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Workplace stress can take a toll on your brain surgeon, too

A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC reveals that 67% of neurosurgery residents experience burnout during training, with factors including inadequate exposure to the operating room and hostile faculty contributing to the issue. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mentorship support to reduce burnout and pr...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateFeb 9, 2018

Glowing cancer tool illuminates benign, but dangerous, brain tumors during pituitary surgery

A new imaging tool using targeted fluorescent dye successfully lit up benign brain tumors in patients undergoing removal surgery, allowing surgeons to identify tumor tissue. The technique improved surgical outcomes, with a 73% gross-total resection rate and perfect concordance for post-operative MRI results.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 5, 2017

Patients whose emergency surgery is delayed are at higher risk of death

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients experiencing delayed emergency surgery are at a higher risk of death and have longer hospital stays. The delays were primarily caused by staff and operating room unavailability, highlighting the need for spare capacity to ensure timely access to care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 10, 2017

Mount Sinai researchers develop technique to monitor laryngeal & vagus nerves in surgery

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a novel technique to continuously monitor laryngeal and vagus nerve function during otolaryngology and neurosurgery procedures. This non-invasive method uses a special breathing tube to stimulate and record nerve responses, allowing surgeons to adjust their approach in real-time.

Mapping how words leap from brain to tongue

Researchers led by SDSU neuroscientist Stephanie Ries discovered that wide swaths of the brain work in parallel to retrieve correct words from memory, challenging previous assumptions about localized language processing. The study's findings could help speech-language pathologists develop strategies for treating disorders like anomia.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Modeling the brain with 'Lego bricks'

A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

When Hollywood met neurosurgery

A team of neurosurgeons, engineers, and Hollywood special effects experts created a realistic 3D simulator for practicing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedures. The simulator's effectiveness was evaluated in early tests, showing improved accuracy and safety compared to traditional cadaver-based training.

When writing interferes with hearing

Researchers found that certain 'super-readers' with reorganized brain circuits perform better in tasks involving written words, while others with intact auditory-visual integration achieve more accurate results. This study highlights the crucial role of brain interactions in cochlear implant success.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2017

Neurosurgical practices must evolve and transform to adapt to rapidly changing healthcare industry

A new supplement published in Neurosurgery highlights the need for neurosurgeons to evolve their practices to thrive in an evolving environment. Dr. Dong H. Kim's recommendations focus on improving patient satisfaction, reducing costs, and enhancing quality outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and innovative approaches.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMar 24, 2017