Intermittend pneumatic venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis during neurosurgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: The management of perioperative venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is highly variable between neurosurgical departments and general guidelines are missing. The main issue in debate are the dose and initiation time of pharmacologic VTE prevention to balance the risk of VTE-based morbidity and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Mechanical VTE prophylaxis with intermittend pneumatic compression (IPC), however, is established in only a few neurosurgical hospitals, and its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to analyze the risk of VTE before and after the implementation of IPC devices during elective neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: All elective surgeries performed at our neurosurgical department between 01/2018-08/2022 were investigated regarding the occurrence of VTE. The VTE risk and associated mortality were compared between groups: (1) only chemoprophylaxis (CHEMO; surgeries 01/2018-04/2020) and (2) IPC and chemoprophylaxis (IPC; surgeries 04/2020-08/2022). Furthermore, general patient and disease characteristics as well as duration of hospitalization were evaluated and compared to the VTE risk. RESULTS: VTE occurred after 38 elective procedures among > 12.000 surgeries. The number of VTEs significantly differed between groups with an incidence of 31/6663 (0.47%) in the CHEMO group and 7/6688 (0.1%) events in the IPC group. In both groups, patients with malignant brain tumors represented the largest proportion of patients, while VTEs in benign tumors occurred only in the CHEMO group. CONCLUSION: The use of combined mechanical and pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative thromboembolism after neurosurgical procedures and, therefore, reduce mortality and morbidity.

Predictive value of facial motor-evoked potential and electromyography for facial motor function in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) aims to preserve facial nerve (FN) function during vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. However, current techniques such as facial nerve motor evoked potentials (FNMEP) or electromyography (fEMG) alone are limited in predicting postoperative facial palsy (FP). The objective of this study was to analyze a compound fEMG/FNMEP approach. METHODS: Intraoperative FNMEP amplitude and the occurrence of fEMG-based A-trains were prospectively determined for the orbicularis oris (ORI) and oculi (OCU) muscle in 322 VS patients. Sensitivity and specificity of techniques to predict postoperative FN function were calculated. Confounding factors as tumor size, volume of intracranial air, or IONM duration were analyzed. RESULTS: A relevant immediate postoperative FP was captured in 105/322 patients with a significant higher risk in large VS. While fEMG demonstrated a high sensitivity (77% and 86% immediately and 15 month postoperative, respectively) for identifying relevant FP, specificity was low. In contrast, FNMEP have a significantly higher specificity of 80.8% for predicting postoperative FP, whereas the sensitivity is low. A retrospective combination of techniques demonstrated still an incorrect prediction of FP in ~ 1/3 of patients. CONCLUSIONS: FNMEP and fEMG differ in sensitivity and specificity to predict postoperative FP. Although a combination of IONM techniques during VS surgery may improve prediction of FN function, current techniques are still inaccurate. Further development is necessary to improve IONM approaches for FP prediction.

Impaired phase synchronization of motor-evoked potentials reflects the degree of motor dysfunction in the lesioned human brain.

The functional corticospinal integrity (CSI) can be indexed by motor-evoked potentials (MEP) following transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex. Glial brain tumors in motor-eloquent areas are frequently disturbing CSI resulting in different degrees of motor dysfunction. However, this is unreliably mirrored by MEP characteristics. In 59 consecutive patients with diffuse glial tumors and 21 healthy controls (CTRL), we investigated the conventional MEP features, that is, resting motor threshold (RMT), amplitudes and latencies. In addition, frequency-domain MEP features were analyzed to estimate the event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP), and the induced phase synchronization by intertrial coherence (ITC). The clinical motor status was captured including the Medical Research Council Scale (MRCS), the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT), and the intake of antiepileptic drugs (AED). Motor function was classified according to MRCS and GPT as no motor deficit (NMD), fine motor deficits (FMD) and gross motor deficits (GMD). CSI was assessed by diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). Motor competent subjects (CTRL and NMD) had similar ERSP and ITC values. The presence of a motor deficit (FMD and GMD) was associated with an impairment of high-frequency ITC (150-300 Hz). GMD and damage to the CSI demonstrated an additional reduction of high-frequency ERSP (150-300 Hz). GABAergic AED increased ERSP but not ITC. Notably, groups were indistinguishable based on conventional MEP features. Estimating MEP phase synchronization provides information about the corticospinal transmission after transcranial magnetic stimulation and reflects the degree of motor impairment that is not captured by conventional measures.

Rediscovery of the transcerebellar approach: improving the risk-benefit ratio in robot-assisted brainstem biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional frame-based stereotaxy through a transfrontal approach (TFA) is the gold standard in brainstem biopsies. Because of the high surgical morbidity and limited impact on therapy, brainstem biopsies are controversial. The introduction of robot-assisted stereotaxy potentially improves the risk-benefit ratio by simplifying a transcerebellar approach (TCA). The aim of this single-center cohort study was to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of transcerebellar brainstem biopsies performed by 2 different robotic systems. In addition to standard quality indicators, a special focus was set on trajectory selection for reducing surgical morbidity. METHODS: This study included 25 pediatric (n = 7) and adult (n = 18) patients who underwent 26 robot-assisted biopsies via a TCA. The diagnostic yield, complication rate, trajectory characteristics (i.e., length, anatomical entry, and target-point location), and skin-to-skin (STS) time were evaluated. Transcerebellar and hypothetical transfrontal trajectories were reconstructed and transferred into a common MR space for further comparison with anatomical atlases. RESULTS: Robot-assisted, transcerebellar biopsies demonstrated a high diagnostic yield (96.2%) while exerting no surgical mortality and no permanent morbidity in both pediatric and adult patients. Only 3.8% of cases involved a transient neurological deterioration. Transcerebellar trajectories had a length of 48.4 ± 7.3 mm using a wide stereotactic corridor via crus I or II of the cerebellum and the middle cerebellar peduncle. The mean STS time was 49.5 ± 23.7 minutes and differed significantly between the robotic systems (p = 0.017). The TFA was characterized by longer trajectories (107.4 ± 11.8 mm, p < 0.001) and affected multiple eloquent structures. Transfrontal target points were located significantly more medial (-3.4 ± 7.2 mm, p = 0.042) and anterior (-3.9 ± 8.4 mm, p = 0.048) in comparison with the transcerebellar trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted, transcerebellar stereotaxy can improve the risk-benefit ratio of brainstem biopsies by avoiding the restrictions of a TFA and conventional frame-based stereotaxy. Profound registration and anatomical-functional trajectory selection were essential to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Time Efficiency in Stereotactic Robot-Assisted Surgery: An Appraisal of the Surgical Procedure and Surgeon's Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Frame-based stereotactic procedures are still the gold standard in neurosurgery. However, there is an increasing interest in robot-assisted technologies. Introducing these increasingly complex tools in the clinical setting raises the question about the time efficiency of the system and the essential learning curve of the surgeon. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled a consecutive series of patients undergoing a robot-assisted procedure after first system installation at one institution. All procedures were performed by the same neurosurgeon to capture the learning curve. The objective read-out were the surgical procedure time (SPT), the skin-to-skin time, and the intraoperative registration time (IRT) after laser surface registration (LSR), bone fiducial registration (BFR), and skin fiducial registration (SFR), as well as the quality of the registration (as measured by the fiducial registration error [FRE]). The time measures were compared to those for a patient group undergoing classic frame-based stereotaxy. RESULTS: In the first 7 months, we performed 31 robot-assisted surgeries (26 biopsies, 3 stereotactic electroencephalography [SEEG] implantations, and 2 endoscopic procedures). The SPT was depending on the actual type of surgery (biopsies: 85.0 ± 36.1 min; SEEG: 154.9 ± 75.9 min; endoscopy: 105.5 ± 1.1 min; p = 0.036). For the robot-assisted biopsies, there was a significant reduction in SPT within the evaluation period, reaching the level of frame-based surgeries (58.1 ± 17.9 min; p < 0.001). The IRT was depending on the applied registration method (LSR: 16.7 ± 2.3 min; BFR: 3.5 ± 1.1 min; SFR: 3.5 ± 1.6 min; p < 0.001). In contrast to BFR and SFR, there was a significant reduction in LSR time during that period (p = 0.038). The FRE differed between the applied registration methods (LSR: 0.60 ± 0.17 mm; BFR: 0.42 ± 0.15 mm; SFR: 2.17 ± 0.78 mm; p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in LSR quality during the evaluation period (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Introducing stereotactic, robot-assisted surgery in an established clinical setting initially necessitates a prolonged intraoperative preparation time. However, there is a steep learning curve during the first cases, reaching the time level of classic frame-based stereotaxy. Thus, a stereotactic robot can be integrated into daily routine within a decent period of time, thereby expanding the neurosurgeons' armamentarium, especially for procedures with multiple trajectories.

Online Mapping With the Deep Brain Stimulation Lead: A Novel Targeting Tool in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Beta-frequency oscillations (13-30 Hz) are a subthalamic hallmark in patients with Parkinson's disease, and there is increased interest in their utility as an intraoperative marker. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess whether beta activity measured directly from macrocontacts of deep brain stimulation leads could be used (a) as an intraoperative electrophysiological approach for guiding lead placements and (b) for physiologically informed stimulation delivery. METHODS: Every millimeter along the surgical trajectory, local field-potential data were collected from each macrocontact, and power spectral densities were calculated and visualized (n = 39 patients). This was done for online intraoperative functional mapping and post hoc statistical analyses using 2 methods: generating distributions of spectral activity along surgical trajectories and direct delineation (presence versus lack) of beta peaks. In a subset of patients, this approach was corroborated by microelectrode recordings. Furthermore, the match rate between beta peaks at the final target position and the clinically determined best stimulation site were assessed. RESULTS: Subthalamic recording sites were delineated by both methods of reconstructing functional topographies of spectral activity along surgical trajectories at the group level (P < 0.0001). Beta peaks were detected when any portion of the 1.5 mm macrocontact was within the microelectrode-defined subthalamic border. The highest beta peak at the final implantation site corresponded to the site of active stimulation in 73.3% of hemispheres (P < 0.0001). In 93.3% of hemispheres, active stimulation corresponded to the first-highest or second-highest beta peak. CONCLUSIONS: Online measures of beta activity with the deep brain stimulation macroelectrode can be used to inform surgical lead placement and contribute to optimization of stimulation programming procedures. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Occurrence and management of postoperative pneumocephalus using the semi-sitting position in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

BACKGROUND: The semi-sitting position in neurosurgical procedures is still under debate due to possible complications such as venous air embolism (VAE) or postoperative pneumocephalus (PP). Studies reporting a high frequency of the latter raise the question about the clinical relevance (i.e., the incidence of tension pneumocephalus) and the efficacy of a treatment by an air replacement procedure. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 540 patients harboring vestibular schwannomas who underwent posterior fossa surgery in a supine (n = 111) or semi-sitting (n = 429) position. The extent of the PP was evaluated by voxel-based volumetry (VBV) and related to clinical predictive factors (i.e., age, gender, position, duration of surgery, and tumor size). RESULTS: PP with a mean volume of 32 ± 33 ml (range: 0-179.1 ml) was detected in 517/540 (96%) patients. The semi-sitting position was associated with a significantly higher PP volume than the supine position (40.3 ± 33.0 ml [0-179.1] and 0.8 ± 1.4 [0-10.2], p < 0.001). Tension pneumocephalus was observed in only 14/429 (3.3%) of the semi-sitting cases, while no tension pneumocephalus occurred in the supine position. Positive predictors for PP were higher age, male gender, and longer surgery duration, while large (T4) tumor size was established as a negative predictor. Air exchange via a twist-drill was only necessary in 14 cases with an intracranial air volume > 60 ml. Air replacement procedures did not add any complications or prolong the ICU stay. CONCLUSION: Although pneumocephalus is frequently observed following posterior fossa surgery in semi-sitting position, relevant clinical symptoms (i.e., a tension pneumocephalus) occur in only very few cases. These cases are well-treated by an air evacuation procedure. This study indicates that the risk of postoperative pneumocephalus is not a contraindication for semi-sitting positioning.

Outpatient care for facial palsy-a survey on patient satisfaction in uni- and interdisciplinary approaches.

Objective: The various causes of facial palsy, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches frequently involve different medical specialities. Nevertheless, there exist only few specialized consultation and therapy services for patients with facial palsy (FP) in Germany. The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors affecting quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction of patients presenting to an interdisciplinary facial nerve outpatient clinic. Methods: The study analyzed patients presenting to the interdisciplinary facial palsy outpatient clinic in Tuebingen between February 2019 and December 2022. General satisfaction and QoL was estimated by numerous self-rating questionnaires: ZUF-8, SF-36, FDI, FaCE, PHQ-9. An ANOVA was performed to analyze determinants affecting the ZUF-8. Correlation analyses between cause and regeneration of FP as well as questionnaire scores were performed. Results were compared with a group of patients who were managed in an unidisciplinary setting. Results: In total, 66 patients with FP were enrolled. FP patients showed increased levels of depression (PHQ-9: 14.52 ± 3.8) correlating with recovery of the palsy (p = 0.008), FaCE (p < 0.001) and FDI ratings (p < 0.001). There was a high level of satisfaction with the services provided during the uni-and interdisciplinary consultation (ZUF-8: 24.59 ± 6.2), especially among the 12/66 patients who received reconstructive, surgical treatment. However, some patients requested more psychological and ophthalmological support. Conclusion: High levels of treatment satisfaction can be achieved in both an uni-and interdisciplinary setting. However, multimodal therapy approaches should be applied, considering physical and psychological aspects. In the absence of recovery, surgical interventions must be considered as treatment options. Further studies should continue to investigate potential differences between uni-and interdisciplinary treatment.

Trading mental and physical health in vestibular schwannoma treatment decision.

Objective: Observation, radiotherapy and surgery are treatment options in vestibular schwannomas (VS). Decision making differs between centers and is usually based on tumor characteristics (e.g., size) and the expected physical health (PH) outcome (i.e., hearing and facial function). However, mental health (MH) is often under-reported. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the impact of VS treatment on PH and MH. Methods: PH and MH were assessed in a prospective cross-sectional study including 226 patients with unilateral sporadic VS before and after surgical removal (SURG). Quality-of-life (QoL) was estimated by self-rating questionnaires: general Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life Scale (PANQOL), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Facial Disability Index (FDI). QoL changes over time as well as predictive factors were accessed by multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: In total, 173 preoperative and 80 postoperative questionnaires were analyzed. There was a significant PH deterioration related to facial function (FDI, PANQOL-face) after surgery. In line with facial rehabilitation, however, FDI improved within the first five years after surgery and did not differ compared to the preoperative patient cohort, eventually. In contrast, MH (i.e., PANQOL-anxiety) and general health (i.e., PANQOL-GH) improved with surgery and correlated with the extent-of-resection. Conclusion: Physical and mental health is significantly influenced by VS surgery. While PH might decrease after surgery, MH potentially increases when patient is cured. Practitioners should take MH into account before advising an incompletely VS treatment (e.g., subtotal resection, observation or radiosurgery).

Sex Differences in Vestibular Schwannoma.

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) are equally common in men and woman. A number of epidemiological studies have reported on sex-specific aspects of incidence, tumor size, tinnitus and hearing loss. However, data on sex-specific, pre- and post-surgically quality of life (QoL) are rare. The objective of the present study was to determine sex-specific aspects on QoL in VS. Health-related QoL was analyzed in 260 patients (112 male/148 female) with unilateral sporadic VS using general (SF-36: general Short-Form Health Survey), disease-specific (PANQOL: Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life Scale, PANQOL) and symptom-specific (DHI: Dizziness Handicap Inventory; HHI: Hearing Handicap Inventory; THI: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory; FDI: Facial Disability Index) QoL questionnaires. Sex differences were evaluated pre- and postoperative by multi- and univariate analyses based on 200 preoperative and 88 postoperative questionnaires. Female patients were significantly more affected by dizziness, headaches, reduced energy and anxiety. Energy and balance changed similarly in both sexes after surgery. However, postoperative women tended to be more affected by facial palsy and headaches than men. Despite the greater physical impairment, general health improved equivalently or even more in female patients than in males. In conclusion, self-rated QoL in VS is significantly affected by sex and surgery. This should be taken into account when counseling VS patients regarding observation, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Association of extent of resection on recurrence-free survival and functional outcome in vestibular schwannoma of the elderly.

Background: Despite the ongoing debate on the risk-benefit ratio of vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatment options, watchful observation and radiation are usually favored in the elderly (>65 years). If surgery is inevitable, a multimodal approach after deliberate subtotal resection has been described as a valid option. The relationship between the extent of resection (EOR) of surgical and functional outcomes and recurrence-free survival (RFS) remains unclear. This present study aims to evaluate the functional outcome and RFS of the elderly in relation to the EOR. Methods: This matched cohort study analyzed all consecutive elderly VS patients treated at a tertiary referral center since 2005. A separate cohort (<65 years) served as a matched control group (young). Clinical status was assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Karnofsky Performance (KPS), and the Gardner and Robertson (GR) and House & Brackmann (H&B) scales. RFS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to identify tumor recurrence. Results: Among 2,191 patients, 296 (14%) patients were classified as elderly, of whom 133 (41%) were treated surgically. The elderly were characterized by a higher preoperative morbidity and worse gait uncertainty. Postoperative mortality (0.8% and 1%), morbidity (13% and 14%), and the functional outcome (G&R, H&B, and KPS) did not differ between the elderly and the young. There was a significant benefit in regard to the preoperative imbalance. Gross total resection (GTR) was accomplished in 74% of all cases. Lower grades of the EOR (subtotal and decompressive surgery) raised the incidence of recurrence significantly. Mean time to recurrence in the surgELDERLY was 67.33 ± 42.02 months and 63.2 ± 70.98 months in the surgCONTROL. Conclusions: Surgical VS treatment aiming for complete tumor resection is feasible and safe, even in advanced age. A higher EOR is not associated with cranial nerve deterioration in the elderly compared to the young. In contrast, the EOR determines RFS and the incidence of recurrence/progression in both study cohorts. If surgery is indicated in the elderly, GTR can be intended safely, and if only subtotal resection is achieved, further adjuvant therapy, e.g., radiotherapy, should be discussed in the elderly, as the incidence of recurrence is not significantly lower compared to the young.

Robot-assisted stereoencephalography vs subdural electrodes in the evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive video-electroencephalography (iVEEG) is the gold standard for evaluation of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy before second stage resective surgery (SSRS). Traditionally, the presumed seizure onset zone (SOZ) has been covered with subdural electrodes (SDE), a very invasive procedure prone to complications. Temporal stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) with conventional frame-based stereotaxy is time-consuming and impeded by the geometry of the frame. The introduction of robotic assistance promised a simplification of temporal SEEG implantation. However, the efficacy of temporal SEEG in iVEEG remains unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the efficiency and efficacy of SEEG in iVEEG of temporal lobe epilepsy. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 60 consecutive patients with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent iVEEG of a potential temporal SOZ by SDE (n = 40) or SEEG (n = 20). Surgical time efficiency was analyzed by the skin-to-skin time (STS) and the total procedure time (TPT) and compared between groups (SDE vs SEEG). Surgical risk was depicted by the 90-day complication rate. Temporal SOZ were treated by SSRS. Favorable outcome (Engel°1) was assessed after 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Robot-assisted SEEG significantly reduced the duration of surgery (STS and TPT) compared to SDE implantations. There was no significant difference in complication rates. Notably, all surgical revisions in this study were attributed to SDE. Unilateral temporal SOZ was detected in 34/60 cases. Of the 34 patients, 30 underwent second stage SSRS. Both SDE and SEEG had a good predictive value for the outcome of temporal SSRS with no significant group difference. SIGNIFICANCE: Robot-assisted SEEG improves the accessibility of the temporal lobe for iVEEG by increasing surgical time efficiency and by simplifying trajectory selection without losing its predictive value for SSRS.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Neurosurgical Resident Training Program: An Early Experience.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the first lockdown period in spring 2020 on the neurosurgical resident training program, and provides constructive approaches to deal with such situations. METHODS: A concurrent embedded mixed methods design was used. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews from all neurosurgical residents at three university hospitals in Germany. Concurrently, quantitative data of the number of performed surgeries, outpatient visits, and the usage of telemedicine in the period from October 2019 to July 2020 were collected and analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: During the period of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in spring 2020, there was a marked reduction in the number of surgeries performed by neurosurgical residents, from an average of 41.26 (median 41) surgeries per month to 25.66 (median 24) per month, representing a decrease of 37.80%. The decrease in the operations was concerning mainly spinal and functional surgery. Outpatient visits were reduced significantly, with a concurrent fivefold increase in the usage of telemedicine. General and pediatric neurosurgery outpatient clinics were the most affected. However, although surgical exposure was reduced during the lockdown phase, neurosurgical residents focused on conducting research and improving theoretical knowledge. Nevertheless, the global uncertainties caused by COVID-19 generated notable psychological stress among some residents. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions significantly affected the neurosurgical training program. Innovative solutions need to be developed to increase teaching and research capacities of neurosurgical residents as well as to improve surgical skills by installing surgical skill laboratories or similar constructs.

Design and Evaluation of a Custom-Made Electromyographic Biofeedback System for Facial Rehabilitation.

Background: In the rehabilitation of postoperative facial palsy, physical therapy is of paramount importance. However, in the early rehabilitation phase, voluntary movements are often limited, and thus, the motivation of patients is impacted. In these situations, biofeedback of facial electromyographic (EMG) signals enables the visual representation of the rehabilitation progress, even without apparent facial movements. In the present study, we designed and evaluated a custom-made EMG biofeedback system enabling cost-effective facial rehabilitation. Methods: This prospective study describes a custom-made EMG system, consisting of a microcontroller board and muscle sensors, which was used to record the EMG of frontal and zygomatic facial muscles during frowning and smiling. First, the mean EMG amplitudes and movement onset detection rates (ACC) achieved with the custom-made EMG system were compared with a commercial EMG device in 12 healthy subjects. Subsequently, the custom-made device was applied to 12 patients with and without postoperative facial paresis after neurosurgical intervention. Here, the ratio [laterality index (LI)] between the mean EMG amplitude of the healthy and affected side was calculated and related to the facial function as measured by the House and Brackmann scale (H&B) ranging from 1 (normal) to 6 (total paralysis). Results: In healthy subjects, a good correlation was measured between the mean EMG amplitudes of the custom-made and commercial EMG device for both frontal (r = 0.84, p = 0.001) and zygomatic muscles (r = 0.8, p = 0.002). In patients, the LI of the frontal and zygomatic muscles correlated significantly with the H&B (r = -0.83, p = 0.001 and r = -0.65, p = 0.023). The ACC of the custom-made EMG system varied between 65 and 79% depending on the recorded muscle and cohort. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a good application potential of our custom-made EMG biofeedback device to detect facial EMG activity in healthy subjects as well as patients with facial palsies. There is a correlation between the electrophysiological measurements and the clinical outcome. Such a device might enable cost-efficient home-based facial EMG biofeedback. However, movement detection accuracy should be improved in future studies to reach ranges of commercial devices.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and heart rate variability: Analysis of parameters and targets.

OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) modulates central and peripheral neurophysiology. Specifically, taVNS increases heart rate variability (HRV) indicating a shift in autonomic function towards parasympathetic predominance. However, knowledge on the influence of stimulation parameters and targets is scarce. We hypothesized that the location and charge per phase of taVNS influences HRV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In thirteen healthy subjects, six different stimulation targets were investigated, i.e., cymba conchae, cavum conchae, outer tragus, inner tragus, crus helicis, and fossa triangularis. At each target, 24 parameter combinations were studied: Eight different electrical charges per phase were evaluated by investigating three pulse durations and eight charge-balanced current intensities, i.e., 100 µs (0.250-2 mA in steps of 0.250 mA), 260 µs (0.096-0.769 mA in steps of 0.096 mA), and 500 µs (0.050-0.400 mA in steps of 0.050 mA). In a parallel group design, left and right taVNS were compared to each other. 30 bursts at each parameter combination were applied with a periodicity of 1 Hz. Each burst consisted of five pulses applied at 25 Hz. RESULTS: HRV increased in a charge-dependent way with significant differences between the right and left ear. The targets with the strongest effects were the cymba conchae and fossa triangularis, and to a lesser extent the inner tragus. CONCLUSIONS: HRV is suitable to define taVNS parameters and targets for research and therapeutic purposes. Bursts of taVNS with a pulse duration of 100 µs and a current intensity of 2 mA are comfortable for the participants and effective in increasing HRV when applied at specific auricular locations. These findings need to be replicated in larger cohorts, and with longer stimulation and off-periods between conditions. Since results may differ in conditions with an impaired autonomic tone, future studies should also consider aged and patient populations.

Brain-Heart Interaction During Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) modulates brain activity and heart function. The induced parasympathetic predominance leads to an increase of heart rate variability (HRV). Knowledge on the corresponding cortical activation pattern is, however, scarce. We hypothesized taVNS-induced HRV increases to be related to modulation of cortical activity that regulates the autonomic outflow to the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In thirteen healthy subjects, we simultaneously recorded 64-channel electroencephalography and electrocardiography during taVNS. Two taVNS stimulation targets were investigated, i.e., the cymba conchae and inner tragus, and compared to active control stimulation in the anatomical vicinity, i.e., at the crus helicis and outer tragus. We used intermitted stimulation bursts of 25 Hz applied at a periodicity of 1 Hz. HRV was estimated with different time-domain methodologies: standard deviation of RR (SDNN), the root mean squares of successive differences (RMSSD), the percentage of RR-intervals with at least 50 ms deviation from the preceding RR-interval (pNN50), and the difference of consecutive RR intervals weighted by their mean (rrHRV). RESULTS: The stimulation-induced HRV increases corresponded to frequency-specific oscillatory modulation of different cortical areas. All stimulation targets induced power modulations that were proportional to the HRV elevation. The most prominent changes that corresponded to HRV increases across all parameters and stimulation locations were frontal elevations in the theta-band. In the delta-band, there were frontal increases (RMSSD, pNN50, rrHRV, SDNN) and decreases (SDNN) across stimulation sites. In higher frequencies, there was a more divers activity pattern: Outer tragus/crus helicis stimulation increased oscillatory activity with the most prominent changes for the SDNN in frontal (alpha-band, beta-band) and fronto-parietal (gamma-band) areas. During inner tragus/cymba conchae stimulation the predominant pattern was a distributed power decrease, particularly in the fronto-parietal gamma-band. CONCLUSION: Neuro-cardiac interactions can be modulated by electrical stimulation at different auricular locations. Increased HRV during stimulation is correlated with frequency-specific increases and decreases of oscillatory activity in different brain areas. When applying specific HRV measures, cortical patterns related to parasympathetic (RMSSD, pNN50, rrHRV) and sympathetic (SDNN) modulation can be identified. Thus, cortical oscillations may be used to define stimulation locations and parameters for research and therapeutic purposes.

Neuro-cardiac coupling predicts transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation effects.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may constitute an effective treatment for a wide range of neurological, psychiatric, and medical conditions. One key challenge in taVNS research is the high interindividual response variability. To gain an understanding of this variability, reliable biomarkers for taVNS responsiveness would be highly desirable. In this study, we investigated physiological candidate biomarkers while systematically varying stimulation conditions and observing physiological state characteristics. METHODS: Forty-four healthy young adults received taVNS and sham-stimulation. Subjects were pseudo-randomly assigned to stimulation of the left or right ear. Each subject underwent six blocks of stimulation. Across blocks, respiration-locking (inhalation-locked taVNS vs. exhalation-locked taVNS vs. sham) and the electrode location (tragus vs. cymba conchae) were varied. We analyzed heart rate (HR), various heart rate variability (HRV) scores, and neuro-cardiac coupling (NCC), indexed by the relationship between electroencephalographic delta power and heartbeat length. RESULTS: We observed an effect of taVNS on HR and HRV scores during, but not after stimulation. The direction of the effects was consistent with parasympathetic activation. We did not observe any systematic influence of the stimulation conditions that we varied. However, we found baseline NCC scores to be significant predictors for the individual effect of taVNS on HRV scores. CONCLUSION: Cardiac effects of taVNS indicate parasympathetic activation. These effects were short lived, which might explain that some previous studies were unable to detect them. We propose NCC as a novel candidate biomarker for responsiveness to taVNS.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tinnitus Treatment in Vestibular Schwannoma: A Pilot Study.

Background: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are brain tumors affecting the vestibulocochlear nerve. Thus, VS patients suffer from tinnitus (TN). While the pathophysiology is mainly unclear, there is an increasing interest in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for TN treatment. However, the results have been divergent. In addition to the methodological aspects, the heterogeneity of the patients might affect the outcome. Yet, there is no study evaluating rTMS exclusively in VS-associated tinnitus. Thus, the present pilot study evaluates low-frequency rTMS to the right dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) in a VS-associated tinnitus. Methods: This prospective pilot study enrolled nine patients with a monoaural VS-associated tinnitus ipsilateral to the tumor. Patients were treated with a 10-day rTMS regime (1 Hz, 100% RMT, 1,200 pulses, right DLPFC). The primary endpoint of the study was the reduction of TN distress (according to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, THI). The secondary endpoint was a reduction of TN intensity (according to the Tinnitus Matching Test, TMT) and the evaluation of factors predicting tinnitus outcome (i.e., hearing impairment, TN duration, type of tinnitus). Results: No complications or side effects occurred. There was one drop-out due to a non-responsiveness of the complaint. There was a significant acute effect of rTMS on the THI and TMT. However, there was no significant long-term effect after 4 weeks. While the THI failed to detect any clinically relevant acute effect of rTMS in 56% of the patients, TMT revealed a reduction of TN intensity for more than 20 in 89% and for more than 50 in 56% of the patients. Notably, the acute effect of rTMS was influenced by the TN type and duration. In general, patients with a tonal TN and shorter TN duration showed a better response to the rTMS therapy. Conclusion: The present pilot study is the first one to exclusively evaluate the effect of low-frequency rTMS to the right DLPFC in a VS-associated tinnitus. Our results prove the feasibility and the efficacy of rTMS in this patient cohort. There is a significant acute but a limited long-term effect. In addition, there is evidence that patients with a tonal tinnitus and shorter tinnitus duration might have the strongest benefit. A larger, randomized controlled study is necessary to prove these initial findings.

Patient-to-robot registration: The fate of robot-assisted stereotaxy.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted stereotaxy (RAS) promises higher stereotactic accuracy (SA) and time efficiency (TE) than frame-based stereotaxy. However, both aspects are attributed to the problem of patient-to-robot registration. OBJECTIVE: To examine different registration techniques regarding their SA and TE. METHODS: This study enrolled 57 patients undergoing RAS with bone fiducial registration (BFR) or laser surface registration (LSR). SA was measured by the entry point error (EPE). Additionally, predictors of SA (registration error [RegE], distance-to-registration plane [DTC]) and TE (imaging, skin-to-skin) were assessed. RESULTS: The mean SA was 1.0 ± 0.8 mm. BFR increased SA by reducing RegE and DTC. In LSR, EPE depended on DTC (face and forehead) with highest accuracy for DTC ≤100 mm. CT-based LSR exerted a higher SA than MR-based LSR. In BFR, TE was confined by the additional imaging. CONCLUSION: Every registration technique counteracts one of the promises of RAS. New solutions are needed to increase the acceptance of RAS in neurosurgery.

Framed and non-framed robotics in neurosurgery: A 10-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Safety, efficacy and efficiency of neurosurgical robots are defined by their design (i.e., framed and non-framed) and procedural workflow (PW) (from image to surgery). The present study describes the quality indicators of three different robots in brain and spine surgery. METHODS: This single-centre study enrolled 252 patients over a 10-year period. Safety (complication rate) and efficacy (diagnostic yield, pedicle screw placement) were determined. Predictors of workflow efficiency (e.g., skin-to-skin) were evaluated and compared to conventional techniques (neuronavigation, stereotaxy). RESULTS: All robots showed excellent reliability (97.5%-100%) with low complication rates (4.5%-5.3%) and high efficacy (94.7%-97.7%). Robotics demonstrated a better time-efficiency than neuronavigation. However, there was no shortening of surgery time compared to conventional stereotaxy. Time-efficiency differed significantly between framed and non-framed workflows. CONCLUSION: While all neurosurgical robots were reliable, safe and efficacious, there were significant differences in time-efficiency. PWs should be improved to increase the acceptance of robotics in neurosurgery.