Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) has gained popularity among spine surgeons for treating multiple conditions of the lumbar spine. In contrast to the anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) approach, the minimally invasive XLIF approach affords wide access to the lumbar disc space without an access surgeon and causes minimal tissue disruption. The XLIF approach offers many advantages over other lumbar spine approaches, with a reportedly low complication profile. The authors describe the first fatality reported in the literature following an XLIF approach. They describe the case of a 50-year-old woman who suffered a fatal intraoperative injury to the great vessels during a lateral transpsoas approach to the L4–5 disc space.

BackgroundRecently, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a potentially safe and effective method of treating chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH).ObjectiveTo report a single-center experience with MMA embolization and examines the type of embolic material used, the extent of penetration, and the number of MMA branches embolized.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all patients with MMA embolization from 2018 through 2019 was performed. A failed outcome was defined as either surgical rescue and/or greater than 10 mm of hematoma residual or reaccumulation following embolization.ResultsOf 35 patients, surgery had failed for 9 (26%) and initial conservative treatment had failed for 6 (17%). Of 41 MMA embolizations, including those in six patients with bilateral cSDH who underwent bilateral MMA embolization, 29 (72%) were performed using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx), 7 (17%) using particles, and 5 (12%) using n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Both the anterior and posterior MMA divisions were embolized in 29 cases (71%); distal penetration of these branches was achieved in 25 embolizations (61%). Twenty-six (63%) cSDHs completely resolved. Complete resolution was seen in 22 of 29 hematomas (76%) in which both anterior and posterior MMA branches were occluded versus 4 of 12 (33%) following single-branch embolization (p=0.014). Embolization of one cSDH (2%) failed.ConclusionMMA embolization of cSDHs appears to be both safe and efficacious. Furthermore, embolization of both the anterior and posterior MMA branches may be associated with increased odds of complete resolution.

BackgroundThe transradial artery (TRA) approach for neuroendovascular procedures continues to gain popularity, but neurointerventionalists still lag behind interventional cardiologists in the adoption of a TRA-first approach. This study compares the complications and efficiency of the TRA approach to the standard transfemoral artery (TFA) approach at our institution during our initial phase of adopting a TRA-first approach.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive neuroangiographic procedures performed at a large cerebrovascular center from October 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. The standard TFA approach was compared with TRA access, with the primary outcome of complications analyzed via a propensity-adjusted analysis.ResultsA total of 1050 consecutive procedures were performed on 877 patients during this 9-month period; 206 (20%) procedures were performed via TRA and 844 (80%) via TFA. The overall complication rate was significantly higher with the TFA procedures than with the TRA procedures (7% (60/844) vs 2% (4/206), respectively; p=0.003). A propensity-adjusted analysis showed that the TFA approach was a significant risk factor for a complication (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 10.2, p=0.01). However, the propensity analysis showed that fluoroscopy times were on average 4 min less for TFA procedures than for TRA procedures (p=0.003).ConclusionThe TRA approach for neuroendovascular procedures appears to be safer than the TFA approach. Although a steep learning curve is initially encountered when adopting the TRA approach, the transition to a TRA-first practice can be performed safely for neurointerventional procedures and may reduce complications.

This document presents evidence supporting the role of the KB220/KB220Z neuroadaptagens consisting of amino-acid neurotransmitter precursors and enkephalinase-catecholamine-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibition therapy called Neuroadaptagen Amino Acid Therapy (NAAT) in brain reward function. It is becoming increasingly clear that this novel formulation is the first neuroadaptagen known to activate the brain reward circuitry. Ongoing research repeatedly confirms the numerous clinical effects that ultimately result in significant benefits for victims having genetic antecedents for all addictive, compulsive and impulsive behaviors. These behaviors are correctly classified under the rubric of"Reward Deficiency Syndrome" (RDS). We are proposing a novel addiction candidate gene map. We present preliminary findings in the United States using qEGG and in China using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) regarding the effects of oral NAAT on the activation of brain reward circuitry in victims of SUD. In unpublished data utilizing an fMRI 2X2 design at resting state, NAAT in comparison to placebo shows activation of the caudate brain region and potentially a smoothing out of heroin-induced putamen (a site for emotionality) abnormal connectivity. Although awaiting final analysis, if confirmed by ongoing studies in China coupled with published qEEG results in America, showing an increase in alpha and low beta, NAAT may be shown to impact treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVEMiddle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a promising treatment strategy for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs). However, studies comparing MMA embolization and conventional therapy (surgical intervention and conservative management) are limited. The authors aimed to compare MMA embolization versus conventional therapy for cSDHs using a propensity-adjusted analysis.METHODSA retrospective study of all patients with cSDH who presented to a large tertiary center over a 2-year period was performed. MMA embolization was compared with surgical intervention and conservative management. Neurological outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A propensity-adjusted analysis compared MMA embolization versus surgery and conservative management for all individual cSDHs. Primary outcomes included change in hematoma diameter, treatment failure, and complete resolution at last follow-up.RESULTSA total of 231 patients with cSDH met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 (15%) were treated using MMA embolization, and 196 (85%) were treated with conventional treatment. On the latest follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in the percentage of patients with worsening mRS scores. Of the 323 total cSDHs found in 231 patients, 41 (13%) were treated with MMA embolization, 159 (49%) were treated conservatively, and 123 (38%) were treated with surgical evacuation. After propensity adjustment, both surgery (OR 12, 95% CI 1.5–90; p = 0.02) and conservative therapy (OR 13, 95% CI 1.7–99; p = 0.01) were predictors of treatment failure and incomplete resolution on follow-up imaging (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.8–13; p < 0.001 and OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.5–12; p < 0.001, respectively) when compared with MMA embolization. Additionally, MMA embolization was associated with a significant decrease in cSDH diameter on follow-up relative to conservative management (mean −8.3 mm, 95% CI −10.4 to −6.3 mm, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThis propensity-adjusted analysis suggests that MMA embolization for cSDH is associated with a greater extent of hematoma volume reduction with fewer treatment failures than conventional therapy.