Cranial Decompression Research Articles

A New Surgical Option For Patients with Unresolved Bell's Palsy.

This paper describes a new surgical procedure with electrical stimulation of the facial nerve for unresolved Bell's palsy and compares the facial nerve recovery with another group who underwent traditional middle cranial fossa decompression. All patients with total unilateral facial paralysis had surgery by the senior author 3months from onset of Bell's Palsy. Surgical decompression was performed in 13 patients between 1992-2012 (Group 1). Surgical exposure with intraoperative electrical stimulation of the facial nerve in the peri-geniculate region was performed in 47 patients between 2012-2022 (Group 2). The facial recovery at 1month and 3month were significantly better in Group 2. The degree of synkinesis was significantly less in Group 2. The trans-mastoid electrical stimulation of the facial nerve is less invasive, requires no hospital stay, and less time off work compared to the middle cranial fossa approach. The earlier facial movement at one month results in less long-term unwanted faulty regeneration or synkinesis.

Optimal Timing of Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: Timing or Collapse Ratio.

Although cranioplasty (CP) is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure, it is associated with a high complication rate. The optimal timing for this surgery remains undetermined. This study aimed to identify the most suitable timing for CP to minimize postoperative complications. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all CP cases performed in our department from August 2015 to March 2022. Data were gathered through case statistics and categorized based on the occurrence of complications. The collapse ratio was determined using 3-dimensional Slicer software. In our retrospective study of 266 patients, 51 experienced postoperative complications, including hydrocephalus, epidural effusion, subdural hematoma, epilepsy, and subcutaneous infection. Logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of postcranioplasty complications, and a nomogram was developed. The predictive value of the logistic regression model, collapse ratio, and decompression craniotomy-CP operation interval for post-skull repair complications was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications and decompression craniotomy-CP intervals between the groups (P = .07, P > .05). However, significant differences were noted in postoperative collapse ratios and CP complications between the groups (P = .023, P < .05). Logistic regression revealed that the collapse ratio (odds ratio = 1.486; 95% CI: 1.001-2.008; P = .01) and CP operation time (odds ratio = 1.017; 95% CI: 1.008-1.025, P < .001) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the collapse ratio could predict CP postoperative complications, with a cutoff value of 0.274, an area under the curve of 0.621, a sensitivity of 62.75%, and a specificity of 63.26%. The post-skull repair collapse ratio is a significant predictor of postoperative complications. It is advisable to base the timing of surgery on the extent of brain tissue collapse, rather than solely on the duration between cranial decompression and CP.

Surgical Management of Chiari Malformation Type I in the Pediatric Population: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) involves the cerebellar tonsils' descent below the foramen magnum. In Chiari malformation type 1.5 (CM-1.5), both the cerebellar tonsils and the brainstem are herniated. Common symptoms include headaches and cervical pain, often associated with conditions like syringomyelia and hydrocephalus. Surgical treatment is not performed in asymptomatic patients, while the presence of syringomyelia represents an indication for surgery. Methods: This study retrospectively examined pediatric patients with CM-1 and CM-1.5 at Giannina Gaslini Hospital from 2006 to 2020, analyzing demographics, radiological findings, surgical interventions, and outcomes. Results: Out of 211 patients who underwent surgery, 83.9% were diagnosed with CM-1 and 16.1% with CM-1.5. Headaches were prevalent (69%) and cerebellar signs were noted in 29% of patients. Syringomyelia and hydrocephalus were present in 28.4% and 8% of cases, respectively. Intraoperative ultrasonography guided interventions, with 59.8% requiring bony and ligamentous decompression, and 27.1% undergoing duraplasty. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of CM-1/CM-1.5 involves posterior cranial fossa decompression. Choosing between bony decompression alone and its combination with duraplasty has always been controversial in the pediatric population. If we consider as surgical endpoint the restoration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flux, intraoperative ultrasound may be a real-time helpful tool in orienting the surgical strategy, yet refinement with quantitative measures is needed.

CASE REPORT : OLFACTORY GROOVE MENINGIOMA

Abstract&#x0D; Background: Olfactory Groove Meningiomas (OGM) are a rare cause of olfactory dysfunction. OGMs are benign, slow-growing tumors that cause non-specific symptoms, such as headaches, olfactory impairment, and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, personality changes, decreased cognitive function, visual problems, or seizures.&#x0D; Aim: In this case report we would like to discuss about a rare case of olfactory groove meningioma with non-spesific symptoms presented in 47-year old female patient&#x0D; Case report: A 47-year old female with progressive blurred vision in the right eye for 3 months. Negative light perception in the right eye and fundus of the right eye indicated papillary atrophy. The direct and indirect light reflexes were negative in the right eye. We found Strong homogenous contrast enhancement extraaxial lesion accompanied by multiple dural tails in the left frontal convexity UK approximately 3.2 x 2.8 x 3.1 cm, Tuberculum sellae approximately 2.7 x 2.9 x 3 cm. Cranial decompression, frontal bone reconstruction, and tumor removal were performed. It was found that there was microcystic growth of tumor tissue, consisting of proliferation of meningoethelial cells, round to oval nuclei, smooth chromatin, visible intranuclear inclusions&#x0D; Discussion: OGM is a rare, benign tumor. Female patients were more likely to develop OGM than male patients. The ciliary ganglion of cranial nerve III may be affected by compression of the tumor, resulting in the absence of direct and indirect pupillary reflexes in the affected eyes.&#x0D; Conclusion: OGM is a slow-growing tumor that does not show significant symptoms at an early stage, making early detection difficult.&#x0D; Keyword: Olfactory Groove Meningioma, Blurred Vision, Meningioma&#x0D;

Intracranial Pressure, Autoregulation, and Cerebral Perfusion in Infants With Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis at the Time of Surgical Correction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although an increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a known problem in children with syndromic craniosynostosis, it remains unclear whether elevated ICP and impaired cerebral perfusion exist in nonsyndromic synostosis and should be defined as targets of primary treatment. This study aimed to investigate ICP, cerebral autoregulation (CAR), and brain perfusion in infants with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis at first surgical intervention. METHODS: Forty-three infants were prospectively included. The patients underwent perioperative measurement of mean arterial blood pressure, ICP, and brain perfusion before and after cranial vault decompression. Physiological parameters with possible influences on ICP and autoregulation/brain perfusion were standardized for age. CAR was assessed by the pressure reactivity index (PRx), calculated using the mean arterial blood pressure and ICP. RESULTS: Biparietal decompression was performed in 29 infants with sagittal synostosis (mean age, 6.1 ± 1.3 months). Fronto-orbital advancement was performed in 10 and 4 infants with metopic and unilateral coronal synostosis, respectively (mean age, 11.6 ± 2.1 months). An elevated ICP (&gt;15 mm Hg) was found in 20 of 26 sagittal (mean, 21.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg), 2 of 8 metopic (mean, 17.1 ± 0.4 mm Hg), and 2 of 4 unilateral coronal synostosis cases (mean, 18.9 ± 2.5 mm Hg). Initial ICP was higher in sagittal synostosis than in metopic/coronal synostosis (P = .002). The postdecompression ICP was significantly reduced in sagittal synostosis cases (P &lt; .001). The relative cerebral blood flow and blood flow velocity significantly increased after decompression. Impaired CAR was found in infants with a mean ICP &gt;12 mm Hg (PRx, 0.26 ± 0.32), as compared with those with a mean ICP ≤ 12 mm Hg (PRx, −0.37 ± 0.07, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Contrary to common belief, an elevated ICP and significantly impaired CAR can exist early in single suture synostosis, particularly sagittal synostosis. Because an influence of raised ICP on long-term cognitive development is known in other diseases, we suggest that preventing increased ICP during the phase of maximal brain development may be a goal for decompressive surgery, at least for sagittal synostosis cases.

THU452 Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia Complicated By Aneurysmal Bone Cyst In A Patient With McCune-Albright Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: E. Milazzo: None. K.L. Hermayer: None. Introduction: McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is a rare mosaic disorder with GNAS mutations, encoding the alpha-subunit of the Gs G-coupled protein receptor, activating it, and inappropriately producing cAMP. The hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies associated with MAS are due to signaling through the TSH, LH, FSH, GHRH, and ACTH receptors. MAS clinical presentation occurs with café-au-lait skin macules, precocious puberty, and fibrous dysplasia (FD) of the bone. FD is a benign tumor that leads to increased rates of bone fractures and if it causes facial deformities, can be complicated with orbital neuropathies. An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a blood-filled cyst that can be a primary or secondary lesion due to co-existing lesions. ABC is a rare complication of FD. We report a rare case of ABC in a MAS patient who presented with acute visual disturbance and enlargement of the forehead and was successfully treated with surgery. Clinical Case: A 20-year-old female diagnosed with MAS at the age of 2 who had precocious puberty by the 3rd year of life and developed polyostotic FD in the right arm, left femur, cranial, and skull bones with multiple long bone fractures by the age of 5-6 and required numerous orthopedic surgeries. She presented with the characteristic café-au-lait skin macules on the back and right arm. In 2018, a slow decline of left eye vision required left cranial decompression of the optic nerve, with pathology showing fibrous tissue compatible with FD. In 2021, she complained of acute right forehead enlargement, compressing her right eye with blurry vision. An MRI showed FD involving the facial and skull bones with a new expansible lesion in the right frontal bone with internal layering fluid, exerting a mild mass effect on the frontal lobe and extending superiorly to the orbit with inferior displacement of the globe. These findings were consistent with an ABC. Right frontal craniectomy and cranioplasty were performed in 12/2021, with pathology showing a fibrous pseudocyst wall with associated lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and evidence of prior hemorrhage with Ki-67 in the cyst wall at 15%. Lab work showed chronic alkaline phosphatase elevation at 567IU/L (42-106IU/L), normal calcium at 9.2mg/dl (8.4-10.3mg/dl), phosphate at 3.3mg/dl (3.3-5.1mg/dl), and PTH at 26pg/ml (15-65mg/dl), with Vitamin D insufficiency at 25.1ng/ml (30-100ng/ml). Endocrinology workup was negative for thyroid, adrenal, gonadotrophic, and GH dysfunction. 5 months post-surgery, the patient demonstrated complete recovery, and MRI showed no recurrence of the ABC. Conclusion: ABC is a benign solitary tumor generally arising from the metaphysis of long bones and rarely involves the cranium. ABC associated with FD has only been reported in a few cases. The treatment is surgical excision, with radiation and cryotherapy used in nonorbital cases. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Re-imagining early cloverleaf skull deformity management from front to back approach-30years on.

The cloverleaf skull deformity remains among the most complicated craniofacial conditions to successfully manage. Many cases achieve largely unsatisfactory outcomes due to the requirement for frequent reoperation on the cranial vault and failure to deal with all the elements of the craniofaciostenosis in a timely fashion. Early cranial vault surgery without addressing the cranial base deformity and its attendant cerebrospinal fluid flow changes is invariably challenging and disappointing. A recent focus on the expansion of the posterior cranial vault as a primary procedure with the greater volume change allows a delay in fronto-orbital advancement and reduced need for repeat surgery. We herein describe three cases of complex multisuture craniosynostosis with cloverleaf skull deformity who underwent neonatal posterior cranial vault decompression along with foramen magnum decompression. Our report examines the safety and rationale for this pre-emptive surgical approach to simultaneously deal with the cranial vault and craniocervical junction abnormalities and thus change the early trajectory of these complex cases.

Transmastoid Facial Nerve Decompression for Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia.

We document the first successful transmastoid surgical treatment of facial nerve palsy for a patient with craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD), a rare genetic disease. A 9-month-old girl with bilateral facial nerve palsies and conductive hearing loss. Genetic testing made a diagnosis of CMD, and imaging showed narrowing of the facial nerve canals and ossicular fixation. Right transmastoid facial nerve decompression and ossicular chain reconstruction. Facial nerve function (House-Brackmann grade). Facial nerve function initially worsened, then improved within 12 months from House-Brackmann grade IV-V to grade III. Surgical cranial nerve decompression of and ossicular chain reconstruction may be effective treatments for patients with CMD.

Papilledema and Chiari I in childhood: case report

Introduction: Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is a condition characterized by an abnormal craniocervical transition whose main finding is cerebellar tonsillar ectopia of &gt; 5 mm below the foramen magnum. The main clinical manifestations are occipital headache, truncal ataxia, corticospinal tract dysfunctions, and scoliosis.&#x0D; Objective: The scope of this article is to report a rare case of papilledema and visual impairment in a child diagnosed with CM-I.&#x0D; Methods/case presentation: Presentation of the case of an 8-year-old child with difficulty in performing school activities due to visual blurring in the 3 days prior to hospitalization. She was taken by her parents to the ophthalmologist who identified bilateral papilledema and was urgently referred to the pediatric emergency unit. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and CM-I was identified. She underwent urgent surgical posterior cranial fossa decompression and progressed to complete visual improvement, confirmed by ophthalmological examination.&#x0D; Conclusion: Papilledema may be the initial clinical manifestation of CM-I in children and urgent surgical decompression of the posterior cranial fossa may prevent or even reverse the visual impairment.

Hinge craniotomy as an alternative technique for patients with refractory intracranial hypertension

IntroductionDecompressive craniectomy (DC) can save brain tissue, but unfortunately it has many limitations and complications. Hinge craniotomy (HC), as less aggressive method seems to be adequate alternative not only to DC but also to conservative treatment. Research questionPresentation of the results of modified surgical techniques of cranial decompression and comparing with more and less aggressive medical options. Material and methodsA prospective clinical study was conducted during 86 months. Comatose patients who suffered refractory intracranial hypertension (RIH) were treated. Altogether, 137 patients have been evaluated. The final outcome of all patients in the study was evaluated after 6 months. ResultsBoth surgical options resulted in adequate control of intracranial pressure (ICP). HC method was shown to have the lowest probability of worsening from a prior state of relative stability. Discussion and conclusionThere was no statistically significant difference between methods to treatment of DC or HC, meaning the final outcome of patients treated in any manner. There was similar rate of early and late complications.

Assessment of neuromonitoring use and postoperative readmission rates in pediatric Chiari I malformation with syrinx.

While operative intervention for Chiari malformation type I (CMI) with syringomyelia is well established, there is limited data on outcomes of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). This study sought to explore differences in procedural characteristics and their effects on postoperative readmission rates. The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried from 2010 to 2014 for patients ≤ 18years of age with CMI and syringomyelia who underwent cranial decompression or spinal decompression. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. Over the 5-year period, 2789 patients were identified that underwent operative treatment for CMI with syringomyelia. Mean age was 10 ± 4years with 55% female. During their index hospitalization 14% of the patients had IONM. Patients receiving IONM had no significant difference in Charleston Comorbidity Index ≥ 1 (16% vs. 15% without, p = 0.774). IONM was more often used in those with private insurance (63% vs. 58% without, p = 0.0004) and less likely in those with Medicaid (29% vs. 37% without, p = 0.004). Patients receiving IONM were more likely to have a postoperative complication (23% vs 17%, p = 0.004) and were more likely to have hospital lengths of stay > 7days (9% vs. 5% without, p = 0.005). Readmission rates for CMI were 9% within 30days and 15% within the year. The majority (89%) of readmissions were unplanned. 25% of readmissions were for infection and 27% of readmissions underwent a CMI reoperation. The 30-day readmission rate was higher for those with IONM (12% vs. 8% without, p = 0.010). Median cost for hospitalization was significantly higher for patients with IONM ($26,663 ($16,933-34,397)) vs. those without ($14,577 ($11,538-18,392)), p < 0.001. The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring for operative repair of CMI is associated with higher postoperative complications and readmissions. In addition, there are disparities in its use and increased cost to the healthcare system. Further studies are needed to elucidate the factors underlying this association.

RF26 | PMON326 Medical History of Children Enrolled in PROPEL: A Prospective Clinical Assessment Study in Children with Achondroplasia

Abstract Background Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common short-limbed skeletal dysplasia, affecting between 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 30,000 live births. People with ACH are at risk for several significant co-morbidities, including foramen magnum stenosis, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic otitis media with conductive hearing loss, spinal stenosis, and a propensity towards obesity. PROPEL is a prospective, non-interventional study designed to examine baseline growth parameters and health status in children being assessed for potential enrollment into interventional studies with infigratinib, an oral FGFR1–3 inhibitor in development as a therapeutic option for ACH. Here we describe the medical complications reported as medical history in the PROPEL study. Methods Children with ACH between the ages of 2.5 and 10 years are eligible for enrollment in PROPEL and are evaluated at screening/baseline, month 3, month 6, and every 6 months thereafter. Medical history collected at screening/baseline is summarized using system organ class and preferred terms. Results A total of 86 children with ACH (60% female, mean±SD age 6.1±2.5 years) have been enrolled to date at 19 sites in Europe, Australia and North America. Fifty-eight children had undergone surgical and medical procedures with a mean of 2.9 procedures per child (1–11 surgeries/subject). The most common procedures were pressure-equalizing ear tube insertion, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Twenty-one (24%) children had undergone at least 1 surgery (1–5 surgeries/child) for spine or cranial decompression. History of infections and respiratory disorders were reported in 46 (53%) and 40 (47%) children, respectively, the most common being ear infections and obstructive sleep apnea. Musculoskeletal disorders were described in 33 (38%) children, with kyphosis being the most common. Hydrocephalus was reported in 2 children, while 4 had ventriculomegaly without intracranial hypertension. Congenital cardiovascular abnormalities were found in 4 children, 2 of whom presented with patent ductus arteriosus and 2 had patent foramen ovale. A comprehensive summary of medical histories will be presented at the conference. Conclusions The PROPEL study has a planned total enrollment of 200 children and seeks to contribute to the deeper understanding of the natural history of ACH. Data described here highlight the significant complications and high number of interventions that children with ACH undergo throughout infancy and childhood. This stresses the importance of expert management of this complex condition. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 1:05 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Dynamic Craniotomy With NuCrani Reversibly Expandable Cranial Bone Flap Fixation Plates: A Technical Report.

Dynamic craniotomy provides cranial decompression without bone flap removal along with avoidance of cranioplasty and reduced risks for complications. To report the first clinical cases using a novel dynamic craniotomy bone flap fixation system. The NeuroVention NuCrani reversibly expandable cranial bone flap fixation plates provide dynamic bone flap movement to accommodate changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) after a craniotomy. The reversibly expandable cranial bone flap fixation plates were used for management of cerebral swelling in a patient with a subdural hemorrhage after severe traumatic brain injury and another patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. Both cases had high ICP's which normalized immediately after the dynamic craniotomy. Progressive postoperative cerebral swelling was noted which was compensated by progressive outward bone flap migration thereby maintaining a normal ICP, and with resolution of the cerebral swelling, the plates retracted the bone flaps to an anatomic flush position. The reversibly expandable plates provide an unhinged cranial bone flap outward migration with an increase in ICP and retract the bone flap after resolution of brain swelling while also preventing the bone flap from sinking inside the skull.

A Clinical Study on the Treatment of Recurrent Chiari (Type I) Malformation with Syringomyelia Based on the Dynamics of Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Objective Combining the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid, our study investigates the clinical effects of syringomyelia after the combination of fourth ventricle-subarachnoid shunt (FVSS) for recurrent Chiari (type I) malformations after cranial fossa decompression (foramen magnum decompression (FMD)). Methods From December 2018 to December 2020, 15 patients with recurrent syringomyelia following posterior fossa decompression had FVSS surgery. Before and after the procedure, the clinical and imaging data of these individuals were retrospectively examined. Results Following FVSS, none of the 15 patients experienced infection, nerve injury, shunt loss, or obstruction. 13 patients improved dramatically after surgery, while 2 patients improved significantly in the early postoperative period, but the primary symptoms returned 2 months later. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 12.67 ± 3.95, which was considerably better than preoperatively (t = 3.69, P0.001). The MRI results revealed that the cavities in 13 patients were reduced by at least 50% compared to the cavities measured preoperatively. The shrinkage rate of syringomyelia was 86.67% (13/15). One patient's cavities nearly vanished following syringomyelia. The size of the cavity in the patient remain unchanged, and the cavity's maximal diameter was significantly smaller than the size measured preoperatively (P < 0.001) PC-MRI results indicated that the peak flow rate of cerebrospinal fluid at the central segment of the midbrain aqueduct and the foramen magnum in patients during systole and diastole were significantly reduced after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusion After posterior fossa decompression, FVSS can effectively restore the smooth circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with recurrent Chiari (type I) malformation and syringomyelia. It is a highly effective way of treatment.

WE-225. Comparison of spontaneous EMG activity from two lower facial muscles during microvascular cranial nerve decompression

WE-225. Comparison of spontaneous EMG activity from two lower facial muscles during microvascular cranial nerve decompression

Delayed Cranial Decompression Rates After Initiation of Unfractionated Heparin versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Traumatic Brain Injury

Both unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are routinely used prophylactically after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Their comparative risk for development or worsening of intracranial hemorrhage necessitating cranial decompression is unclear. Furthermore, the absence of a specific antidote for LMWH may lead to UH being used more often for high-risk patients. This study aims to compare the incidence of delayed cranial decompression occurring after initiation of prophylactic UH versus LMWH using the National Trauma Data Bank. Cranial decompression procedures included craniotomy and craniectomy. Multiple imputation was used for missing data. Propensity score matching was used to account for selection bias between UH and LMWH. The 1:1 matched groups were compared using logistic regression for the primary outcome of postprophylaxis cranial decompression. A total of 218,594 patients with TBI were included, with 61,998 (28.3%) receiving UH and 156,596 (71.7%) receiving LMWH as DVT prophylaxis. The UH group had higher patient age, body mass index, comorbidity rates, Injury Severity Score, and worse motor Glasgow Coma Scale score. After the UH and LMWH groups were matched for these factors, logistic regression showed lower rates of postprophylaxis cranial decompression for the LMWH group (odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.16; P < 0.001). Despite the absence of a specific antidote, LMWH was associated with lower rates of need for post-DVT-prophylaxis in craniotomy/craniectomy. This finding questions the notion of UH being safer for patients with TBI because it can be readily reversed. Randomized studies are needed to elucidate causality.

"Binder Ring" Bypass: V4-V4 Vertebral Artery Transection, Rerouting, and Reanastomosis for Treatment of a Compressive Dolichoectatic Vertebral Artery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia may present with compression on the brainstem or surrounding cranial nerves. The surgical management for this pathology may include microvascular decompression, sling-based macrovascular decompression, or, as presented here, a novel rerouting of the artery using reanastomosis bypass. This unique video demonstrates the pathology of this case and why it is not amenable to typical macrovascular decompression, as well as the execution of the novel "binder ring" bypass, which includes transecting the offending vessel, rerouting it around the cranial nerves, and reanastomosis.1 A man in his early 70s who presented with symptomatic compression underwent a left retrosigmoid craniotomy to expose the distal tortuous vertebral artery, which displaced the left cranial nerve VII/VIII complex in the cerebellopontine angle. This segment was trapped with temporary aneurysm clips, transected, and the ends of the artery were then mobilized away from the nerves. The ends were brought back together in a comfortable position lateral to the cranial nerves. A V4-V4 end-to-end reanastomosis (V4 [E-Ec*] V4 bypass) was performed with a fourth-generation bypass technique, using intraluminal suturing for the deep suture line. The patient enjoyed complete symptomatic relief thereafter, with normal hearing. The relief of symptoms is believed to be attributable to cranial nerve decompression rather than to brainstem decompression. The patient provided written informed consent for treatment. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute.

Multidisciplinary Stroke Pathway for Children Supported With Ventricular Assist Devices.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS), including ventricular assist device (VAD) support, is a leading cause of stroke in children; however, existing pediatric stroke recommendations do not apply to many pediatric VAD patients. We sought to develop a multidisciplinary pathway to improve timely and effective acute stroke care and examine the early performance of the pathway in expediting stroke care. Stakeholders from pediatric heart failure, cardiac intensive care, neurology, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, pharmacy, and adult VAD care convened at Stanford University in August 2017 to discuss the challenges of providing high-quality acute stroke care to children on VAD support, and to develop multidisciplinary acute stroke pathways. Stakeholders identified multiple barriers to providing timely acute stroke care to pediatric VAD patients. These include delayed recognition of stroke, and lack of clarity related to the optimal imaging technique, when to emergently reverse antithrombotic therapy (AT), pediatric indications for thrombectomy and cranial decompression, and strategies to avoid unnecessary serial CTS. Four stroke pathways were created including evaluation and management of the pediatric patient with (1) an acute neurologic change before an imaging diagnosis; (2) an arterial ischemic stroke (AIS); (3) an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); and (4) a subdural hematoma (SDH). With the implementation of the stroke pathway, the median time-to-first-CT image decreased by 43 minutes from 66 to 23 minutes ( P < 0.001) while the proportion with a CT within 30 minutes increased from 0% to 67% ( P < 0.001). Despite a variety of challenges, multidisciplinary consensus can be achieved on a rapid stroke management pathway for children on VAD support that addresses important barriers to timely stroke care. Although too few stoke events occurred to differentiate clinical outcomes, the time-to-first-CT image was significantly shorter after pathway implementation.

118 Delayed Cranial Decompression Rates After Initiation of Unfractionated Heparin Versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Traumatic Brain Injury

INTRODUCTION: Both unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are routinely used prophylactically after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Their comparative risk for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) development or worsening necessitating cranial decompression after prophylaxis initiation is unclear. Furthermore, the absence of a specific antidote for LMWH may lead to UH being used more often for high-risk patients. METHODS: We compared the incidence of delayed cranial decompression occurring after initiation of prophylactic UH vs. LMWH using the National Trauma Data Bank. Cranial decompression procedures included craniotomy, craniectomy, and external ventricular drain placement. Multiple imputation was utilized for missing data. To account for selection bias between UH and LMWH, we conducted propensity score matching using factors that were significantly different between the two groups. The matched UH and LMWH groups were then compared using logistic regression for the primary outcome of post-prophylaxis cranial decompression. RESULTS: A total of 218,594 TBI patients were included, with 61,998 (28.3%) receiving UH and 156,596 (71.7%) receiving LMWH as DVT prophylaxis. The UH group had significantly higher patient age, BMI, comorbidity rates, injury severity score, and worse motor Glasgow coma scale. After matching the UH and LMWH groups for these factors, logistic regression demonstrated lower rates of post-prophylaxis cranial decompression for the LMWH group (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.11-0.16, P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite the absence of a specific antidote, LMWH was associated with substantially lower rates of post-DVT-prophylaxis cranial decompression. This indicates that UH may not be the safer alternative in TBI patients at high risk for intracranial hemorrhagic complications.

Spinal decompression with patient-specific guides

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPatient-specific instruments (PSI) have been well established in spine surgery for pedicle screw placement. However, its utility in spinal decompression surgery is yet to be investigated. PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and utility of PSI in spinal decompression surgery compared with conventional freehand (FH) technique for both expert and novice surgeons. STUDY DESIGNHuman cadaver study. METHODSThirty-two midline decompressions were performed on 4 fresh-frozen human cadavers. An expert spine surgeon and an orthopedic resident (novice) each performed 8 FH and 8 PSI-guided decompressions. Surgical time for each decompression method was measured. Postoperative decompression area, cranial decompression extent in relation to the intervertebral disc, and lateral recess bony overhang were measured on postoperative CT-scans. In the PSI-group, the decompression area and osteotomy accuracy were evaluated. RESULTSThe surgical time was similar in both techniques, with 07:25 min (PSI) versus 06:53 min (FH) for the expert surgeon and 12:36 min (PSI) vs. 11:54 (FH) for the novice surgeon. The postoperative cranial decompression extent and the lateral recess bony overhang did not differ between both techniques and surgeons. Further, the postoperative decompression area was significantly larger with the PSI than with the FH for the novice surgeon (477 vs. 305 mm2; p=.01), but no significant difference was found between both techniques for the expert surgeon. The execution of the decompression differed from the preoperative plan in the decompression area by 5%, and the osteotomy planes had an accuracy of 1–3 mm. CONCLUSIONPSI-guided decompression is feasible and accurate with similar procedure time to the standard FH technique in a cadaver model, which warrants further investigation in vivo. In comparison to the FH technique, a more extensive decompression was achieved with PSI in the novice surgeon's hands in this study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe PSI-guided spinal decompression technique may be a useful alternative to FH decompression in certain situations. A special potential of the PSI technique could lie in the technical aid for novice surgeons and in situations with unconventional anatomy or pathologies such as deformity or tumor. This study serves as a starting point toward PSI-guided spinal decompression, but further in vivo investigations are necessary.