Trial of Early Minimally Invasive Removal of Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Trials of surgical evacuation of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhages have generally shown no functional benefit. Whether early minimally invasive surgical removal would result in better outcomes than medical management is not known. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized trial involving patients with an acute intracerebral hemorrhage, we assessed surgical removal of the hematoma as compared with medical management. Patients who had a lobar or anterior basal ganglia hemorrhage with a hematoma volume of 30 to 80 ml were assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, within 24 hours after the time that they were last known to be well, to minimally invasive surgical removal of the hematoma plus guideline-based medical management (surgery group) or to guideline-based medical management alone (control group). The primary efficacy end point was the mean score on the utility-weighted modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating better outcomes, according to patients' assessment) at 180 days, with a prespecified threshold for posterior probability of superiority of 0.975 or higher. The trial included rules for adaptation of enrollment criteria on the basis of hemorrhage location. A primary safety end point was death within 30 days after enrollment. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were enrolled, of whom 30.7% had anterior basal ganglia hemorrhages and 69.3% had lobar hemorrhages. After 175 patients had been enrolled, an adaptation rule was triggered, and only persons with lobar hemorrhages were enrolled. The mean score on the utility-weighted modified Rankin scale at 180 days was 0.458 in the surgery group and 0.374 in the control group (difference, 0.084; 95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.005 to 0.163; posterior probability of superiority of surgery, 0.981). The mean between-group difference was 0.127 (95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.035 to 0.219) among patients with lobar hemorrhages and -0.013 (95% Bayesian credible interval, -0.147 to 0.116) among those with anterior basal ganglia hemorrhages. The percentage of patients who had died by 30 days was 9.3% in the surgery group and 18.0% in the control group. Five patients (3.3%) in the surgery group had postoperative rebleeding and neurologic deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients in whom surgery could be performed within 24 hours after an acute intracerebral hemorrhage, minimally invasive hematoma evacuation resulted in better functional outcomes at 180 days than those with guideline-based medical management. The effect of surgery appeared to be attributable to intervention for lobar hemorrhages. (Funded by Nico; ENRICH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02880878.).

Superior orbital fissure narrowing and tumor-associated pain in spheno-orbital meningiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) represent a distinct subtype of meningioma characterized by their unique multi-compartmental invasion pattern. Previous studies have investigated correlations between SOMs and visual manifestations. However, our comprehension of pain associated with SOMs remains limited. This study aims to provide insight into the pathophysiology underlying SOM-related pain through measurements of tumor volume and superior orbital fissure (SOF) narrowing. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical resection of a SOM between 2000 and 2022. Preoperative CT and/or MRI scans were analyzed, and the tumor volume of each segment was measured. Bony 3D reconstructions were used to measure the area of the SOF, and SOF narrowing was calculated. RESULTS: The study cohort included 66 patients diagnosed with SOMs, among which 25.8% (n = 17) presented with pain. Postoperatively, 14/17 (82.4%) of patients reported pain improvement. There was no significant correlation between the total volume or the volume of tumor within each compartment and the presence of pain on presentation (p > 0.05). The median SOF narrowing was significantly different between patients presenting with and without tumor-associated pain with median of 11 mm2 (IQR 2.8-22.3) and 2 mm2 (IQR 0-6), respectively (p = 0.005). Using logistic regression, a significant correlation between the degree of SOF narrowing and the presence of SOM-associated pain on presentation was identified, with an aOR of 1.2 (95% CI 1.12-1.3, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: While the exact cause of tumor-associated pain remains unclear, SOF narrowing seems to play a role in pain among SOM patients. Based on the radiological characteristics, SOF neurovascular decompression is recommended in SOM patients.

The vectorial technique: a novel neuronavigation-based tool to measure angles of exposure during skull base dissections.

The angle of exposure (AnE) represents a metric that is particularly useful for analyzing circular bony structures during skull base dissections. The authors aimed to develop and validate a neuronavigation-based method to measure the AnE. A formula based on vectorial geometry and the coordinates of three points collected with a neuronavigation system was developed to measure the AnE. The method was validated using a plexiglass phantom head. To demonstrate its applicability, the authors measured the AnE in 6 cadaveric specimens after exposure of the hypoglossal canal using a far-medial approach (FMA) and a far-lateral transtubercular approach (FLTA) and in 6 different specimens after exposure of the jugular foramen using an FLTA and a retrosigmoid approach (RSA). The mean angles measured at 45°, 90°, and 180° using a goniometer during the validation test were 44.8° ± 1.1°, 90.8° ± 1.2°, and 179.7° ± 0.8° using the novel formula (p > 0.05). In the first illustrative application, the mean AnEs for the FMA and FLTA were 129° ± 0.9° and 243° ± 1.9°, respectively. In the second scenario, the mean AnEs were 192° ± 1.3° for the FTLA and 143° ± 2.1° for the RSA. The neuronavigation-based technique described is a highly accurate method to measure the AnE.

Oculomotor nerve cavernous malformation: case report and operative video.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous malformations (CMs) are clusters of thin-walled sinusoidal vessels without well-defined walls. Though they can occur anywhere in the neuroaxis, cranial nerve (CN) CMs are rare. METHOD: We report a 47-year-old male with gradual CN III palsy. Initial imaging showed no significant findings, but a follow-up MRI revealed a growing lesion along CN III. Intraoperative findings confirmed a CN III CM. Diagnosing and treating CN III CM are complex. Radiological findings lack specificity, requiring consideration of various diagnoses for patients with isolated CN III palsy and abnormal radiological findings. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the gold standard, aiming for complete lesion removal while minimizing neurological complications.

Pediatric infectious aneurysms: individual patient pooled analysis on presentation, management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are a rare sequel of systemic infection and occur most commonly in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Despite the increasing use of non-invasive screening angiography in patients with IE, the incidence remains low, yielding limited data on the management of IIAs in pediatric populations. We performed a pooled analysis of all published series of pediatric patients with IIAs to study the disease landscape including presentation, management, and outcomes. METHODS: Data included in this study were pooled from published literature on IIAs between 1960 and 2023. Abstracts were selected for full review to include only manuscripts reporting at least one case of pediatric IIA (age 0-18 years). RESULTS: A total of 145 pediatric patients with 178 IIAs were included. Patients presented with rupture in 68% of cases, of which 36% had intraparenchymal hemorrhage and 39% had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Using multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of rupture were posterior location (aOR 10, P=0.041) and history of IE (aOR 7.2, P=0.001). Primary medical management was successful in 82% of cases with unruptured aneurysms while, in those with ruptured IIAs, medical management was successful in 26% of cases. The 90-day mortality rate was 28%. Using multivariate logistic regression, ruptured IIAs (aOR 5.4, P<0.01) and failure of medical management (aOR 11.1, P<0.05) were independent predictors of 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Pediatric IIAs remain a rare complication of systemic or localized CNS infection in the pediatric population. Medical management of unruptured aneurysms is highly successful, while ruptured aneurysms have a remarkably high rate of failure of medical management and should be treated by early surgical or endovascular intervention when feasible.

Repeat thrombectomy after large vessel re-occlusion: a propensity score matched analysis of technical and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains the standard of care for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, the safety and efficacy of repeat thrombectomy (rEVT) in recurrent LVO remains unclear. This study uses a large real-world patient cohort to study technical and clinical outcomes after rEVT. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent thrombectomy between January 2013 and December 2022. Data were included from 21 comprehensive stroke centers globally through the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR). Patients undergoing single EVT or rEVT within 30 days of LVO stroke were included in the study. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients undergoing single EVT versus rEVT. RESULTS: Out of a total of 7387 patients who underwent thrombectomy for LVO stroke, 90 (1.2%) patients underwent rEVT for the same vascular territory within 30 days. The median (IQR) time to re-occlusion was 2 (1-7) days. Compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing a single EVT procedure, patients undergoing rEVT had a comparable rate of good functional outcome and mortality rate, but a higher rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). There was a significant reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of patients who underwent rEVT at discharge compared with baseline (-4.8±11.4; P=0.006). The rate of successful recanalization was similar in the single thrombectomy and rEVT groups (78% vs 80%, P=0.171) and between index and rEVT performed on the same patient (79% vs 80%; P=0.593). CONCLUSION: Short-interval rEVT is associated with an improvement in the NIHSS score following large vessel re-occlusion. Compared with single thrombectomy, there was a higher rate of sICH with rEVT, but without a significant impact on rates of functional independence or mortality.

Exoscope-assisted temporal bone resection: operative videos of the lateral and total techniques.

Skull base malignancies arising from the parotid gland, skin, or external auditory canal (EAC) can potentially involve the temporal bone. Management of these invasive tumors represents a true challenge considering the critical neurovascular relationships. Exoscope-assisted temporal bone resection (TBR) plays a crucial role in addressing such malignancies. The extent of disease is evaluated using the Pittsburgh staging system, which then guides the boundaries of resection. Lateral TBR (LTBR) relies on removal of the EAC and lateral ossicles and is generally appropriate for stage T1 and T2 tumors. Total TBR (TTBR) is reserved for high-grade tumors involving the petrous apex. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23135.

Comparison of Resection Assisting Devices in the Process of Collecting Brain Tumor Tissue for Basic Research: Microdebrider Versus Ultrasonic Aspirator.

INTRODUCTION: Brain tumors display significant inter and intratumoral heterogeneity, impacting disease progression and outcomes. Preserving surgically resected tissue is vital for ensuring accurate research results to enhance understanding of tumor pathophysiology. This study evaluates tissue integrity and viability of tissue resected using 2 surgical devices for tumor resection: a mechanical microdebrider (MD) and an ultrasonic aspirator (UA). METHODS: Tumor samples were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of primary and secondary intracranial tumors. Cell viability was assessed, and histopathological analysis of Hematoxylin and Eosin -stained tissues was performed. Adherent monolayer and neurospheres cell cultures were established from paired samples. RNA isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction of housekeeping genes were conducted to compare genetic integrity. RESULTS: The cellular viability was comparable between samples obtained using both the MD and the UA, with a mean viability of 75.2% ± 15.6 and 70.7% ± 16.8, respectively (P = 0.318). Histopathological evaluation indicated no discernible differences in cellular integrity between the devices. Cell culture success rates and growth characteristics were similar for both devices. RNA concentration and integrity were well-maintained in both MD and UA samples, with no significant differences (P = 0.855). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of housekeeping genes showed consistent results across matched tissues from both devices and different tumor pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical handheld devices provide valuable, high-quality tissue samples for research. Surgeon preference, tumor pathology, and anatomical location dictate device choice. Both MD and UA devices are reliable for obtaining quality tissue specimens, facilitating translational neuro-oncology research.

Association of Cerebrovascular Injury and Secondary Vascular Insult With Poor Outcomes After Gunshot Wound to the Head in a Large Civilian Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebrovascular injury (CVI) after civilian gunshot wound to the head (GSWH) likely contributes to poor outcomes, but little supporting evidence exists. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intracranial CVI from GSWH and secondary vascular insult (stroke or rehemorrhage) were associated with poor outcomes in a large civilian population. METHODS: This was a single-institution, retrospective cohort study on patients admitted between January 2014 and July 2022 at a large, metropolitan, level-1 trauma center. Multivariate regression models and propensity score matching were used. RESULTS: A total of 512 civilian patients presented with GSWH, and a cohort of 172 (33.5%) met inclusion criteria, with 143 (83.1%) males and a mean (SD) age of 34.3 (±14.2) years. The incidence of intracranial CVI was 50.6% (87/172 patients), and that of secondary vascular insult was 32.2% (28/172 patients). Bifrontal trajectories (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 13.11; 95% CI 2.45-70.25; P = .003) and the number of lobes traversed by the projectile (aOR 3.18; CI 1.77-5.71; P < .001) were associated with increased odds of resultant CVI. Patients with CVI suffered higher rate of mortality (34% vs 20%; odds ratio [OR] 2.1; CI 0.78-5.85; P = .015) and were less likely to achieve a good functional outcome with a Glasgow Outcome Score of 4-5 (34% vs 68%; OR 0.24; CI 0.1-0.6; P = .004) at follow-up. Furthermore, patients with CVI and resultant secondary vascular insult had even worse functional outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Score 4-5, 16.7% vs 39.0%; aOR 0.012; CI 0.001-0.169, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Intracranial CVI from GSWH and associated secondary vascular insult are associated with poor outcomes. Given the high prevalence and potentially reversible nature of these secondary injuries, early screening with vascular imaging and treatment of underlying CVI may prove to be critical to improve outcomes by reducing stroke and rehemorrhage incidence.

An Artificial Neural Network Model for Predicting Postoperative Facial Nerve Outcomes After Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The emergence of machine learning models has significantly improved the accuracy of surgical outcome predictions. This study aims to develop and validate an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting facial nerve (FN) outcomes after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery using the proximal-to-distal amplitude ratio (P/D) along with clinical variables. METHODS: This retrospective study included 71 patients who underwent VS resection between 2018 and 2022. At the end of surgery, the FN was stimulated at the brainstem (proximal) and internal acoustic meatus (distal) and the P/D was calculated. Postoperative FN function was assessed using the House-Brackmann grading system at discharge (short-term) and after 9-12 months (long-term). House-Brackmann grades I-II were considered good outcome, whereas grades III-VI were considered fair/poor. An ANN model was constructed, and the performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve for internal validation and accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for external validation. RESULTS: The short-term FN outcome was grades I-II in 57.7% and grades III-VI in 42.3% of patients. Initially, a model using P/D had an area under the curve of 0.906 (internal validation) and an accuracy of 89.1% (95% CI: 68.3%-98.8%) (external validation) for predicting good vs fair/poor short-term FN outcomes. The model was then refined to include only muscles with a P/D with a proximal latency between 6 and 8 ms. This improved the accuracy to 100% (95% CI: 79%-100%). Integrating clinical variables (patient's age, tumor size, and preoperative HB grade) in addition to P/D into the model did not significantly improve the predative value. A model was then created to predict the long-term FN outcome using P/D with latencies between 6 and 8 ms and had an accuracy of 90.9% (95% CI: 58.7%-99.8%). CONCLUSION: ANN models incorporating P/D can be a valuable tool for predicting FN outcomes after VS surgery. Refining the model to include P/D with latencies between 6 and 8 ms further improves the model's prediction. A user-friendly interface is provided to facilitate the implementation of this model.

Volumetric Analysis of Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: Prognostic Correlation and a Compartmentalized Approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spheno-orbital meningiomas arise from the arachnoid villi cap cells at the sphenoid ridge and have the ability to spread through soft tissue extension and cranial bone invasion. Owing to their orbital hyperostosis and intraorbital soft tissue extension, they commonly present with ophthalmologic manifestations. This study aims to investigate the correlation between tumor volume with the presenting symptoms and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent surgical resection of spheno-orbital meningiomas. Tumor volumes in different compartments were measured using preoperative and postoperative imaging. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlations between tumor volumes and presenting symptoms preoperatively and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in this study, of whom 86.4% had proptosis, 80.3% had decreased visual acuity (VA), 30.3% had visual field defects, and 13.6% had periorbital edema. Preoperatively, proptosis linearly correlated with intraosseous tumor volume (coefficient = 0.6, P < .001), while the decrease in baseline VA correlated with the intraorbital tumor volume (coefficient = 0.3, P = .01). The odds of periorbital edema were found to increase with an increase in intraosseous tumor volume with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.7, P = .003), while the odds of visual field defects were found to increase with an increase in intraorbital tumor volume with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.3-5.6, P = .01). Postoperatively, the volume of intraosseous tumor resected linearly correlated with the improvement in proptosis (coefficient = 0.7, P < .001), while the volume of intraorbital tumor resected linearly correlated with improvement in VA (coefficient = 0.5, P < .001) and with a larger effect size in patients presenting with moderate-to-severe decrease in VA preoperatively (coefficient = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Underscoring the importance of each tumor compartment relative to the patient's symptomatology serves as a valuable guide in implementing a compartmentalized resection approach tailored to the surgical objectives.

TransOrbital NeuroEndoscopic Surgery for Biopsy of the Left Cavernous Sinus: A Literature Review, Case Report, and Cadaveric Proof of Concept.

The aim of this report is to describe TransOrbital NeuroEndoscopic Surgery (TONES) as a safe alternative for obtaining a cavernous sinus (CS) biopsy. We describe this technique in a patient with a diffuse large B cell lymphoma mimicking Tolosa-Hunt's syndrome. Articles were gathered querying PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases with terms related to a "transorbital neuroendoscopic approach." The literature search was performed by two independent authors (N.L.F. and J.R.), with inconsistencies resolved by the senior author (M.M.D.V.). After screening abstracts for relevance, full-length articles were reviewed for pertinent variables. A comparison was conducted with the illustrative case of a 69-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with vertigo, ophthalmoplegia, and diplopia for 2 months. A brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an infiltrative lesion at the left CS. A presumptive diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome was made, but a confirmatory biopsy was performed using TONES. Based on our cadaveric study, literature review, and case report, the TONES approach was safe, effective for tissue diagnosis, and associated with minor morbidity and reduced hospital stay. Additional prospective studies are required to study its viability and safety in a larger group of patients.

Sellar atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor in adults: survival analysis of treatment strategies. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare, highly aggressive central nervous system tumor predominantly found in children. Limited information exists on ATRT in adults, posing challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This study presents the case of an adult patient with ATRT in the sellar region and explores the impact of different treatment regimens on patient survival. OBSERVATIONS: A 60-year-old female with an ATRT underwent resection of the tumor, followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Molecular genetic analysis revealed compound heterozygous SMARCB1 point mutations. Survival analysis was performed on previously published adult ATRT cases, comparing treatment approaches. The cohort's overall median survival was 6 months, with patients receiving combined chemoradiotherapy showing the longest median survival of 23.5 months. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in survival between patients treated with surgery alone and those receiving surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between patients treated with surgery alone and those with postoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.105). LESSONS: Early initiation of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy following surgery improves survival outcomes in adult patients with ATRT. Because of limited data on standardized treatment protocols for adults with ATRT, further research and larger-scale studies are needed to establish effective treatment guidelines for this population.

Therapeutic response to pazopanib: case report and literature review on molecular abnormalities of aggressive prolactinomas.

Introduction: Aggressive prolactinomas (APRLs) pose a significant clinical challenge due to their high rate of regrowth and potentially life-threatening complications. In this study, we present a case of a patient with an APRL who had a trial of multiple therapeutic modalities with the aim to provide a review of molecular abnormalities and management of APRLs by corroborating our experience with previous literature. Methods: A total of 268 articles were reviewed and 46 were included. Case reports and series, and studies that investigated the molecular and/or genetic analysis of APRLs were included. Special care was taken to include studies describing prolactinomas that would fall under the APRL subtype according to the European Society of Endocrinology guidelines; however, the author did not label the tumor as "aggressive" or "atypical". Addiontionally, we present a case report of a 56-year-old man presented with an invasive APRL that was resistant to multiple treatment modalities. Results: Literature review revealed multiple molecular abnormalities of APRLs including mutations in and/or deregulation of ADAMTS6, MMP-9, PITX1, VEGF, POU6F2, CDKN2A, and Rb genes. Mismatch repair genes, downregulation of microRNAs, and hypermethylation of specific genes including RASSF1A, p27, and MGMT were found to be directly associated with the aggressiveness of prolactinomas. APRL receptor analysis showed that low levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and an increase in somatostatin receptors (SSTR5) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) were associated with increased invasiveness and higher proliferation activity. Our patient had positive immunohistochemistry staining for PD-L1, MSH2, and MSH6, while microarray analysis revealed mutations in the CDKN2A and POU6F2 genes. Despite undergoing two surgical resections, radiotherapy, and taking dopamine agonists, the tumor continued to progress. The patient was administered pazopanib, which resulted in a positive response and the patient remained progression-free for six months. However, subsequent observations revealed tumor progression. The patient was started on PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, yet the tumor continued to progress. Conclusion: APRLs are complex tumors that require a multidisciplinary management approach. Knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of these tumors is critical for understanding their pathogenesis and identifying potential targets for precision medical therapy.

Symptomatic intracranial tumors in pregnancy: an updated management algorithm. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial tumors are infrequently encountered during pregnancy, and their diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for the mother and fetus. The pathophysiology and manifestations of these tumors are influenced by hormonal changes, hemodynamic modifications, and alterations in immunological tolerance that occur during pregnancy. Despite the complexity of this condition, no standardized guidelines exist. This study aims to highlight the key points of this presentation, along with the discussion of a possible management algorithm. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented during the third trimester of pregnancy with severe signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to a posterior cranial fossa mass. The decision was made to stabilize the patient by placing an external ventricular drain to temporize her increased ICPs until the baby could be safely delivered via cesarean section. The mass was resected via suboccipital craniectomy 1 week postpartum. LESSONS: In considering treatment modalities and their timing in patients presenting with intracranial tumors during pregnancy, each patient should be managed on the basis of an individual treatment algorithm. Symptoms, prognosis, and gestational age should be taken into account to optimize the surgical and perioperative outcomes of both the mother and fetus.

Purely nasal floor mucosa-free graft for reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transellar approach: an anatomical and clinical analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In this radioanatomical study with clinical correlate, we study a variation of the 'extended nasal floor mucosa' (ENFM) free-graft, the purely nasal floor mucosa (PuNFM) free-graft. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the coverage surface area provided by the PuNFM, study the adequacy of the PuNFM in the reconstruction of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) transsellar postoperative defects and compare and evaluate this reconstructive technique with current sellar region reconstruction practices. METHODS: Dissections were performed on five cadaveric specimens. PuNFM were harvested bilaterally and the area provided for reconstruction was calculated. Twenty-five consecutive cases of pituitary adenomas resected through an EEA were analyzed to estimate the sellar defect surface area (SDSA) after a transsellar EEA and calculate the area of PuNFM bilaterally. RESULTS: The median cadaveric SDSA was 4.77 cm2, with a median left and right side PuNFM area of 5.09 and 5.19 cm2, respectively. Clinically, the median SDSA was 5.36 cm2, and the total radiological PuNFM surface area was 5.46 cm2, with modified Knosp grade >2 tumors having larger SDSA than that of Knosp grade <2 tumors. The PuNFM graft proved to be most effective for covering modified Knosp <2 tumor defects. CONCLUSIONS: The PuNFM represents a variation of the ENFM free-graft sellar defect reconstruction technique that provides sufficient surface area to reconstruct the majority of the sellar defects related to transsellar EAA for pituitary adenomas. This technique may positively impact sinonasal function and quality of life. Future prospective clinical studies are needed to verify these findings.

Thermal Analysis of an Ultrasonic Aspirator Micro Claw Tool Compared With Standard High-Speed Drilling During Internal Auditory Canal Opening in a Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND: The ultrasonic aspirator micro claw tool (UAmCT) can be used to remove the bone of the internal auditory canal (IAC) during vestibular schwannoma resection via the retrosigmoid approach (RSA) without the risk of a spinning drill shaft. However, the thermal profile of the UAmCT during IAC removal has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare the thermal profile of the UAmCT during access of the IAC to that of a conventional high-speed drill (HSD) and to present an illustrative case of this application. METHODS: IAC opening via RSA was performed in 5 embalmed cadaveric specimens using the UAmCT with 3, 8, and 15 mL/min irrigation on the left and the HSD at 75 000 revolutions per minute and 0%, 14%, and 22% irrigation on the right. Peak bone surface temperatures were measured 4 times in 20-second intervals, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. An illustrative case of a vestibular schwannoma resected via an RSA using the UAmCT to access the IAC is presented. RESULTS: The IAC was opened in all 5 specimens using both the UAmCT and HSD without complication. The mean peak bone surface temperatures were significantly lower with the UAmCT compared with the HSD ( P < .001). The UAmCT did not meaningfully prolong the operating time in the illustrative case, and the IAC was accessed without complication. CONCLUSION: The UAmCT may be a safe and effective alternative to HSD for IAC opening during vestibular schwannoma resection via the RSA. Larger studies under clinical conditions are required to further validate these findings.

Early Minimally Invasive Removal of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ENRICH): Study protocol for a multi-centered two-arm randomized adaptive trial.

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a potentially devastating condition with elevated early mortality rates, poor functional outcomes, and high costs of care. Standard of care involves intensive supportive therapy to prevent secondary injury. To date, there is no randomized control study demonstrating benefit of early evacuation of supratentorial ICH. Methods: The Early Minimally Invasive Removal of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ENRICH) Trial was designed to evaluate the minimally invasive trans-sulcal parafascicular surgery (MIPS) approach, a technique for safe access to deep brain structures and ICH removal using the BrainPath® and Myriad® devices (NICO Corporation, Indianapolis, IN). ENRICH is a multi-centered, two-arm, randomized, adaptive comparative-effectiveness study, where patients are block randomized by ICH location and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) to early ICH evacuation using MIPS plus standard guideline-based management vs. standard management alone to determine if MIPS results in improved outcomes defined by the utility-weighted modified Rankin score (UWmRS) at 180 days as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include clinical and economic outcomes of MIPS using cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The inclusion and exclusion criteria aim to capture a broad group of patients with high risk of significant morbidity and mortality to determine optimal treatment strategy. Discussion: ENRICH will result in improved understanding of the benefit of MIPS for both lobar and deep ICH affecting the basal ganglia. The ongoing study will lead to Level-I evidence to guide clinicians treatment options in the management of acute treatment of ICH. Trial registration: This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02880878).