Endovascular Therapy of Internal Carotid Artery Tandem Occlusions and Literature Review

Acute large vessel occlusion is a common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with high rates of disability and lethality. The incidence of tandem occlusion of the internal carotid artery accounts for about 20% of patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation in acute ischemic stroke. The low rate of recanalization by intravenous thrombolysis in AIS due to internal carotid artery tandem occlusion, the poor establishment of collateral circulation within a short time, and the complex pathogenesis often suggest a poor prognosis for patients. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is beneficial for the opening of intracranial large vessel occlusion with internal carotid artery tandem occlusion, there are many problems regarding the emergency management of carotid artery occlusion or stenosis after mechanical thrombectomy, and there are currently no standardized treatment recommendations;The sequential approach to the management of carotid tandem occlusion, the timing of carotid stenting, and the use of antiplatelet agents remain controversial. The current state of research on carotid tandem occlusion is analyzed in the literature to promote clinical understanding of endovascular treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to carotid tandem occlusion.

Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke due to Acute Carotid Dissection: A Report and Review of the Literature

The efficacy of endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusion is comparable to that for isolated intracranial occlusion in the anterior circulation. Definitive treatment of carotid dissection-related strokes is currently unproved. The best endovascular technique in this setting remains to be established, but emergency carotid artery stenting (CAS) is frequently considered. We investigated the safety and efficacy of emergency CAS for carotid dissection in patients with acute stroke in current clinical practice.

Research on Correlation between TCM Syndrome Distribution Characteristics and Prognosis of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Operation

Objective: This study is to analyze correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome distribution characteristics and prognosis of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) operation. Methods: In this study, a total of 150 patients who had received HICH operation from April, 2017 to December, 2020 in our hospital and conformed to inclusion standards were selected. According to classification of TCM syndromes, amount of bleeding of patients was recorded through multiple radiological technologies, baseline information was collected, and prognosis was investigated. The final event was long-term follow-up visit of all-cause mortalities. Moreover, correlation between prognosis and TCM syndromes was analyzed. Results: It found through investigations that there are no statistically significant differences in composition ratio of TCM syndromes among patients with different genders and different age ranges (P > 0.05). Among so many TCM syndromes, bleeding amount of patients with declining vitality and distraction is the highest, while bleeding amount of patients with stirring wind due to yin deficiency is the lowest. With respect NIHSS scores, the patients with declining vitality and distraction show the highest NIHSS scores at admission and 10 d of the course of the disease, followed by patients with upward disturbance of wind-fire. There are statistically significant differences among these two groups (P < 0.05). In this study, follow-up visits are performed to all 150 patients and the average follow-up visit time ranges within 2 - 15 months. A total of 13 deaths are reported. Number of all-cause deaths has statistically significant differences among different syndromes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Evolutionary characteristics of TCM syndromes of HICH are manifested by development from evidence-based symptoms to deficiency syndromes. Different syndromes are correlated with prognosis of patients. On the one hand, this can be used as an objective index for TCM syndrome classification. On the other hand, this is conducive to judge prognosis recovery of patients and to apply the corresponding symptomatic treatment.

Research Progresses in the Inhibitory Effect of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome on Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are a type of non-hematopoietic progenitor cells which have self-replication capacity and multilineage differentiation. They have widely applied in studies of various diseases due to their effects in damaged tissue repair, neuroprotection and immunoregulation. MSCs can secret exosomes through multiple ways in the physiological or pathological state. Many researches’ results on MSC-Exo show that it possesses many functions similar to MSCs, such as immunoregulation and regeneration promotion of damaged tissues. Hence, MSC-Exo is believed to have considerable research potentials in regenerative medicines. This study reviewed the research progresses on biological characteristics and functions of MSC-Exo.

Clinical Application of Quantitative Nursing for Lower Cranial Nerves Injury after Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical utility of quantitative nursing measures of 10 cases of lower cranial nerves injury after cerebellopontine angle tumors surgery to provide the experience for improving the recovery rate and living quality of these patients. Methods: The clinical data of 10 cases of lower cranial nerves injury after cerebellopontine angle tumors surgery was analyzed. For problems such as dysphagia and dyspnea of these patients, the nursing care focused on strict monitoring, timely oxygen inhalation nursing, posture nursing, ventilator nursing, swallowing function training, etc. Results: After received quantitative care, 10 patients with lower cranial nerves injury after cerebellopontine angle tumors surgery were recovered well, and their symptoms such as dysphagia and dyspnea were gradually improved and safely discharged. Conclusion: Lower cranial nerves injury is one of the serious complications after removal of cerebellopontine angle tumors, which impacts the life and health of patients. Caregivers should accurately understand and analyze the symptoms, and quantitative and targeted nursing measures for posterior cranial nerves injury are helpful in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients and improve their living quality.

Unilateral Bone Window Cerebral Falx Incision of Bilateral Frontal Lobes Cerebral Contusion and Laceration under Neuroendoscopy and Literature Review

Background: Bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration is one unique brain injury in neurosurgery department. It is characteristic of recessive attacking and develops quickly. The unilateral cerebral falx incision is a new minimally invasive surgery that can solve bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration in one surgery. However, it has some limitations in removal of contralateral frontal hematoma and hemostasis due to the limited field of view under the microscope. The unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy can acquire a good illumination and field of view. This is beneficial to complete removal of contralateral hematoma, effective hemostasis and retaining brain tissue functions to the maximum extent. Case Presentation: The patient, a 55-year-old man, was hospitalized for “consciousness disorder by 12 h because of car accident”. Physical Examination: Coma, GCS score of E1V2M5, bilateral pupil diameter of 2 mm, presence of light response, contusion of scalp at the left top, peripheral dysphoria and bilateral Bartter syndrome negative. The patient has a history of non-traumatic cerebral stroke 3 years ago. Head CT: Longitudinal fracture of frontal parietal occipital bone, bilateral frontal lobes contusion and laceration, subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnosis: Bilateral frontal lobes contusion and laceration, longitudinal fracture of frontal parietal occipital bone, subarachnoid hemorrhage and hematoma of scalp. In emergency treatment, unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy was performed. The surgery has achieved satisfying effect. Discussion: This case realized the goal of removing contralateral frontal hematoma through unilateral craniotomy under a neuroendoscopy. Due to the clear field of view, it retained extracerebral layer structures of contralateral olfactory nerve protection frontotemporal completely. Moreover, this surgical technique is conducive to intraoperative recognition of pericallosal arteries and lateral fractured blood vessels. It also involves protection, which conforms to the minimally invasive philosophy. The proposed surgical technology can eliminate contralateral frontal hematoma under a good field of view. However, it is suggested not to manage with the further operation on patients who have brain swelling and difficulties in exposure of cerebral falx. These patients need to determine causes of brain swelling and choose bilateral craniectomy if necessary. Conclusions: Unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy is a new application of minimally invasive philosophy in craniocerebral injury operation. It still needs further clinical verifications and experience accumulation.

Risk factors for hospital readmissions in pneumonia patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Factors that are associated with the short-term rehospitalization have been investigated previously in numerous studies.However,the majority of these studies have not produced any conclusive results because of their smaller sample sizes,differences in the definition of pneumonia,joint pooling of the in-hospital and post-discharge deaths and lower generalizability.AIM To estimate the effect of various risk factors on the rate of hospital readmissions in patients with pneumonia.METHODS Systematic search was conducted in PubMed Central,EMBASE,MEDLINE,Cochrane library,ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases and search engines from inception until July 2021.We used the Newcastle Ottawa(NO)scale to assess the quality of published studies.A meta-analysis was carried out with random-effects model and reported pooled odds ratio(OR)with 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS In total,17 studies with over 3 million participants were included.Majority of the studies had good to satisfactory quality as per NO scale.Male gender(pooled OR=1.22;95%CI:1.16-1.27),cancer(pooled OR=1.94;95%CI:1.61-2.34),heart failure(pooled OR=1.28;95%CI:1.20-1.37),chronic respiratory disease(pooled OR=1.37;95%CI:1.19-1.58),chronic kidney disease(pooled OR=1.38;95%CI:1.23- 1.54) and diabetes mellitus (pooled OR = 1.18;95%CI: 1.08-1.28) had statistically significantassociation with the hospital readmission rate among pneumonia patients. Sensitivity analysisshowed that there was no significant variation in the magnitude or direction of outcome,indicating lack of influence of a single study on the overall pooled estimate.CONCLUSIONMale gender and specific chronic comorbid conditions were found to be significant risk factors forhospital readmission among pneumonia patients. These results may allow clinicians and policymakersto develop better intervention strategies for the patients.

Research on Applications of Shenmai Injection on Hypertensive ICH Combined with Cerebrocardiac Syndromes

Objective: This study is to observe the therapeutic effects of Shenmai injection on patients with hypertensive ICH and cerebrocardiac syndromes as well as its effects on prognosis. Methods: A total of 72 patients with severe hypertensive ICH and cerebrocardiac syndromes were selected and divided into the control group and the experimental group (Shenmai injection group) randomly, 36 patients in each group. The control group was treated by conventional therapy, while the experimental group was administrated by intravenous drip of the mixture of 50 ml Shenmai injection and 250 ml 5% glucose injection based on the treatment of the control group, once everyday, 2 weeks continuously. Results: Myocardial enzyme indexes of two groups at 3d, 7d and 14d were observed (Table 1). Myocardial enzyme index of the experimental group was improved quickly and significantly. Myocardial enzyme data of two groups at 3d, 7d and 14d were P < 0.05. According to the electrocardiographic examinations results, ECG anomalies of the experimental group at 7d and 14d were also improved quickly (P < 0.05). There are no evident anomalies in GCS scores of two groups at 7d, but GCS score of the experimental group at 14d of the medication was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Shenmai injection has some therapeutic effects on cerebral injuries and myocardial damages. It can treat brain and heart simultaneously, realize the goal of addressing both symptoms and root causes, and improve prognosis of patients with severe hypertensive ICH.

Study on Analgesia and Sedation of Butorphanol Tartrate Combined with Dexmedetomidine in Severe Cerebral Hemorrhage for Patients with Mechanical Ventilation

Objective: To analyze the effect and advantages in analgesia and sedation of butorphanol tartrate combined with dexmedetomidine in severe cerebral hemorrhage for patients with mechanical ventilation. Methods: 120 patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage requiring analgesia and sedation were randomly selected and divided into two groups: the control group (dexmedetomidine treatment group) and the test group (dexmedetomidine combined with butorphanol tartrate). Two groups of patients with different drugs were analyzed. Results: The average dose of dexmedetomidine (microgram) and the total adverse events (Times) in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group within 48 hours (P < 0.05);The dose of Butorphanol in the test group was small, and the patients in the control group used other opioid analgesics to pump more significantly. Conclusion: Using butorphanol tartrate combined with dexmedetomidine can achieve the same sedative effect and enhance the analgesic effect as using dexmedetomidine alone with less dose of dexmedetomidine, and the clinical effect is significant. It also solves the problem that adverse reactions such as blood pressure change and bradycardia are easy to occur when using large dose of dexmedetomidine and the infusion speed is fast in clinical application, and significantly reduces the incidence of adverse reactions. It is worthy of clinical application.

Clinical Effect of Intelligent Emergency Nursing Mode in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is one of the common acute and critical diseases in neurosurgery. So we aim to explore the clinical effectiveness of an intelligent emergency care model in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods: Eighty patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) who were treated in Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group with 40 patients in each group according to the random number table method. Patients in the control group received conventional first-aid nursing mode intervention, and the intelligent emergency nursing mode was used for the observation group based on the control group. Comparisons were conducted between the two groups on the time of arrival to the emergency room, the time from the emergency room to the operating room, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score before surgery, GCS score when leaving the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the average length of ICU stay, the average length of hospital stay, the total hospital costs. Results: The time of arrival to the emergency room, the time from the emergency room to the operating room, the average length of ICU stay, the average length of hospital stay, and the total hospital costs in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (All P Conclusion: Intelligent emergency nursing mode can shorten the time of sTBI rescue, the length of ICU stay, and the average length of hospital stay, reduce the total hospitalization cost, improve the prognosis, with good efficacy, reduce the total cost of hospitalization, and improve the prognosis with better efficacy.

A New Type of Flat Vehicle for Emergency Patient Transfer

The utility model discloses a new type of flat vehicle for emergency patient transfer, comprising a support frame, a bed board, an infusion stand and a transfer assembly;the transfer assembly comprises a trapezoidal base fixed on the upper part of the support frame, and a trapezoid mounted on the bottom or side of the bed board. A sliding sleeve, a limit pin, a fixing cylinder and a spring;the trapezoidal sliding sleeve is matched on the trapezoidal base, a pin shaft hole is arranged on the trapezoidal base, the fixing cylinder is fixed on the trapezoidal sliding sleeve, and the limit pin is sleeved in the fixing cylinder, The bottom of the limit pin protrudes from the trapezoidal sliding sleeve, and the upper part is provided with a traction rod;the spring is sleeved on the traction rod, and a limiting plate is arranged at intervals on both sides of the trapezoidal base, and the limiting plate is wrapped in the trapezoidal sliding sleeve. The outer end: by setting the transfer component, the bed board is allowed to be fixed, slid and completely disengaged from the support frame, which is convenient for transferring the bed board together with the patient on it during the patient transfer process. It provides convenience for medical staff.

Diagnosis Experience of Patients with Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Multi-Segment Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The incidence of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal canal stenosis is low. It is difficult to identify the main focus and responsible segment, and it is also difficult to select the sequence of staging surgery. We report a patient with triple stenosis. Case Presentation: In this paper, we introduced a 61-year-old female patient with cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal canal stenosis who had previously undergone “lumbar discectomy” in the outer hospital. The postoperative effect was not good and the symptoms were poor. The diagnosis was “cervical spinal stenosis and lumbar postoperative surgery”. The staged spinal canal decompression operation and Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD) treatment were conducted in our hospital. After three months of follow-up, the functional and imaging results were satisfactory. Conclusions: The main focus and responsible spinal segment should be determined by the comprehensive analysis of medical history, signs, and images. Surgery combined with Chinese herbal medicine DHJSD therapy may be an effective treatment for this kind of disease.

Clinical Efficacy of Shenmai Injection in the Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm after Ruptured Aneurysm Surgery

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Shenmai Injection on postoperative cerebral vasospasm in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Methods: Seventy patients undergoing craniotomy for ruptured aneurysms in our hospital were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into control (n = 33) and research (n = 37) groups, they were treated with nimodipine and nimodipine combined with Shenmai injection after operation. The blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) before and at 1, 3, 7, 11 and 14 days after surgery and the incidence of cerebral vasospasm during these days were compared, and the GCS scores at 14 days postoperatively and GOS scores at 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm, GCS or GOS scores between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the period of postoperative cerebral vasospasm in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. Conclusion: Shenmai injection has the effect of shortening the cycle of occurrence of cerebral vasospasm after the operation of ruptured aneurysms, promoting patients to recover as early as possible and reducing their physical and mental burden.

Acupuncture in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting:a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

However,the best choice of acupuncture therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting remains controversy.Methods:Several databases were searched from inception to April 2020.Randomized controlled trials met the criterion were included.Risk of bias was implemented with Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Addis,R,OpenBUGS and STATA were used to conduct meta-analysis.The evidence was assessed by GRADE profiler 3.6.Results:Fifty studies involving 5980 patients were included.The risk of bias of most included studies were acceptable.The results of network meta-analyses indicated,compared with placebo,electroacupuncture was the best choice for postoperative nausea(odds ratio=0.09,95%confidence interval:0.02-0.51)and acupoint plaster for postoperative vomiting(odds ratio=0.07,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.42),acupoint catgut embedding+5HTRA for postoperative nausea and vomiting(odds ratio=0.05,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.15),and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists for postoperative rescue antiemetics(odds ratio=0.14,95%confidence interval:0.08-0.46).Conclusion:It was suggested transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists was the best choice.The results provided guidance for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

High Scalp Tension after Three-Dimensional Titanium Mesh Repair for Skull Defect: 2 Case Reports

Rationale: The three-dimensional (3D) computer-made titanium mesh is widely used in the skull repair for those patients receiving decompression of the bone flap. It can restore normal anatomy to a greater extent and make a better appearance. Case Presentation: We reported two cases of patients admitted to our hospital who have experienced high scalp tension after skull repair. At first, these two patients underwent decompression of the bone flap, and the physical examination results showed a defect of skull. No neurological symptoms and signs were found. The 3D computed tomography (CT) reconstruction of skull was performed, and then the skull repair with 3D titanium mesh was conducted. But because of high scalp tension, they underwent a second operation, during which we re-trimmed and reduce the arc of the titanium mesh. The scalp incision of both patients healed well and no titanium mesh was exposed. Both patients have a good prognosis. Lessons: We highlight that the high tension of scalp due to overstretching after 3D titanium mesh repair for skull defect should be paid much attention to. Trimming and reducing the arc of titanium mesh is an effective treatment for this situation.

Analysis on Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion and Large-Scaled Core Infarct Volume in the Time Window

Patients who received endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) and large-scaled core infarct volume in the time window were analyzed. Literature data were reviewed. Results showed that although EVT is the first choice to AIS-LVO, patients often have poor prognosis. Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) based on computerized tomography angiography source image (CTA-SI) can reflect the real cerebral perfusion more truly, and it can assess the size of core infarct more quickly and accurately, thus enabling to judge prognosis.

Analysis on Emergency Microsurgical Treatment for Cerebral Hernia Caused by Intracranial Anterior Circulation Aneurysm with Intracranial Hematoma

Objective: This study is to discuss CT performances and direct surgical strategy as well as therapeutic effect of patients who have rupture hemorrhage of intracranial anterior circulation aneurysm with complications of intracranial hematoma and cerebral hernia. Methods: CT performances and treatment of 14 patients who have rupture hemorrhage of intracranial anterior circulation aneurysm with complications of intracranial hematoma and cerebral hernia in our hospital from March, 2019 to March, 2021 were reviewed. The relationship between hematoma caused by intracranial anterior circulation aneurysm and position of the aneurysm was analyzed. Besides, surgical processing keys were discussed. Results: For all selected patients, intracranial hemorrhage is proved to be caused by rupture of aneurysm. Among them, there are 2 cases of anterior communicating aneurysms, 3 cases of posterior communicating aneurysms, and 9 cases of middle cerebral aneurysms. According to exploration, we found 1 case of multiple aneurysm, which is the combination of a middle cerebral aneurysm (the responsible aneurysm) and ipsilateral posterior communicating aneurysm. There were two cases of intraoperative rupture. In this study, 3 patients died. According to GOS grading at 3 months after the operation, there were 1 case of V-grade (good recovery), 3 cases of IV-grade (self-maintenance), 5 cases of III-grade (severe disabled), 2 cases of II-grade (persistent vegetative state) and 3 cases of I-grade (died). Conclusions: Emergency microsurgical treatment can lower the death rate of cerebral hernia caused by intracranial anterior circulation aneurysm with intracranial hematoma and recover the neurological functions to the maximum extent.

Computed Tomography-Guided Virtual Stereotactic Puncture and Catheter Drainage for a Brainstem Pontine Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Background: Patients with severe hypertensive brainstem hemorrhages have poor prognoses if they only receive conservative medical management. In contrast, aggressive operative interventions may decrease the morbidity and mortality in such patients. These operative treatments include craniotomy for evacuation of the hematoma, stereotactic positioning, and neuronavigational-guided hemorrhage puncture and drainage. Here, we report a novel and relatively simple procedure to achieve satisfactory outcomes in a patient with a brainstem pontine hemorrhage. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with brainstem pontine hemorrhage. On hospital day 6, he underwent CT-guided, virtual stereotactic puncture and catheter drainage of this brainstem pontine hemorrhage. Medical treatments were continued after this procedure. On postoperative day 16 (hospital day 22), the patient was discharged from the hospital, awake and able to answer questions appropriately. Muscle strengths were grades V and IV for the left and right extremities, respectively. The patient was continued with active rehabilitation and achieved a Barthel index of 85 points at one month after the percutaneous drainage procedure. Conclusion: CT-guided, virtual stereotactic percutaneous transcranial puncture and catheter drainage for brainstem pontine hemorrhages has obvious potential advantages and offers a possible alternative to achieve the best outcomes with minimal operative trauma compared to open microcraniotomy.

Advances in the study of nervous system infections in COVID-19

Shortly after its outbreak,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has very rapidly spread to become a global epidemic.Early clinical findings mainly included typical symptoms such as fever and cough with a very high transmission rate.Recent findings have demonstrated neurological manifestations of atypical symptoms,which is associated with poor prognosis.In this paper,we describe the neurological aspects of COVID-19 pneumonia in terms of relevant neurons,virus-associated receptors,and olfactory and neurological clinical manifestations and offer insights on treatment.