Intraoperative Monitoring Research Articles

Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative pelvic autonomic nerve monitoring during rectal surgery: a systematic review

PurposeAnorectal and urogenital dysfunctions are common after rectal surgery and have a significant impact on quality of life. Intraoperative pelvic autonomic nerve monitoring (pIONM) has been proposed as a tool to identify patients at risk of these functional sequelae. This systematic review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of pIONM in detecting anorectal and urogenital dysfunction following rectal surgery.MethodsA systematic review of articles published since 1990 was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies describing pIONM for rectal surgery and reporting anorectal or urogenital functional outcomes were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADS-2 tool. The diagnostic accuracy of pIONM was established with pooled sensitivity and specificity alongside summary receiver-operating characteristic curves.ResultsTwenty studies including 686 patients undergoing pIONM were identified, with seven of these studies including a control group. There was heterogeneity in the pIONM technique and reported outcome measures used. Results from five studies indicate pIONM may be able to predict postoperative anorectal (sensitivity 1.00 [95% CI 0.03–1.00], specificity 0.98 [0.91–0.99]) and urinary (sensitivity 1.00 [95% CI 0.03–1.00], specificity 0.99 [0.92–0.99]) dysfunction.ConclusionsThis review identifies the diagnostic accuracy of pIONM in detecting postoperative anorectal and urogenital dysfunction following rectal surgery. Further research is necessary before pIONM can be routinely used in clinical practice.PROSPERO Registration DetailsCRD42022313934.

Determining the Predictors of Recurrence or Regrowth Following Spinal Astrocytoma Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Spinal astrocytomas (SA) represent 30–40% of all intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) and present significant clinical challenges due to their aggressive behavior and potential for recurrence. We aimed to pool the evidence on SA and investigate predictors of regrowth or recurrence after surgical resection. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on peer-reviewed human studies from several databases covering the field of SA. Data were collected including sex, age, tumor location, extent of resection, histopathological diagnosis, and adjuvant therapy to identify predictors of SA recurrence. Recurrence was defined as failure of local tumor control or regrowth after treatment. Results: A total of 53 studies with 1365 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A postoperative deterioration in neurological outcomes, as assessed by the modified McCormick scale, was noted in most of the patients. The overall recurrence rate amounted to 41%. On meta-analysis, high-grade WHO tumors were associated with higher odds of recurrence (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.87, 3.76; p = 0.001). Similarly, GTR was associated with lower odds of recurrence compared to STR (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.60; p = 0.0003). Sex (p = 0.5848) and tumor location (p = 0.3693) did not show any significant differences in the odds of recurrence. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was described in 8 studies and adjuvant radiotherapy in 41 studies. Conclusions: The results highlight the significant importance of tumor grade and extent of resection in patient prognosis. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy remains unclear, with most studies suggesting no differences in outcomes, with limitations due to potential confounders.

Fully Automated and AI-Assisted Optical Fiber Sensing System for Multiplexed and Continuous Brain Monitoring.

Continuous and comprehensive brain monitoring is crucial for timely identification of changes or deterioration in brain function, enabling prompt intervention and personalized treatments. However, existing brain monitoring systems struggle to offer continuous and accurate monitoring of multiple brain biomarkers simultaneously. This study introduces a multiplexed optical fiber sensing system for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of six cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers using tip-functionalized optical fibers and computational algorithms. Optimized machine learning models are developed and integrated for real-time spectra analysis, allowing for precise and continuous readout of biomarker concentrations. The developed machine learning-assisted fiber optic sensing system exhibits high sensitivity (0.04, 0.38, 0.67, 2.62, 0.0064, 0.33 I/I0 change per units of temperature, dissolved oxygen, glucose, pH, Na+, Ca2+, respectively), reversibility, and selectivity toward target biomarkers with a total diameter less than 2.5 mm. By monitoring brain metabolic and ionic dynamics, this system accurately identified brain physiology deterioration and recovery using ex vivo traumatic brain injury models. Additionally, the system successfully tracked biomarker fluctuations in clinical CSF samples with high accuracy (R2 > 0.93), demonstrating excellent sensitivity and selectivity in reflecting disease progression in real time. These findings underscore the enormous potential of automated and multiplexed optical fiber sensing systems for intraoperative and postoperative monitoring of brain physiologies.

Effect of total intravenous anesthesia versus sevoflurane anesthesia on intraoperative facial nerve monitoring: a randomized controlled trial.

Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) facilitates effective nerve preservation during ear and head and neck surgeries. Quantitative differences in the timely feasibility of IFNM during total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) vs sevoflurane anesthesia have not been investigated. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which 98 patients undergoing ear surgery were allocated to either the TIVA or sevoflurane group. We used quantitative neuromuscular monitoring of train-of-four (TOF) responses to assess achievements of IFNM-feasible conditions, and recorded the TOF count (TOFC) or TOF ratio of T4/T1 (TOFR). The primary outcome was the time interval between a TOFR of 0.25 and 0.75 (recovery index). The most important secondary outcome was the time to reach a TOFR of 0.25. We also recorded the quality of IFNM, intubation condition, patient-ventilator dyssynchrony, surgeon's satisfaction, and postoperative analgesic and antiemetic requirements. Ninety-two patients completed the study. The median [interquartile range] recovery index was significantly shorter in the TIVA group (9 [7-11]min) than in the sevoflurane group (34 [24-53]min), with a difference in medians of 25min (95% confidence interval, 20 to 31; P < 0.001). Before IFNM requests, the time to TOFR of 0.25 was achieved earlier in the TIVA group (34 [29-41]min) than in the sevoflurane group (51 [43-77]min) (P < 0.001). Both groups achieved neuromuscular recovery in time for IFNM without a need for reversal agents. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring was feasible earlier and faster under TIVA than under sevoflurane anesthesia. We suggest that TIVA may be a preferable choice over sevoflurane to meet a surgeon's request for an earlier IFNM. CRIS.nih.go.kr ( KCT0006676 ); first submitted 7 October 2021.

Use of the Thermal Camera to Assess the Perfusion of the Nipple-Areola Complex and Lower Adipoglandular Flap in Post-Explantation Mastopexy.

Thermography is a valuable tool for assessing tissue temperature. In recent years, explantation surgery has increased due to the fact that, despite technological advancements, breast implants have a limited lifespan and eventually require explantation, whether for pathological, aesthetic, or personal reasons. Among the complications that can arise in breast surgery are necrosis of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and fat necrosis of the lower dermoglandular flap, which may affect the outcomes. Considering that the blood supply and perfusion of the breast were altered during the initial surgical procedure, and the technique previously used is often unknown, it is crucial to ensure adequate vascularization of the NAC and the flap. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the thermal camera for intraoperative and postoperative monitoring of the NAC and the lower adipoglandular flap, with the goal of determining tissue perfusion and identifying hypoperfused areas for immediate management, thus providing a new safety parameter in breast surgery.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effect of remimazolam besylate versus propofol on haemodynamic profiles in patients undergoing thyroid surgery with recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThyroid surgery with intraoperative nerve monitoring under total intravenous anaesthesia often requires deeper sedation due to limitations or lack of neuromuscular blocking agents, usually resulting in haemodynamic instability. Remimazolam, a...

Intraoperative ultrasound for uterine septum resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Septate uterus is one of the most common uterine malformations. Recent studies suggest that uterine septa may negatively affect fertility. In cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or infertility, hysteroscopic metroplasty has been considered the primary treatment for septate uterus. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether intraoperative ultrasound monitoring may improve the efficacy of hysteroscopic metroplasty compared to other types of intraoperative monitoring or to unguided resections. An electronic database search was performed to identify articles published until June 15, 2023. Five studies (two randomized clinical trials, two prospective studies and one retrospective cohort study) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the rate of residual septum > 10mm after hysteroscopic metroplasty in the ultrasound (US) monitoring group compared to the rate of residual septum using other types of intraoperative monitoring/no monitoring (control group). The secondary outcomes were any residual septa, surgical time, complications, uterine perforations and reproductive outcomes. Intraoperative ultrasound for uterine septum resection significantly reduced the rate of residual septum > 10mm and the rate of any residual septa compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the procedure time between women undergoing intraoperative US monitoring versus the control group. A trend toward reduction of surgical complications was observed in the intraoperative US group compared to the control group. In conclusion, intraoperative ultrasound during metroplasty may reduce the rate of the residual septum with no surgical time differences. Further studies are warranted to understand how this may improve reproductive outcomes.

Intraoperative Periprosthetic Fractures in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 1.6-Million-Patient Analysis of Complications, Costs, and the Challenges in AI-Based Prediction.

Background: Periprosthetic fractures following total hip arthroplasty are serious complications occurring in up to 2.4% of primary cases, contributing to significant morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Predicting these fractures remains a challenge despite advances in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials. Methods: This study analyzed 1,634,615 cases of primary THA from the NIS database (2016-2019) using propensity score matching to compare outcomes between patients with and without intraoperative periprosthetic fractures. Predictive models, including logistic regression, decision tree, and deep neural network, were evaluated for their ability to predict fracture risk. Results: Patients with periprosthetic fractures exhibited a 14-fold increase in pulmonary embolism risk, a 12-fold increase in infections, and a 5-fold increase in hip dislocations. Fractures extended hospital stays (3.8 vs. 2.5 days) and added approximately USD 32,000 in costs per patient. The predictive models yielded low accuracy (AUC max = 0.605), underscoring the complexity of predicting periprosthetic fractures. Conclusions: Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures in THA significantly elevate complication rates, costs, and length of stay. Despite extensive modeling efforts, accurate prediction remains difficult, highlighting the need to focus on preventive strategies, such as improved surgical techniques and real-time intraoperative monitoring.

SURGICAL APPROACH TO THALAMIC CAVERNOUS MALFORMATIONS

Introduction Thalamus is a high eloquent brain region, because it contains important relay nucleus and is surrounded by vital neural and vascular structures. Cavernous malformations involving deep structures such as the basal ganglia and thalamus account for 5–10% of all cerebral cavernomas and can cause devastating neurological deficits. Surgical approach to thalamic cavernomas is associated with risks of new or worsening neurologic deficits. The benefit of surgery must be carefully weighed on an individualized basis. There are several surgical routes that can be used to approach thalamic lesions, mainly transcortical and interhemispheric approaches. A particular approach should be selected based on the location of the cavernoma in the thalamus to minimize lesion of the unaffected brain. Methods We present the case of a 43-year-old right-handed lady with right bleeding posterolateral thalamic cavernoma, admitted to the neurosurgery department of Sibiu MedLife Polisano Hospital in February 2024. The patient underwent surgery, through a transcortical trans-sulcal para-fascicular, navigation guided approach. Preoperative tractography imaging, tubular cerebral corridor retractor system and intraoperative monitoring of the cortico-spinal tract, through motor evoked potentials (transcortical, cortical and subcortical mapping) and of the spinotahamic tract through somatosensory evoked potentials were used. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Conclusions Thalamus is a complex structure located in a deep brain area and surgery for these region carries high risks, so the surgeon must carefully tailor these patients. The transcortical transsulcal para-fascicular approach is feasible and safe using the cerebral tubular corridor, neuronavigation and neuromonitoring. Advanced surgical technology offers the advantages of minimizing the risks of new neurological deficits.

TIPS AND TRICKS IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LARGE VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) frequently referred to as acoustic neuromas are the most common tumours of the cerebellopontine angle. They are benign, generally slow-growing tumors that arise from the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve. For patients with large vestibular schwannomas or those exhibiting symptoms from the tumor’s mass effect, surgical intervention remains the preferred treatment approach. This paper discusses the surgical management of patients with large vestibular schwannomas operated in our department and emphasizes the use of intraoperative monitoring for preserving facial nerve function. We review the key surgical steps and highlight the importance of preoperative planning, patient position, and the use of microsurgical techniques to optimize the surgical outcome. Gross total resection of large vestibular schwannomas is associated with worse facial nerve outcomes. Our preferred treatment strategy, especially for older patients, is planned subtotal resection followed by periodic imaging evaluation and radiotherapy in cases of documented tumor growth. This approach may lead to superior facial nerve preservation and improved quality of life for individuals with large vestibular schwannomas. Conclusion The optimal treatment approach for vestibular schwannoma remains a subject of debate. Gross total resection has traditionally been the gold standard for large tumors, but this is often accompanied by a higher risk of postoperative facial nerve dysfunction. Planned subtotal resection with the goal of preserving facial nerve function, followed by closed observation is an alternative approach.

Vagus Nerve Preservation for Early Distal Gastric Cancer With Monitoring and Indocyanine Green Labeling

Radical gastric cancer surgery can cause functional and physiological disorders due to the resection of perigastric vagus nerves. Few studies have used intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and indocyanine green (ICG) labeling to preserve the perigastric vagus nerve and to evaluate the corresponding effects. To assess the feasibility and effects of vagus nerve preservation using neurophysiologic monitoring and ICG labeling during laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with early distal gastric cancer. This open-label, prospective randomized clinical trial initially enrolled 285 patients with clinical stage cT1N0M0 distal gastric cancer from May 2022 to May 2023. This trial was conducted at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University in Jinan, China, and enrolled patients aged 18 to 80 years with histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma scheduled for distal gastrectomy. The final follow-up examination was performed May 1, 2024. Eligible participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to vagus nerve preservation distal gastrectomy (VPG) or vagus nerve resection distal gastrectomy (VRG). The primary outcome was the incidence of postsurgical gastroparesis. Secondary outcomes included postoperative gallstone formation, quality of life, morbidity, mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival up to 12 months postoperatively. All analyses were based on both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Of 264 patients included in the intention-to-treat analysis, the median (IQR) patient age was 58.0 (52.0-67.0) years, and 67 patients (25.4%) were female. Both the VPG and VRG groups included 132 patients. Postoperative gastroparesis occurred in 1 patient (0.8%) in the VPG group and in 10 patients (7.6%) in the VRG group. Gallstones developed in 0 patients in the VPG group and in 9 patients (6.8%) in the VRG group. As assessed by mean (SD) score on the 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the VRG group experienced more nausea and vomiting at 6 months postsurgery (19.38 [7.62]) than the VPG group (17.15 [9.21]) (P = .03) and had significantly higher rates of persistent appetite loss, reflux symptoms, and eating difficulties at both 6 months and 12 months than the VPG group. Differences in postoperative complications and metastasis were not significant. Neurophysiologic monitoring and ICG labeling during distal laparoscopic gastrectomy for vagus nerve preservation in patients with early distal gastric cancer are safe and feasible. Preserving the perigastric vagus nerve may retain the function of the remnant stomach and improve quality of life. Chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR2200059489.

Clinical characteristics of hemodynamics and laboratory parameters of recipients during orthotopic heart transplantation

Objective. To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of recipients during orthotopic heart transplantation according to intraoperative monitoring. Materials and methods. The clinical and laboratory data of 38 patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation for vital indications in the period from 2022 to 2024 were studied. The average age of patients was (38.5 ± 13.5) years. There were 35 men (92.1%) and 3 women (7.9%). Peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial and central venous pressure were measured in each recipient delivered to the operating room at 5 stages of the operation during orthotopic heart transplantation. Results. The main cause of chronic heart failure with subsequent heart transplantation in all 38 (100%) patients was dilated cardiomyopathy. Statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) acidosis and hypercapnia in recipients during heart transplantation were most pronounced at the first stage of surgery, before the connection of a heart–lung machine. Acidosis during heart transplantation had a mixed metabolic and respiratory genesis with hypercapnia and lactatacidosis. A statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) increased lactate content at the first and second stages and statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) hyperglycemia at all stages of surgery were found. Central venous pressure was statistically significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than the reference values at the stages of sternum cutting and before the connection of the heart–lung machine. A direct statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) correlation between the level of arterial blood pH and the level of central venous pressure (r=0.334) was established, with the corresponding linear regression equation: pH=4.7043+central venous pressure × 0.02391. Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of recipients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation demonstrated a direct correlation between mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis and central venous pressure. Peripheral hemodynamic parameters in orthotopic heart transplantation were characterized by instability at the stage of heart–lung machine disconnection.

Co-administration of dexmedetomidine with total intravenous anaesthesia in carotid endarterectomy reduces requirements for propofol and improves haemodynamic stability: A single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Total intravenous anaesthesia guided by electroencephalography and neurophysiological monitoring may be used for carotid endarterectomy. Reduction of brain metabolic demand during cross-clamping of the internal carotid artery with propofol titrated to burst suppression requires effect-site concentrations that may delay emergence and interfere with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. To test the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine decreases the effect-site concentration of propofol required for burst-suppression in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Randomised controlled trial. Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. University Hospital of Berne, Switzerland, from October 2018 to September 2024. Patients were randomised into a control (n = 23) and a dexmedetomidine groups (n = 22). Total intravenous anaesthesia was administered to both groups. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group received an intravenous bolus of dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg kg-1 over 10 min) before induction, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion (0.4 μg kg-1 h-1). The effect-site concentrations of propofol were titrated against frontal electroencephalography parameters. Burst suppression was induced with propofol during cross-clamping of the internal carotid artery. The primary outcome was the effect-site concentration of propofol required for burst-suppression. The secondary outcomes were the requirement for vasoactive substances, neurophysiological monitoring parameters, and postoperative delirium. The effect-site concentration of propofol required for burst suppression was 4.0 μg ml-1 [3.50 to 4.90] (median [interquartile range]) in the dexmedetomidine group compared with 6.0 μg ml-1 [5.5 to 7.3] in the control group (P < 0.001). Less norepinephrine was required in the dexmedetomidine group (total 454 μg [246 to 818] compared with 1000 μg [444 to 1326] (P = 0.015) in the control group). Dexmedetomidine did not affect intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Co-administration of dexmedetomidine to total intravenous anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy decreased the effect-site concentrations of propofol required for burst suppression by 33%. The propofol-sparing effect and peripheral alpha-agonism of dexmedetomidine may explain the reduced requirement for vasopressors. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04662177.

Comparison of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring between propofol and remimazolam during total intravenous anesthesia in the cervical spine surgery: a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial

Comparison of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring between propofol and remimazolam during total intravenous anesthesia in the cervical spine surgery: a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial

Advancements in Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring for Spinal Surgery: Innovations, Multimodal Approaches, and Implications for Patient Safety

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has become an essential component of spinal surgery, providing real-time assessment of neural function and enhancing surgical safety. Recent advancements in IONM technologies have significantly improved the ability to detect and prevent neurological complications during spinal procedures. This article reviews the latest updates in IONM, including advancements in monitoring techniques, integration of multimodal monitoring, and improvements in data interpretation. The article also discusses the impact of these innovations on surgical outcomes and patient safety, highlighting the importance of ongoing developments in this field.

Beyond AI and robotics: the dawn of surgical automation in spine surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) algorithms are revolutionizing spine surgery. Soon, these technologies may allow the integration of automated devices into clinical practice. The roles of such devices are yet to be imagined and then developed, but one could assume that automated surgical devices can assist spine surgeons in a variety of ways, such as contextual guidance, precise screw placements, or intraoperative monitoring. In the not-too-distant future, such devices may be able to perform entire surgeries autonomously. Current literature suggests that advancements toward autonomous robotic surgery may improve surgical approaches and reduce negative clinical variation in spine surgery outcomes. This review aims to examine the current trends, practices, and advancements in surgical automation and provide an overview of the stages of automation of devices currently employed within spine surgery.

SURG-23. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN APPROPRIATE GLIOMA SURGERY SYSTEM CONSIDERING MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL BOUNDARIES

Abstract Gliomas are invasive tumors and cannot be cured by surgery. But surgical removal has also been proven to affect treatment outcomes. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have identified IDH mutations, especially in lower grade gliomas, allowing the identification of so-called molecular boundaries. It is conceivable that expanded resection to the molecular border may improve treatment outcome. On the other hand, extended resection may be incompatible with functional preservation. In such cases, it is also important to consider that the impact of surgery on treatment outcome has also been proven to vary by glioma genotype. While total resection has a significant prognostic impact on survival in astrocytomas with IDH mutations, the impact on survival in oligodendrogliomas that are sensitive to chemoradiotherapy and, conversely, in high-grade tumors without IDH mutations is lower than in the former. Therefore, it is important to determine the extent of removal after considering the tumor type. In general, various surgical support devices such as surgical navigation systems, fluorescent diagnosis using 5ALA, intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, awake functional brain mapping, and intraoperative MRI are applied during glioma surgery. In addition to these, we have developed a surgical system that also focuses on tumor subtypes by introducing preoperative tumor type prediction using AI imaging and intraoperative rapid genetic diagnosis. We have further developed intraoperative rapid genetic diagnosis to identify genetic mutations around the tumor, enabling the detection of molecular boundaries. It is now possible to remove as much as possible, considering the molecular boundary, while paying sufficient attention to preservation of brain functions. Gliomas are intractable diseases, but their treatment outcomes have steadily improved over time. We are now in an era of a tailor-made surgery based on a variety of data. Implementing “appropriate surgical procedures” we aim at further improvement of treatment outcomes.

Intraoperative Acoustic Monitoring Using Threshold and Suprathreshold Pure Tone Audiometry during Cochlear Implantation Under Local Anesthesia: A Simple and Novel Method to Potentially Enhance Hearing Preservation Cochlear Implant Surgery.

To report the feasibility and potential utility of monitoring acoustic hearing on awake patients using intraoperative behavioral responses to threshold and suprathreshold stimuli while undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) under local anesthesia, without any form of sedation. Retrospective review of the first five cases performed by one surgeon. Tertiary care academic medical center. Adult patients with residual acoustic hearing undergoing CI. CI under local anesthesia, without any form of sedation. Procedural tolerance, reliability of intraoperative pure tone threshold and suprathreshold audiometry, and correlation of intraoperative findings with early postoperative residual hearing. Five ears in four patients underwent CI, including three males and one female, with a median age of 61 years. Intraoperatively, patients reported reliable behavioral responses to pure tone threshold and suprathreshold stimuli and provided real-time feedback on perceived stimulus change to the surgeon just prior to, during, and immediately following electrode insertion. All patients were able to complete the operation under local anesthesia. During electrode insertion, three cases reported no change and two cases reported diminished stimulus perception that reversed with limited electrode pull back near terminal insertion. Immediate postoperative audiograms demonstrated preservation of bone conduction thresholds within 10 dB of their preoperative baseline for all cases, suggesting hearing preservation. Three-month postoperative AzBio in quiet scores were available for two patients, measuring 45% and 94%, respectively. This report describes the feasibility of intraoperative behavioral audiometry during CI under local anesthesia, using patient feedback during electrode insertion to optimize hearing preservation surgery. Akin to other surgical subspecialties that use real-time patient feedback where objective intraoperative measures of neurofunction are imperfect, we demonstrate feasibility and potential utility of live acoustic monitoring during CI.

Whole lung lavage: considerations from the anesthesiology perspective.

Whole lung lavage (WLL) remains the standard treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). The procedure involves meticulous preparation, including a multidisciplinary team and appropriate facilities, to ensure patient safety and procedural success. Effective anesthesia management is essential to allow for successful completion of the procedure and prevent complications. Effective anesthesia management, including total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and careful intraoperative monitoring, is essential to prevent complications such as hypoxemia and fluid overload. Proper airway control with a double-lumen tube, careful positioning, and continuous monitoring during the lavage phase are key to minimizing risks. Challenges such as fluid spillage and ventilation-perfusion mismatch must be managed proactively with techniques such as fiberoptic bronchoscopy and recruitment maneuvers. In cases of severe hypoxemia, advanced options like extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or sequential lavage may be required. WLL is a pivotal treatment for PAP, offering significant relief and improvement for many patients despite the challenges in standardizing the procedure due to the rare nature of the condition. Involvement of a multidisciplinary team involving pulmonologist, anesthesiologist, critical care personnel, operating room personnel and in some cases and centers, cardiothoracic surgeon and perfusionist is critical to the success of the procedure.

Strategic Dual Approach for the Management of a Symptomatic Giant Partially Thrombosed Aneurysm at the Basilar Tip - Integrating Intrasaccular Flow Diversion and Endovascular Flow Reversal.

Managing giant partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms presents significant challenges due to their unfavorable natural history and the lack of standardized treatment approaches. Conventional treatments, whether open surgical or endovascular, often struggle to manage these aneurysms effectively, resulting in high recurrence rates or significant morbidity. The patient was a 62-year-old male with a symptomatic giant partially thrombosed aneurysm at the tip of the basilar artery, presenting with left-sided hemiparesis and dysarthria. Diagnostic imaging revealed a giant aneurysm with a wide-necked, canalized portion. A two-stage endovascular treatment was conducted, involving a balloon occlusion test (BOT) and intraoperative monitoring (IOM) for maximum patient safety. The treatment utilized stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge (WEB) embolization and serial bilateral vertebral artery trapping. The procedure successfully isolated the aneurysm and postoperative imaging confirmed the absence of recanalization, preserving the intact posterior circulation. The patient showed stable recovery and no neurological deficits during the 12-month follow-up period. This technical note demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of strategically integrating intrasaccular flow diversion using a WEB device and flow reversal through bilateral vertebral artery trapping for treating giant partially thrombosed aneurysms.