Background: An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in China in 2020 has led to an unprecedented shortage of nadroparin. Most patients, especially those kept in hospital for surgery, are currently treated with prophylactic anticoagulation (AC). In search of alternatives for nadroparin (fraxiparine), we found no sufficient data on alternatives for neurosurgical patients, such as tinzaparin of European origin. We compared nadroparin and tinzaparin concerning adverse events (bleeding versus thromboembolic events) in neurosurgical patients. Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, 517 neurosurgical patients with benign and malignant brain tumors as well as 297 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were treated in the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Leipzig, receiving prophylactic anticoagulation within 48 h. In 2015, prophylactic anticoagulation was switched from nadroparin to tinzaparin throughout the university hospital. In a retrospective manner, the frequency and occurrence of adverse events (rebleeding and thromboembolic events) in connection with the substance used were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and the chi-squared test. Results: Rebleeding rates were similar in both nadroparin and tinzaparin cohorts in patients being treated for meningioma, glioma, and SAH combined (8.8% vs. 10.3%). Accordingly, the rates of overall thromboembolic events were not significantly different (5.5% vs. 4.3%). The severity of rebleeding did not vary. There was no significant difference among subgroups when compared for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Conclusion: In this retrospective study, tinzaparin seems to be a safe alternative to nadroparin for AC in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery or suffering from SAH.

This thesis is concerned with the neurocircuitry that underpins the cardiovascular response to exercise, which has thus far remained incompletely understood. Small animal studies have provided clues, but with the advent of functional neurosurgery, it has now been made possible to translate these findings to humans. Chapter One reviews the background to the studies in this thesis. Our current understanding of the cardiovascular response to exercise is considered, followed by a discussion on the anatomy and function of various brain nuclei. In particular, the rationale for targeting the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is reviewed. Chapter Two reviews the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS), in which deep brain stimulating electrodes are implanted into various brain nuclei in humans, in order to treat chronic pain and movement disorders. This technique not only permits direct electrical stimulation of the human brain, but also gives the opportunity to record the neural activity from different brain regions during a variety of cardiovascular experiments. This chapter also gives a detailed methodological description of the experimental techniques performed in the studies in this thesis. Chapter Three identifies the cardiovascular neurocircuitry involved in the exercise pressor reflex in humans using functional neurosurgery. It shows for the first time in humans that the exercise pressor reflex is associated with significantly increased neural activity in the dorsal PAG. The other sites investigated, which had previously been identified as cardiovascular active in both animals and humans, seem not to have a role in the integration of this reflex. Chapter Four investigates whether changes in exercise intensity affect the neurocircuitry involved in the exercise pressor reflex. It demonstrates that the neural activity in the PAG is graded to increases in exercise intensity and corresponding increases in arterial blood pressure. This chapter also provides evidence to suggest that neural activity in the STN corresponds to the cardiovascular changes evoked by the remote ischaemic preconditioning stimulus in humans. Chapter Five identifies the cardiovascular neurocircuitry involved during changes in central command during isometric exercise at constant muscle tension using muscle vibration. It shows that, in humans, central command is associated with significantly decreased neural activity in the STN. Furthermore, the STN is graded to the perception of the exercise task, i.e. the degree of central command. The other sites investigated appear not to have as significant a role in the integration of central command during the light exercise task that was undertaken. Chapter Six studies the changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during stimulation of various brain nuclei in humans. Regrettably, the results presented in this chapter are not convincing enough to support the hypothesis that stimulation of particular subcortical structures corresponds to changes in MSNA. However, the cardiovascular changes that were recorded during stimulation of the different subcortical structures are congruous with previous studies in both animals and humans. Chapter Seven presents a brief summary of the findings in this thesis.

INTRODUÇÃO: Considerando que a dor é multifacetada e levando em conta a importância em realizar uma aproximação às vivências de pessoas acometidas por enfermidades relacionadas à cronicidade deste adoecimento, este trabalho buscou contribuir para o conhecimento a respeito do fenômeno da dor enfatizando o discurso tanto de doentes submetidos à redução aguda da nocicepção por cirurgia, como também de pessoas com neuropatia periférica congênita. MÉTODOS: O acompanhamento dos 15 participantes com dor crônica (pacientes com cordotomia cervical por dor oncológica refratária e rizotomia trigeminal percutânea por neuralgia do trigêmeo) se deu no ambulatório de Neurologia do Hospital das Clínicas ao longo de 12 meses, em três momentos distintos: pré-operatório (V1), pós-operatório imediato (V2) e pós-operatório posterior (V3) (após 4 meses da intervenção). Para a avaliação quantitativa do fenômeno da dor, foram aplicados instrumentos utilizados habitualmente no Departamento: o Questionário Sociodemográfico e o Protocolo de Modulação Condicionada da Dor (MCD) somente no primeiro momento; e o Questionário para Diagnóstico de Dor Neuropática 4 (DN4), o Inventário de Sintomas de Dor Neuropática (NPSI), o Inventário Breve de Dor (BPI), o McGill Breve, a Escala de Catastrofismo Associado à Dor (PCS) e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e de Depressão (HADS). As entrevistas abertas foram realizadas em três momentos, embasando-se no método fenomenológico hermenêutico. Para enriquecer a compreensão de que a nocicepção é um dos fatores, mas não o único que influência a ocorrência do fenômeno da dor e se aproximar do aspecto do sofrimento, também foram entrevistadas duas pessoas acometidas por Neuropatias Hereditárias Sensoriais Autonômicas (HSAN), que não apresentam sensibilidade à dor. Estes participantes foram acompanhados em momento único, no qual, além da realização da entrevista, foram aplicados o Questionário Sociodemográfico e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e de Depressão (HADS). RESULTADOS: Percebeu-se através da análise quantitativa das escalas aplicadas que, no geral, houve uma tendência de diminuição da dor e dos índices de ansiedade após a realização do procedimento cirúrgico. Esta redução se apresentou de maneira mais significativa entre os pacientes com câncer. Os escores do DN4 (6,9±2,3; 2,7±2,2; 5,5±2,5) foram significantes nos diferentes momentos e diminuíram entre as visitas V1 e V2. Para o NPSI os valores foram significantes apenas entre as visitas V1 e V2, apresentando os respectivos valores (65,6±12; 26,4±13,7). O valor da média de interferência do BPI mostrou-se diferente entre os momentos V1 e V2 com valores médios de (60,3±14,1; 15,7±13,3). Os valores do questionário McGill Breve para dor foram (6,1±1,5 e 2,0±1,0) respectivamente para V1 e V2 no componente sensitivo, para o componente afetivo os valores foram (2,8±1,8; 0,3±0,6) respectivamente. Para escala de humor os padrões mantiveram-se semelhantes aos das escalas de dor, houve uma queda dos valores entre a visita 1 e 2 para a escala PCS que se manteve na visita 3. Não houve significância entre os momentos para a escala HADS depressão. Já para a HADS ansiedade houve uma queda nos valores entre V1 e V2, assim como entre as visitas V1 e V3. Ou seja, não houve significância entre V2 e V3. As entrevistas foram analisadas a partir de Unidades de Sentido que emergiram a partir do discurso dos participantes. Para o momento V1, foram consideradas as unidades: Tempo de Procura por um Diagnóstico, Relação com o Cônjuge e Família, Trabalho, Relação com a Morte e Expectativa de Melhora. Nos momentos V2 e V3, as mesmas unidades foram mantidas, com exceção de \"Tempo de Procura por Diagnóstico\". Na análise dos doentes com insensibilidade à dor, foram mantidas as mesmas Unidades de Sentido do outro grupo de participantes, com exceção de \"Relação com a morte\" e \"Expectativas de melhora\". O aspecto da escuta apresentou-se como de extrema importância para a compreensão dos doentes com dor crônica entendendo-os antes da realização de procedimento neurocirúrgico, imediatamente após a neurocirurgia e em momento posterior. Também se tornou possível a escuta do relato das pessoas que, por possuírem uma condição de insensibilidade à dor, apresentam uma experiência diferenciada de sofrimento frente ao aspecto da dor / INTRODUCTION: Considering that pain is multifaceted and acknowledging the importance to approach the experiences of people affected by illness related to its chronicity, this work sought to contribute to the knowledge about the phenomenon of pain emphasizing the discourse of both patients submitted to acute reduction of nociception by surgery, and also of people with congenital peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: The follow-up of the 15 participants with chronic pain (patients with cervical cordotomy for refractory oncologic pain and percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia) occurred at the Neurology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas during 12 months at three different moments: preoperative (V1), immediate postoperative (V2) and late postoperative (V3) (after 4 months of intervention). For the quantitative evaluation of pain phenomenon, instruments commonly used in the Department were applied: the Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) protocol only at the first moment; and the Questionnaire for Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain (DN4), the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The open interviews were carried out in three moments, based on the hermeneutic phenomenological method. To enrich the understanding that nociception is one of the factors, but not the only one that influences the occurrence of pain phenomenon and to approach the aspect of suffering, two people affected by Autonomic Sensorial Hereditary Neuropathies (HSAN) were also interviewed. These participants were followed in a single moment, in which, in addition to the interview, the Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were applied. RESULTS: It was noticed through the quantitative analysis of the scales that, in general, there was a tendency to decrease pain and anxiety indexes after performing the surgical procedure. This reduction was more significant among cancer patients. The DN4 scores (6,9±2,3; 2,7±2,2; 5,5±2,5) were significant at different moments and decreased between visits V1 and V2. For NPSI values were significant only between visits V1 and V2, presenting the respective values (65,6±12; 26,4±13,7). The mean value of BPI interference was different between moments V1 and V2 with mean values of (60,3±14,1; 15,7±13,3). The values of McGill questionnaire for pain were (6,1±1,5 e 2,0±1,0) respectively for V1 and V2 in the sensory component, and for the affective component the values were (2,8±1,8; 0,3±0,6) respectively. For mood scales the patterns remained similar to those of the pain scales, there was a decrease in the values between visit 1 and 2 for the scale PCS that remained at visit 3. For HADS Depression scale there was no significance between the different moments. Considering the HADS Anxiety scale there was a decrease in the values between V1 and V2, as well as between visits V1 and V3, but there was no significance between V2 and V3 moments. The interviews were analyzed from Units of Meaning that emerged from the discourse of the participants. For the V1 moment, the following units were considered: Search Time for a Diagnosis, Relationship with Spouse and Family, Work, Relationship with Death and Expectation of Improvement. At moments V2 and V3, the same units were maintained, except for \"Search Time for a Diagnosis\". In the analysis of patients with HSAN condition the same Units of Meaning were kept, except for \"Relationship with Death\" and \"Expectation of Improvement\". The listening aspect was extremely important for the understanding of patients with chronic pain in the three different moments, before performing a neurosurgical procedure, immediately after neurosurgery and at a later time. It also brought the opportunity to listen to the ones with HSAN condition who present a differentiated experience of suffering towards pain

A subluxação atlantoaxial em cães miniatura culmina em compressão da medula espinhal e mielopatia cervical de graus variáveis. Frequentemente o tratamento cirúrgico se faz necessário, sendo os implantes transarticulares uma das opções terapêuticas. Convencionalmente a passagem desses implantes baseia-se em pontos anatômicos de referência e ângulos genéricos preestabelecidos, todavia, devido ao estreito corredor ósseo o posicionamento ideal é desafiador. O desenvolvimento de métodos de planejamento cirúrgico individualizados poderia aumentar a acurácia na aplicação de implantes atlantoaxiais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um guia cirúrgico paciente-específico (GCPE) para colocação de pinos atlantoaxiais em cães miniaturas e comparar a eficácia desses dispositivos em relação a técnica cirúrgica convencional. Para tanto, dezesseis cadáveres de cães de até seis quilogramas foram dispostos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de oito cães, para serem submetidos a cirurgia de estabilização transarticular atlantoaxial com pinos lisos de 1,6 mm. Nos cães do Grupo A (GrA) a aplicação dos pinos foi guiada por um GCPE, desenvolvido com base em imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC), a partir de técnicas de prototipagem rápida e impressão 3D por modelagem por fusão e deposição. Os cães do Grupo B (GrB), foram submetidos ao procedimento operatório convencional, sendo a passagem dos pinos guiada por referências anatômicas. Posteriormente ambos os grupos foram submetidos à exame de TC para avaliação da acurácia dos pinos. Para a avaliação do posicionamento dos implantes criou-se uma escala que ponderou a manutenção nos corredores seguros e os classificou de acordo com a estabilidade oferecida e a segurança da aplicação. Observou-se que não houve diferença significativa entre o método com GCPE e a cirurgia convencional, sendo que ambos grupos tiveram resultados expressivos de pinos inadequadamente aplicados, incluindo violação de corticais com obliteração do forame vertebral em 3 (37,5%) cães do GrA e 4 (50%) cães do GrB e obliteração do forame transverso em 3 (37,5%) animais do GrA e 1 (12,5%) do GrB. A aplicação de pinos em posição adequada bilateralmente foi observada em apenas 2 (25%) cães de cada grupo. Concluímos que a confecção de um GCPE para pinos transarticulares em cães miniaturas é viável, todavia, o modelo criado não foi capaz de aumentar a eficácia e segurança da cirurgia em relação à técnica convencional. / The atlantoaxial subluxation in miniature dogs leads to spinal cord compression and cervical myelopathy in several degrees. Commonly the surgical treatment is necessary, and one of therapeutic options are the transarticular fixation. Conventionally the passage of these implants is based on anatomical reference points and generics pre-established angles, however, due to the narrow bony corridor the ideal positioning is challenging. The development of individual surgical planning methods could improve the accuracy of atlantoaxial implants application. The present study aimed to develop a patient-specific surgical guide (PSSG) for placement of atlantoaxial pins in miniature dogs and to compare the efficacy of these devices related to the conventional surgical technique. Sixteen cadavers of dogs, up to six kilograms, were randomly placed in two groups of eight dogs each, to undergo atlantoaxial transarticular stabilization with Kirschner wires. On the Group A (GrA) the application of Kirschner wire were guided by a PSSG, developed based on computed tomography (CT) images, using rapid prototyping and fused deposition modeling 3D impression technique. The dogs of Group B (GrB) were submitted to conventional procedure, with the passage of the Kirschner wires guided by anatomical references. After surgeries, dogs in both groups were submitted to a CT scan to evaluate the accuracy of the implants. To evaluate the implants position a scale was created and considered the maintenance of the pins in the safe corridors and classified them according to the stability and safety of the application. It was observed that there was no significant difference between the PSSG method and the conventional surgery, and that both groups had expressive results of inappropriately applied pins, including obliteration of vertebral foramen in 3 (37.5%) dogs from GrA and 4 (50%) dogs from GrB and obliteration of the transverse foramen in 3 (37.5%) dogs from GrA and 1 (12, 5%) dog of GrB. The bilaterally application of pins in a suitable position was observed in only 2 (25%) dogs of each group. We concluded that the development of a PSSG for transarticular pins in miniature dogs is feasible, however, the model that we design was not able to increase the efficacy and safety of the surgery, compared to the conventional surgical technique.

INTRODUÇÃO. Atualmente, o tratamento da hidrocefalia é realizado principalmente através de uma Derivação ventrículo-peritoneal (DVP). Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a aplicação da derivação ventrículosinusal retrógrada (DVSR) em pacientes com hidrocefalia após o tratamento cirúrgico de mielomeningocele. MÉTODO. Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado. Foram selecionados consecutivamente 9 pacientes com hidrocefalia após correção cirúrgica de mielomeningocele de janeiro de 2010 a janeiro de 2012. Os pacientes foram submetidos à DVSR ou DVP eletiva. Cinco submetidos à DVSR e 4 à DVP, sendo seguidos por 1 ano com realização trimestral de avaliações clínicas, de imagem e aplicação do Doppler transcraniano. RESULTADOS. Os pacientes tratados com DVSR apresentaram desfechos clínicos semelhantes aos do grupo de DVP. O Doppler mostrou melhora significativa quando comparado o pré-operatório com o pós-operatório. O grupo DVSR apresentou perímetro cefálico significativamente maior que o grupo DVP. O desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, complicações e desfechos centrados nos pacientes não diferiram entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES. A técnica cirúrgica da derivação ventrículo-sinusal retrógrada é viável; ela é uma opção alternativa para o tratamento de hidrocefalia / INTRODUCTION. Currently, treatment of hydrocephalus is accomplished primarily through a ventricular-peritoneal shunt (VPS). This study aims to describe the application of retrograde ventricle-sinus shunt (RVSS) in patients with hydrocephalus after surgical treatment of myelomeningocele. METHOD. A prospective, randomized and controlled study. We consecutively enrolled 9 patients with hydrocephalus after surgical repair of myelomeningocele from January 2010 to January 2012. These patients underwent elective RVSS or VPS. Five underwent RVSS and 4 underwent VPS. These patients were followed for one year with quarterly clinical and image evaluations and application of transcranial Doppler. RESULTS. Patients treated with RVSS showed clinical outcomes similar to those of VPS group. Doppler showed significant improvement when comparing preoperative to the postoperative period. RVSS group showed significantly higher cephalic perimeter than VPS group. Neuropsychomotor development, complications and subjective outcomes did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS. Surgical technique of retrograde ventricle-sinus shunt is viable; it is an alternative option for the treatment of hydrocephalus

Introdução: A neurocirurgia minimamente invasiva já é uma realidade em muitos centros em todo o mundo. A aplicação de conceitos antigos com a incorporação de novas tecnologias permite o emprego de medidas menos invasivas, mas com a mesma eficácia e segurança. O real papel destas técnicas e o seu efeito sobre a evolução dos doentes ainda é nebuloso. Objetivos: avaliar a segurança e resultados da técnica minimamente invasiva na clipagem de aneurismas cerebrais de circulação anterior e determinar o momento seguro para alta hospitalar. Materiais: Cento e onze doentes adultos com diagnóstico de aneurismas não rotos de circulação anterior foram randomicamente distribuídos e submetidos a cirurgia por um acesso minimamente invasivo (grupo de estudo - 36 pelo acesso transpalpebral e 34 através de craniotomias minipterional reduzida) ou acesso pterional clássico (grupo controle - 41 doentes). O endoscópio acoplado a um telefone celular foi utilizado juntamente com o microscópio durante as cirurgias do grupo de estudo. Os doentes do grupo de estudo foram submetidos a um protocolo específico para avaliação da segurança da alta hospitalar precoce. Foram avaliados desfechos cirúrgicos, clínicos/funcionais, estéticos e sobre qualidade de vida. Resultados: Em ambos os grupos, os dados demográficos e as características dos aneurismas foram similares. O tempo médio das cirurgias foi menor no grupo de estudo (214 min. vs 292 min, p = 0,0008). A necessidade de transfusão sanguínea foi menor no grupo de estudo (1 doente vs 7 doentes, p = 0,018). O número de eventos isquêmicos foi menor no grupo de estudo (4 doentes vs 8 doentes, p = 0,07), mas os eventos com repercussão clínica foram semelhantes (2 doentes vs 3 doentes, p = 0,53). A presença de colo residual na angiografia controle foi menor no grupo de estudo (6 doentes vs 11, p = 0,021), mas foram todos colos pequenos, 1,75 ± 0,68 mm, sendo que apenas um doente do grupo controle foi reoperado. A paralisia do ramo frontal do nervo facial foi menor no grupo de estudo, tanto a temporária (3 vs 14, p = 0,008) quanto a definitiva (0 vs 4, p = 0,032). A atrofia do músculo temporal foi menos frequente e mais leve no grupo de estudo (9 vs 14, p = 0,012). No grupo de estudo, 91,4% dos doentes receberam alta precoce no dia seguinte da cirurgia e nenhum doente apresentou evento adverso por este motivo. Os doentes do grupo de estudo ficaram assintomáticos mais rapidamente no pós-operatório (pela avaliação da escala de Rankin, p = 0,0026), mas não houve diferença entre os grupos dentre as pontuações acima de 1 na escala de Rankin modificada. Um doente do grupo controle faleceu no pós-operatório (0,9%). Conclusões: Os resultados demonstraram que as alternativas minimamente invasivas propostas são seguras e tem resultados clínicos e cirúrgicos iguais ou superiores ao tratamento clássico em vários quesitos. A alta precoce nestes doentes é possível e segura. O acesso nanopterional ou transpalpebral é uma alternativa melhor em relação à craniotomia pterional clássica para tratar aneurismas não rotos da circulação anterior / Introduction: Minimally invasive neurosurgery is already a reality in many centers across the world. The application of old concepts with the incorporation of new technologies allows the use of less invasive measures with the same effectiveness and safety. However, the real role of these techniques and their effect on the outcome of patients is still obscure. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and results of minimally invasive techniques in brain aneurysm clipping and determine the possibility of early hospital discharge. Methods: 111 adult patients with unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms were randomized and underwent a minimally invasive surgical approach, (36 by transpalpebral approach and 34 through a reduced minipterional craniotomy) or classical pterional approach (41 patients). The endoscope coupled to a smart phone was used along with the microscope during surgery (study group only). Patients in the study group were subjected to a specific protocol for assessment of early hospital discharge. Surgical, clinical/functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated along with long term quality of life. Results: In both groups, the demographics and characteristics of aneurysms were similar. The average time of surgery was lower in the study group (214 min. vs. 292 min, p = 0.0008). The need for blood transfusion was lower in the study group (1 patient vs 7 patients, p = 0.018). The number of ischemic events was lower in the study group (patients 4 patients vs. 8, p = 0.07), but events with clinical significance were similar (3 patients vs. 2 patients, p = 0.53). The presence of residual neck on control angiography was lower in the study group (6 patients vs 11, p = 0.021), but only small ones were found, 1.75 ± 0.68 mm, and only one control group patient required reoperation for this reason. The paralysis of the frontal branch of the facial nerve was lower in the study group, both temporary (3 vs 14, p = 0.008) and definitive (0 vs. 4, p = 0.032). The atrophy of the temporal muscle was less frequent and less severe in the study group (9 vs 14, p = 0.012). Most patients in the study group (91.4%), were discharged on the next day of the surgery and no patients had any related adverse events. Patients in the study group got asymptomatic faster (assessed by the Rankin scale, p = 0.26), but there was no difference between the groups among scores above 1 on the modified Rankin scale. One control group patient died postoperatively (0,9%). Conclusions: The results showed that the proposed minimally invasive alternatives are safe. Clinical and surgical results are equal or superior to conventional treatment in several topics. Early discharge in these patients is possible and safe. The described approaches (nanopterional or transpalpebral) are better alternatives to the classical pterional craniotomy to treat unruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marcosluiztostesdossantos_dissert.pdf: 2066322 bytes, checksum: 9abf4b93ab3ce79b49c60b4edd0f3b0c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-11-06 / Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVM) are morphological and neurovascular abnormalities characterized by direct communication between arteries and veins, without interposition of capillary bed, therefore without resistance to blood flow. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to characterize morphologically brain arteriovenous malformations aiming correlation with clinical presentation. CASUISTIC AND METHOD: A total of 170 patients with brain AVM, 78(46%) males and 92(54%) females, were studied from January 2001 to January 2007 at the Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery Unit of the Hospital de Base of São José do Rio Preto, SP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test the associations among demographic (sex, age), clinical (hemorrhage, seizure, focal neurological deficit, and headache), and morphological features (anatomical localization; superficial, deep, infratentorial or supratentorial location; nidus size; number of feeding arteries, compartments, and draining veins; type of venous drainage; presence of stenosis, venous ectasias, and arterial aneurysms; Spetzler-Martin classification). RESULTS: The main clinical presentations at the moment of diagnosis included hemorrhage in 89 (52%) patients, headache in 79 (46%), focal neurological deficit in 54 (32%), and seizure in 52 (31%). According to the Spetzler-Martin classification, grade I was found in 15 (9%) patients, grade II in 49 (28%), grade III in 55 (33%), grade IV in 41 (24%), and grade V in 10 (6%) patients. There was a statistically significant association among hemorrhage and small nidus size (p = 0.002), single feeding artery (p = 0.007), single draining vein (p = 0.003), and single compartment (p = 0.040). Seizure was positively correlated with medium (3-6 cm) and large nidus size (>6cm), and negatively with small nidus size (<3cm) (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Brain AVM with small nidus size, Spetzler-Martin grade I, single feeding artery and draining vein are associated with hemorrhage. Spetzler-Martin grade V was negatively associated with hemorrhage. In the braim AVM there is no association between aneurysm and hemorrhage. On the other hand, seizure show positive correlation with large nidus size and negative with small nidus size. / Malformações arteriovenosas (MAV) encefálicas são anomalias morfológicas neurovasculares caracterizadas por comunicação direta entre artérias e veias, sem interposição do leito capilar, portanto sem resistência ao fluxo sangüíneo. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi caracterizar morfologicamente MAV encefálicas, visando correlação com apresentação clínica. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Foram estudados 170 pacientes portadores de MAV encefálicas, sendo 78 (46%) do sexo feminino e 92 (54%) do masculino, no período de janeiro de 2001 a janeiro de 2007, atendidos na unidade de Neurocirurgia Vascular e Endovascular do Hospital de Base de São Jose do Rio Preto, SP. Análises univariada e multivariada foram efetuadas para testar associações entre características demográficas (sexo, idade), clínicas (hemorragia, convulsão, déficit focal, cefaléia) e morfológicas (localização anatômica; posição superficial, profunda, infratentorial ou supratentorial; tamanho do nidus; número de aferências, compartimentos e eferências; padrão de drenagem venosa; presença de estenose, ectasias venosas e aneurismas arteriais; classificação de Spetzler-Martin). RESULTADOS: As principais formas de apresentação clínica no momento do diagnóstico incluíram hemorragia em 89 (52%) pacientes, cefaléia em 79 (46%), déficit focal em 54 (32%) e convulsão em 52 (31%). De acordo com a classificação de Spetzler & Martin, 15 (9%) pacientes tinham MAV grau I, 49 (28%) grau II, 55 (33%) grau III, 41 (24%) grau IV, e 10 (6%) grau V. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre hemorragia e tamanho pequeno do nidus (p = 0,002), aferência única (p = 0,007), eferência única (p = 0,003) e compartimento único (p = 0,040). Convulsão foi correlacionada positivamente com nidus de tamanho médio (3-6 cm) e grande (>6cm) e negativamente com tamanho pequeno (<3cm) (p = 0,021). CONCLUSÕES: MAV encefálicas com nidus de tamanho pequeno, grau I, aferência e eferência únicas estão associados à hemorragia. MAV encefálicas grau V estão associadas negativamente à hemorragia. Na MAV encefálica observa-se ausência de associação entre aneurisma e hemorragia. Por outro lado, convulsão mostra correlação positiva com nidus de tamanho grande e negativa com nidus de tamanho pequeno.

Esse trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar as características odontologicas, verificar a ocorrência de complicações sensitivas orofaciais e determinar os aspectos funcionais mandibulares de 105 doentes com neuralgia idiopática do trigêmeo (NIT) submetidos \'a compressão radiculo-ganglionar com balão inflável. Foram realizadas 5 avaliações para cada doente: uma pré-cirúrgica e 4 pós-cirúrgicas (7, 30, 120 e 210 dias). Ocorreu comprometimento sensitivo mais intenso no território dos ramos maxilar e mandibular do nervo trigêmeo (p < 0,001) e poucas anormalidades no território do ramo oftálmico (p = 0,1815). As qualidades sensitivas calor, frio, tato, e dor foram afetadas. As queixas subjetivas de dormência foram mais frequentes do que as objetivadas durante o exame de sensibilidade facial (p < 0,001). foi elevada a ocorrência de disfunção oclusal (62,9%); 42,6% dos doentes apresentaram queixas espontâneas relacionadas à mastigação; houve intensificação da dor miofascial na musculatura mastigatória após a cirurgia (p < 0,001), que retornou aos valores iniciais após os 210 dias; a mobilidade mandibular também agravou-se (p < 0,001). Os autores concluiram que o procedimento é eficaz e seguro quando aplicado em doentes com NIT envolvendo o ramo oftálmico. Entretanto, recidiva é frequente e as complicações sensitivas e ou motoras orofaciais poderiam comprometer a qualidade de vida e dificultar a reabilitação funcional dos doentes. / The aim of this study was to determine dental characteristics, abnormalities in masticatory function and ocurrence of orofacial sensorial complications in 105 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with radiculo-ganglionar compression of the trigeminal ganglion with balloon. The patients were evaluated in the pre-operative period and in 4 post-operative evaluations (7, 30, 120 and 210 days). Sensory deficits were more severe in the area innervated by the maxillary and the mandibular trigeminal branches (p < 0.001); the ophthalmic branch presented abnormalities in few cases. The sensory qualities heat, cold, tactile and pain were affected. Subjective numbness was more frequent than sensory abnormalities findings at the post-operative sensitive evaluation (p < 0.001). Dental occlusion abnormalities were observed in 62.9% of the patients and 42.6% of patients\' complaints were spontaneous masticatory difficulties. During the post-operative period, myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles was statistically significant (p < 0.001), but normalized after 210 days in average. It also compromised the jaw mobility (p < 0.001). It was concluded that this procedure is safe for patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia involving the ophthalmic branch; however, sensory and motor complications of the method can affect the quality of life and rehabilitation of the patient.

Parkinson's Disease can be treated by a micro-electrode guided neurosurgery called a Pallidotomy or Deep Brain Stimulus. A new software program, called Onetrack, is being developed and incorporates a three dimensional virtual model of the brain, a advanced digital signal processor and a knowledge based system (KBS). This thesis discusses the design and development of this KBS. The purpose of the KBS is to assist the surgical team in identifying the different anatomical structures and neuronal cell types of the brain. Therefore, improving the efficiency of the procedure.

We assessed potential mechanisms that may jeopardize skeletal muscle perfusion during surgery leading to adverse outcomes including muscle injury and flap hypoxia. In craniotomy patients, we observed an increase in serum lactate and creatine kinase and urine myoglobin; indicative of muscle damage. The early rise in lactate correlated with elevated BMI, suggesting that obesity caused tissue compression and muscle ischemia. In our rodent model, we investigated the effects of flap preparation and phenylephrine on muscle perfusion by assessing microvascular blood flow and tissue PO2. Phenylephrine reduced muscle blood flow by ~20%, yet increased PO2 by ~10% suggestive of decreased O2 metabolism. At baseline, muscle flap blood flow was reduced by ~50% while PO2 was severely reduced ~80% (~5 torr) suggesting that flap perfusion was attenuated and O2 metabolism was increased. Phenylephrine infusion further reduced muscle flap perfusion. These data demonstrate multiple mechanisms by which muscle perfusion is jeopardized during surgery.