Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a non-invasive gamma knife treatment that shows comparable results to surgery in alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The treatment uses high doses of radiation to destroy targeted areas of the brain, potentially offering an alternative to traditional surgical options.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to protecting the brain from damage during heart bypass surgery, using chemicals that inhibit nitric oxide production and reduce glutamate accumulation. Patient trials are expected to start in early 1998.
A study of 65 patients found that those with the Alzheimer's-related gene apoliprotein E-4 (APOE-4) are more susceptible to mental impairment after open heart surgery. The researchers believe this is due to the variant gene's inability to repair nerve cells efficiently.
A new study reveals that transcranial sonography is more sensitive than MRI and CT in detecting residual tumors and predicting patient survival after brain tumor surgery. This non-invasive imaging technique offers advantages, including lower cost, portability, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for follow-up care.
Pediatric heart surgeons are using ultrasound to monitor patients for potential brain damage during and after open-heart surgery. The non-invasive method, Transcranial Doppler, can detect air in the brain circulation when it is ejected from the heart, providing valuable feedback for surgeons.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found a significant link between smoking and cerebral blood-vessel damage. Smokers are nearly five times more likely to develop vasospasm, a violent constriction of arterial walls that can lead to stroke-like symptoms.
A Duke neurologist advocates for mandatory reporting of complication rates for carotid endarterectomy to help doctors make informed decisions. Low complication rates are crucial for the procedure's effectiveness in preventing strokes.
A new study suggests that a drug that inhibits nitric oxide production may reduce the risk of brain damage during heart surgery. The study found that dogs treated with the drug showed significantly less apoptotic brain cell damage and decreased nitric oxide in the brain compared to untreated dogs.
Researchers found that a drug called MK-801 can reduce brain cell death during cardiac surgery by blocking glutamate receptors. The study used dogs and showed promising results, suggesting a potential new approach to preventing brain damage during heart surgery.
The new resorbable plates and screws dissolve within months of implantation, reducing migration and discomfort in young patients. Developed by Biomet Corporation, these devices have been approved by the FDA for use in reconstructive head and neck surgery.