Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponges to Facilitate Cerebral Bypass Surgery: Technical Note.

OBJECTIVE: The standard way of isolating bypass vessels from surrounding structures during cerebral bypass surgery has been to use a rubber dam or neurosurgical patty. Here, the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges is described as a possible upgrade from these traditional bypass dams. METHODS: PVA sponges were used to isolate bypass arteries from surrounding tissues during microvascular anastomosis in 25 patients undergoing bypass surgery at our institution. RESULTS: There were no adverse events related to the use of PVA for microvascular anastomosis. PVA sponges offered some specific advantages when compared with rubber and cottonoid dams. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, our experience using PVA sponges during microvascular anastomosis suggests some of their properties can facilitate cerebral bypass surgery.

How I do it: operative nuances of multiple burr hole surgery for moyamoya disease and syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Burr hole surgery for moyamoya disease and moyamoya syndrome is known to be an effective, versatile, and relatively simple revascularization technique. We will focus on the technical operative aspects of multiple burr hole surgery as we perform it in our center. METHODS: Periosteal flaps are prepared and placed in a burr hole with beveled edge, after opening the dura and arachnoid membrane, in order to facilitate neovascularization into the ischemic cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Burr hole surgery is a versatile treatment modality for moyamoya and moyamoya-like disease. Success can be maximized by having a meticulous operative technique.