Impact of smoking on the detection of brain aneurysms in general population screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: While the relationship between smoking and subarachnoid hemorrhage is well established, data regarding the probability of detecting unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in smokers remain sparse. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between smoking and the likelihood of identifying UIAs in healthy asymptomatic patients who underwent brain imaging for indications unrelated to UIAs.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines.

Cigarette Smoking and Observed Growth of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Smoking and observed growth of intracranial aneurysms are known risk factors for rupture. The mechanism by which smoking increases this risk is not completely elucidated. Furthermore, an association between smoking and aneurysm growth has not been clearly defined in the literature.

Natural History of Cavernous Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cavernous carotid artery aneurysms (CCAAs) represent a common condition seen in clinical practice with significant practice variability. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to aggregate current evidence on the natural history of CCAAs.

Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were queried from inception until December 2023.

The use of Microsurgical Exploration of the External Carotid Artery for Removal of a Retained Microcatheter After Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Using Live Fluoroscopy: A Technical Note.

Background: Fragmentation, disconnection, or entrapment of an in-use microcatheter during neuro-endovascular procedures is a known risk. Often a benign entity, retained catheters are not infrequently observed, but severe complications including thrombus, thromboembolic events, pseudoaneurysm, and limb ischemia have been described, necessitating retrieval. This technical case report demonstrates the safe use of an external carotid artery (ECA) approach for ligation and removal of a retained microcatheter after middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization.

Virtual Planning and Augmented Reality-Guided Microsurgical Resection of a Frontal Arteriovenous Malformation.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular lesions that can pose significant risk for spontaneous hemorrhage, seizures, and symptoms related to ischemia and venous hypertension. Microsurgical management of AVMs requires a deep understanding of the surrounding anatomy and precise identification of the lesion characteristics. We demonstrate the use of augmented reality in the localization of arterial feeders and draining veins in relation to bordering normal structures (Video 1).

Microsurgical Treatment of Pineal Tumors: Anatomy and Techniques.

Pineal region tumors are challenging lesions in terms of surgical accessibility and removal. The complexity is compounded by the infrequency and heterogeneity of pineal neoplasms. In Video 1, we present the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with progressive headaches and vision impairment.

Microsurgical Technique for Resection of a Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Tumor.

Epidermoid tumors are slow-growing, benign, congenital lesions. They commonly arise in the cerebellopontine angle, fourth ventricle, suprasellar region, or spinal cord. Symptoms may include hearing loss, facial pain, and headaches.

Real-Time MRI-Guided Stereotactic Aspiration of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma: A Preclinical Feasibility Study.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have reinvigorated the role of surgical options for spontaneous intracranial hematomas; however, they are limited by the lack of real-time feedback on the extent of hematoma evacuation.

Objective: To describe the development of a MRI-guided catheter-based aspiration system, the ClearPoint Pursuit Neuroaspiration Device (ClearPoint Neuro) and validation in phantom models.

Methods: In this preclinical experimental trial, 8 phantom brains with skull models were created to simulate an intracranial hematoma with 2 clot sizes, 30 cc (small clot) and 60 cc (large clot).