Paraclinoid aneurysms clipping through an extradural sphenoid ridge keyhole approach.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid aneurysms represent a challenge for neurosurgeons due to the anatomical complexity of this region. Then, innovative techniques such as the extradural sphenoid ridge approach are suitable for a safe microsurgical clipping. METHOD: A description of the surgical technique was made by the senior author, a vascular neurosurgeon experienced with the use of this approach in the management of paraclinoid aneurysms exemplified through a clinical case. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical clipping through an extradural sphenoid ridge keyhole approach for small and midsize paraclinoid aneurysms is an excellent treatment modality with good clinical and surgical results.

Dual Microscope Indocyanine Green Video Angiography and Endoscopic Review to Treat Intracranial Aneurysm: A Review of the Literature Regarding a Case.

The use of the indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-VA) both endoscope and microscope has become popular in recent decades thanks to the safety, efficacy, and added value that they have provided for cerebrovascular surgery. The dual use of these technologies is considered complementary and has helped cerebrovascular surgeons in decision-making, especially for aneurysm clipping surgery; however, its use has been described for both aneurysm surgery, resection of arteriovenous malformations, or even for bypass surgeries. We conducted a review of the literature with the MeSH terms "microscope indocyanine green video angiography (mICG-VA)," "endoscopic review," AND/OR "intracranial aneurysm." A total of 97 articles that included these terms were selected after a primary review to select a total of 26 articles for the final review. We also present a case to exemplify its use, in which we use both technological tools for the description of the aneurysm, as well as for decision-making at the time of clipping and for reclipping. Both tools, both the use of the endoscope and the mICG-VA, have helped decision-making in neurovascular surgery. A considerable clip replacement rate has been described with the use of these technologies, which has helped to reduce the complications associated with poor clipping. One of the main advantages of their usefulness is that they are tools for intraoperative use, which is why they have shown superiority compared to digital subtraction angiography, which takes longer to use and has a higher risk of complications associated with the contrast medium. On the other hand, a very low rate of complications has been described with the use of the endoscope and mICG-VA, which is why they are considered safe tools to use. In some cases, mention has been made of the use of one or the other technology; however, we consider that its dual use provides more information about the status of the clip, its anatomy, its relationship with other vascular structures, and the complete occlusion of the aneurysm. We consider that the use of both technologies is complementary, so in case of having them both should be used, since both the endoscope and the mICG-VA provide additional and useful information.

Computer vision coaching microsurgical laboratory training: PRIME (Proficiency Index in Microsurgical Education) proof of concept.

Computer vision (CV) feedback could be aimed as a constant tutor to guide ones proficiency during microsurgical practice in controlled environments. Five neurosurgeons with different levels of microsurgical expertise performed simulated vessel dissection and micro-suture in an ex vivo model for posterior computer analysis of recorded videos. A computer program called PRIME (Proficiency Index of Microsurgical Education) used in this research recognized color-labeled surgical instruments, from downloading videos into a platform, with a range of motion greater than 3 mm, for objective evaluation of number of right and left hand movements. A proficiency index of 0 to 1 was pre-established in order to evaluate continuous training improvement. PRIME computer program captured all hand movements executed by participants, except for small tremors or inconsistencies that have a range of motion inferior to 3 mm. Number of left and right hand movements were graphically expressed in order to guide more objective and efficacious training for each trainee, without requiring body sensors and cameras around the operating table. Participants with previous microsurgical experience showed improvement from 0.2 to 0.6 (p < 0.05), while novices had no improvement. Proficiency index set by CV was suggested, in a self-challenge and self-coaching manner. PRIME would offer the capability of constant laboratory microsurgical practice feedback under CV guidance, opening a new window for oriented training without a tutor or specific apparatus regarding all levels of microsurgical proficiency. Prospective, large data study is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Microsurgical Clip Placement for a Giant Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm With Intraluminal Thrombus: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Giant brain aneurysms account for approximately 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. Although treatment modalities can vary widely, none is ideal for every patient. Endovascular treatment is usually preferred, especially when the large size of the aneurysm limits visualization of the brain parenchyma and parent vessels that arise from the aneurysm, making surgical clip placement across the neck a difficult task. However, despite the higher chances of morbidity, microsurgery is an effective treatment modality due to lower recurrence rates. Surgically, a wide neck, calcifications, or atheroma are complicating factors to be considered while planning the best treatment. Thus, with an appropriate case selection, a favorable outcome is feasible in most cases. Here, we present the case of a 27-yr-old female who presented with a severe headache for 7 mo and 3 mo of progressive left temporal vision loss, which was confirmed by visual field perimetry using the Humphrey visual field analyzer. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction cerebral angiography showed an anterior communicating artery complex inferiorly and medially oriented aneurysm measuring 25.4 × 16.5 mm, with a 3 mm neck. It was fed by the right A1, associated with a hypoplastic left A1, incorporating the proximal right and left A2 segments, with an intraluminal thrombus and causing mass effect on the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. This video demonstrates the microsurgical steps required to perform this operation, through a right orbitozygomatic craniotomy. At a 3-mo follow-up, the patient was neurological intact without complaints. The patient signed the Institutional Consent Form, which allows the use of his/her images and videos for any type of medical publications in conferences and/or scientific articles.

Infarto cerebral hemisférico: algoritmo de tratamento baseado em evidência / Hemispheric ischemic stroke: evidence-based management algorithm

O infarto cerebral hemisférico maligno tem mortalidade de 80%, apesar do tratamento conservador. Ele representa infarto de mais de 50% do território da artéria cerebral média (ACM), entretanto, nem todos os pacientes irão desenvolver o curso maligno. O objetivo desta revisão foi encontrar os fatores preditivos do curso maligno do edema cerebral maligno e, a partir desses fatores, propor um algoritmo de tratamento e tomadas de decisões para o infarto cerebral hemisférico. Os preditores foram pesquisados em artigos no PubMed. Com base nos preditores encontrados com valor estatístico significativo, estruturou-se um algoritmo de gerenciamento para o infarto cerebral hemisférico. Os fatores preditivos de curso maligno foram: NIHSS > 15 hemisfério dominante e > 20 não dominante; oclusão da artéria carótida interna (ACI) ipsilateral à malformação do círculo de Willis; circulação colateral deficiente; tomografia computadorizada (TC) hipodensidade > 50% e ressonância magnética (RM) difusão > 145 cm3 do território da ACM; outro território vascular envolvido; perda da autorregulação; potencial evocado auditivo patológico; pressão intracraniana (PIC) > 35 mmHg e valores de pico de aminoácidos excitatórios medidos na microdiálise. Entretanto, esses dois últimos fatores aparecem apenas depois que o paciente está herniado. Os trials europeus definiram nível de evidência 1 para craniectomia descompressiva. Craniectomia descompressiva é o tratamento de primeira escolha para os pacientes < 60 anos com curso maligno do infarto hemisférico < 48h. Os fatores preditivos são importantes ferramentas para tomada de decisão quanto à indicação cirúrgica precoce.

Massive hemispheric infarctions (MHI) constitute 10% of all ischemic strokes and have a mortality rate of 80%, under conservative treatment. This stroke presents a hypodensity covering more than 50% of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, however, not all the patients develop the malignant course of hemispheric infarctions. The goal of this study was to determine the predictors of fatal brain edema and to propose an evidence-based management algorithm. Search for predictors of MHI with malignant edema was performed in PubMed and Cochrane data base. An evidence-based management algorithm was structured from this study. Different predictors of fatal brain edema formation have been identified: NIHSS > 15 dominant and > 20 non dominant hemisphere; carotid occlusion with abnormal ipsilateral circle of Willis; collateral deficit; early computed tomography (CT) hypodensity involving > 50% or DWI > 145 cm3 of the MCA territory; involvement of additional vascular territories; impaired cerebral autoregulation; pathological auditory potentials evoked; ICP > 35 mmHg; microdialysis with peak values of the excitatory amino acids. Decompressive hemicraniectomy is the first choice to treatment for MHI with malignant brain edema in patients > 60 years and < 48 hours after stroke. To know predictors with evidence level are important tools to make decision about surgical indication.