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Mechanical obstruction of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) during the first year after shunt implantation is a common complication and is widely described in the literature. In this paper, we evaluated the suitability of the shuntography for the diagnosis of mechanical complications of the VPS in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).We retrospectively identified 49 patients with pathologic shuntography over of a period of 20 years in our hospital. The percentage of procedure-associated complications was determined.Ninety-eight percent (n = 48) of the patients who underwent shuntography showed clinical and radiographic signs of underdrainage prior to examination. Shuntography revealed mechanical complications of the VP shunt in 37% (n = 18) as a cause of clinical deterioration and following revision operation. During shuntography, mechanical obstruction was discovered in 78% (n = 14) and disconnection of shunt components in 22% (n = 4). In the obstruction group, in 50% (n = 7) the closure was detected in the ventricular catheter, in 29% (n = 4) in the distal catheter of the VPS, and in 21% (n = 3) in both sides of the VPS. In the case of an inconspicuous shuntography (63%, n = 31), the patients received symptomatic therapy (32%, n = 10) or re-adjustment of the valve setting (68%, n = 21). Fifty-seven percent of the patients who underwent surgical treatment improved clinically by at least one point according to the Kiefer score.Shuntography can produce valuable clinical information uncovering mechanic complications after implantation VPS in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Patients with mechanical complications of their VPS needed revision surgery and showed clinical benefit after treatment.

Objectives Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) plays an important role in long-term monitoring and neuro-intensive treatment of patients with a cerebral shunt. Currently, only two complete telemetric implants with different technical features are available worldwide. This prospective pilot study aims to examine patients who had both probes implanted at overlapping times for clinical reasons and represents the first in vivo comparison of both measurement methods. Materials and methods Patients with a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage or a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage who had received a telemetric ICP probe (Raumedic® NEUROVENT®-P-tel) were included in the study. Conventional external ventricular drainages (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts with a telemetric ICP probe (Miethke Sensor Reservoir) were implanted in patients with hydrocephalus who required CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) drainage. Absolute ICP values from all systems were obtained. Due to the overlapping implantation time, parallel ICP measurements were performed via two devices simultaneously. ICP measurements via the sensor reservoir were repeated after 3 and 9 months. Differences between the absolute ICP values measured via the NEUROVENT®-P-tel probe, the Miethke sensor reservoir®, and the EVD were analyzed. Results Seventeen patients were included in the present study between 2016 and 2018. 63% of all patients were male. In 11 patients the ICP measurements were followed up with both devices for 3 months. ICP measurements of the sensor reservoir showed corresponding trends in 9 cases compared to ICP measurement via the telemetry probe or EVD. Difference in absolute ICP values ranged between 14.5 mmHg and 0.0 mmHg. The average difference of the absolute ICP values in 8 cases was ≤ 3.5 mmHg. Conclusion ICP measurements with both systems continuously showed synchronous absolute ICP values, however absolute values of ICP measurement with the different systems did not match.

Objective: After ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) with adjustable gravitational valves, a certain proportion of patients develop secondary clinical worsening after initial improvement of clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to analyze this[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 71. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC), 9. Joint Meeting mit der Japanischen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in Germany. Methods: The database of the nationwide Barmer Health Insurance was queried for specific combinations of corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and OPS codes (German modification of the ICPM and official classification of surgical procedures) in order to assess the number of patients treated for iNPH and the number surgical procedures associated with the disease in a 10 years period between 2003 and 2012. Results: Between 2003 and 2012, the incidence of iNPH increased from zero to 1.36/100.000/year. Conclusion: This is the first population-based epidemiologic study on iNPH in Germany covering a ten year period.

Patients from contemporary populations with traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from epidural hematoma (EDH) may differ regarding age, comorbidities, and coagulation status. We therefore analyzed predictors for the clinical outcome of patients with EDH treated surgically regarding modern approaches to resuscitation and trauma care.A retrospective observational analysis was carried out. All patients included underwent surgery. The indication for surgery followed international guidelines. Retrospective data evaluation considered data reflecting the effectiveness of trauma care, baseline characteristics, and radiologic findings. In this analysis, we divided patients into 2 groups (isolated EDH vs. EDH plus other intracranial traumatic injuries). The neurologic outcome was assessed at discharge using the Glasgow Outcome Scale.Two hundred and sixty-eight patients with epidural hematoma, of whom 131 underwent surgery, were treated between January 1997 and December 2012 in our level-1 trauma center. The overall mortality was 6.8% (mortality for patients with Glasgow Outcome Scale score9, 15%). As expected, factors with a highly significant (P 0.01) impact on outcome were concomitant with other intracranial injuries, brain midline shift, and higher Injury Severity Score. Alcohol intoxication was a significant (P 0.05) predictor of an unfavorable outcome. Anticoagulants and Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission had no significant impact on the outcome.The outcome for EDH is more favorable than decades ago, most probably reflecting a well-established chain of trauma care. Therefore, EDH is a treatable disease with a high probability of a favorable outcome.

Objective: Sophisticated shunt valves provide the possibility of pressure adjustment and antisiphon control but have a higher probability of valve dysfunction especially in a posthemorrhagic setting. The aim of the present study is to analyze the clinical outcome of patients with shunt dependent posthemorrhagic[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 67. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC), 1. Joint Meeting mit der Koreanischen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (KNS)

Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overdrainage is a major problem in shunt therapy for hydrocephalus. The adjustable gravitational valve proSA allows for the first time a targeted compensation for overdrainage in the upright position without interfering with the differential pressure valve. To evaluate benefit, safety and reliability, the multicenter prospective registry PROSAIKA was conducted in 10 German neurosurgical centers. Methods Between March 2009 and July 2010, 120 hydrocephalic patients undergoing first time shunt implantation or shunt revision using proSA entered the study. 93 patients completed the 12 months follow-up. Results Hydrocephalus symptoms were improved in 86%, unchanged in 9% and deteriorated in 3%. In 51%, the proSA opening pressure was readjusted one or several times to treat suspected suboptimal shunt function, this resulted in clinical improvement in 55%, no change in 25%, and deterioration in 20% of these patients. The 1 year censored proSA shunt survival rate was 89%. Device related shunt failure was seen in two cases. Conclusions This is the first clinical report on the implantation of the adjustable gravitational valve proSA with a follow-up of 12 months in a substantial number of patients. Irrespective of different hydrocephalus etiologies and indications for shunt surgery, the overall results after 12 months were very satisfying. The high frequency of valve readjustments underlines the fact that preoperative selection of the appropriate valve opening pressure is difficult. The low number of revisions and complications compared to other valves proves that proSA implantation adds no further risk; this valve is reliable, helpful and safe.

Background: Posterior lumbar decompression and interspinous fixation is a surgical technique used in the treatment of the spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and facet joint arthosis complex. Interspinous fixation implants are less invasive than posterior lumbar internal fixator and therefore, are well suited for use as an implant in cases of low-grade spondylolisthesis. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcome of patients treated with lumbar decompression and interspinous fixation.

Background Isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (itSAH) is found in approximately 25% of all patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical course and identify risk factors for potential clinical and radiologic deterioration in consideration of impaired coagulation in patients with itSAH. Methods A retrospective analysis of 735 patients with TBI resulting in a pathologic computer-assisted tomography (CAT) was performed. Only those patients with itSAH and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of greater than 8 points and follow-up CAT scan were included. Patients with hemorrhage in any other brain compartment (subdural, epidural, and intracerebral) were excluded. Impaired coagulation was operationally defined. Results Of the 735 patients, 89 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these patients experienced mild TBI. The rate of radiologic expansion or conversion of the SAH was 28.1%. The rate of clinical deterioration was 6.7%. Neither the initial pattern of itSAH on different intracranial localizations nor the number of sulci involved in the itSAH was associated with clinical worsening. The rate of patients with impaired coagulation was 38%; 17.9% of all patients showed elevated international normalized ratio (INR). Radiologic and clinical deterioration was significantly associated with elevated INR. INR was shown to be independent of age in a logistic regression analysis. Conclusion TBI patients with itSAH and impaired coagulation especially those who showed elevated INR are at risk of clinical and radiologic deterioration. Despite coagulation status, routine repetition of cranial CAT scan is advised in patients with itSAH to detect potential radiologic worsening, which if occurring should result in close clinical monitoring. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, level IV; prognostic study, level III.

Object Shunt therapy in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) can improve symptoms in 84% of patients 1 year postoperatively. Therefore, implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) prevents or at least prolongs the time during which patients are not dependent on care from others because of gait disorder or dementia. In this study, the medium-term results of modern shunt therapy were evaluated. Methods The authors retrospectively studied outcome in iNPH patients in whom VPSs were implanted. At yearly follow-up examinations over at least 6 years, clinical symptoms were recorded according to the NPH recovery rate (NPH-RR): (preoperative Kiefer Scale [KS] score − postoperative KS score)/(preoperative KS score × 10). Time and cause of death over this period were also analyzed. Results Among the 147 patients treated for iNPH in the period between 1997 and 2006, 69 had died at the time of the authors' survey. Sixty-one patients reached the 6-year examination. The median age was 64 years (range 33–83 years) at the time of VPS implantation and 73 years (range 41–91 years) at the time of this study. Six years after shunt implantation, the median KS score was significantly lower than the preoperative score (4.3 vs 8.1 points). Fifty-nine percent of 61 patients had an excellent outcome, 15% had satisfactory benefit, and 26% had unsatisfactory results 6 years postoperatively. Three of the 147 patients who underwent implantation of a VPS died of cerebral diseases 4–10 years postoperatively. Conclusions Implantation of a VPS is a safe procedure and can improve symptoms in 74% of patients with iNPH in the longer term.

Objectives To investigate whether gravitational valves reduce the risk of overdrainage complications compared with programmable valves in ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Background Patients with iNPH may benefit from VP shunting but are prone to overdrainage complications during posture changes. Gravitational valves with tantalum balls are considered to reduce the risk of overdrainage but their clinical effectiveness is unclear. Methods We conducted a pragmatic, randomised, multicentre trial comparing gravitational with non-gravitational programmable valves in patients with iNPH eligible for VP shunting. The primary endpoint was any clinical or radiological sign (headache, nausea, vomiting, subdural effusion or slit ventricle) of overdrainage 6 months after randomisation. We also assessed disease specific instruments (Black and Kiefer Scale) and Physical and Mental Component Scores of the Short Form 12 (SF-12) generic health questionnaire. Results We enrolled 145 patients (mean (SD) age 71.9 (6.9) years), 137 of whom were available for endpoint analysis. After 6 months, 29 patients in the standard and five patients in the gravitational shunt group developed overdrainage (risk difference −36%, 95% CI −49% to −23%; p

Background Ketamine has neuroprotective characteristics as well as beneficial cardiocirculatory properties and may thus reduce vasopressor consumption. In contrast, sedation with ketamine (like any other sedative drug) has side effects. This study assesses the influence of ketamine on intracranial pressure (ICP), on the consumption of vasopressors in induced hypertension therapy, and on the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI)-associated cerebral infarctions, with particular focus on the complications of sedation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods This is a retrospective, observational study. Sixty-five patients with SAH who underwent a period of sedation were included. The clinical course variables (Richmond Agitation and Sedation scale score, ICP values, consumption of vasopressors, complications of sedation, outcome, and other clinical parameters) were analyzed. Cranial computed tomography results were analyzed. Results Forty-one patients underwent sedation including ketamine (63.1%). Ketamine decreased the ICP in 92.7% of the cases. Vasopressors was reduced in 53.6%. DCI-associated cerebral infarctions occurred significantly less often in the patient cohort being treated with sedation including ketamine (7.3% vs. 25% in the nonketamine group; P = 0.04). The rate of major complications was not higher in the ketamine group. Outcome was not different regarding the groups if they were sedated with or without ketamine. Conclusions Ketamine decreases the ICP and is not associated with a higher rate of complications. The rate of DCI-associated cerebral infarctions was lower in the ketamine group. Ketamine administration led to a reduction of vasopressors used for induced hypertension.

Despite the awareness and familiarity of almost every medical professional with the cauda equine compression syndrome (CES), risk factors for a poor prognosis of the disease remain elusive. Even the relationship between subsequent outcome and the time elapsed from the time of appearance of symptoms to surgery taking place remain obscure. The aim of our study, therefore, was to analyze a relatively large population of our own patients studied consecutively, to identify outcome predictors for CES and to propose a clinical score for CES symptoms (Berlin CES score). We screened the hospital’s electronic database retrospectively for patients admitted with CES between 2001 and 2010. Since our hospital is a superregional trauma center with standardized emergency room procedures, all patients included in the study underwent the same routine. Using baseline data, we analyzed the following parameters: duration of symptoms, period of time between diagnosis and imaging, respectively, surgery; pre- and postoperative pain, motor deficits, reflex changes, urinary and bowl dysfunctions, reduced anal wink, saddle anesthesia, genital or perianal sensations and residual urine. The semi-quantitative assessment of the neurological outcome was performed by application of the Berlin CES score. Surprisingly, we were not able to identify any single parameters that could reliably predict the outcome of the disease. We were able to show statistically significant correlations between a high preoperatively Berlin CES score (i.e., a weighted summation of bladder dysfunction, rectal dysfunction, genital sensation, perianal sensation, rectal tone and saddle anesthesia) and a poor outcome regarding the postoperative existence of perianal (p

Objective Shunt obstructions may partly be caused by brain debris, which intrude into the ventricular catheter during ventricle puncture. Avoiding contact between the catheter and brain tissue, by using a peel-away sheath, should reduce the number of shunt failures caused by obstruction. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a randomized, prospective multicenter study. Methods 201 patients from 6 different neurosurgical centers in Germany receiving a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt were included in this study. Of these, 177 patients completed a 1-year follow-up period. Surgery was randomized in a 1 to 1 fashion, such that out of 177 procedures, 91 were performed using a peel-away sheath and 86 were performed without. The rate of surgical re-interventions and shunt obstructions within a 12-month period was recorded. Results Within 1 year post-surgery, 17 shunt obstructions (9.6%) leading to shunt revisions were recorded. However, no difference was found between surgeries performed using a peel-away sheath (9.9%) or not (9.3%). The overall shunt infection rate was 2.8% and the shunt revision rate for overdrainage was 3.9%. Conclusions The theoretical advantages attributed to the use of a peel-away sheath to introduce a ventricular catheter could not be confirmed in this randomized study, suggesting that the proposed role of brain debris in shunt obstructions may be overestimated.

Background: Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is the standard surgical treatment for radiculopathy and myelopathy. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has an elasticity similar to bone and thus appears well suited for use as the implant in ACDF procedures. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical and radiographic outcome of patients treated with standing alone PEEK spacers without bone morphogenic protein (BMP) or plating and to examine the influence of the different design of the two spacers on the rate of subsidence and dislocation. Methods: This retrospective comparative study reviewed 335 patients treated by ACDF in a specialized urban hospital for radiculopathy or myelopathy due to degenerative pathologies. The Intromed PEEK spacer was used in 181 patients from 3/2002 to 11/2004, and the AMT SHELL spacer was implanted in 154 patients from 4/2004 to 12/2007. The follow-up rate was 100% at three months post-op and 82.7% (277 patients) at one year. The patients were assessed with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) questionnaire and radiographically. Results: At the one-year follow-up there were 118/277 patients with an excellent clinical outcome on the JOA, 112/277 with a good outcome, 20/277 with a fair outcome, and 27/277 with a poor outcome. Subsidence was observed in 13.3% of patients with the Intromed spacer vs 8.4% of the patients with the AMT SHELL. Dislocation of the spacer was observed in 10 of the 181 patients with Intromed spacers but in none of the 154 patients with Shell spacers. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that ACDF with standing alone PEEK cages leads to excellent and good clinical outcomes. The differences we observed in the subsidence rate between the two spacers were not significant and cannot be related to a single design feature of the spacers.

To assess detailed long-term clinical outcome at least 1 year after decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).One hundred and thirty-one patients with severe TBI underwent DC between September 1997 and September 2005. Outcome was measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Detailed outcome analysis was performed using Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended, Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory, Trail Making Test B (TMT-B), Digit-Symbol Test (DST) and Barthel Index (BI).Sixty-three patients (48.1%) died during their initial hospital stay, 27 (20.6%) were discharged in a vegetative state, 32 (24.4%) with severe disability and nine (6.9%) with moderate disability (GOS 3 and 4, respectively). At time of follow-up 75 patients (67.7%) were either dead or in a vegetative state. Thirty patients with GOS2 were recruited for a detailed outcome analysis: Major depression, neurologic deficits and impaired TMT-B and DST performances were common and significantly more prevalent than in normative controls. Yet, patients reported only modestly reduced SF-36 and high BI scores.Despite multiple health-related problems after DC, many patients proved highly functional in activities of daily living and reported qualities of life not significantly inferior to that of healthy individuals. Depression was common and requires to be addressed with patients and caregivers. Better targeted therapies could improve neuropsychological and psychiatric outcomes in this complex cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Low pressure valves with ventriculoperitoneal shunts have been proven to lead to good outcomes in the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocepahlus. However, overdrainage complications are often seen with low opening pressures. Efforts have been made to obtain good outcomes without overdrainage complications by decreasing the hydrostatic pressure component using special valve constructions. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether it is possible to optimise outcome with the implantation of both an adjustable valve and a gravitational unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2003 and July 2006, 42 patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery with a Codman Hakim programmable valve (Codman, Johnson & Johnson, Raynham, USA) and a Miethke ShuntAssistant (Miethke Gmbh, Potsdam, Germany). These patients were followed up for a period between 2 years (35 patients) and 4 years (18 patients) after surgery. RESULTS: The systematic re-programming of the valves from 100 mmH 2 O to 70 mmH 2 O and then to 50 mmH 2 O after 3 months allowed the brain to adapt to the implanted valve without the complication of overdrainage. The responder rates were 86% after two years and 83% after four years. Overdrainage was seen in 3% of the cases, mechanical complications occurred in 6%. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the combination of a Codman Hakim programmable valve with a Miethke ShuntAssistant could improve outcomes in shunted iNPH. This finding has yet to be proven in a larger, prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of the gravitation-assisted adjustable proGAV shunt system with a prospective multicenter study conducted in 10 German hospitals. METHODS: Enrollment for this observational study began in April 2005 and concluded in February 2006. The protocol required re-examinations 3 and 6 months postoperatively and fixed the endpoint of follow-up at 12 months after implantation. Patients with different types of adult, juvenile, and pediatric hydrocephalus were included and 165 patients were enrolled; 9 died and 12 had incomplete follow-up. RESULTS: Of the assessable 144 patients, 130 completed the protocol after 12 months, whereas 14 failed because of the need to explant the device, mainly because of infection. In 12 patients, components of the shunt, not the valve, were revised. In 65 of the 144 patients, there were 102 readjustments of the valve in 67 incidences because of under- drainage and in 35 because of overdrainage. In 1 case, readjustment was not possible. Determination of pressure level with the verification instrument was safe and corresponded to the required x-ray controls after adjustments. No unintended readjustments were noted. CONCLUSION: The proGAV is a safe and reliable device.

Aim To define the predictors for the clinical outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis for patients with degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. Does the subsidence of the intervertebral spacer in the adjacent vertebral have a negative influence on the outcome? Materials and Methods In a prospective clinical study, 368 patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis with degenerative disease of the cervical spine. The patients were treated between September 1997 and January 2005. All patients were followed up 1 year after surgery. Results Young age of the patient, mono-segmental anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis of the lower cervical spine are predictors of a satisfactory outcome. We did not find statistical differences in the outcome between male and female patients or between patients with or without subsidence of the cage. Conclusions Good results can be achieved by early operative therapy. The subsidence of the cage does not affect the outcome.

Several efforts have been made to provide safe and convenient systems for craniotomy closure. In the past, the only alternative to suture fixation was metal implants. In order to afford a bone flap fixation without leaving durable implants an absorbable fixation system has been developed by Aesculap. In a prospective clinical evaluation we analysed intraoperative handling, position of the bone flap and stability of the connection. The planarity of the bone flaps were analysed in CT-scans on average 2 days after operation. Between September 2006 and October 2007 we performed craniotomy closures with the absorbable craniofix system in 29 patients. The intraoperative handling is easy when using up to 3 craniofix clamps. To ensure stability, 3 or in some cases 2, clamps are needed. Smaller bone flaps with an equal thickness of the bone tend to show a better position in the CT. We observed no complications. The absorbable fixation clamp is safe and convenient in small craniotomies which are properly fixed with 3 clamps. More than 3 clamps are unwieldly to use.

Objective To investigate whether independent predictors of complications after cranioplasty are identifiable. Methods Parameters that could predict the occurrence of complications were analyzed retrospectively. The end point of the study was the explantation of the bone flap. Results A total of 219 patients with a mean age of 42.8 years (standard deviation: 17.89) were included. History of trauma and especially open traumatic brain injury (TBI) were associated with a higher complication rate (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Multivariate testing showed that fragmented bone flap resulted in a more frequent occurrence of bone flap necrosis (p = 0.014). The risk of complications following cranioplasty was higher if a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed at the same time (p = 0.01). Longer duration of the cranioplasty procedure was significantly associated with a higher postoperative complication rate (p = 0.001). Subsequent rehabilitation is more frequent if patients develop a complication. Conclusions To avoid complications after cranial vault reconstruction, indications for simultaneous VP shunt implantation should be carefully evaluated. The implantation of traumatically fragmented bone flaps should be avoided. Patients after open TBI should either primarily be treated with an allogenic graft or they should be carefully followed up because they are prone to develop aseptic necrosis.

Does the opening pressure of hydrostatic shunts influence the clinical outcome for patients suffering from idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH)? Between September 1997 and January 2003, 122 patients with iNPH were surgically treated by implanting a hydrostatic shunt at the Depart

Objective Especially in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), conventional differential-pressure valves are known to create nonphysiological negative intraventricular pressure values (IVP) when the patient moves into the upright position, with the consequence of numerous, sometimes severe, complications. The recently presented gravitational devices promise improvement, primarily in respect to this disadvantage. Methods In a prospective multicenter study the new Miethke dual- switch valve (DSV) has been implanted in 128 patients with NPH. The patients have been assessed before operation, at discharge, and re-evaluated 6 to 9 months after surgery. The technical principle of the new device is presented. Results The clinical follow-up showed excellent results in 63% of the patients, satisfactory results in 16%, and a bad outcome in 21% of the cases. The infection rate was 5%; the rate of mechanical complications including overdrainage and dislocations has been in total 9%, and underdrainage was suspected in 7 cases. The outcome correlated with the preoperative severity of NPH. Despite the clinical outcome, the computed tomography scans showed only minimal or no reduction of the ventricular size in the majority of cases. We found a valve-related rate of overdrainage of 2.5%, which is clearly lower than results of comparable series in the literature. Conclusion The clinical course of patients suffering from NPH is mainly influenced by the stage of the disease, the time of beginning of the therapy, and the gravitational function of the implanted device. Based on our clinical experiences with the Miethke dual-switch valve (MD-SV), we underscore the advantages of this valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus, especially for patients with NPH.

Despite emerging knowledge of over 40 years, the postoperative results after shunt implantations in patients diagnosed for normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) have not improved significantly in the last decade. For this reason, predictors have to be identified in order to preoperatively predict the course of disease. From 1982 to 2000, we examined in a prospective study 200 patients diagnosed for NPH. Of the patients who were surgically treated by a shunt implantation we could re-examine 155 (78%) in a mean time interval of 7 months after operation. The NPH was graduated according to the results of the intrathecal infusion test in an early state NPH (without brain atrophy) and late state NPH (with brain atrophy). In the study we focused our attention on the possible predictors: patient’s age, length of disease, clinical signs – like gait ataxia, dementia and bladder incontinence, etiology idiopathic/secondary as well as implanted valve type and the value of resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow. To measure the outcome we used the NPH recovery rate, as statistical test the χ2 according to Pearson. In 80 patients with an early stage NPH (without cerebral atrophy) and a short course of disease (20 mm Hg·min/ml, the CSF tap test was positive and a Miethke Dual-Switch valve was implanted.

Hintergrund: Nach Shunt-Implantation von konventionellen Differentialdruckventilen bei Patienten mit Hydrocephalus internus oder mit Normaldruckhydrozephalus ist in der Mehrzahl der Falle eine postoperative Abnahme der Ventrikelweite zu sehen. Patienten und Methoden: Von September 1997 bis Mai 2001 wurden im Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin 60 Patienten mit einem Normaldruckhydrozephalus durch Implantation eines hydrostatischen Ventils (Miethke-Dual-Switch-Ventil) operativ behandelt. Bei allen Patienten erfolgten in einer prospektiven Studie die klinische und eine CT-Untersuchung praoperativ und 1 Jahr nach der Operation. Dabei wurde die Ventrikelgrose mittels Bestimmung des Evans-Index verifiziert. Ergebnisse: 77% der Patienten weisen nur eine geringe oder gar keine Anderung der Ventrikelgrose nach der Operation auf, wobei in dieser Gruppe 65% einen exzellenten bis guten, 13% einen befriedigenden und 22% einen schlechten Krankheitsverlauf haben. Bei 17% der Patienten wurde eine masige Ruckbildung der Ventrikelweite 1 Jahr nach der Shunt-Operation sichtbar. In dieser Patientengruppe fanden wir in 40% ein exzellentes bis gutes, in 20% ein zufrieden stellendes und in 40% ein schlechtes Outcome. Bei der Patientengruppe mit deutlicher Reduktion der Ventrikelgrose (6%) sind zu je 50% exzellente bis gute bzw. schlechte Krankheitsverlaufe zu eruieren. Schlussfolgerung: Nach Implantation eines hydrostatischen Ventils ist ein guter postoperativer Krankheitsverlauf bei Patienten mit einem Normaldruckhydrozephalus in der Mehrzahl der Falle nicht mit einer Reduktion der Ventrikelweite 1 Jahr nach der Operation vergesellschaftet. Bei Patienten mit einem Normaldruckhydrozephalus ist nach unseren Erfahrungen die Implantation eines Miethke-Dual-Switch-Ventils zu empfehlen.

Gravitational shunts for management of chronic hydrocephalus are supposed to avoid or at least to reduce the risk of overdrainage. In order to find out if this hypothesis is correct, we did a prospective study and analysed the results of a series of 185 hydrocephalic adults, treated by using gravitational shunts. For the few cases in whom overdrainage occurred, we wanted to establish the reason for it. Especially it should be proven or excluded that overdrainage was caused by shortcomings of the principle of gravitational shunts. Another goal was to compare post-shunting changes of the ventricular size with clinical outcome. A comparably large study has not yet been published. 185 adult patients who suffered from chronic hydrocephalus were shunted between 1996–2000, either using the combination of an adjustable Codmann Hakim Valve & Miethke Shunt Assistant (35 patients) or a Miethke Dual Switch Valve (150 patients). The clinical course of each patient has been followed until the end of 2000. Average follow-up time was 26 months (range 6–60 months). 88% of our patients were shunt responders, 70% had a good or excellent outcome. Overdrainage occurred in only 4%. It turned out that this complication was not a failure of the concept of gravitational shunts, but the result of a wrongly estimated intraperitoneal pressure. After shunting the ventricular size was reduced only marginally. In 92% of the patients the Evans-Index decreased less than 20% after the shunt insertion, but 69% of these patients had a good or excellent outcome. The most obvious difference comparing pre- and postoperative imaging was a better visibility of the high apical sulci after shunting. In our series gravitational shunts proved to be effective in preventing overdrainage. The 4% negative exceptions are mainly avoidable. There was no correlation between outcome and ventricular size reduction, and as a rule ventricular size was only marginally reduced.

Summary:Especially in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), conventional differential pressure valves are known to create unphysiologic negative intraventricular pressure values when the patient moves to an upright position, with the consequence of numerous and sometimes severe complica

The international The simultaneous measurement of the resistance and compliance during a single investigation minimizes the patients exertion. In contrast to the classical method it is not necessary that the ICP reaches a plateau. Our mathematical method diverges with t he description of a pressure dependent slope of the function for the resistance from the static examination models. We proved our mathematical method by the use of a dynamic infusion test in 10 H-Tx rats without hydrocephalus and five hydrocephalic H-Tx rats. For that we are able to take the non linearity of the CSF resorption into consideration.

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of coagulopathy on the outcome of patients with traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH). Based on a retrospective study, the records of all patients admitted between 2001 and 2007 to a large emergency hospital with acute SDH resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) were analyzed. An initial Glasgow coma score (GCS), clinical state, and Glasgow outcome score (GOS) were recorded for all patients. All computer assisted tomography and MRI scans obtained from patients were saved on an electronic storage device and were reviewed by a neurosurgeon and a neuroradiologist. The coagulation parameters were analyzed for all patients. Coagulopathy was defined as international normalized ratio more than 1.2 or partial thromboplastin time more than 37 s. One hundred and five women and 214 men aged between 1 and 100 years (mean 59 years) were included in the study. Patients with coagulopathy had a significantly worse outcome. Almost twice as many patients died in the coagulopathy group (mean GOS 3.10 ± 1.46) than in the group without coagulopathy (mean GOS 2.16 ± 1.45), (P 0.001). In-hospital mortality is twice as frequent in patients with coagulopathy with traumatic SDH compared with noncoagulopathic patients, even if the initial severity of the TBI does not differ.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die Behandlungsergebnisse von Patienten mit einem im Rahmen eines Arbeitsunfalls erlittenen schweren Schadel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) den Behandlungsergebnissen von Patienten mit einem durch einen Freizeitunfall verursachten schweren SHT einander gegenubergestellt. Von September 1997 bis Marz 2000 wurden insgesamt 211 Patienten mit einem schweren SHT im Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin (UKB) behandelt. Aus Grunden der Vergleichbarkeit fanden in diese Untersuchung nur Patienten Eingang, die zum Zeitpunkt des Unfalls nicht junger als 6 und nicht alter als 65 Jahre waren und bei denen die Indikation zu einer neurochirurgischen Intervention bestand. Somit begrenzte sich die Patientenanzahl auf 122 Falle mit insgesamt 25 Arbeitsunfallen. Beide Gruppen wurden hinsichtlich Alter, Unfallmechanismus, Krankheitsverlauf, Verletzungsmuster in Anlehnung an die Traumatic Coma Data Bank (TCDB) und weiterer klinischer Parameter verglichen. In der Gruppe der Arbeitsunfalle dominierten die Epiduralblutungen, wahrend bei den Freizeitunfallen Subdural-hamatome die haufigste Diagnose darstellten. Weiterhin ist hervorzuheben, dass junge Patienten eine bessere Chance auf ein gutes Behandlungsergebnis hatten als altere. Im jungeren Lebensalter war der Verkehrsunfall die haufigste Ursache fur ein schweres SHT, wahrend schon ab dem mittleren Lebensalter der Sturz als auslosendes Ereignis deutlich im Vordergrund stand. Die Studie zeigt, dass aufgrund der Verletzungsmuster Patienten mit einem Arbeitsunfall ein wesentlich besseres Behandlungsergebnis haben als Patienten mit einem Freizeitunfall.

Das Schadel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT), das isoliert oder im Rahmen eines Polytraumas auftreten kann, wird in Deutschland etwa 300.000mal pro Jahr diagnostiziert. Etwa 70% aller polytraumatisierten Patienten weisen gleichzeitig ein SHT auf, in dessen Folge sich ein traumatisches Hirnodem entwickeln kann. Die dadurch bedingte Zunahme des intrakranialen Volumens kann zu einem Anstieg des intrakranialen Drucks und zu einer Abnahme des zerebralen Blutflusses fuhren. Diese lokalen Mechanismen sind neben systemischen Risikofaktoren wie Hypotonie und Hypoxie an der Entstehung des sekundaren Hirnschadens beteiligt, der die Morbiditat und Mortalitat dieser Patienten wesentlich beeinflusst. Durch eine Verbesserung der praklinischen Versorgung, der bildgebenden Diagnostik, des Monitorings und der intensivmedizinischen Therapie konnte die Prognose des schweren SHT in den letzten 20 Jahren deutlich verbessert werden.