Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
A breakthrough in brain-computer interfaces allows a patient to communicate using only the power of thought. The study, led by Dr. Ariel Tankus, enables individuals with paralysis to signal 'yes' and 'no' through electrical signals in their brain.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove lesions in the skull base region, reducing damage to the brain and preserving neurological functions. The endoscopic approach results in shorter operative times and less blood loss compared to conventional microscopic surgery.
A new surgical procedure reconnects muscles in the residual limb, allowing patients to receive proprioceptive feedback about their prosthetic limb's position. Seven patients who underwent this surgery were able to walk faster, avoid obstacles, and climb stairs more naturally than those with traditional amputations.
Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage have better medical outcomes when surgeons perform early minimally invasive removal of a hematoma compared to standard care. The study found improved survival rates and functional outcomes at 180 days for patients who received early surgical intervention.
A new surgical platform using mass spectrometry identifies key gene mutations in brain cancer, including IDH mutations, during surgery. This allows for rapid diagnosis, prognosis, and tumor resection to improve patient outcomes.
In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.
Researchers found that middle fossa craniotomy significantly improved hearing preservation and quality of life for patients after removing an acoustic neuroma. The study showed excellent facial nerve outcomes in 94% of patients, while 68% preserved their hearing.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed flexible electronic devices that wrap around the spinal cord, recording nerve signals and stimulating limb movement. The devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without brain surgery, improving safety for patients.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
A new study by Loma Linda University reveals that mechanical bull riding is a real public health concern, especially for young riders. The study found that traumatic brain injuries are the most common outcome, and long-term consequences can be severe, including memory issues and learning disabilities.
This study investigates the potential of machine learning to identify skill levels of participants performing virtual reality neurosurgery. It also explores the interpretability of machine learning models to understand the performance of each metric for each participant.
Researchers have developed a new dural repair solution using a multi-functional biomaterial that addresses key limitations of current methods. The 'Dural Tough Adhesive' (DTA) performed better than currently used surgical sealants in tests using animal models and human-derived tissues.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a multimodal, non-invasive method to study the brain's physiology and reduce neurological issues associated with ECMO therapy. The technique uses electroencephalography, diffuse correlation spectroscopy, and evoked potentials to monitor blood flow and neural activity in the brain.
Scientists have identified two thalamic nuclei and the subthalamic nucleus as encoding vital physiological signals from the heart and lungs. This discovery sheds light on how the body and brain communicate, influencing cognitive processes such as emotional regulation and decision-making.
Scientists have developed fUSI technology that enables clinicians to see and map the spinal cord's response to treatments in real-time. This innovation offers improved monitoring of blood flow changes, potentially increasing treatment success rates and optimizing pain relief for patients.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...
Researchers found that injecting a substance to block an artery and combining it with surgery significantly reduced the risk of repeat surgery for patients with subdural hematomas. The study, published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, showed a nearly 3-fold reduction in re-operation rates.
Researchers found that positioning stroke patients with large vessel ischemic strokes at 0-degrees resulted in significant improvements in neurological function compared to those with 30-degree head positioning. This approach optimized blood flow through the narrowed artery and improved collateral arteries, leading to better outcomes.
Researchers have identified five cases of Alzheimer's disease acquired through exposure to contaminated cadaver-derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) used in medical treatment between 1959 and 1985. Biomarker analyses and autopsy results confirmed the diagnoses, highlighting a rare but significant risk of transmission via this route.
A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.
Flori Corpodean, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennington Biomedical, has been selected as the sole recipient of the 2024 Resident Research Award. She is exploring how the brain and intestinal tract communicate through her research on altered nutrient delivery.
A recent study reveals the importance of brain hubs in neural networks and their rapid compensation when lost. The researchers obtained direct recordings of human brain activity before and after surgically disconnecting a critical language hub.
Researchers developed a new technique using deep brain stimulation that restored cognitive abilities in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. The study, published in Nature Medicine, exceeded expectations and showed promise against long-lasting impairments from brain injuries.
Multimodal neuromonitoring (MNM) tracks blood flow, pressure, oxygen and glucose levels in the brain to inform treatment decisions. MNM has improved clinical outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injuries at the University of Cincinnati.
A new speech prosthetic developed by Duke neuroscientists and engineers can translate brain signals into spoken words, improving communication for people with neurological disorders. The device achieved an accuracy rate of 40% in predicting intended speech from 90 seconds of brain activity.
Researchers developed an environmental risk score to assess ALS risk and survival using a blood sample, associating several individual pollutants with disease risk. A mixture of pesticides in the blood significantly increased ALS risk, with those in the highest group having twice the risk as those in the lowest.
A patient at OHSU received a single stimulator implanted in the brain to effectively control two life-altering conditions: seizures caused by epilepsy and compulsive behavior caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment, known as responsive neurostimulation system (RNS), has dramatically improved Pearson's quality of life.
The WVU School of Medicine and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will support clinical trials and engineering technology development. The project aims to improve care and rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders through novel physician-engineer programs and human research.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
A study of nearly 10,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases in Finland found significant variations in mortality rates among university hospital districts. Patients treated at Helsinki University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital had the lowest mortality rates, with a difference of 52% compared to Turku University Hospital.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive brain biopsy technique using ultrasound and microbubbles to access brain tissue without surgery. The technique increases circulating tumor DNA by 1.6- to 5.6-fold, providing valuable genetic information for treatment decisions.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital use computer-guided radiofrequency ablation to decrease excessive muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy, greatly improving quality of life. The procedure is a safe and effective approach that excludes the dysfunctional nervous system, a main driver of pathology.
A new study found that AI-tutored students caused less damage to healthy tissues and improved safety measures, but also showed negative outcomes such as reduced efficiency and speed. Human instructors are essential to promote both safety and efficiency in neurosurgical training.
A new UTHealth Houston study reveals that implementing artificial intelligence-powered software can significantly reduce treatment time for stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, with an average reduction of 11 minutes in time to thrombectomy initiation.
UTHealth Houston researchers have developed a new mouse model for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that will be presented at the NIH meeting. The research explored how humoral immune mediators interact with cells surrounding the AVM and found insights into finding therapeutic methods.
Researchers have developed a device that can be implanted into tumors during surgery to test new treatments, providing unprecedented insight into the effects of drugs on glioma tumors. The device, which is designed to be used during standard of care surgery, caused no adverse effects on patients in a phase 1 clinical trial.
A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...
Researchers at NUS have developed an aero-elastic pressure sensor called eAir, promising increased precision and reliability in medical applications. The sensor can provide tactile feedback for surgeons during minimally-invasive surgeries, enhancing patient recovery and prognosis.
A first-in-human trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for post-stroke rehabilitation patients has shown that DBS to target the dentate nucleus improves motor impairment and function, with gains nearly tripling initial scores. The study also found significant improvements in quality of life.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.
The USC NRV Center performs complex revascularization procedures and conducts innovative research to treat debilitating conditions. The center will use the funding to enhance clinical care and education with a focus on technological innovation.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina describe a new, non-surgical approach to managing hydrocephalus by implanting a shunt-clearing device and performing daily flushing. The study shows promising results, reducing revision surgeries and improving patient outcomes.
A new geometric deep learning model called GFCN has been developed to detect stroke lesions in brain imaging scans. The model leverages rich geometric information to segment brain tissue and achieves higher segmentation performance than other neural network architectures.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center treated 16 patients with a BRAF/MEK inhibitor, resulting in a 91% reduction in tumor size and complete response in all patients who received one or more cycles of therapy. The treatment showed unprecedented success in targeting brain tumors using precision medicine approaches.
Research from UTHealth Houston reveals that different brain regions are engaged when processing simple versus complex melodies and sentences. The study used intracranial electrodes to map brain activity during music and language tasks, finding shared temporal lobe activity but distinct sensitivities to melodic and syntactic complexity.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that surgical stabilization of odontoid fractures is associated with better outcomes, including lower rates of nonunion, myelopathy, and mortality. The study used propensity score analysis to compare surgical stabilization with nonoperative treatment and found significant benefits in both surviva...
Research suggests that glioblastoma cells possess large-scale coordination, allowing them to respond unison to therapies. Disrupting this organization may result in more powerful treatments for brain tumors.
Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.
Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.
A multidisciplinary team led by an infection preventionist reduced neurosurgical site infections by 87% and readmissions by 74% through improved patient education, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing, and nasal decolonization practices. The initiative also improved hospital ratings and scores.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus is a complex syndrome that can lead to cognitive impairment and neurological damage. The new consensus guideline recommends standard-of-care approaches, including history review, head CT scans, and medications or surgical interventions to manage excessive intracranial pressure.
A large retrospective study found that children with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent cranial surgery lived significantly longer than those treated only with antiseizure medications. The study also highlighted disparities in access to epilepsy surgery, with white, privately insured children more likely to receive surgical treatment.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new blood test that can measure biomarkers in the blood before and after neurosurgery, correlating with the extent of brain injury. The study found that high levels of certain markers may indicate damage that could cause cognitive problems for patients in the long term.
Two researchers will receive $1 million each for their five-year studies on new medication-based approaches to repair damaged aortas, as well as the effects of exercise on healing heart muscle and brain tissue after a heart attack or stroke. The American Heart Association's Merit Award supports innovative research with high impact.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are investigating the role of fibrin and fibrinogen in traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. The four-year grant will fund Phase II of a stem cell clinical trial evaluating whether mesenchymal stem cells reduce chronic neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury.
Researchers found that formalin fixation does not significantly alter the polarimetric properties of brain tissue, making it suitable for training machine-learning models. The study suggests that formalin-fixed brain tissue specimens can provide high-quality data for rapid and accurate diagnostic imaging in surgery.
A University of Gothenburg study found that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity had smaller hemorrhages upon arrival at the hospital. Physically active patients experienced 50% less bleeding volume compared to inactive ones.