Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
A minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. The surgery allows for faster recovery and return to work, greatly improving patients' quality of life.
Researchers at McGill University developed a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells in real time during surgery. The Raman spectroscopy probe has a greater than 92% accuracy in identifying invasive brain cancers, and its use may improve patient outcomes by reducing cancer recurrence and extending survival times.
A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.
Two new fluorescent dyes, CLR1501 and CLR1502, attracted to cancer cells, were evaluated for their ability to differentiate brain tumors from normal brain tissue in mice. The results confirmed that both agents provided excellent fluorescence discrimination of tumor from adjacent normal brain.
A novel radioguided surgery technique using Y-90 DOTATOC can effectively identify residual cancer cells during brain tumor surgery, reducing healthy tissue removal. The study's findings suggest the potential for improved resection margins and enhanced patient outcomes.
A survey of female meningioma survivors aged 25-44 found they were more likely to want and intend to have a child than the general population, driven by concerns over recurrent meningioma and treatment needs. Physicians' advice on risk factors also influenced their decisions.
Researchers found that flow-diverting stents associated with ischemic complications in brain territories supplied by parent arteries and small branches covered by the stent. Despite high incidence of clinically silent lesions, low permanent complication rate suggests technique is safe and effective for aneurysm treatment.
A prospective randomized controlled trial found that laparoscopic shunt placement reduced distal shunt failures, a common complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The study also showed comparable overall shunt malfunction rates and hospitalization times between the two groups.
Recent guidelines aiming to reduce neuroimaging tests for patients with headaches may overlook diagnoses of brain tumors. Neurosurgeons warn that these limits could delay or even prevent diagnosis in up to 30% of cases, leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Rochester used imaging technique to show how brain heals itself after surgery, predicting vision recovery based on myelin insulation. This finding could have implications for treating various central nervous system injuries.
Researchers map out 'safe entry zones' for brainstem surgery using fiber tract dissection techniques and 3D photography. The study provides unprecedented descriptions and images of the inner anatomy of the brainstem, helping neurosurgeons plan the best approach to microsurgical procedures.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic technique using songbird courtship calls to safely map the human brain during complex neurosurgery. The technique, called focal intraoperative cooling, involves cooling specific regions of the brain while patients undergo surgery, reducing surgical risk for epilepsy and brain tumor patients.
A new emergency treatment protocol for subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysms significantly reduces in-hospital rebleeding and improves clinical outcomes. Patients treated under the protocol show a lower incidence of repeated hemorrhage within 24 hours, compared to those treated earlier.
A University of Washington startup has developed a new football helmet designed to mitigate concussion forces. The innovation reduces linear and rotational acceleration, a significant breakthrough in brain injury protection.
Researchers at Georgia State University used the Granger causality test to analyze brain signals and locate seizure sources, improving surgical outcomes for patients. The study found that the test can detect seizures up to 10 seconds earlier than previous methods, leading to a higher cure rate.
Dr. Nicole McLaughlin is conducting a first-of-its-kind study on patients with OCD undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery to measure brain connectivity before and after the procedure. The goal is to understand the neural mechanisms of therapeutic change and develop novel therapies for OCD and related anxiety disorders.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a robotic device that can treat severe epilepsy with a minimally invasive procedure. The system uses a shape-memory alloy needle steered by a robotic platform to destroy the area where seizures originate, avoiding drilling through the skull.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover that electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on the scalp can measure spreading depolarizations in injured brains, which are associated with worse outcomes. This non-invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize bedside neuro-monitoring.
Researchers identified over 4000 genes with differing expression profiles between VS cells and normal Schwann cells, including the aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Testing compounds BEZ235 and PKI-587 reduced tumor cell viability and increased cell death.
The journal tackles past, current and future concepts of sports concussion through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment and groundbreaking research. Recent studies show that persistent post-concussion symptoms may arise from structural or metabolic alterations in the brain.
A comprehensive review of sports concussions highlights the evolution of concussion treatment and research, from helmets to rule changes. Neurosurgeons emphasize the importance of helmet safety and cultural changes in reducing head injuries.
A new study found that weight loss surgery can improve cognitive function and reduce altered brain activity associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery may contribute to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease in obese people, according to researchers.
Percutaneous stereotaxic rhizotomy (PSR) provides good pain relief at a much lower cost than other surgical treatments, but is underutilized due to limited data and complications. The study found PSR to be eight times more cost-effective than microvascular decompression and 13 times more cost-effective than stereotactic radiosurgery.
Researchers found that TeleStroke Units improved stroke care in rural Bavaria, Germany, by increasing the number of patients receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) from 2.6% to 15.5%. The median time between arrival and tPA administration fell from 80 minutes to 40 minutes.
A recent study found that TAG-1 induces apoptosis-related gene expression in U251 glioma cells, but surprisingly, this pathway does not trigger apoptosis. Instead, it enhances cell proliferation. The study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of glial tumorigenesis.
Researchers successfully disconnected isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue while maintaining its activity, providing neuroprotective measures for epilepsy patients. The procedure resulted in complete seizure control for two patients with intractable epilepsy.
Anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (AAICH) poses a significant challenge, with a mortality rate as high as 42.3% to 67%. The latest supplement from the Journal of Neurosurgery provides evidence-based guidelines and strategies for managing patients with AAICH.
Researchers have identified a distinct neurological profile associated with patients who respond favorably to sham surgery, but not those who are part of the placebo group. This new finding may help better identify efficacious treatments and limit the impact of placebo effects in clinical trials.
The three institutions are working together to develop less painful treatments for babies with fused skulls, reducing the need for annual surgeries. Researchers have established a Craniofacial Anomalies Registry and plan to expand their collaboration to include postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
A research review identified four clinical indicators most strongly associated with concussion, including disorientation, impaired balance, and verbal learning difficulties. The analysis provides an evidence-based foundation for developing guidelines for concussion diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
A Purdue-designed tool uses mass spectrometry to analyze brain tumor tissue, providing color-coded images that reveal the location and nature of tumor cells. The tool has been successfully used in two surgical procedures, offering a significant improvement over current methods.
Researchers found that some brain cells in the amygdala respond to judgments based on a viewer's subjective opinions rather than true emotion expressed. This discovery may provide insight into anxiety and unprovoked fear.
Experts cite five historical misconceptions in brain metastases research, including assuming all histologies are equal and neglecting total tumor burden. A new article calls for 'fresh thinking' and critical analyses to advance treatment.
A study analyzing hospital-based data found no significant changes in patient outcomes after duty hour restrictions were implemented for neurosurgery residents. The researchers examined data from 2000-2002 and 2004-2006, comparing outcomes before and after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate.
A minimally invasive laser procedure, performed under MRI guidance, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing or eliminating seizures in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The procedure, known as SLAH, destroys the area of the brain responsible for seizure activity without harming neighboring tissue.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in significantly higher costs for patients at Veterans Affairs hospitals, with average costs increasing by 43% compared to those without SSIs. The greatest SSI-related costs are observed among neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery patients.
Deep brain electrode implantation may be a suitable alternative to the traditional WADA test for identifying speech dominance, especially in patients with uncertain side of speech dominance or small children who cannot cooperate. The 'Electric WADA' procedure was successful in four patients without adverse events.
A study by Shaoya Yin and colleagues found that PQ disconnection maintained the activity of isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue after surgery, completely controlling epilepsy in two patients. The research suggests PQ disconnection as a neuroprotective measure for surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Douglas Kondziolka received the 2014 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for his extensive research and clinical work in stroke-related cell transplantation. He is principal investigator on several neurotransplantation clinical trials, including a trial evaluating bone marrow-derived neuroprogenitor cells for implantation.
Researchers explore the capabilities of graphene-based metamaterials for various neurosurgical applications, including cancer treatment, neuroregeneration, and functional neurosurgery. Graphene's unique properties make it a promising material for developing new technologies in neurosurgery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method of computer-guided spine surgery, which uses high-speed CT imaging to navigate the spinal column from different angles. This technique improves precision and accuracy in placing reconstruction screws, reducing complications and post-operative pain.
A new intraoperative neuromonitoring procedure was tested in 71 patients to prevent bone screws from damaging the spinal cord. The results showed that this method can accurately detect and avoid malpositioned pedicle screws, reducing the risk of postoperative neurological impairment.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that early rehabilitation significantly improved sensory function, motor function, and activity of daily living in pediatric children with spinal tumors. The research suggests that rehabilitation programs initiated earlier are effective in achieving functional independency levels ...
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate the effects of mild hypothermia on diffuse axonal injury. They found that mild hypothermia therapy may be beneficial for patients with this type of injury, resulting in a 1.36 times higher fractional anisotropy value compared to the normothermia group.
Researchers found that reducing blood pressure during surgery can increase the risk of brain damage due to reduced oxygen supply. The study advises a safer approach to hypotensive anesthesia to minimize risk while maintaining effective surgery.
Researchers investigated percutaneous microballoon compression for trigeminal neuralgia, finding that a 2-minute compression period can suppress pain transduction. However, long-term compression is ideal for patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia to reduce complications and increase success rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that rats with diffuse axonal injury showed no significant abnormalities despite visible evidence of brain damage. This suggests that even subconcussive injury may lead to neuropathological changes, supporting concerns about long-term effects in humans.
A clinical study led by Heidelberg University Hospital's Neurology and Neurosurgery found that hemicraniectomy significantly improves survival rates in elderly patients after a major stroke. The procedure reduces mortality from 70% to 33% but also results in nearly 30% of patients being very severely disabled.
A new study reports that prehospital stroke alerts can shorten the time to CT scans, allowing for faster emergency treatment. The alerts were issued by trained EMS personnel and resulted in a significant reduction in door-to-needle times.
A study by Beaumont research found that minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion reduces chronic low back pain, hospital stays, complications and scarring. Patients demonstrated high satisfaction rates, being completely pain-free and returning to work and daily activities.
A study by Beaumont Health System found Gamma Knife treatment provides acceptable relief for those with severe facial pain caused by TN. Patients treated with Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery reported reduced discomfort and resumed daily activities without pain.
Researchers developed a unique, compact imaging device to 'light up' malignant brain tumors using scorpion venom protein and a laser. The system consists of a special camera and an imaging agent that targets cancer cells, enabling neurosurgeons to remove more tumor and spare healthy tissue during surgery.
The UCLA research team aims to restore patients' independence by returning their ability to type on a keyboard, open doors and transfer themselves between their bed and wheelchair. The most promising therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate dormant pathways within the spinal cord.
A study found that susceptibility-weighted imaging can detect small clusters of hypointensity in the brain, indicating acute and chronic injuries from concussion or subconcussive events. The research also identified sex differences in the extent of these changes.
Johns Hopkins surgeons have developed a new technique to replace bone removed from the skull after brain surgery, resulting in fewer complications than standard restoration. The approach causes less harm to the brain and reduces infection risk by providing access to blood supply from both top and bottom.
A Mayo Clinic study found that using a standardized medical management protocol and surgery can improve life expectancy for stroke patients. The treatment, which involves decompressing brain swelling, reduces pressure in the head and risk of death by about 50 percent.
A staged approach to epilepsy surgery in children is a safe and effective treatment option, with complications decreasing as surgeons gain experience. The study found that the benefits of staged surgery outweigh the risks, making it an important treatment option for complex cases of childhood epilepsy.
Ueli Rutishauser, a young scientist at Cedars-Sinai, has made significant contributions to understanding the brain's role in learning, memory, and decision-making. His research has improved our understanding of autism and learning disorders, as well as the effects of epilepsy on the nervous system.
Arthur L. Day, M.D., professor of neurosurgery at UTHealth, received the Founders' Laurel Award for his exceptional service and meritorious accomplishments in medical education. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery, particularly in treating pituitary tumors.