bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embolization of incidental cerebral aneurysms using the Guglielmi detachable coil system
Authors: Murayama Yuichi , Viñuela Fernando , Duckwiler Gary R. , Gobin Y. Pierre , Guglielmi Guido 
Published: January 2008

Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) technology is a valuable therapeutic alternative to the surgical treatment of ruptured or incidental intracranial aneurysms. The authors describe their technical and clinical experience in the utilization of the GDC technique in patients who underwent endovascular occlusion for the treatment of incidentally found intracranial aneurysms.
One hundred fifteen patients with 120 incidentally found intracranial aneurysms underwent embolization using the GDC endovascular technique. Ninety-one patients were female and 24 were male. Patient age ranged from 13 to 80 years. In 64 patients the incidental aneurysms were discovered when unrelated nonneurological conditions indicated the need for angiography or magnetic resonance angiography (Group 1). Twenty patients who presented with incidental aneurysms that were discovered during treatment for an acutely ruptured aneurysm were treated in the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (Group 2). Sixteen patients with incidental aneurysms were treated during the chronic phase of SAH (Group 3). Group 4 included 15 patients who had incidental aneurysms associated with brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations.
Angiographic results showed complete or near complete occlusion in 109 aneurysms (91%) and incomplete occlusion in five aneurysms (4%). Unsuccessful GDC embolization was attempted in six aneurysms (5%). One hundred nine patients (94.8%) remained neurologically intact or unchanged from initial clinical status. Five patients (4.3%) deteriorated due to immediate procedural complications (overall immediate morbidity rate). All of these complications occurred in the first 50 patients treated earlier in this series. No clinical complications were observed in the last 65 patients. Follow-up cerebral angiograms were obtained in 77 patients with 79 aneurysms. The median clinical follow-up period was 16.3 months.
No recanalization was observed in the 52 completely occluded aneurysms. Of the 22 aneurysms with small neck remnants, eight (36%) showed further thrombosis, 7 (32%) remained anatomically unchanged, and seven (32%) showed recanalization due to compaction of the coils. In one patient, a partially embolized aneurysm ruptured 3 years postembolization. In Groups 1 and 3, the average length of hospitalization was 3.3 days.
The evolution of the GDC technology has proved to provide safe treatment of incidental aneurysms (a morbidity rate of 0% was achieved in the last 65 patients). The topography of the aneurysm and the clinical condition of the patient did not influence final anatomical or clinical outcomes. The GDC technology also confers a positive economical impact by decreasing hospital length of stay and by eliminating the need for postembolization intensive care unit care.
Endovascular treatment for symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage: transluminal balloon angioplasty compared with intraarterial papaverine
Authors: Coenen Volker A. , Hansen Carolyn Apperson , Mstat  , Kassell Neal F. , Polin Richard S. 
Published: January 2008

The authors retrospectively evaluated the short-term neurological improvement of 69 patients undergoing endovascular treatment for symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The patient group observed here is a subset of patients enrolled in the multicenter North American Trial of Tirilazad in SAH. Thirty-one patients were treated with intraarterial administration of papaverine (IAP). Fourteen patients were only treated with transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA), and 24 patients received a combination of angioplasty and papaverine.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of IAP and TBA on short-term clinical improvement of patients. Daily clinical staging with the modified Glasgow Coma Scale and every-other-day transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements allowed for a close investigation of the clinical course. Furthermore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of treatment timing on short-term outcome.
Although TCD studies demonstrated a decrease in flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery in both treatment groups, indicating a vasodilating effect of both treatment modalities (dv = -18.4 cm/second for papaverine, dv = -26.04 cm/second for angioplasty; p = 0.5509), there was no significant difference in clinical improvement at Days 1 and 4 postprocedure (p = 0.1996). Neither of the two treatment forms showed an effect of therapy timing on neurological outcome.
Neither IAP nor TBA was correlated with a high percentage of short-term neurological improvement. The authors discuss reasons why those procedures may result in limited clinical change.
Multiple combined indirect procedure for the surgical treatment of children with moyamoya disease. A comparison with single indirect anastomosis with direct anastomosis
Authors: Matsushima Toshio , Inoue Takuya , Ikezaki Kiyonobu , Matsukado Koichiro , Natori Yoshihiro , Inamura Takanori , Fukui Masashi 
Published: January 2008

Considering three different bypass procedures now in use, (single indirect nonanastomotic bypass procedure, multiple combined indirect (MCI) nonanastomotic procedure and direct anastomosis), the authors attempted to identify the most appropriate bypass procedure for treating ischemic-type moyamoya disease in children.
The authors performed three procedures (the original encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis [EDAS] alone, the frontotemporoparietal combined indirect bypass procedure, and the superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery [STA-MCA] anastomosis with encephalomyosynangiosis [EMS]) on 72 hemispheres in 50 patients with pediatric moyamoya disease. Analyses were then performed to compare postoperative collateral vessel formation found on angiograms, complications, and clinical improvements. Postoperative collateral formations were observed in more than two-thirds of the MCA distribution after the EDAS alone, the MCI procedure, and the direct anastomosis in 44%, 52%, and 74% of the surgically treated hemispheres, respectively. In addition, frontal encephalomyoarteriosynangiosis of the MCI bypass procedure formed collateral vessels of the anterior cerebral artery distribution in 94% of the treated hemispheres. Postoperatively, clinical symptoms resolved in 56%, 63%, and 74% of the treated sides 1 year after EDAS alone, MCI procedure, and the direct anastomosis, respectively. One patient suffered a minor stroke after EDAS alone, two patients developed epidural hematomas after the MCI procedure, and one patient suffered a major stroke and one patient a minor stroke after undergoing direct anastomosis.
The direct anastomosis procedure was found to result in the best postoperative collateral vessel formation and clinical improvement. However, the single and multiple combined indirect nonanastomotic bypass procedures were found to be safer than direct anastomosis. Furthermore, the frontotemporoparietal combined indirect bypass procedure caused the formation of collateral circulation not only in the MCA but also in the ACA distribution. Based on analysis of these findings, the authors recommend the MCI procedure as the appropriate surgical procedure in the treatment of children with moyamoya disease, although the best treatment is the STA-MCA anastomosis with EMS when feasible.
The parasellar region of human infants: cavernous sinus topography and surgical approaches
Authors: Weninger Wolfgang J. , Mülle Gerd B. 
Published: January 2008

Object
In this study the authors analyze the peculiarities of the parasellar anatomy and the topography of surgical approaches to the parasellar region (PSR) in human infants.

Methods
Forty-nine specimens of the PSR obtained at autopsy were studied using microdissection and histological analysis. Important distances between anatomical landmarks were measured with the aid of a dissecting microscope. One serially sectioned specimen was three-dimensionally reconstructed and analyzed on the computer screen by using the authors' new episcopic reconstruction technique.
The anatomy of the infant PSR differs distinctly from that of the adult. The parasellar portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) does not form a siphon, but takes a straight course, and the venous pathways as well as the cranial and sympathetic nerves have different topographical relationships. Analyses of surgical approaches demonstrate that, in young children, the anterolateral approach can be used to reach the pterygopalatine compartment, the superior ophthalmic vein, and those pathological processes that extend from the orbit into the PSR. The approach via Parkinson's triangle can be used in 45% of cases to access the pathological processes that occur in the voluminous space above and behind the posterior flexure of the parasellar ICA. Taking this route, sympathetic nerve fibers passing through the PSR are not at risk, but some arterial branches that run within the lateral wall of the sinus can complicate this approach.

Conclusions
This study presents a guideline that can assist radiologists and neurosurgeons in the planning and performance of interventions within the PSR of neonates and young children.
An evidence-based review of surgical decompression for acute spinal cord injury: rationale, indications, and timing based on experimental and clinical studies
Authors: Fehlings Michael G. , Tator Charles H. 
Published: January 2008

The authors conducted an evidence-based review of the literature to evaluate critically the rationale and indications for and the timing of decompressive surgery for the treatment of acute, nonpenetrating spinal cord injury (SCI).
The experimental and clinical literature concerning the role of, and the biological rationale for surgical decompression for acute SCI was reviewed. Clinical studies of nonoperative management of SCI were also examined for comparative purposes. Evidence from clinical trials was categorized as Class I (well-conducted randomized prospective trials), Class II (well-designed comparative clinical studies), or Class III (retrospective studies).
Studies in which animal models of SCI were used consistently demonstrated a beneficial effect of early surgical decompression, although it is difficult to apply these data directly to the clinical setting. The clinical studies provided suggestive (Class III and limited Class II) evidence that decompressive procedures improve neurological recovery after SCI. However, no clear consensus can be inferred from the literature as to the optimum timing of decompressive surgery. Many authors have advocated delayed treatment to avoid medical complications, although there is good evidence from recent Class II trials that early decompressive surgery can be performed safely without added morbidity or mortality.
There is biological evidence from experimental studies in animals that early surgical decompression may improve neurological recovery after SCI, although the relevant interventional timing in humans remains unclear. To date, the role of surgical decompression in patients with SCI is only supported by Class III and limited Class II evidence. Accordingly, decompressive surgery for SCI can only be considered a practice option. Furthermore, analysis of the literature does not allow definite conclusions to be drawn regarding appropriate timing of intervention. Hence, there is a need to conduct well-designed experimental and clinical studies of the timing and neurological results of surgical decompression for the treatment of acute SCI.
Current use and timing of spinal surgery for management of acute spinal cord injury in North America: results of a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Tator Charles H. , Fehlings Michael , Thorpe Kevin , Taylor Wayne 
Published: January 2008

A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 36 participating North American centers to examine the use and timing of surgery in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). The study was conducted to obtain information required for the planning of a randomized controlled trial of early compared with late decompressive surgery.
The records of all patients aged 16 to 75 years with acute SCI who were admitted to the 36 centers within 24 hours of injury over a 9-month period (August 1994 to April 1995) were examined to obtain data on admission variables, methods of diagnosis, use of traction, and surgical variables including type and timing of surgery.
A total of 585 patients with acute SCI or cauda equina injury were admitted to these centers, although approximately half were ultimately excluded because they did not meet inclusion criteria. Common causes for exclusion were late admission, age, gunshot wound, and an absence of spinal cord compression demonstrated on imaging studies. Thus, only approximately 50% of acute SCI patients would be eligible for inclusion in a study of acute decompressive procedures. Although 100% of patient underwent computerized tomography (CT) scaning, only 54% underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and CT myelography was performed in only 6%. Complete neurological injuries (American Spinal Injury Association Grade A) were present in 57.8%. Traction was applied in only 47% of patients with cervical injuries, of which only 42% demonstrated successful decompression by traction. Neurological deterioration occurred in 8.1% of patients after traction. Surgery was performed in 65.4% of patients. The timing of surgery varied widely: less than 24 hours in 23.5% of patients; 25 to 48 hours in 15.8%; 48 to 96 hours in 19.0%; and 5 days or longer in 41.7% of patients.
These data indicate that whereas surgery is commonly performed in patients with acute SCI, one-third of the cases are managed nonoperatively, and there is very little agreement on the optimum timing of surgical treatment. The results of this study confirm the need for a randomized controlled trial to determine the optimum timing of surgical decompressive procedures in patients with SCI.
Report of 190 consecutive cases of large acoustic tumors (vestibular schwannoma) removed via the translabyrinthine approach
Authors: Lanman Todd H. , Brackmann Derald E. , Hitselberger William E. , Subin Bill 
Published: January 2008

Object
The choice of approach for surgical removal of large acoustic neuromas is still controversial. The authors reviewed the results in a series of patients who underwent removal of large tumors via the translabyrinthine approach.

Methods
The authors conducted a database analysis of 190 patients (89 men and 101 women) with acoustic neuromas 3 cm or greater in size. The mean age of these patients was 46.1 ± 15.6 years. One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent primary translabyrinthine surgical removal and 12 underwent surgery for residual tumor. Total tumor removal was accomplished in 183 cases (96.3%). The tumor was adherent to the facial nerve to some degree in 64% of the cases, but the facial nerve was preserved anatomically in 178 (93.7%) of the patients. Divided nerves were repaired by primary attachment or cable graft. Facial nerve function was assessed immediately after surgery, at the time of discharge, and at 3 to 4 weeks and 1 year after discharge. Excellent function (House-Brackmann facial nerve Grade I or II) was present in 55%, 33.9%, 38.8%, and 52.6% of the patients for each time interval, respectively, with acceptable function (Grades I–IV) in 81% at 1 year. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage that required surgical repair occurred in only 1.1% of the patients and meningitis occurred in 3.7%. There were no deaths.

Conclusions
Use of the translabyrinthine approach for removal of large tumors resulted in good anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, with minimum incidence of morbidity and no incidence of mortality. The authors continue to recommend use of this approach for acoustic tumors larger than 3 cm and for smaller tumors when hearing preservation is not an issue.
Five-year experience in using coil embolization for ruptured intracranial aneurysms: outcomes and incidence of late rebleeding
Authors: Byrne James V. , Sohn Min-Joo , Molyneux Andrew J. , Chir B. 
Published: January 2008

Object
During a 5-year period 317 patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were successfully treated by coil embolization within 30 days of hemorrhage. The authors followed these cases to assess the stability of aneurysm occlusion and its longer-term efficacy in protecting patients against rebleeding.

Methods
These cases were followed for 6 to 65 months (median 22.3 months) by clinical review, angiography performed at 6 months posttreatment, and annual postal questionnaires.

Conclusions
Stable angiographic occlusion was evident in 86.4% of small and 85.2% of large aneurysms with recurrent filling in 38 (14.7%) of 259 aneurysms. Rebleeding was caused by aneurysm recurrence in four patients (between 11 and 35 months posttreatment) and by rupture of a coincidental untreated aneurysm in one patient. Annual rebleeding rates were 0.8% in the 1st year, 0.6% in the 2nd year, and 2.4% in the 3rd year after aneurysm embolization, with no rebleeding in subsequent years. Rebleeding occurred in three (7.9%) of 38 recurrent aneurysms and in one (0.4%) of 221 aneurysms that appeared stable on angiography. Periodic follow-up angiography after coil embolization is recommended to identify aneurysm recurrence and those patients at a high risk of late rebleeding.
Stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of acoustic neuromas associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Subach Brian R. , Kondziolka Douglas , Lunsford L. Dade , Bissonette David J. , Flickinger John C. , Maitz Ann H. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Stereotactically guided radiosurgery is one of the primary treatment modalities for patients with acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas). The goal of radiosurgery is to arrest tumor growth while preserving neurological function. Patients with acoustic neuromas associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) represent a special challenge because of the risk of complete deafness. To better define the tumor control rate and long-term functional outcome, the authors reviewed their 10-year experience in treating these lesions.

Methods
Forty patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh, 35 of them for solitary tumors. The other five underwent staged procedures for bilateral lesions (10 tumors, 45 total). Thirteen patients (with 29% of tumors) had undergone a median of two prior resections. The mean tumor volume at radiosurgery was 4.8 ml and the mean tumor margin dose was 15 Gy (range 12–20 Gy).
The overall tumor control rate was 98%. During the median follow-up period of 36 months, 16 (36%) tumors regressed, 28 (62%) remained unchanged, and one (2%) grew. In the 10 patients for whom more than 5 years of clinical and neuroimaging follow-up results were available (median 92 months), five tumors were smaller and five remained unchanged. Surgical resection was performed in three patients (7%) after radiosurgery; only one showed radiographic evidence of progression. Useful hearing (Gardner-Robertson Class I or II) was preserved in six (43%) of 14 patients and this rate improved to 67% after modifications made in 1992. Normal facial nerve function (House-Brackmann Grade 1) was preserved in 25 (81%) of 31 patients. Normal trigeminal nerve function was preserved in 34 (94%) of 36 patients.

Conclusions
Stereotactically guided radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for patients with acoustic tumors in the setting of NF2. The rate of hearing preservation may be better with radiosurgery than with other available techniques.
Intraoperative validation of functional magnetic resonance imaging and cortical reorganization patterns in patients with brain tumors involving the primary motor cortex
Authors: Fandino Javier , Kollias Spyros S. , Wieser Heinz Gregor , Valavanis Anton , Yonekawa Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2008

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging with those of intraoperative cortical stimulation in patients who harbored tumors close to or involving the primary motor area and to assess the usefulness of fMR imaging in the objective evaluation of motor function as part of the surgical strategy in the treatment of these patients.
A total of 11 consecutive patients, whose tumors were near to or involving the central region, underwent presurgical blood oxygen level-dependent fMR imaging while performing a motor paradigm that required the patients to clench and spread their hands contra- and ipsilateral to the tumor. Statistical cross-correlation functional maps covering the primary and secondary motor cortical areas were generated and overlaid onto high-resolution anatomical MR images. Intraoperative electrical cortical stimulation was performed to validate the presurgical fMR imaging findings. In nine (82%) of 11 patients, the anatomical fMR imaging localization of motor areas could be verified by intraoperative electrical cortical stimulation. In seven patients two or more activation sites were demonstrated on fMR imaging, which were considered a consequence of reorganization phenomena of the motor cortex: contralateral primary motor area (nine sites), contralateral premotor area (four sites), ipsilateral primary motor area (two sites), and ipsilateral premotor area (four sites).
Functional MR imaging can be used to perform objective evaluation of motor function and surgical planning in patients who harbor lesions near or involving the primary motor cortex. Correlation between fMR imaging findings and the results of direct electrical brain stimulation is high, although not 100%. Based on their study, the authors believe that cortical reorganization patterns of motor areas might explain the differences in motor function and the diversity of postoperative motor function among patients with central tumors.