Introducing a Realistic, Low-Cost Simulation Model for Clipping of Brain Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The current trend toward endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms may have a negative impact on young neurosurgeons who are less exposed to these lesions, thus affecting the acquisition of surgical skills in the field. Different training models have emerged to help cope with this issue, but these have specific pitfalls. Training models based on live animals or cadaveric specimens face increasing restrictions as regulations become a barrier in accessibility for everyday skills development. We introduce a novel, realistic, and inexpensive simulation model using a fresh bovine brain, and we assess its face and content validity as a training tool. METHODS: A fresh bovine brain is used to simulate microsurgical fissure dissection. Arterial and aneurysmal components are created with arteries and veins harvested from chicken thigh. A 12-item questionnaire using the Likert numeric scale (grades 1 - 5) was used to assess the validity of model in 10 surgeons. RESULTS: Ten neurosurgeons performed the simulated clipping of the aneurysm and completed a questionnaire. All surgeons surveyed responded "agree" or "strongly agree" that the simulator, and the skills trained with it, are comparable to clipping brain aneurysms. All respondents believed that this simulator could improve patient safety. CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel, realistic, and inexpensive simulation model for the clipping of brain aneurysms. This model was partially validated by the opinion of field experts. We believe this model has the potential to become a useful training tool for young neurosurgeons who have little exposure to real aneurysm cases.

Modelo de simulación de clipado de aneurismas cerebrales de bajo costo, validez aparente y de contenido / 1st Prize Scholarship: Low-cost brain aneurysm clipping simulation model, face and content validity

Objetivo: Presentar un modelo de entrenamiento realista en clipado microquirúrgico de aneurisma cerebral con flujo pulsátil, artificial, accesible y de bajo costo. Evaluar su validez aparente y de contenido. Introducción: La tendencia actual hacia el tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas cerebrales puede reducir la exposición de neurocirujanos jóvenes al tratamiento quirúrgico de estas lesiones durante su formación, afectando la adquisición de habilidades quirúrgicas en este campo. Presentamos un modelo de simulación fácilmente reproducible para clipado de aneurismas cerebrales verificando su validez como herramienta de entrenamiento. Material y métodos: Se utilizó cerebro bovino como alternativa al cerebro humano para simular apertura de surcos. Para la confección de aneurismas se utilizaron arteria y vena femoral de muslo de pollo. Como sistema de micro flujo se utilizó una mini bomba sumergible. Discusión: La simulación con animales vivos se considera entre los modelos más realistas para el entrenamiento en microcirugía, pero las restricciones y su costo limitan su uso, tal como ocurre con los especímenes cadavéricos humanos. Con el propósito de resolver estas dificultades, desarrollamos un modelo de bajo costo y lo usamos para similar el clipado de aneurismas cerebrales. Diez neurocirujanos experimentados utilizaron el mismo y luego completaron una encuesta para evaluar su potencial beneficio. Conclusión: Hemos presentado un nuevo modelo de simulación para el clipado microquirúrgico de aneurismas cerebrales utilizando materiales accesibles y económicos. Creemos que el mismo resulta útil y fácilmente reproducible para la práctica y el aprendizaje de la técnica microquirúrgica para neurocirujanos en formación

Objective: To show a realistic and accessible training model for cerebral aneurysm clipping with a pulsatile flow. To determine its face and content validity. Background: The current trend towards endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms may have a negative impact on young neurosurgeons who are less exposed to these lesions, thus affecting the acquisition of surgical skills in the field. We introduce an easily reproducible simulation model for clipping of cerebral aneurysms and we assess its validity as a training tool. Material and methods: A fresh bovine brain is used to simulate microsurgical fissure dissection. Arterial and aneurysmal components are created with arteries and veins harvested from chicken thigh. For the micro flow system, a submersible mini-pump was employed. Discussion: Live animal simulations are considered among the most realistic training models but restrictions and the facilities costs limit their use, just as with human cadaveric specimens. With the aim of addressing these issues, we developed a low-cost model with the use of a micro flow pump and used it for simulation of aneurysm clipping. Ten neurosurgeons performed the simulated clipping of the aneurysm and were administered a questionnaire following the procedure. Conclusion: We present a novel, realistic, inexpensive and easily reproducible simulation model for the clipping of brain aneurysms. This model was partially validated by the opinion of field experts. We believe this model has the potential of becoming a useful training tool for young neurosurgeons

"Este caso me desorientó" / "This case confused me "

Paciente femenina de 2 años, sin antecedentes de relevancia, quien consultó en otro centro por cuadro de diarrea, vómitos y fiebre de 5 días de evolución, asociado a bradipsiquia y tendencia al sueño. A su ingreso se solicitó tomo-grafía computada de cerebro (TC), evidenciando ventrículomegalia asociada a edema periependimario y múltiples imágenes isodensas (frontal basal derecha, frontal izquierda y parietal homolateral) con marcado edema perilesional. Se decidió realizar resonancia magnética (RMN) para caracterizar mejor las lesiones

Schwannoma intraparenquimatoso con calcificación focal en lóbulo temporal. Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Intraparenchymal schwannoma with focal calcification in the temporal lobe. Case report and literature review

Los schwannomas intraparenquimatosos son tumores con una muy baja incidencia en el sistema nervioso central. Actualmente, no se conoce su verdadero origen. Sin embargo, con el paso de los años se han descripto múltiples teorías. Son tumores que afectan principalmente a niños y adultos jóvenes. El síntoma principal es la cefalea; y se ubican principalmente en el compartimiento supratentorial. El Gold Standard para su estudio es la resonancia magnética donde suelen presentarse como lesiones hipointensas en T1, hiperintensas en T2 que captan contraste de forma homogénea. Una vez diagnosticado debe plantearse la resolución quirúrgica ya que en la mayoría de los casos representan una lesión benigna, y su exéresis completa significa la resolución de la enfermedad. El diagnóstico definitivo se obtiene mediante la anatomía patológica. A continuación, presentaremos el caso de una paciente de 46 años con antecedente de cefalea en cuyo contexto, mediante una resonancia magnética, se descubre una lesión en el lóbulo temporal siendo el diagnóstico de la misma: schwannoma intraparenquimatoso con calcificación focal

Intraparenchymal schwannomas have a very low incidence in the central nervous system. Currently, its true origin is not known, however, over the years, multiple theories have been described. This pathology mainly affects children and young adults. The main symptom is headache; and usually it is located in the supratentorial compartment. The Gold Standard is MRI where they usually present as hypointense lesions in T1, hyperintense in T2 that capture contrast in a homogeneous way. Once diagnosed, surgical resolution should be considered, since in most cases they represent a benign lesion, and their complete excision means resolution of the disease. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by pathological anatomy. We present a case of a 46-year-old patient with history of headache, its magnetic resonance revealed an extra axial lesion in the temporal lobe with considerable surrounding edema, the diagnosis was Intraparenchymal schwannoma with focal calcification in the temporal lobe

Intra- and extradural anterior clinoidectomy: anatomy review and surgical technique step by step.

PURPOSE: The complex relations of the paraclinoid area make the surgical management of the pathology of this region a challenge. The anterior clinoid process (ACP) is an anatomical landmark that hinders the visualization and manipulation of the surrounding neurovascular structures, hence in certain surgical interventions might be necessary to remove it. We reviewed the anatomical relationships that involve the paraclinoid area and detailed the step-by-step techniques of intra and extradural clinoidectomy in cadaveric specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was done describing the most relevant anatomic relationships regarding the anterior clinoid process. Extradural and intradural clinoidectomy techniques were performed in six dry bone heads and in ten previously injected cadaverous specimens with colored latex (Sanan et al. in Neurosurgery 45:1267-1274, 1999) and each step of the procedure was recorded using photographic material. Finally, an analysis of the anatomical exposure achieved in each of the techniques used was performed. RESULTS: The main advantage of the intradural clinoidectomy technique is the direct visualization of the neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP when drilling, at the same time, opening the Sylvian fissure will allow the direct visualization of the ACP variants. The main advantage offered by the extradural technique is that the dura protects adjacent eloquent structures while drilling. Among the disadvantages, it is noted that the same dura that would protect the underlying structures also prevents the direct visualization of these neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP. CONCLUSION: We reviewed the anatomy of the paraclinoid area and made a step-by-step description of the technique of the anterior clinoidectomy in its intra- and extradural variants in cadaveric preparations for a better understanding.

Home Program for Acquisition and Maintenance of Microsurgical Skills During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak.

BACKGROUND: During the current global crisis unleashed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak, surgical departments have considerably reduced the amount of elective surgeries. This decrease leads to less time in the surgical room to develop and improve the surgical skills of residents. In this study, we developed a training program to obtain and maintain microsurgical skills at home, using a smartphone camera and low-cost materials, affordable for everyone. METHODS: Using a smartphone camera as a magnification device, 6 participants performed 5 exercises (coloring grids, grouping colors, unraveling of a gauze, knots with suture threads, and tower of Hanoi), both with the dominant and with the nondominant hand, for 4 weeks. We compared performance at the beginning and at the end of the training process. Each participant filled out an anonymous survey. RESULTS: When we compared the performance at the beginning and at the end of the training process, we found significant improvements (P = 0.05) with the dominant as well as the nondominant hand in all the exercises. All participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the definition of the objectives of the training process, material availability, the exercises performed, the choice of the time to train, and general satisfaction with the training program. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a microsurgical skills training program to be performed at home, which can be easily reproduced. It allows residents to improve manual coordination skills and is regarded as a feasible adjunct for ongoing training for surgical residents.

From Ibni Sina (Avicenna) to Present, History of International Fellowship and Observership: University of Wisconsin-Madison Experience.

Since the inception of the International Fellowship (IF) Program in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006, training has been provided to 219 residents, neurosurgeons, and medical students from 18 countries and five continents. These IFs took a long academic and geographic journey to improve their skills in patient care. The advanced training, they received lead to 14 of these IF neurosurgeons to return to their hometowns with higher academic appointments, including two chairmen, seven professors, two associate professors, two assistant professors, and one consultant neurosurgeon. An additional measure of success for the IF Program is that fellows continue to communicate with their mentors and with their prior fellow international colleagues long after their fellowship ends.

Abordaje Quirúrgico a la Cisterna Interpeduncular / Surgical Approach to the Interpeduncular Cistern

Objetivo: Describir el acceso quirúrgico a la fosa interpeduncular para la resección de cavernomas ubicados en situación ventromedial del mesencéfalo. Introducción: El abordaje ¨Pretemporal¨ contralateral con resección orbitocigomatica utilizando la via transilviana, permite abordar la cara ventral de la fosa interpeduncular para lesiones comprendidas entre la union diencefalo-mesencefálica y el surco ponto-mesencefálico. Materiales y Métodos: Datos de historia clínica, fotografías y videos obtenidos de un caso quirúrgico operado en nuestro servicio. Disecciones cadavéricas en 14 piezas anatómicas de tronco cerebral (9 siguiendo la técnica de Klingler y 5 piezas sin congelar, de modo comparativo), 23 especímenes inyectados describiendose los corredores quirúrgicos a la región, mas estudios complementarios. Discusión: La bibliografía internacional consultada propone el abordaje orbitocigomatico homolateral para lesiones situadas en la fosa interpeduncular. En nuestro caso elegimos el abordaje ¨Pretemporal¨ con resección orbito-cigomática contralateral dada la localización alta de la lesión y la disposición de su eje mayor (antero-posterior) en sentido opuesto, ofreciendo de este modo un mejor ángulo de ataque por esta vía propuesta. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia el abordaje ¨Pretemporal¨ contralateral con orbitotomia y en ¨particular¨ la resección cigomática mejoró el ángulo de trabajo, desde inferior a superior y de lateral a medial, para alcanzar de este modo lesiones mesencefálicas ventro-mediales ¨altas¨ en el plano sagital, versus un acceso ¨Orbitocigomatico¨ clásico homolateral.

Fabricación de prótesis a medida para neurocirugía basada en tecnología de impresión 3D / Manufacture of customized prostheses for neurosurgery based on 3D printing technology

Existen casos en cirugía craneal que requieren reconstrucción de defectos óseos por trauma, corrección defectos congénitos, infección de plaqueta ósea, entre otros. El principal objetivo de la reconstrucción de un defecto óseo en la zona craneal es proveer de protección a regiones y órganos vulnerables (cerebro, coberturas meníngeas). Se estudian alternativas con la finalidad de realizar un procedimiento que garantice buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales. Por ello se propuso desarrollar moldes utilizando impresión 3D de bajo costo para confección en quirófano de craneoplastías personalizadas en pacientes craniectomizados.

There are cases in cranial surgery that require reconstruction of bone defects due to trauma, correction of congenital defects, bone platelet infection, among others. The main objective of the reconstruction of a bone defect in the cranial area is to provide protection to vulnerable regions and organs (brain, meningeal coverages). Alternatives are studied in order to perform a procedure that guarantees good aesthetic and functional results. For this reason, it was proposed to develop molds using low cost 3D printing for the manufacture in the operating room of personalized cranioplasty in craniectomized patients.