the lack of need for a separate stylet, which adds cost to the procedure, and the avoidance of potential deformation or bending of a stylet with repeated use. A disposable stylet can be opened for each case should the surgeon desire to create an additional trajectory pass before inserting the SEEG electrode. As we accumulate experience with NeuroOne electrode insertion, we anticipate that high accuracy of placement will eliminate the need for utilizing this (or multiple) additional stylets and perhaps reduce cost.</p><p>Another potential benefit of not using a separate stylet is a reduced rate of intracranial hemorrhage due to a reduced number of trajectory passes. Multiple authors cite a relationship between the number of electrode passes in deep brain stimulation and hemorrhage risk, and one could assume a similar correlation in SEEG.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref12"> <a href='#ref12'>12</a> </xref>] The overall hemorrhage rate in SEEG has been quoted at 1–3% and is likely escalated with an increasing number of electrodes and frontal lobe location.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>,<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref10"> <a href='#ref10'>10</a> </xref>] This reduced number of trajectory passes with an internal stylet may, of course, be offset as the total number of electrodes for each procedure increases. The most common type of hemorrhage after SEEG is intraparenchymal, which would not be easily detected intraoperatively.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref10"> <a href='#ref10'>10</a> </xref>] For the surgeon, electrode diameter is important when planning the site of brain entry and reducing the chance of surface vessel contact. NeuroOne has a relatively thin electrode profile, which may reduce the chance of a vascular collision in either circumstance. McGovern <i>et al</i>. demonstrated that hemorrhage risk in SEEG is related to the total number of electrodes, underlying the importance of establishing a focused monitoring hypothesis when possible.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref8"> <a href='#ref8'>8</a> </xref>] They demonstrated a 2.2% symptomatic hemorrhage risk after SEEG but a 19.1% radiographic hemorrhage risk for all types of intracranial bleeding.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref8"> <a href='#ref8'>8</a> </xref>] Worthy of mention is a very recent publication from Lee <i>et al</i>., which showed a larger radial error in trajectory targeting when using an internal-stylet technique as opposed to an external, manually measured stylet pass before inserting the final SEEG electrode with robotic assistance.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref7"> <a href='#ref7'>7</a> </xref>] In addition to the internal-stylet method, greater trajectory entry angle and greater target depth were also correlated with greater targeting error.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref7"> <a href='#ref7'>7</a> </xref>] It will be of great interest to see if we find similar results and acceptable accuracy in our future experience with NeuroOne electrodes and their internal stylet feature.</p><p>The thin profile of NeuroOne electrodes provides an additional technical specification that might reduce hemorrhage risk. With a diameter of 0.8 mm, NeuroOne has a slim profile [<xref ref-type="table" rid="T2"> <a href='#T2'>Table 2</a> </xref>]. A range between 5 and 16 contacts, each 2 mm in length, allows for sufficient recording coverage. Contact spacing ranges from 1.5 to 3.2 mm for larger electrodes to offer more customized surface contact per brain region. In comparison, DIXI Medical, USA (DIXI) SEEG electrodes (Chaudefontaine, France) have a similar diameter (0.8 mm) and a semi-rigid structure intended to allow the surgeon to choose between utilizing a preelectrode stylet and using the electrode alone to create the trajectory. The stylet is listed as a single-use item. DIXI electrodes exhibit a fixed distance of 1.5 mm between all contacts, and a nonsterile attachment cable is typically used [<xref ref-type="table" rid="T2"> <a href='#T2'>Table 2</a> </xref>]. PMT Medical Corporation, Chanhassen, MN (PMT) offers the surgeon an option of selecting an electrode with or without internal stylet on order, which is unique among the existing companies. In theory, PMT electrodes (without a stylet) may be the least rigid of existing products, which may predispose to trajectory deflection; the exact incidence of this is unknown. AdTech (Oak Creek, WI) SEEG electrodes have a wide range of contact sizes and diameters, some of which are available through special order. Some of the special-order electrodes have a diameter over twice as large as their competitors, leaving a bigger trajectory footprint and a need for careful preoperative planning to avoid vascular structures if these models are used. The ideal number of contacts will be different depending on the area of tissue monitored and the suspected epileptogenic and irritative zones. Connection cables for AdTech are typically advertised as a sterile, single-use product.</p><p>With a learning curve for insertion considered, it would be reasonable to infer small cost savings from the shortened duration of anesthesia if the surgeon fully realizes the potential surgical time benefits of the NeuroOne tapered drill and internal stylet.</p><p>Although this series is one of the earliest reports of NeuroOne SEEG electrodes, it includes a very limited number of patients. Due to an overall low complication rate with SEEG, a larger number of electrode insertions would be necessary to compare operative times, technical issues, or hardware complications between these and other electrode models. The same statement could be made about the diagnostic capabilities of this electrode versus other available designs. This text is intended to be a review of some technical specifications of this new SEEG product and not a lengthy review of the indications for SEEG. There are many similarities between currently approved electrode models. The lack of a separate stylet for NeuroOne electrode insertion may prompt the concern of electrode deviation; the risk of this event is unknown and would be elicited with a large volume of consecutive cases. Finally, as the variable of cost is influenced by many factors – insurance, availability, and hospital contractual agreements, it may be difficult to generalize trends.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="CONCLUSION">CONCLUSION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Our initial experience with NeuroOnc SEEG products gives us positive expectations for continued use in epilepsy surgery. Their low profile, variability in contact spacing, and semi-rigid internal stylet design suggest that they can be both versatile and efficient for the surgeon in terms of OR time and cost. There are multiple similarities in design between the existing electrode companies, which will make studying some differences challenging, whether this may be hardware complications, successful use in monitoring data, or risk of complications in a procedure with already low complication rates.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Author contributions">Author contributions</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>NW: Conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, writing of original draft, review, and editing; AH: Conceptualization, review, and editing; SV: Conceptualization, formal analysis, review and editing, supervision.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Ethical approval">Ethical approval</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The research/study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California Irvine, number 3656, dated 10/01/2023.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Declaration of patient consent">Declaration of patient consent</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Financial support and sponsorship">Financial support and sponsorship</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Nil.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Conflicts of interest">Conflicts of interest</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>There are no conflicts of interest.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation">Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The authors confirm that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Video available on: ">Video available on: </a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_277_2024">https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_277_2024</ext-link></p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Disclaimer">Disclaimer</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Journal or its management. The information contained in this article should not be considered to be medical advice; patients should consult their own physicians for advice as to their specific medical needs.</p></div> </div></div><div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><h3 class="blogheading pull-left Main-Title col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Acknowledgments">Acknowledgments</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>We would like to recognize all surgical device company representatives who have worked at UCI in their efforts to provide accurate information and assist with patient care.</p></div> </div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="blogheading pull-left Main-Title"><a name="References" href="javascript:void(0);">References</a></h3> <div class="clearfix"></div> <div class="hline"></div> <p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref1' style='text-decoration: none;'>1.</a> Cardinale F, Cossu M, Castana L, Casaceli G, Schiariti MP, Miserocchi A. Stereoelectroencephalography: Surgical methodology, safety, and stereotactic application accuracy in 500 procedures. Neurosurgery. 2013. 72: 353-66</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref2' style='text-decoration: none;'>2.</a> De Almeida AN, Olivier A, Quesney F, Dubeau F, Savard G, Andermann F. Efficacy of and morbidity associated with stereoelectroencephalography using computerized tomography-or magnetic resonance imaging-guided electrode implantation. J Neurosurg. 2006. 104: 483-7</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref3' style='text-decoration: none;'>3.</a> Faraji AH, Remick M, Abel TJ. Contributions of robotics to the safety and efficacy of invasive monitoring with stereoelectroencephalography. Front Neurol. 2020. 16: 570010</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref4' style='text-decoration: none;'>4.</a> , editors. FDA approval of neuroone electrodes. K211367.pdf. 2021. p. </p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref5' style='text-decoration: none;'>5.</a> Gomes FC, Larcipretti AL, Nger G, Dagostin CS, UdomaUdofa OC, Pontes JP. Robot-assisted vs. manually guided stereoelectroencephalography for refractory epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Rev. 2023. 46: 102</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref6' style='text-decoration: none;'>6.</a> González-Martínez J, Bulacio J, Thompson S, Gale J, Smithason S, Najm I. Technique, results, and complications related to robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography. Neurosurgery. 2016. 78: 169-80</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref7' style='text-decoration: none;'>7.</a> Lee SJ, Lee PS, Faraji AH, Richardson RM, Kokkinos V. Implantation accuracy and operative variables in robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography. J Neurosurg. 2023. 139: 1598-603</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref8' style='text-decoration: none;'>8.</a> McGovern R, Ruggieri P, Bulacio J, Najm I, Bingaman W, Gonzalez-Martinez J. Risk analysis of hemorrhage in stereo-electrocephalography procedures. Epilepsia. 2019. 60: 571-80</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref9' style='text-decoration: none;'>9.</a> Mullin J, Smithason S, Gonzalez-Martinez J. Stereo-electro-encephalo-graphy (SEEG) with robotic assistance in the presurgical evaluation of medical refractory epilepsy: A technical note. J Vis Exp. 2016. 112: e53206</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref10' style='text-decoration: none;'>10.</a> Mullin JP, Shriver M, Alomar S, Najm I, Bulacio J, Chauvel P. Is SEEG safe? A systematic review and meta-analysis of stereo-electroencephalography-related complications. Epilepsia. 2016. 57: 386-401</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref11' style='text-decoration: none;'>11.</a> Zhang D, Cui X, Zheng J, Zhang S, Wang M, Lu W. Neurosurgical robot-assistant stereoelectroencephalography system: Operability and accuracy. Brain Behav. 2021. 11: e2347</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref12' style='text-decoration: none;'>12.</a> Zrinzo L, Foltynie T, Limousin P, Hariz MI. Reducing hemorrhagic complications in functional neurosurgery: A large case series and systematic literature review. J Neurosurg. 2012. 116: 84-94</p></div> </div></div>
  2. Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature

    Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:39:28 -0000

    Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature Category: Article Type: Syed Faisal Nadeem1, Anum Gujrati2, Fatima Mubarak3, Ahsan Ali Khan1, Syed Ather Enam1Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PakistanDepartment of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PakistanDepartment of … Continue reading Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature
    <div><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"> <html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body><div class="row"><div class="col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><div class="media-body details-body"> <a href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13268"><h2 class="media-heading"><h2 class="media-heading">Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature</h2></h2></a> </div><div class="disp_categories"> <p><label>Category: </label><span></span></p> <p><label>Article Type: </label><span></span></p> </div><a href="mailto:syedfaisal.nadeem@aku.edu" target="_top">Syed Faisal Nadeem</a><sup>1</sup>, <a href="mailto:anum.shiraz@aku.edu" target="_top">Anum Gujrati</a><sup>2</sup>, <a href="mailto:fatima.mubarak@aku.edu" target="_top">Fatima Mubarak</a><sup>3</sup>, <a href="mailto:ahsanali.khan@aku.edu" target="_top">Ahsan Ali Khan</a><sup>1</sup>, <a href="mailto:ather.enam@aku.edu" target="_top">Syed Ather Enam</a><sup>1</sup><ol class="smalllist"><li>Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan</li><li>Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan</li><li>Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan</li></ol><p><strong>Correspondence Address:</strong><br>Ahsan Ali Khan, Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.<br></p><p><strong>DOI:</strong>10.25259/SNI_192_2024</p>Copyright: © 2024 Surgical Neurology International This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, transform, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.<div class="parablock"><p><strong>How to cite this article: </strong>Syed Faisal Nadeem1, Anum Gujrati2, Fatima Mubarak3, Ahsan Ali Khan1, Syed Ather Enam1. Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature. 06-Dec-2024;15:453</p></div><div class="parablock"><p><strong>How to cite this URL: </strong>Syed Faisal Nadeem1, Anum Gujrati2, Fatima Mubarak3, Ahsan Ali Khan1, Syed Ather Enam1. Awake resection of a right motor cortex arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature. 06-Dec-2024;15:453. Available from: <a href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13268">https://surgicalneurologyint.com/?post_type=surgicalint_articles&p=13268</a></p></div> </div> <div class="col-lg-3 col-sm-4 col-xs-12"><div class="article-detail-sidebar"><div class="icon sidebar-icon clearfix add-readinglist-icon"><button id="bookmark-article" class="add-reading-list-article">Add to Reading List</button><button id="bookmark-remove-article" class="remove-reading-list-article">Remove from Reading List</button></div><div class="icon sidebar-icon clearfix"><a class="btn btn-link" target="_blank" type="button" id="OpenPdf" href="https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13268/SNI-15-453.pdf"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/pdf-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a><a target="_blank" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="return PrintArticle();"><img decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/file-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a><a class="btn btn-link" type="button" id="EmaiLPDF"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/themes/surgicalint/images/mail-icon.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1" class="no-popup" data-recalc-dims="1"></a></div><div class="date"> <p>Date of Submission<br><span class="darkgray">16-Mar-2024</span></p> <p>Date of Acceptance<br><span class="darkgray">13-Nov-2024</span></p> <p>Date of Web Publication<br><span class="darkgray">06-Dec-2024</span></p> </div> </div></div> </div> <!--.row --><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="blogheading pull-left Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Abstract">Abstract</a></h3> <div class="clearfix"></div> <div class="hline"></div> <p><strong>Background: </strong>Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are extremely rare in the pediatric population, with an estimated prevalence of 0.014–0.028%. About 75–80% of pediatric AVMs present with intracranial hemorrhage, a source of significant morbidity and mortality. Awake craniotomy (AC) has become the standard approach for resecting eloquent area intracranial lesions in the adult population. Its use, however remains limited in the pediatric population and has very rarely been reported for an AVM of the motor cortex in this age group.</p><p><strong>Case Description: </strong>We report the case of a 17-year-old, right-handed boy who presented to our setup with a 2-month history of left-sided hemiparesis and left facial hypoesthesia following an episode of acute loss of consciousness (ALOC) while playing football. A computed tomography scan done after ALOC revealed an AVM in the right frontoparietal cortex with associated acute hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done which revealed a right-sided grade II AVM with arterial supply from the right middle cerebral artery and venous drainage into the superior sagittal and cavernous sinuses. The patient underwent elective neuronavigation-guided right frontoparietal AC and resection of AVM. Postoperative DSA revealed no residual disease. The patient’s neurologic deficits showed improvement in the first few days following surgery. He was discharged with advice to follow up in a neurosurgery clinic to monitor his postoperative recovery and ensure compliance with physiotherapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case represents only the second pediatric patient in the available medical literature to have ever undergone AC for intracranial AVM resection. Pediatric AVMs are a rare entity and pose the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Awake surgery has the potential to reduce iatrogenic neurological deficits in the pediatric population significantly. More work must be done to increase pediatric patient compliance with awake surgery.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Arteriovenous malformation, Awake craniotomy, Pediatric arteriovenous malformation (AVM)</p><p></p></div> </div></body></html> </div><div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"><p></p><p><inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="SNI-15-453-inline001.tif"/></p><p></p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are extremely rare in the pediatric population, with an estimated prevalence of 0.014–0.028%.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] They do, however, carry the potential to cause excessive morbidity and mortality.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] Approximately 75–80% of pediatric AVMs present with intracranial hemorrhage, a figure much higher than the 50–65% frequency of adult AVMs presenting with hemorrhage.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5"> <a href='#ref5'>5</a> </xref>]</p><p>Awake craniotomy (AC) is a surgical technique wherein the patient being operated on remains awake during the procedure to allow his/her neurologic function to be monitored.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref9"> <a href='#ref9'>9</a> </xref>] It is utilized in cases where lesions lie in or near eloquent brain regions.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] In addition to reducing the risk of iatrogenic neurologic injury, AC helps avoid the physiologic disturbances and postoperative nausea and vomiting often associated with general anesthesia (GA).[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref9"> <a href='#ref9'>9</a> </xref>] Despite being accepted as a standard of care in adult patients, AC is still seldom utilized in the pediatric population.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] In this article, we review the case of a pediatric patient with a right motor cortex AVM who underwent awake resection. According to the available medical literature, this is only the second pediatric patient in history to have undergone AC for intracranial AVM resection.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>]</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="CASE DESCRIPTION">CASE DESCRIPTION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>A 17-year-old right-handed boy with no prior known comorbidities presented to the emergency room with complaints of left-sided hemiparesis and left facial hypoesthesia following an episode of acute loss of consciousness (ALOC) while playing football. A computed tomography (CT) scan head without contrast and a CT angiogram were done, which revealed an AVM in the right frontoparietal cortex with associated acute hemorrhage. The patient was conservatively managed with blood pressure control and neuromonitoring. He was subsequently discharged with advice to initiate physiotherapy and follow-up in the neurosurgery clinic for digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and possible planned elective AVM resection after the acute hemorrhage resolved. A decision was made to delay the DSA until the time of surgery to allow preoperative embolization to be done alongside it.</p><p>A month after the ALOC, elective DSA was performed, which revealed a right-sided grade II AVM with arterial supply from the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and venous drainage into the superior sagittal and cavernous sinuses [<xref ref-type="fig" rid="F1"> <a href='#F1'>Figure 1</a> </xref>]. The patient was thereby planned for interval AVM resection, and it was decided not to perform preoperative AVM embolization as this could result in an MCA branch infarct. After 6 weeks of his intracranial hemorrhage, the patient underwent neuronavigation guided right frontoparietal AC and resection of AVM. Intraoperatively, the AVM was anatomically found at the right inferior frontal gyrus and was surrounded by gliotic tissue. Postoperatively, after ensuring hemodynamic stability, the patient was shifted to the special care unit for neuro-observation. Repeat DSA was performed postoperatively, which revealed no residual disease [<xref ref-type="fig" rid="F2"> <a href='#F2'>Figure 2</a> </xref>]. The patient experienced no significant complications in the post-operative period other than nausea, for which anti-emetic medications were optimized, and mild wound dehiscence, for which the defect had to be secured with a stitch.</p><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='F1'></a> <br /><img src='https://i1.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13268/SNI-15-453-g001.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Figure 1:</h3><p>Preoperative imaging of the right frontal arteriovenous malformation. (a) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted Coronal view, (b) MRI T1-weighted with contrast, Coronal view, (c) MRI T1-weighted with contrast, axial view, and (d and e) digital subtraction angiography shows the nidus supplied by the right middle cerebral artery and with early draining into the superior sagittal sinus in the arterial phase.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 content-figure col-wrap"> <div class="col-xs-2 figure-body col"><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='F2'></a> <br /><img src='https://i2.wp.com/surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13268/SNI-15-453-g002.png?w=604&#038;ssl=1' data-recalc-dims="1" /></div><div class="col-xs-10 col"> <div class="figure-content"><h3>Figure 2:</h3><p>(a and b) Postoperative digital subtraction angiography showing absence of nidus or early draining vein in early capillary/ late arterial phase.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="clearfix">&nbsp;</div><p>Neurorehabilitative measures were instituted early on for the patient. His left-sided hemiparesis showed significant improvement in the first few days following surgery, from a Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength score of 3/5 in the left upper and lower limbs preoperatively to a score of 4/5 postoperatively. He was thus discharged with advice to follow up in a neurosurgery clinic to monitor his recovery and ensure compliance with physiotherapy. The patient’s motor powers continued to improve on regular clinic follow-ups. He exhibited powers of MRC muscle strength score 4+/5 in his left upper and lower limbs in his latest clinic follow-up, allowing him to walk with minimal assistance.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="DISCUSSION">DISCUSSION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Although they are, in essence, congenital lesions,[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3"> <a href='#ref3'>3</a> </xref>] intracranial AVMs are mostly diagnosed in the adult population.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4"> <a href='#ref4'>4</a> </xref>] The potential for hemorrhage, however, is significantly greater in the pediatric population, which, when combined with the longer life expectancy of children, adds to the morbidity and mortality posed by AVMs in this age group.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5"> <a href='#ref5'>5</a> </xref>]</p><p>The accepted goal of treatment of intracranial AVMs is the complete removal of both the nidus and all of its arteriovenous shunts to eliminate all pathologic angiogenic capacity at the lesion site.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6"> <a href='#ref6'>6</a> </xref>] There are currently three treatment modalities that can be employed to achieve this purpose: microsurgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6"> <a href='#ref6'>6</a> </xref>] Microsurgical resection has been the longest used of the three modalities in the treatment of intracranial AVMs. It remains the first-line therapy due to it possessing the greatest potential to provide a complete cure. However, it does come with the associated risk of causing iatrogenic neurological injury to surrounding brain tissue.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref7"> <a href='#ref7'>7</a> </xref>] Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a non-invasive method of treating brain AVMs; however, its response is rather delayed as the aberrant vasculature takes time to sclerose and involute after radiation to the affected area is applied, and so the risk of hemorrhage remains significant till the AVM persists.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref8"> <a href='#ref8'>8</a> </xref>] Endovascular embolization is mostly employed as an adjunct to surgery and radiation therapy to reduce nidus size before definitive treatment.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref7"> <a href='#ref7'>7</a> </xref>] The chances of achieving complete lesion obliteration are significantly lower with angio-embolization and so it remains mostly an ancillary modality of treatment than the one of choice.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref10"> <a href='#ref10'>10</a> </xref>]</p><p>AC has become the standard of care for adult patients with eloquent brain lesions in need of resection;[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] however, it has thus far very rarely been practiced in the pediatric population – in one recent extensive systematic review, a total of 142 pediatric patients could be identified to have undergone AC to date.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] The indications for AC were as follows: tumor resection (<i>n</i> = 110, 77.46%), seizure/epilepsy (<i>n</i> = 23, 16.20%), insertion of deep brain stimulation electrodes (<i>n</i> = 8, 5.63%), and AVM resection (<i>n</i> = 1, 0.70%).[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>] In this review, the youngest age at the time of surgery was identified as 7, while the mean age of the study population was 12.23 years.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1"> <a href='#ref1'>1</a> </xref>]</p><p>The main limiting factor in the application of AC in the pediatric population is the cognitive immaturity of children and the resulting exaggerated stress and anxiety they experience in the operating room setting.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref12"> <a href='#ref12'>12</a> </xref>] The need for conversion from local to GA in the pediatric population, however, does not seem too immense, as reported by a systematic review of pediatric ACs by Bhanja <i>et al</i>., who found only four of the 98 cases (4.08%) of pediatric ACs they included in their review ended in conversion to GA with subjective pain, agitation, and discomfort being the main reasons for doing so.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] Of these four patients, one had to undergo conversion to GA due to a residual tumor in a non-eloquent area that needed GA for optimal resection.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] Of note, however, is that in the same review, it was found that 19 of 92 pediatric patients (20.65%) found it difficult to perform all monitoring tasks.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] Nineteen of 98 patients (19.39%) were reported to have developed postoperative complications, including aphasia (<i>n</i> = 4, 4.08%), hemiparesis (<i>n</i> = 2, 2.04%), sensory deficit (<i>n</i> = 3, 3.06%), motor deficit (<i>n</i> = 4, 4.08%), or others (<i>n</i> = 6, 6.12%).[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] Only three of these 98 patients (3.06%), however, continued to experience long-lasting post-operative complications: [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] For one of them, the complication was not strictly neurologic but rather psychologic, as they suffered from major anxiety disorder after surgery.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>] The rest of the 16 patients saw their complications resolve during the immediate postoperative period and subsequent follow-up.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2"> <a href='#ref2'>2</a> </xref>]</p><p>Psychological issues have been studied and reported as major complications following ACs in both adult and pediatric patients.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref13"> <a href='#ref13'>13</a> </xref>] To reduce peri- and intraoperative anxiety and improve patient compliance, Labuschagne <i>et al</i>., report using simulated theater experiences to introduce pediatric patients to the surgical experience, explore their limitations to complying with the monitoring protocols, and tailor the experience to suit their individual needs.[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref11"> <a href='#ref11'>11</a> </xref>]</p><p>To combat intraoperative anxiety and resulting non-compliance in our case, we ensured the team member responsible for intraoperative neuromonitoring established a good rapport with the patient before the procedure and continuously kept speaking to the patient on topics of his interest during the procedure while monitoring for any deficits. Doing so ensured the patient remained at ease and was willing to follow the neuromonitoring protocol throughout his surgery. Our patient was, however, at the older end of the pediatric age spectrum, so the strategy we employed to make the AC experience more comfortable for him may not be equally applicable to younger patients who, despite having a member of the surgical team by their side to keep them calm during the procedure, might still find the operating room environment too stressful and discomforting to be able to comply to all the requirements and demands of intraoperative neuromonitoring. It is thus warranted to invest in efforts to preoperatively condition pediatric patients scheduled to undergo ACs to the operating room environment and, in the process, perhaps even modify the environment to ensure better intraoperative comfort for and conformity from the patient. More nuanced and subjective strategies, tailored to individual patients’ requirements, might be of benefit in this regard.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="CONCLUSION">CONCLUSION</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Intracranial AVM is a rare pediatric pathology that bears massive potential for morbidity and mortality. Surgical resection remains, to date, the gold standard to achieve complete resection of the lesions. AC is gradually becoming the standard for eloquent brain lesion resection. In contrast to its common use in adult patients, AC remains seldom utilized in the pediatric population, with intraoperative stress and anxiety being significant limiting factors to compliance with AC in children. More work needs to be done to explore ways to make the AC experience less stressful and more bearable for pediatric patients.</p><p></p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Ethical approval">Ethical approval</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The Institutional Review Board approval is not required.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Declaration of patient consent">Declaration of patient consent</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Financial support and sponsorship">Financial support and sponsorship</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>Nil.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Conflicts of interest">Conflicts of interest</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>There are no conflicts of interest.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation">Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The authors confirm that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.</p><h3 class="blogheading Main-Title"><a href="javascript:void(0);" name="Disclaimer">Disclaimer</a></h3><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="hline"></div><p>The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Journal or its management. The information contained in this article should not be considered to be medical advice; patients should consult their own physicians for advice as to their specific medical needs.</p></div> </div></div><div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"></div> </div><div class="row"> <div class="blogparagraph col-lg-9 col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="blogheading pull-left Main-Title"><a name="References" href="javascript:void(0);">References</a></h3> <div class="clearfix"></div> <div class="hline"></div> <p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref1' style='text-decoration: none;'>1.</a> Al Fudhaili AN, Al-Busaidi F, Madan ZM, Al Issa MS, Al Mamria MH, Al-Saadi T. Awake craniotomy surgery in pediatrics: A systematic review. World Neurosurg. 2023. 179: 82-7</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref2' style='text-decoration: none;'>2.</a> Bhanja D, Sciscent BY, Daggubati LC, Ryan CA, Pahapill NK, Hazard SW. Awake craniotomies in the pediatric population: A systematic review. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2023. 32: 428-36</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref3' style='text-decoration: none;'>3.</a> Blamek S, Larysz D, Miszczyk L. Stereotactic linac radiosurgery and hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for pediatric arteriovenous malformations of the brain: Experiences of a single institution. Childs Nerv Syst. 2013. 29: 651-6</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref4' style='text-decoration: none;'>4.</a> Derdeyn CP, Zipfel GJ, Albuquerque FC, Cooke DL, Feldmann E, Sheehan JP. Management of brain arteriovenous malformations: A scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2017. 48: e200-24</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref5' style='text-decoration: none;'>5.</a> Di Rocco C, Tamburrini G, Rollo M. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations in children. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2000. 142: 145-56 discussion 156-8</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref6' style='text-decoration: none;'>6.</a> Garza-Mercado R, Cavazos E, Tamez-Montes D. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations in children and adolescents. Surg Neurol. 1987. 27: 131-40</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref7' style='text-decoration: none;'>7.</a> Hofmeister C, Stapf C, Hartmann A, Sciacca RR, Mansmann U, terBrugge K. Demographic, morphological, and clinical characteristics of 1289 patients with brain arteriovenous malformation. Stroke. 2000. 31: 1307-10</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref8' style='text-decoration: none;'>8.</a> Kano H, Kondziolka D, Flickinger JC, Park KJ, Iyer A, Yang HC. Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations after embolization: A case-control study. J Neurosurg. 2012. 117: 265-75</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref9' style='text-decoration: none;'>9.</a> Kim SH, Choi SH. Anesthetic considerations for awake craniotomy. Anesth Pain Med (Seoul). 2020. 15: 269-74</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref10' style='text-decoration: none;'>10.</a> Kondziolka D, Humphreys RP, Hoffman HJ, Hendrick EB, Drake JM. Arteriovenous malformations of the brain in children: A forty year experience. Can J Neurol Sci. 1992. 19: 40-5</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref11' style='text-decoration: none;'>11.</a> Labuschagne J, Lee CA, Mutyaba D, Mbanje T, Sibanda C. Awake craniotomy in a child: Assessment of eligibility with a simulated theatre experience. Case Rep Anesthesiol. 2020. 2020: 6902075</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref12' style='text-decoration: none;'>12.</a> Mofatteh M, Mashayekhi MS, Arfaie S, Chen Y, Hendi K, Kwan AT. Stress, anxiety, and depression associated with awake craniotomy: A systematic review. Neurosurgery. 2023. 92: 225-40</p><p><a href='javascript:void(0);' name='ref13' style='text-decoration: none;'>13.</a> O’Leary KD, Philippopoulos AJ, Koslofsky A, Ahmed Y. How often do awake craniotomies in children and adolescents lead to panic and worry?. Childs Nerv Syst. 2024. 40: 359-70</p></div> </div></div>
  3. Improvement in cranial neuropathies following stereotactic radiotherapy as primary treatment for skull base meningiomas

    Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:41:24 -0000

    .
  4. Neuro-oncology application of next-generation, optically tracked robotic stereotaxis with intraoperative computed tomography: a pilot experience

    Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

    Journal Name: Neurosurgical Focus
    Volume: 57
    Issue: 6
    Pages: E4
  5. Integration of a lightweight and table-mounted robotic alignment tool with automated patient-to-image registration using robotic cone-beam CT for intracranial biopsies and stereotactic electroencephalography

    Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

    Journal Name: Neurosurgical Focus
    Volume: 57
    Issue: 6
    Pages: E2
  6. Microvascular Decompression: An Effective Approach for Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by a Dolichoectatic Basilar Artery after Multiple Treatment Failures

    Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:11:15 -0000

    Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), characterized by recurrent episodes of intense facial pain, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. TN can be triggered by many factors, with rare cases (< 0.05% of the general population) associated with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD). Our study analyzes a 74-year-old male patient with 10 years of constant unbearable left-sided facial pain, unresponsive to medications and multiple glycerol rhizotomies, performed in other centers which prompted the patient to seek care at our clinic. The confirmation of left-sided VBD by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography angiography, and the patient's overall satisfactory health status favored open surgery with microvascular decompression (MVD). We performed a retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy to reach the cerebellopontine angle, ensuring that it is the dolichoectatic basilar artery applying compression to the trigeminal nerve. We inserted a shredded Teflon implant into the trigeminal cistern following its opening. Care was exercised to ensure that there were no remaining factors causing compression. Postoperatively, pain relief was achieved, sustained at an 8-month follow-up. Treating TN arising from VBD can be difficult. The patient's overall health status and assessment play a key role in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Opting for MVD is the optimal and most effective choice, regardless of age, according to the recent literature. In cases where surgery is not feasible, the treatment options will involve medications and less invasive therapeutic approaches such as peripheral rhizotomies or stereotactic radiosurgery. Our case highlights the efficacy of MVD in addressing TN associated with VBD, underscoring the need for advanced treatment modalities and expertise in managing complex cases.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg Rep 2024; 85: e156-e160<br/>DOI: 10.1055/a-2342-4086</p><p>Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), characterized by recurrent episodes of intense facial pain, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. TN can be triggered by many factors, with rare cases (&lt; 0.05% of the general population) associated with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD). Our study analyzes a 74-year-old male patient with 10 years of constant unbearable left-sided facial pain, unresponsive to medications and multiple glycerol rhizotomies, performed in other centers which prompted the patient to seek care at our clinic. The confirmation of left-sided VBD by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography angiography, and the patient's overall satisfactory health status favored open surgery with microvascular decompression (MVD). We performed a retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy to reach the cerebellopontine angle, ensuring that it is the dolichoectatic basilar artery applying compression to the trigeminal nerve. We inserted a shredded Teflon implant into the trigeminal cistern following its opening. Care was exercised to ensure that there were no remaining factors causing compression. Postoperatively, pain relief was achieved, sustained at an 8-month follow-up. Treating TN arising from VBD can be difficult. The patient's overall health status and assessment play a key role in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Opting for MVD is the optimal and most effective choice, regardless of age, according to the recent literature. In cases where surgery is not feasible, the treatment options will involve medications and less invasive therapeutic approaches such as peripheral rhizotomies or stereotactic radiosurgery. Our case highlights the efficacy of MVD in addressing TN associated with VBD, underscoring the need for advanced treatment modalities and expertise in managing complex cases.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-2342-4086">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/10.1055/s-014-59895">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2342-4086">Abstract</a>  |  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000;">open access</span> <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2342-4086">Full text</a></p>
  7. Characterizing Hearing Outcomes Following Treatment of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningiomas

    Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:55:37 -0000

    Objectives To characterize treatment and hearing outcomes for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas with inherent risks of hearing loss and identify predictors of hearing loss for surgically treated lesions. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Participants Adult patients with CPA meningiomas impinging upon cranial nerve VIII and/or pretreatment hearing loss managed with microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with Gamma Knife at our center between 2012 and 2023. Main Outcome Measures Hearing preservation rate was determined from analysis of patients with pretreatment serviceable hearing for whom hearing-preserving treatment was attempted. Surgical patients were further analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify factors predictive of postoperative hearing loss. Results We identified 80 patients with CPA meningiomas meeting inclusion criteria who were managed with either microsurgery (43, 54%) or radiosurgery (37, 46%). Following SRS, hearing was preserved in 88% of cases. Following microsurgery, hearing was preserved in 71% of patients—all patients who lost hearing had tumors involving the internal auditory canal (IAC). Among surgical patients only, multivariable analysis accounting for preoperative hearing, recurrence status, lesion size, and patient age, the preoperative imaging finding that the CPA meningioma surrounded the vestibulocochlear nerve was significantly associated with hearing loss (hazard ratio: 10.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–81.4, p = 0.02). Conclusion Most patients with meningiomas of the CPA can experience preservation of hearing, even when there is risk of hearing loss based on pretreatment evaluation. IAC invasion and surrounding of eighth nerve by tumor may portend poorer hearing outcomes in surgically managed patients.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg B Skull Base<br/>DOI: 10.1055/a-2399-0081</p><p> Objectives To characterize treatment and hearing outcomes for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas with inherent risks of hearing loss and identify predictors of hearing loss for surgically treated lesions. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Participants Adult patients with CPA meningiomas impinging upon cranial nerve VIII and/or pretreatment hearing loss managed with microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with Gamma Knife at our center between 2012 and 2023. Main Outcome Measures Hearing preservation rate was determined from analysis of patients with pretreatment serviceable hearing for whom hearing-preserving treatment was attempted. Surgical patients were further analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify factors predictive of postoperative hearing loss. Results We identified 80 patients with CPA meningiomas meeting inclusion criteria who were managed with either microsurgery (43, 54%) or radiosurgery (37, 46%). Following SRS, hearing was preserved in 88% of cases. Following microsurgery, hearing was preserved in 71% of patients—all patients who lost hearing had tumors involving the internal auditory canal (IAC). Among surgical patients only, multivariable analysis accounting for preoperative hearing, recurrence status, lesion size, and patient age, the preoperative imaging finding that the CPA meningioma surrounded the vestibulocochlear nerve was significantly associated with hearing loss (hazard ratio: 10.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–81.4, p = 0.02). Conclusion Most patients with meningiomas of the CPA can experience preservation of hearing, even when there is risk of hearing loss based on pretreatment evaluation. IAC invasion and surrounding of eighth nerve by tumor may portend poorer hearing outcomes in surgically managed patients.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-2399-0081">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/eFirst/10.1055/s-00000181">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2399-0081">Abstract</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2399-0081">Full text</a></p>
  8. Profound Pneumocephalus and Low-Pressure Hydrocephalus Triggered by Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement after Resection, Fat Graft Reconstruction, and Radiotherapy for a Malignant Skull Base Schwannoma

    Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:34:33 -0000

    Background Tension pneumocephalus is a rare postoperative complication, typically presenting with mental status changes or rapid neurological decline after craniotomy. We report a complex case of tension pneumocephalus triggered by graft retraction after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Case History A 39-year-old woman with a recurrent left trigeminal cavernous sinus schwannoma, status post one prior resection, two stereotactic radiosurgery treatments, and one course of fractionated radiotherapy, underwent radical resection with orbital exenteration and abdominal fat free graft reconstruction followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for malignant transformation. She developed subacute ventriculomegaly with altered mental status, prompting VP shunt placement. Three weeks later, she presented with profound pneumocephalus and intraventricular air originating from a large, left-sided sphenoid and maxillary defect, from which the fat graft had retracted. A right frontal external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed, resulting in immediate release of air under high pressure. Definitive treatment required skull base reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi free flap, contralateral nasoseptal flap, antibiotics, and VP shunt revision for treatment of combined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, pneumocephalus, ventriculitis, and low-pressure hydrocephalus. As of her last follow-up, she was restored to her initial postresection neurological baseline. Conclusion Tension pneumocephalus is a rare and life-threatening emergency that requires immediate neurosurgical intervention. We report the index case of tension pneumocephalus induced by graft retraction following radiotherapy and CSF diversion. Where observed, tension pneumocephalus resulting from a skull base CSF leak may be associated with low-pressure hydrocephalus, and successful long-term management demands balancing the need for CSF diversion against the integrity of the skull base reconstruction.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg Rep 2024; 85: e138-e143<br/>DOI: 10.1055/a-2376-7197</p><p> Background Tension pneumocephalus is a rare postoperative complication, typically presenting with mental status changes or rapid neurological decline after craniotomy. We report a complex case of tension pneumocephalus triggered by graft retraction after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Case History A 39-year-old woman with a recurrent left trigeminal cavernous sinus schwannoma, status post one prior resection, two stereotactic radiosurgery treatments, and one course of fractionated radiotherapy, underwent radical resection with orbital exenteration and abdominal fat free graft reconstruction followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for malignant transformation. She developed subacute ventriculomegaly with altered mental status, prompting VP shunt placement. Three weeks later, she presented with profound pneumocephalus and intraventricular air originating from a large, left-sided sphenoid and maxillary defect, from which the fat graft had retracted. A right frontal external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed, resulting in immediate release of air under high pressure. Definitive treatment required skull base reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi free flap, contralateral nasoseptal flap, antibiotics, and VP shunt revision for treatment of combined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, pneumocephalus, ventriculitis, and low-pressure hydrocephalus. As of her last follow-up, she was restored to her initial postresection neurological baseline. Conclusion Tension pneumocephalus is a rare and life-threatening emergency that requires immediate neurosurgical intervention. We report the index case of tension pneumocephalus induced by graft retraction following radiotherapy and CSF diversion. Where observed, tension pneumocephalus resulting from a skull base CSF leak may be associated with low-pressure hydrocephalus, and successful long-term management demands balancing the need for CSF diversion against the integrity of the skull base reconstruction.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-2376-7197">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/10.1055/s-014-59895">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2376-7197">Abstract</a>  |  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000;">open access</span> <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2376-7197">Full text</a></p>
  9. Hearing Improvement after Radiation Therapy for a Facial Nerve Schwannoma: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

    Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:32:08 -0000

    Introduction While facial nerve schwannomas are considered benign, they can impart various significant clinical effects due to pressure on nearby cerebrovascular structures within the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Although surgical resection and/or radiation therapy often provide definitive treatment of such tumors, posttreatment hearing loss is a common finding. In this report, we present the case of a patient with a facial nerve schwannoma successfully treated with radiotherapy with resultant hearing improvement, an extremely rare clinical finding. Case Presentation A 63-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of progressively worsening hearing loss and tinnitus. Brain imaging demonstrated an enhancing lesion of the right CPA measuring 2.7 × 2.1 × 3.1 cm. Pretreatment audiometry evaluation revealed sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear with a pure-tone average (PTA) of 74 dB, speech threshold (ST) of 75 dB, and speech discrimination (SD) of 0%. The patient proceeded with attempted surgical resection, aborted due to significant facial nerve stimulation, and ultimately underwent radiation therapy (50.4 Gy, 28 fractions). At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient reports subjective hearing loss resolution with PTA of 34 dB, 30 dB ST, and 88% SD on audiological evaluation. Conclusion Although radiation therapy for schwannomas within the CPA has historically been associated with hearing loss, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) may provide improved clinical outcomes compared with high-dose radiosurgery. Given the effectiveness of this treatment modality and improved quality of life offered to patients over surgery, FSRT may be considered an initial management option for patients with facial nerve schwannomas.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg Rep 2024; 85: e112-e117<br/>DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788071</p><p> Introduction While facial nerve schwannomas are considered benign, they can impart various significant clinical effects due to pressure on nearby cerebrovascular structures within the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Although surgical resection and/or radiation therapy often provide definitive treatment of such tumors, posttreatment hearing loss is a common finding. In this report, we present the case of a patient with a facial nerve schwannoma successfully treated with radiotherapy with resultant hearing improvement, an extremely rare clinical finding. Case Presentation A 63-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of progressively worsening hearing loss and tinnitus. Brain imaging demonstrated an enhancing lesion of the right CPA measuring 2.7 × 2.1 × 3.1 cm. Pretreatment audiometry evaluation revealed sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear with a pure-tone average (PTA) of 74 dB, speech threshold (ST) of 75 dB, and speech discrimination (SD) of 0%. The patient proceeded with attempted surgical resection, aborted due to significant facial nerve stimulation, and ultimately underwent radiation therapy (50.4 Gy, 28 fractions). At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient reports subjective hearing loss resolution with PTA of 34 dB, 30 dB ST, and 88% SD on audiological evaluation. Conclusion Although radiation therapy for schwannomas within the CPA has historically been associated with hearing loss, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) may provide improved clinical outcomes compared with high-dose radiosurgery. Given the effectiveness of this treatment modality and improved quality of life offered to patients over surgery, FSRT may be considered an initial management option for patients with facial nerve schwannomas.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1788071">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/10.1055/s-014-59895">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0044-1788071">Abstract</a>  |  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000;">open access</span> <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0044-1788071">Full text</a></p>
  10. The Value of SINO Robot and Angio Render Technology for Stereoelectroencephalography Electrode Implantation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

    Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:59:44 -0000

    Background Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes are implanted using a variety of stereotactic technologies to treat refractory epilepsy. The value of the SINO robot for SEEG electrode implantation is not yet defined. The aim of the current study was to assess the value of the SINO robot in conjunction with Angio Render technology for SEEG electrode implantation and to assess its efficacy. Methods Between June 2018 and October 2020, 58 patients underwent SEEG electrode implantation to resect or ablate their epileptogenic zone (EZ). The SINO robot and the Angio Render technology was used to guide the electrodes and visualize the individual vasculature in a three-dimensional (3D) fashion. The 3D view functionality was used to increase the safety and accuracy of the electrode implantation, and for reducing the risk of hemorrhage by avoiding blood vessels. Results In this study, 634 SEEG electrodes were implanted in 58 patients, with a mean of 10.92 (range: 5–18) leads per patient. The mean entry point localization error (EPLE) was 0.94 ± 0.23 mm (range: 0.39–1.63 mm), and the mean target point localization error (TPLE) was 1.49 ± 0.37 mm (range: 0.80–2.78 mm). The mean operating time per lead (MOTPL) was 6. 18 ± 1.80 minutes (range: 3.02–14.61 minutes). The mean depth of electrodes was 56.96 ± 3.62 mm (range: 27.23–124.85 mm). At a follow-up of at least 1 year, in total, 81.57% (47/58) patients achieved an Engel class I seizure freedom. There were two patients with asymptomatic intracerebral hematomas following SEEG electrode placement, with no late complications or mortality in this cohort. Conclusions The SINO robot in conjunction with Angio Render technology-in SEEG electrode implantation is safe and accurate in mitigating the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg<br/>DOI: 10.1055/a-2299-7781</p><p> Background Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes are implanted using a variety of stereotactic technologies to treat refractory epilepsy. The value of the SINO robot for SEEG electrode implantation is not yet defined. The aim of the current study was to assess the value of the SINO robot in conjunction with Angio Render technology for SEEG electrode implantation and to assess its efficacy. Methods Between June 2018 and October 2020, 58 patients underwent SEEG electrode implantation to resect or ablate their epileptogenic zone (EZ). The SINO robot and the Angio Render technology was used to guide the electrodes and visualize the individual vasculature in a three-dimensional (3D) fashion. The 3D view functionality was used to increase the safety and accuracy of the electrode implantation, and for reducing the risk of hemorrhage by avoiding blood vessels. Results In this study, 634 SEEG electrodes were implanted in 58 patients, with a mean of 10.92 (range: 5–18) leads per patient. The mean entry point localization error (EPLE) was 0.94 ± 0.23 mm (range: 0.39–1.63 mm), and the mean target point localization error (TPLE) was 1.49 ± 0.37 mm (range: 0.80–2.78 mm). The mean operating time per lead (MOTPL) was 6. 18 ± 1.80 minutes (range: 3.02–14.61 minutes). The mean depth of electrodes was 56.96 ± 3.62 mm (range: 27.23–124.85 mm). At a follow-up of at least 1 year, in total, 81.57% (47/58) patients achieved an Engel class I seizure freedom. There were two patients with asymptomatic intracerebral hematomas following SEEG electrode placement, with no late complications or mortality in this cohort. Conclusions The SINO robot in conjunction with Angio Render technology-in SEEG electrode implantation is safe and accurate in mitigating the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-2299-7781">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/eFirst/10.1055/s-00000180">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2299-7781">Abstract</a>  |  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000;">open access</span> <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2299-7781">Full text</a></p>
  11. Robotic Frameless Stereotactic Aspiration with Thrombolysis for Primary Pontine Hemorrhage: A Therapeutic Evaluation of a Retrospective Cohort Study

    Fri, 31 May 2024 14:08:26 -0000

    Background There is still no consensus on whether primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH) should be managed conservatively or treated promptly via surgical evacuation of the hematoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of robotic frameless stereotactic aspiration with thrombolysis in the treatment of PPH. Methods A total of 39 patients with PPH treated between January 2012 and November 2016 were included in the study. Sixteen patients underwent frameless stereotactic surgical treatment (ST group) and 23 patients underwent conservative treatment (CT group). Clinical and radiologic parameters were assessed, and the patient outcomes were analyzed over a 6-month follow-up period. Results Surgical treatment did not result in any intracranial infections, or complications. Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. At discharge, the average Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and the overall Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score were significantly higher in the ST group compared to the CT group (p < 0.05). The mortality rate (GOS score 1) was significantly lower in the ST group (18.75%, 3/16) than in the CT group (52.17%, 12/23). For patients with hematoma volumes of 5 to 10 mL or GCS scores of 6 to 8, following treatment, the ST group exhibited markedly higher GOS scores in comparison to the CT group. Conclusion Our study suggests that robotic frameless stereotactic aspiration with thrombolysis is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of PPH. Patients with hematomas of 5 to 10 mL or GCS scores of 6 to 8 could benefit from surgery.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg<br/>DOI: 10.1055/a-2235-5453</p><p> Background There is still no consensus on whether primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH) should be managed conservatively or treated promptly via surgical evacuation of the hematoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of robotic frameless stereotactic aspiration with thrombolysis in the treatment of PPH. Methods A total of 39 patients with PPH treated between January 2012 and November 2016 were included in the study. Sixteen patients underwent frameless stereotactic surgical treatment (ST group) and 23 patients underwent conservative treatment (CT group). Clinical and radiologic parameters were assessed, and the patient outcomes were analyzed over a 6-month follow-up period. Results Surgical treatment did not result in any intracranial infections, or complications. Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. At discharge, the average Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and the overall Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score were significantly higher in the ST group compared to the CT group (p &lt; 0.05). The mortality rate (GOS score 1) was significantly lower in the ST group (18.75%, 3/16) than in the CT group (52.17%, 12/23). For patients with hematoma volumes of 5 to 10 mL or GCS scores of 6 to 8, following treatment, the ST group exhibited markedly higher GOS scores in comparison to the CT group. Conclusion Our study suggests that robotic frameless stereotactic aspiration with thrombolysis is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of PPH. Patients with hematomas of 5 to 10 mL or GCS scores of 6 to 8 could benefit from surgery.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-2235-5453">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/eFirst/10.1055/s-00000180">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2235-5453">Abstract</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2235-5453">Full text</a></p>
  12. Price Transparency in the Management of Skull Base Tumors—The Price to Operate

    Wed, 01 May 2024 07:06:14 -0000

    Background Due to the escalating health care costs in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a cost transparency initiative on January 1, 2021. Hospitals lack functional cost estimators or fail to provide pricing information for common skull base procedures. Methods A list of the top 70 neurosurgery and otolaryngology hospital systems according to the US News and World Report rankings was made. Google searches for each hospital's cost estimator tool were conducted, recording its presence and accessibility time. Using the cost estimator tool, specific skull base procedure prices, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and contact information for personalized estimates were searched. Results Fifty-seven hospitals (81%) were privately funded. The majority were urban teaching hospitals (n = 68; 97%). Geographical locations included 19 (27%) in the Northeast, 21 (30%) in the Midwest, 20 (29%) in the South, and 10 (14%) in the West. Of the 70 hospitals, 4 (5.7%) did not have a cost estimation website. Of the 66 hospitals that did, the average time to locate the cost of the skull-based procedures was 17.8 seconds (range 12–28 seconds). Only two (2.9%) hospitals had information for skull base procedures; both were radiosurgery procedures. The most common stereotactic radiosurgery offered was gamma knife radiosurgery (n = 50; 71%). A total of 19 hospitals (27%) did not include contact information for personalized cost estimation. Conclusion The CMS price transparency guidelines are not designed to encompass skull base procedures. Due to this ambiguity, patients are unable to make informed financial decisions when selecting treatment options.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg B Skull Base<br/>DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786367</p><p> Background Due to the escalating health care costs in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a cost transparency initiative on January 1, 2021. Hospitals lack functional cost estimators or fail to provide pricing information for common skull base procedures. Methods A list of the top 70 neurosurgery and otolaryngology hospital systems according to the US News and World Report rankings was made. Google searches for each hospital's cost estimator tool were conducted, recording its presence and accessibility time. Using the cost estimator tool, specific skull base procedure prices, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and contact information for personalized estimates were searched. Results Fifty-seven hospitals (81%) were privately funded. The majority were urban teaching hospitals (n = 68; 97%). Geographical locations included 19 (27%) in the Northeast, 21 (30%) in the Midwest, 20 (29%) in the South, and 10 (14%) in the West. Of the 70 hospitals, 4 (5.7%) did not have a cost estimation website. Of the 66 hospitals that did, the average time to locate the cost of the skull-based procedures was 17.8 seconds (range 12–28 seconds). Only two (2.9%) hospitals had information for skull base procedures; both were radiosurgery procedures. The most common stereotactic radiosurgery offered was gamma knife radiosurgery (n = 50; 71%). A total of 19 hospitals (27%) did not include contact information for personalized cost estimation. Conclusion The CMS price transparency guidelines are not designed to encompass skull base procedures. Due to this ambiguity, patients are unable to make informed financial decisions when selecting treatment options.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1786367">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/eFirst/10.1055/s-00000181">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0044-1786367">Abstract</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0044-1786367">Full text</a></p>
  13. Large Skull Metastasis in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Case Presentation and Systematic Review

    Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:14:03 -0000

    Background Skull metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) are infrequent but clinically significant, often presenting with localized pain, neurologic deficits, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Early detection and accurate diagnosis pose challenges due to their asymptomatic nature in some cases. Methods A systematic literature review, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identified and analyzed 15 relevant studies focusing on large skull metastases in FTC. Data extraction and synthesis included clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. Results The systematic review encompassed 20 patients with secondary skull metastases from FTC, offering insights into the clinical diversity of this rare condition. Clinical presentations varied, with localized pain (70% of cases) and headaches being predominant symptoms. Imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), played a pivotal role in diagnosis. Surgical resection was considered in select cases, achieving complete or near-complete tumor removal in 30 to 50% of patients. Radiotherapy, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), provided local control and symptom relief in 70 to 80% of cases. Systemic therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), showed promise in disease stabilization or regression (45% of patients). Prognosis remained poor, with a median overall survival of 6 to 12 months, reflecting an advanced and aggressive disease state. Conclusion Managing secondary skull metastases from FTC requires a comprehensive approach, including surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and potential systemic therapies. The rarity of these metastases underscores the need for further research to establish standardized treatment guidelines, explore molecular profiling, and investigate immunotherapy and combination therapies, offering hope for improved outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.
    <p align="right">J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg<br/>DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785650</p><p> Background Skull metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) are infrequent but clinically significant, often presenting with localized pain, neurologic deficits, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Early detection and accurate diagnosis pose challenges due to their asymptomatic nature in some cases. Methods A systematic literature review, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identified and analyzed 15 relevant studies focusing on large skull metastases in FTC. Data extraction and synthesis included clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. Results The systematic review encompassed 20 patients with secondary skull metastases from FTC, offering insights into the clinical diversity of this rare condition. Clinical presentations varied, with localized pain (70% of cases) and headaches being predominant symptoms. Imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), played a pivotal role in diagnosis. Surgical resection was considered in select cases, achieving complete or near-complete tumor removal in 30 to 50% of patients. Radiotherapy, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), provided local control and symptom relief in 70 to 80% of cases. Systemic therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), showed promise in disease stabilization or regression (45% of patients). Prognosis remained poor, with a median overall survival of 6 to 12 months, reflecting an advanced and aggressive disease state. Conclusion Managing secondary skull metastases from FTC requires a comprehensive approach, including surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and potential systemic therapies. The rarity of these metastases underscores the need for further research to establish standardized treatment guidelines, explore molecular profiling, and investigate immunotherapy and combination therapies, offering hope for improved outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.<br/><a href="/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1785650">[...]</a><br/><br/></p><p>Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany</p><p>Article in Thieme eJournals:<br/><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/eFirst/10.1055/s-00000180">Table of contents</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0044-1785650">Abstract</a>  |  <a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0044-1785650">Full text</a></p>
  14. Effect of continuous drainage of cranial arachnoid cysts into the ventricular system by stereotactic placed catheters

    Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:23:55 -0000

    .
  15. Management of sarcomatoid Malignant pleural mesothelioma brain metastases with stereotactic radiosurgery: an Illustrative case

    Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:38:30 -0000

    .
  16. Optimising trajectory planning for stereotactic brain tumour biopsy using artificial intelligence: a systematic review of the literature

    Sat, 13 May 2023 10:08:46 -0000

    .
  17. Intracerebral and pituitary metastatic eccrine carcinoma: prolonged survival using stereotactic radiosurgery

    Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:31:14 -0000

    .