Clinical Applications of Modern Technologies in Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 4909

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
Interests: modern technologies in neurosurgery and spine surgery; augmented reality; robotics; skull base surgery; neuro-oncology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
Interests: modern technologies in neurosurgery and spine surgery; augmented reality; intraoperative imaging; neuro-oncology; skull base surgery; pituitary surgery neurovascular surgery; robotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
Interests: modern technologies in neurosurgery and spine surgery; augmented reality; intraoperative imaging; MRI

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The development of neurosurgery and spine surgery is closely related to the introduction and use of modern technologies, which rapidly change the treatment of cranial and spinal diseases. Improvements in preoperative imaging and reconstructions of the related pathology, which are then used for proper surgical planning, and applications of the latest technologies for the improvement of orientation in the surgical field and facilitation of the operative approach, use, and development of technology are irreplaceable tools for optimal operative treatment and outcome of patients with complex lesions of the brain and spine. Use of neuronavigation has become a standard of care for neurosurgery and spine surgery, and its advances lead to the improvement of safety of surgery and outcome of patients. Intraoperative imaging with intraoperative ultrasound, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging provides an up-to-date overview of the surgical field and provides a possibility to adjust surgical strategy accordingly. Recent advances in augmented and virtual reality have permanently changed the way the structures of interest are presented through an operative microscope, with further development in our understanding of the complex anatomy of the brain and spine. The development of endoscopy for intraventricular pathology, skull base surgery, and—more recently—spine surgery provides minimally invasive access to various regions of the central and peripheral nervous system and is an effective tool which can be used alone or in combination with the microscopic technique. The establishment and continuous development of intraoperative neuromonitoring and electrophysiology leads to significant improvement in patient outcomes, especially in surgery of the pontocerebellar angle and surgery for intramedullary tumors of the spinal cord. Lastly, the development of robotics for spine surgery as well as functional neurosurgery, for improved accuracy of implant placement, is still at its early stage of development but becoming an irreplaceable tool for selected cases where the accurate position of a screw or an electrode is vital for optimal patient outcome.

In this Special Issue of Medicina, we aim to publish articles on clinical applications of modern technologies in neurosurgery and spine surgery in as broad a context as possible to provide the readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments.

Clinical, neuroradiological, as well as experimental, basic science research, in respect of clinical applications of modern technologies in neurosurgery and spine surgery, is welcome. Papers on preoperative imaging, new and innovative surgical approaches and techniques, as well as application of various novel technologies, devices, as well as surgical concepts are of interest.

Case reports, retrospective and prospective case series and studies, operative videos, technical notes, literature reviews, opinions, and clinical and basic science research are all welcome.

Dr. Mirza Pojskić
Prof. Dr. Christopher Nimsky
Dr. Miriam Bopp
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • modern technologies
  • neuronavigation
  • augmented reality
  • virtual reality
  • robotics
  • endoscopy
  • tumor treating fields
  • tumor biology
  • intraoperative ultrasound
  • intraoperative computed tomography
  • intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging
  • neuroradiology
  • neurosurgery
  • spine surgery

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 9315 KiB  
Article
Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
by Hakija Bečulić, Denis Spahić, Emir Begagić, Ragib Pugonja, Rasim Skomorac, Aldin Jusić, Edin Selimović, Anes Mašović and Mirza Pojskić
Medicina 2023, 59(10), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101732 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2648
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcasing the potential of a multidisciplinary team and 3D-based [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcasing the potential of a multidisciplinary team and 3D-based technologies, particularly PMMA implants, to address cranial defects in a resource-limited setting. Materials and Methods: An observational, non-experimental prospective investigation involved three cases of cranioplasty at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 2019 and 2023. The technical process included 3D imaging and modeling with MIMICS software (version 10.01), 3D printing of the prototype, mold construction and intraoperative modification for precise implant fitting. Results: The Bosnia and Herzegovina model demonstrated successful outcomes in cranioplasty, with PMMA implants proving cost-effective and efficient in addressing cranial defects. Intraoperative modification contributed to reduced costs and potential complications, while the multidisciplinary approach and 3D-based technologies facilitated accurate reconstruction. Conclusions: The Bosnia and Herzegovina model showcases a cost-effective and efficient approach for craniofacial reconstruction in LIMICs. Collaborative efforts, 3D-based technologies, and PMMA implants contribute to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to validate sustained benefits and enhance craniofacial reconstruction strategies in resource-constrained settings. Full article
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15 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
The Brainstem Cavernoma Case Series: A Formula for Surgery and Surgical Technique
by Marcos Tatagiba, Guilherme Lepski, Marcel Kullmann, Boris Krischek, Soeren Danz, Antje Bornemann, Jan Klein, Antje Fahrig, Tomaz Velnar and Guenther C. Feigl
Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091601 - 05 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1479
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cavernous malformations (CM) are vascular malformations with low blood flow. The removal of brainstem CMs (BS) is associated with high surgical morbidity, and there is no general consensus on when to treat deep-seated BS CMs. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cavernous malformations (CM) are vascular malformations with low blood flow. The removal of brainstem CMs (BS) is associated with high surgical morbidity, and there is no general consensus on when to treat deep-seated BS CMs. The aim of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes of a series of deep-seated BS CMs with the surgical outcomes of a series of superficially located BS CMs operated on at the Department of Neurosurgery, College of Tuebingen, Germany. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed using patient charts, surgical video recordings, and outpatient examinations. Factors were identified in which surgical intervention was performed in cases of BS CMs. Preoperative radiological examinations included MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). For deep-seated BS CMs, a voxel-based 3D neuronavigation system and electrophysiological mapping of the brainstem surface were used. Results: A total of 34 consecutive patients with primary superficial (n = 20/58.8%) and deep-seated (n = 14/41.2%) brainstem cavernomas (BS CM) were enrolled in this comparative study. Complete removal was achieved in 31 patients (91.2%). Deep-seated BS CMs: The mean diameter was 14.7 mm (range: 8.3 to 27.7 mm). All but one of these lesions were completely removed. The median follow-up time was 5.8 years. Two patients (5.9%) developed new neurologic deficits after surgery. Superficial BS CMs: The median diameter was 14.9 mm (range: 7.2 to 27.3 mm). All but two of the superficial BS CMs could be completely removed. New permanent neurologic deficits were observed in two patients (5.9%) after surgery. The median follow-up time in this group was 3.6 years. Conclusions: The treatment of BS CMs remains complex. However, the results of this study demonstrate that with less invasive posterior fossa approaches, brainstem mapping, and neuronavigation combined with the use of a blunt “spinal cord” dissection technique, deep-seated BS CMs can be completely removed in selected cases, with good functional outcomes comparable to those of superficial BS CM. Full article
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