No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

BACKGROUND: The ultrasonic aspirator micro claw tool (UAmCT) can be used to remove the bone of the internal auditory canal (IAC) during vestibular schwannoma resection via the retrosigmoid approach (RSA) without the risk of a spinning drill shaft. However, the thermal profile of the UAmCT during IAC removal has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare the thermal profile of the UAmCT during access of the IAC to that of a conventional high-speed drill (HSD) and to present an illustrative case of this application. METHODS: IAC opening via RSA was performed in 5 embalmed cadaveric specimens using the UAmCT with 3, 8, and 15 mL/min irrigation on the left and the HSD at 75 000 revolutions per minute and 0%, 14%, and 22% irrigation on the right. Peak bone surface temperatures were measured 4 times in 20-second intervals, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. An illustrative case of a vestibular schwannoma resected via an RSA using the UAmCT to access the IAC is presented. RESULTS: The IAC was opened in all 5 specimens using both the UAmCT and HSD without complication. The mean peak bone surface temperatures were significantly lower with the UAmCT compared with the HSD (P < .001). The UAmCT did not meaningfully prolong the operating time in the illustrative case, and the IAC was accessed without complication. CONCLUSION: The UAmCT may be a safe and effective alternative to HSD for IAC opening during vestibular schwannoma resection via the RSA. Larger studies under clinical conditions are required to further validate these findings.

BACKGROUND Intracranial tumors are infrequently encountered during pregnancy, and their diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for the mother and fetus. The pathophysiology and manifestations of these tumors are influenced by hormonal changes, hemodynamic modifications, and alterations in immunological tolerance that occur during pregnancy. Despite the complexity of this condition, no standardized guidelines exist. This study aims to highlight the key points of this presentation, along with the discussion of a possible management algorithm. OBSERVATIONS The authors report the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented during the third trimester of pregnancy with severe signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to a posterior cranial fossa mass. The decision was made to stabilize the patient by placing an external ventricular drain to temporize her increased ICPs until the baby could be safely delivered via cesarean section. The mass was resected via suboccipital craniectomy 1 week postpartum. LESSONS In considering treatment modalities and their timing in patients presenting with intracranial tumors during pregnancy, each patient should be managed on the basis of an individual treatment algorithm. Symptoms, prognosis, and gestational age should be taken into account to optimize the surgical and perioperative outcomes of both the mother and fetus.