Scanning electron microscopy of chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates.

Objective: Signal attenuation is a major problem facing intracortical sensors for chronic neuroprosthetic applications. Many studies suggest that failure is due to gliosis around the electrode tips, however, mechanical and material causes of failure are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to progressive signal decline by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize structural changes in chronically implanted arrays and histology to examine the tissue response at corresponding implant sites.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma, with a radiographically occult primary tumor, presenting in the operative site of a thoracic meningioma: long-term follow-up: Case report.

Lesions metastatic to the site of a meningioma resection from a different primary tumor are rare. Metastasis of a tumor without a known primary tumor is also rare. Metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma, without an identifiable primary tumor, to the bed of a meningioma resection has not been previously reported.

Dynamic stabilization: a nidus for infection?

Introduction: Dynamic stabilization offers an adjunct to fusion with motion preservation. In comparison, standard instrumented fusion (if) consists of titanium screws and rods/plates, which do not allow for motion at the level of the fusion. The reported infection rate following a standard if ranges from 0.

Failure mode analysis of silicon-based intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates.

Objective: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) using chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have the potential to restore lost function to people with disabilities if they work reliably for years. Current sensors fail to provide reliably useful signals over extended periods of time for reasons that are not clear. This study reports a comprehensive retrospective analysis from a large set of implants of a single type of intracortical MEA in a single species, with a common set of measures in order to evaluate failure modes.

Quality of patient education materials for rehabilitation after neurological surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of online patient education materials for rehabilitation following neurological surgery.

Methods: Materials were obtained from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), U.S.

Volumetric trends associated with MRI-guided laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT) for intracranial tumors.

Background: MR-guided Laser Induced Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a procedure for intracranial tumors. Minimal data exists regarding post-procedure lesion volume changes.

Objectives: We aim to analyze changes in lesion volume during the post-LITT period using polygonal tracing with fusion.

Current therapeutic strategies for inflammation following traumatic spinal cord injury.

Damage from spinal cord injury occurs in two phases - the trauma of the initial mechanical insult and a secondary injury to nervous tissue spared by the primary insult. Apart from damage sustained as a result of direct trauma to the spinal cord, the post-traumatic inflammatory response contributes significantly to functional motor deficits exacerbated by the secondary injury. Attenuating the detrimental aspects of the inflammatory response is a promising strategy to potentially ameliorate the secondary injury, and promote significant functional recovery.

Current differential diagnoses and treatment options of vascular occlusions presenting as bilateral thalamic infarcts: a review of the literature.

bilateral thalamic infarctions are rare and usually caused by vascular occlusions. When symptomatic, it is important to make a distinction between different vascular etiologies in order to provide an effective and timely therapeutic response. Clinical presentations may not adequately differentiate between the vascular etiologies alone.

Magnetic resonance thermometry-guided laser-induced thermal therapy for intracranial neoplasms: initial experience.

Background: Laser-induced thermal therapy is a promising tool in the neurosurgeon's armamentarium. This methodology has seen a resurgence in application as a result of advances in technology.

Objective: To report our initial experience with the procedure after treating 20 consecutive patients, the largest series to date.