Empowering Support for Family Members of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury During the Acute Care: Insights From Family Members and Nurses.

AIM: To investigate the perceptions of family members (FMs) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nurses on empowering support and its implementation during the acute phase within Finnish neurosurgical and neurological care in hospital settings, focusing on identifying similarities and differences in their viewpoints. DESIGN: Participatory qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Data were collected from seven FMs and 11 nurses using the World Café method in November 2019. An abductive approach was employed for data analysis, combining deductive interpretation within the conceptual framework of empowering support and inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) FMs' diverse information and guidance needs of TBI, treatment and its impact on family life, (2) support based on empowering FMs in participation, competence and decision-making, (3) empowering FMs through collaborative nursing practices and interprofessional support, and (4) internal and external hospital support enhancing and promoting the empowerment of FMs. CONCLUSION: The perceptions of FMs and nurses regarding empowering support were largely consistent, yet diverged in its implementation in nursing practice. Nurses play a crucial role in fostering the empowerment of FMs; however, further research is needed to explore the impact of organisational and community factors on the implementation of empowering support. IMPACT: Our study contributes to advancing nursing practices by underscoring the necessity for a paradigm shift towards a family-centred approach. Furthermore, it emphasises the urgency for standardising nursing practices to ensure equitable access to empowering support for FMs, applicable across various care settings for patients with TBI. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This review is part of a larger research project in which FMs of patients with TBI and nurses were involved in designing the project. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Checklist for qualitative studies.

3D exoscopic versus microscopic superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery for moyamoya disease - a comparative series.

PURPOSE: Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) direct bypass surgery is the most common surgical procedure to treat moyamoya disease (MMD). Here, we aim to compare the performance of the 3D exoscope in bypass surgery with the gold standard operative microscope. METHODS: All direct STA-MCA bypass procedures performed at a single university hospital for MMD between 2015 and 2023 were considered for inclusion. Data were retrospectively collected from patient files and surgical video material. From 2020 onwards, bypass procedures were exclusively performed using a digital three-dimensional exoscope as visualization device. Results were compared with a microsurgical bypass control group (2015-2019). The primary endpoint was defined as total duration of surgery, duration of completing the vascular anastomosis (ischemia time), bypass patency, number of stiches to perform the anastomosis, added stiches after leakage testing of the anastomosis and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at last follow-up as secondary outcome parameter. RESULTS: A total of 16 consecutive moyamoya patients underwent 21 STA-MCA bypass procedures. Thereof, six patients were operated using a microscope and ten patients using an exoscope (ORBEYE® n = 1; AEOS® n = 9). Total duration of surgery was comparable between devices (microscope: 313 min. ± 116 vs. exoscope: 279 min. ± 42; p = 0.647). Ischemia time also proved similar between groups (microscope: 43 min. ± 19 vs. exoscope: 41 min. ± 7; p = 0.701). No differences were noted in bypass patency rates. The number of stiches per anastomosis was similar between visualization devices (microscope: 17 ± 4 vs. exoscope: 17 ± 2; p = 0.887). In contrast, more additional stiches were needed in microscopic anastomoses after leakage testing the bypass (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Taking into account the small sample size, end-to-side bypass surgery for moyamoya disease using a foot switch-operated 3D exoscope was not associated with more complications and led to comparable clinical and radiological results as microscopic bypass surgery.

Empowering Support for Family Members of Brain Injury Patients in the Acute Phase of Hospital Care: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

This review aimed to identify and synthesize empowering support for the family members of patients in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury hospital treatment. CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Medic databases were searched from 2010 to 2021. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Each article was critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisals Tools. Following a thematic analysis, four main themes were identified about the process of empowering traumatic brain injury patients' family members in the acute phases of hospital care: (a) needs-based informational, (b) participatory, (c) competent and interprofessional, and (d) community support. This review of findings may be utilized in future studies focusing on designing, implementing, and evaluating an empowerment support model for the traumatic brain injury patient's family members in the acute care hospitalization to strengthen the current knowledge and develop nursing practices.

3D Exoscopes in Experimental Microanastomosis: A Comparison of Different Systems.

Background: In recent years, three-dimensional exoscopes have been increasingly applied in neurosurgery. Multiple exoscopic systems are available, all offering specific features. In this study, we assessed practical and visualization performance of four different exoscopic systems in a highly challenging microsurgical procedure, and evaluated whether these affected the quality of work. Methods: We included four different exoscopes: Olympus ORBEYE, Zeiss KINEVO, Storz VITOM, and Aesculap AEOS. With each exoscope, ten experimental bypass procedures were carried out on chicken wing vessels at a depth of 3 cm. We evaluated the quality of the anastomoses, the practical considerations for the setup of the exoscopic systems, and the visualization quality by tracking the number of unnecessary movements. Results: All included exoscopes enabled us to perform the bypass procedures with mostly adequate or excellent results. Surgically, the most pronounced difference between the exoscopes was the duration of the procedure, which was mainly due to the number of unnecessary movements. Practically, the exoscopes differ highly which is important when considering which exoscope to apply. Conclusions: This is the first study comparing different exoscope systems while performing the same challenging microsurgical procedure. We found major practical differences between the exoscopes that determine the suitability of an exoscope based on the demands and conditions of the surgical procedure. Therefore, preprocedural practical training with the exoscope is required.

Three-Dimensional Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Comparative Series.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly challenging, especially because surgical treatment nowadays is mainly reserved for larger (Koos grade 3 and 4) tumors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of three-dimensional exoscope use in VS resection in comparison with the operative microscope. METHODS: Duration of surgery and clinical and radiological results were collected for 13 consecutive exoscopic schwannoma surgeries. Results were compared with 26 preceding microsurgical resections after acknowledging similar surgical complexity between groups by assessment of tumor size (maximum diameter and Koos grade), the presence of meatal extension or cystic components, and preoperative hearing and facial nerve function. RESULTS: Total duration of surgery was comparable between microscopically and exoscopically operated patients (264 minutes ± 92 vs 231 minutes ± 84, respectively; P = .276). However, operative time gradually decreased in consecutive exoscopic cases and in a multiple regression model predicting duration of surgery, and exoscope use was associated with a reduction of 58.5 minutes (95% CI -106.3 to -10.6; P = .018). Tumor size was identified as the main determinant of duration of surgery (regression coefficient = 5.50, 95% CI 3.20-7.80) along meatal extension and the presence of cystic components. No differences in postoperative hearing preservation and facial nerve function were noted between the exoscope and the microscope. CONCLUSION: Resection of VS using a foot switch-operated three-dimensional exoscope is safe and leads to comparable clinical and radiological results as resection with the operative microscope.

3D Exoscopes are Noninferior to Operating Microscopes in Aneurysm Surgery: Comparative Single-Surgeon Series of 52 Consecutive Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The literature on exoscope use in cerebrovascular neurosurgery is scarce, mainly comprising small case series and focused on visualization quality and ergonomics. As these devices become widely used, direct comparison to the operating microscope regarding efficacy and patient safety is necessary. METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive clipping procedures, performed by 1 senior vascular neurosurgeon, were analyzed. Either an operating microscope with a mouth switch (25 cases with 27 aneurysms; 13 ruptured) or a three-dimensional exoscope with a foot switch (27 cases with 34 aneurysms; 6 ruptured) were used. Durations of major surgical stages, number of device adjustments, numbers of clip repositionings and clips implanted were extracted from surgical videos. Demographic data, imaging characteristics, clinical course and outcomes were extracted from digital patient records. RESULTS: Duration of surgery and different stages did not differ between devices, except for final site inspection. The number of device adjustments was higher with the exoscope. With progressive experience in exoscope use, the number of device adjustments increased significantly, whereas surgery duration remained unchanged. Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was observed in 80% and 88% of patients in the microscope and exoscope groups, respectively. Ischemic events were found in 2 patients in each group; no other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In aneurysm clipping, three-dimensional exoscopes are noninferior to operating microscopes in terms of surgery duration, safety, and outcomes, based on our limited series. Progressive experience enables the surgeon to perform significantly more device adjustments within the same amount of surgical time.

Screening of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers: a pilot study.

The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is around 2-3% in the general population. We hypothesized that the prevalence of small UIAs is higher among 50 to 60-year-old female smokers, since the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is exceptionally high in 60 to 70-year-old female smokers. Ethics approval for this pilot study of 50 women was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. In order to minimize recruitment bias, preliminary invitation letters were sent to 50 to 60-year-old women who were known to be active smokers. Those interested in participating were further informed about the study rationale and protocol. Following written consent, participants filled a detailed questionnaire and underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) analysis. All abnormalities were recorded. Of the 158 preliminary invitation letters, 70 potential participants initially replied. Of these, 50 returned questionnaires and written consents, 43 of which underwent CTA analysis. Most (39; 91%) were postmenopausal, and 9 (21%) were hypertensive. Two reported a family history (≥ 1 first-degree members) of intracranial aneurysms. UIAs (maximum sizes of 2, 2, 3, 3 and 7 mm) were found in five (12%) female smokers. One woman was operated on, and the remaining four were treated with non-invasive preventive actions (smoking cessation and follow-ups). Small UIAs, which may be best suited for non-invasive preventive actions, may be relatively common in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers. Whether this kind of targeted screening leads to improved health in female smokers requires further investigation.

Meditation music improved the quality of suturing in an experimental bypass procedure.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgeons are vulnerable to additional noise in their natural operating environment. Noise exposure is associated with reduced cognitive function, inability to concentrate, and nervousness. Mediation music provides an opportunity to create a calmer environment which may reduce stress during surgery. METHODS: A pilot study was performed to find a suitable task, meditation music of surgeon's choice, and operation noise and to reach a certain level of training. For the main experiment, two neurosurgeons with different microsurgical experience used real operation noise and meditation music with delta waves as mediating music. Each surgeon performed 10 training bypasses (five with noise and five with music) with 16 stitches in each bypass. The total time to complete 16 stitches, a number of unachieved movements (N.U.Ms), length of thread consumed, and distribution of the stitches were quantified from the recorded videos and compared in both groups. RESULTS: A N.U.Ms were significantly reduced from 109 ± 38 with operation room (OR) noise to 38 ± 13 (p < 0.05) with meditating music in novice surgeon. Similar results were found in the experienced surgeon performing the same task [from 29 ± 6.94 to 14 ± 3.36 (p < 0.05)]. The total time utilized for the sixteen stitches was slightly improved (not significantly) in the novice surgeon and unchanged in the experienced surgeon. However, the thread length used for 16 stitches was significantly different with OR noise in comparison to meditating music in both surgeons. The distribution stitches showed a non-significant trend toward a uniform distribution with meditation music in both surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Meditation music of surgeon's choice is a simple method that improved quality of bypass suturing in an experimental bypass procedure.

The Identification of Factors That Influence the Quality of Bypass Anastomosis and an Evaluation of the Usefulness of an Experimental Practical Scale in This Regard.

BACKGROUND: Several factors associated with interrupted and continuous suturing techniques affect the quality of bypass anastomosis. It is difficult to determine the impact of these factors during surgery. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate factors with the potential to influence the quality of bypass anastomosis using either interrupted or continuous suturing. A secondary objective was to evaluate the usefulness of a practical scale when comparing interrupted and continuous suturing techniques to improve bypass anastomosis. METHODS: Interrupted (n = 100) and continuous (n = 100) suturing techniques were used in 200 end-to-side bypasses to a depth of 3 cm and were assessed by 5 neurosurgeons. RESULTS: Vessel closing time (P < 0.001), stitch distribution (P < 0.001), intima-intima attachment (P < 0.001), and size of the orifice (P < 0.001) had a significant impact on the quality of the bypass regardless of the suturing technique used. The suturing technique used (interrupted or continuous) and positioning of the recipient vessel (vertical or horizontal) did not significantly influence the quality of anastomosis. Using multivariate analysis, the highest statistical significance with regard to bypass quality was attributed to the large size of the orifice and intimal attachment. CONCLUSIONS: There were advantages and disadvantages to both suturing techniques. The scale was a practical way to measure and improve performance.

Riskier-than-expected occlusive treatment of ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms: treatment and outcome of 620 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Occlusive treatment of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms has been seen as a fairly uncomplicated procedure. The objective here was to determine the radiological and clinical outcome of patients after PCoA aneurysm rupture and treatment and to evaluate the risk factors for impaired outcome. METHODS: In a retrospective clinical follow-up study, data were collected from 620 consecutive patients who had been treated for ruptured PCoA aneurysms at a single center between 1980 and 2014. The follow-up was a minimum of 1 year after treatment or until death. RESULTS: Of the 620 patients, 83% were treated with microsurgical clipping, 8% with endovascular coiling, 2% with the two procedures combined, 1% with indirect surgical methods, and 6% with conservative methods. The most common procedural complications were treatment-related brain infarctions (15%). The occurrence of artery occlusions (10% microsurgical, 8% endovascular) was higher than expected. Most patients made a good recovery at 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2: 386 patients [62%]). A fairly small proportion of patients were left severely disabled (mRS score 4-5: 27 patients [4%]). Among all patients, 20% died during the 1st year. Independent risk factors for an unfavorable outcome, according to the multivariable analysis, were poor preoperative clinical condition, intracerebral or subdural hematoma due to aneurysm rupture, age over 65 years, artery occlusion on postoperative angiography, occlusive treatment-related ischemia, delayed cerebral vasospasm, and hydrocephalus requiring a shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most patients made a good recovery after PCoA aneurysm rupture and treatment during the 1st year, the occlusive treatment-related complications were higher than expected and caused morbidity even among initially good-grade patients. Occlusive treatment of ruptured PCoA aneurysms seems to be a high-risk procedure, even in a high-volume neurovascular center.

CTA analysis and assessment of morphological factors related to rupture in 413 posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms are frequently encountered, but there are few publications on their morphology. A growing number of aneurysms are incidental findings, which makes evaluation of rupture risk important. Our goal was to identify morphological features and anatomical variants associated with PComA aneurysms and to assess parameters related to rupture. We studied CT angiographies of 391 consecutive patients treated between 2000 and 2014 at a single institution. We determined clinically important morphological parameters and performed univariate and multivariate analysis. There were a total of 413 PComA aneurysms: 258 (62%) were ruptured and 155 (38%) unruptured. Ruptured PComA aneurysms had the potential to cause severe bleeding with IVH and/or temporal ICH (n = 170, 66% of ruptured). The main types of PComA origin were classified as follows: (1) separate (32%), (2) side by side (21%) and (3) a joint neck with the aneurysm (6%). After the multivariate logistic regression, the morphological parameters related to PComA aneurysm rupture were an irregular aneurysm dome, neck diameter, and aspect ratio >1.5. The most marked morphological features of the PComA aneurysms were: saccular nature (99%), infero-posterior dome orientation (42%), infrequency of large or giant aneurysms (4%), narrow neck compared to the aneurysm size, PComA originating directly from the aneurysm neck or the dome (28%), and fetal or dominant PComA on the side of the aneurysm (35%). There were location-related parameters that were more strongly associated with PComA aneurysm rupture than aneurysm size: an irregular aneurysm dome, larger diameter of the aneurysm neck and aspect ratio >1.5.

Long-Term Excess Mortality After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Patients With Multiple Aneurysms at Risk.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is high case-fatality rate and loss of productive life-years related to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) but data on long-term survival of patients with aSAH are scarce. We aim to evaluate long-term excess mortality and related risk factors after an aSAH event. METHODS: Survivors (n=3078) of aSAH who had survived for ≥1 year were reviewed for this retrospective follow-up study, which was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery in Helsinki between 1980 and 2007. Follow-up started 1 year after the aSAH and continued until death or the end of 2012 (48 918 patient-years). Mortality and relative survival ratios were derived using a matched general population. RESULTS: Survivors of aSAH after 20 years showed 17% excess mortality compared with the general population. Even young patients and patients with good recovery showed excess mortality. The highest excess mortality was among patients with multiple aneurysms, old age, poor preoperative clinical condition, conservative aneurysm treatment, and unfavorable clinical outcome at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Even after initially favorable recovery from an aSAH, survivors experience excess mortality in the long run in comparison to a matched general population. Cardiovascular disease at younger age and cerebrovascular events were overrepresented as causes of death, which indicates the importance of treatment of vascular risk factors. Young patients and patients with multiple aneurysms who are recovering from an aSAH should be followed-up and treated most actively.