Laser speckle imaging to evaluate scalp flap blood flow during closure in neurosurgical procedures.

Background: To measure the degree of relative ischemia caused by skin closure, we explored the potential utility of intraoperative surface blood flow measurement with laser speckle imaging (LSI).

Methods: Prospective observational study of eight subjects that underwent intraoperative LSI during elective cranial neurosurgical procedures at the time of skin closure.

Results: Seven 1 time incisions, with closure techniques including sutures ( = 3), staples ( = 3), and one after galeal sutures.

Use of distal protection filter device for rescue mechanical thrombectomy for symptomatic free-floating thrombus of the cervical internal carotid artery.

Background: Intraluminal free floating thrombus (FFT) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a potentially high-risk lesion for recurrent ischemic strokes, with no single optimal treatment established.

Objective: To describe a novel interventional technique for mechanical thrombectomy of intraluminal free floating thrombus using a distal protection filter device and aspiration.

Methods: We identified two cases where anticoagulation was contraindicated in patients with intraluminal FFT and minimal underlying stenosis.