Search

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by stenosis, occlusion, and formation of aberrant collaterals of brain vessels. This derangement in the brain vessels in conditions associated with changes in intracranial pressure can lead to arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). A major challenge for stroke physicians is to recommend the safest method of delivery for pregnant patients with MMD. Using a large national database, our objective in this study was to analyze the risk of AIS in patients with MMD who underwent vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (C-section).We used the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2013-2018 to identify patients with a diagnosis of MMD who underwent VD or C-section. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of AIS in VD versus C-section.Of 2166 female patients with MMD, 97 underwent VD or C-section: 49 (50.51%) underwent VD, and 48 (49.48%) underwent C-section. The analysis of outcomes between VD and C-section showed a higher prevalence of AIS after VD compared with C-section (8.2% vs 6.3%, P = 0.716). The multivariate analysis for AIS showed that VD is not an independent risk factor compared with C-section (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.3-13.3, P = 0.417).Our data did not find evidence that VD and C-section are risk factors for AIS in pregnant patients with MMD.

To compare safety and efficacy profiles in aneurysms treated with Pipeline Embolization Device or Pipeline Flex versus Surpass Streamline flow diverters (FDs).Patients who underwent flow diversion for aneurysm treatment at 2 centers were included. Covariates comprised patient demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics. Metrics included number of devices, adjuvant device use, case duration, and radiation exposure. Outcomes included periprocedural complications and radiographic results at follow-up. Propensity score-matched pairs were generated using demographic and aneurysm characteristics to verify the outcomes in equally sized groups.The majority of 141 flow diversion procedures performed on 126 patients were in the anterior circulation (96%) and unruptured (93%). Operators experienced more complications placing Surpass FDs compared with Pipelines (18.2% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.005) but used fewer Surpass devices per case (1 device in all Surpass cases and range for Pipeline cases 1-7; P0.001). Ballooning was more frequent for Surpass (29.5% vs. 2.1%, P0.001). There were no differences in mortality (2.1% vs. 0, P = 1.00), intracranial hemorrhage (3.1% vs. 0, P = 0.551), or stroke (4.2% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.680). Rates of aneurysm obliteration at follow-up were similar. Propensity-matched pairs had no differences in FD deployment complications or perioperative events, yet the significant differences remained for adjuvant balloon use and number of FDs deployed.While the devices demonstrated similar safety and efficacy profiles, deployment of the Surpass Streamline was more technically challenging than Pipeline Embolization Device or Pipeline Flex. Prospective cohort studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Objective To investigate effect of July admission on short-term outcome after endovascular coiling of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) owing to ruptured aneurysms. Methods Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2012–2014) were gathered. Adult patients with SAH who underwent endovascular therapy at a teaching hospital were identified. Admissions during July were compared with other months as well as based on admission quarter (AQ): AQ1 (July to September), AQ2 (October to December), AQ3 (January to March), and AQ4 (April to June). Outcome measures included inpatient morbidity (death, iatrogenic stroke, or myocardial infarction), inpatient mortality, and nonroutine discharges. Results The National Inpatient Sample database yielded 8515 patients with a diagnosis of SAH who underwent endovascular coiling between 2012 and 2014. Among these, 665 (7.8%) were admitted in July, and 7850 (92.2%) were admitted in other months. Overall, there were no differences in any of the examined outcomes, including morbidity (15.0% vs. 17.3%, P = 0.513), mortality (10.5% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.665), or nonroutine discharge (57.1% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.567), for patients admitted in July versus other months. Based on AQ, 24.5% of patients were admitted in AQ1, 26.0% in AQ2, 23.8% in AQ3, and 25.7% in AQ4. Similar to July versus other month admissions, there were no significant differences in outcomes based on AQ. Conclusions Based on findings of this national investigation, patients with SAH owing to ruptured aneurysms who undergo endovascular therapy during the beginning of the academic year in July may not have worse short-term outcome compared with patients with admissions during other months.

Background The relatively decreased time spent in the operating room and overall reduction in cases performed by neurosurgical trainees as a result of duty-hour restrictions demands that the pedagogical content within each surgical encounter be maximized and crafted toward the specific talents and shortcomings of the individual. It is imperative to future generations that the quality of training adapts to the changing administrative infrastructures and compensates for anything that may compromise the technical abilities of trainees. Neurosurgeons in teaching hospitals continue to experiment with various emerging technologies—such as simulators and virtual presence—to supplement and improve surgical training. Methods The authors participated in the Google Glass Explorer Program in order to assess the applicability of Google Glass as a tool to enhance the operative education of neurosurgical residents. Google Glass is a type of wearable technology in the form of eyeglasses that employs a high-definition camera and allows the user to interact using voice commands. Results Google Glass was able to effectively capture video segments of various lengths for residents to review in a variety of clinical settings within a large, tertiary care university hospital, as well as during a surgical mission to a developing country. The resolution and quality of the video were adequate to review and use as a teaching tool. Conclusion While Google Glass harbors the potential to dramatically improve both neurosurgical education and practice in a variety of ways, certain technical drawbacks of the current model limit its effectiveness as a teaching tool.

Background For decades, the disparity in medical care across the world along with the fundamental essence of medicine as service has laid the foundation for the global medical mission. Mongolia, a country often overlooked as an area in need of medical aid, harbors a fertile environment for long-term change. In the last 15–20 years, after the fall of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Mongolia has turned to a free-market healthcare model and has been struggling with the transition from the formally state-run system. These changes have slowed the original progress noted among surgical specialties, namely neurosurgery, in Mongolia. A lack of resources, a desire for international interaction, and a need for technical mentorship remain a real struggle for local neurosurgeons. Methods Under the auspices of the Virtue Foundation ( www.virtuefoundation.org ), we report on our 3-year experiences during our surgical and teaching mission to Mongolia and look towards long-term improvements in Mongolian neurosurgery. Results A total of 15 operations were performed and more than 50 patients seen in clinic during the 3-year experience. Patients ranged from 1 to 77 years of age. No patients encountered any significant peri- or postoperative complications. Conclusions In our experience with the surgical and teaching mission to Mongolia, when directed appropriately, medical missions can serve as the perfect medium in fostering that environment, providing local healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to create self-sustaining improvement in their own country, hence promoting intellectual and technological advancement and raising the standard of care.