OBJECTIVE: Recent reports have validated the use of retrosigmoid approach extensions to deal with posterior fossa lesions extending laterally extracranially or superiorly into the petroclival areas. The purpose of our research is to describe the topographic retrosigmoid anatomy of the petrous pyramid and provide guidelines for neurovascular sparing drilling (hence for a functional petrosectomy), via this surgical route.
METHODS: Suprameatal and inframeatal retrosigmoid approach extensions were performed bilaterally in 6 specimens in the semisitting position. Topographic relationships of pertinent labyrinthine landmarks with evident posterolateral cranial base structures were measured by neuronavigation.
RESULTS: Excellent exposure of inframeatal/petroclival regions as well as of the extracranial posterior infratemporal area was achieved in all the specimens. In the inframeatal region, petrous bone drilling was limited by the labyrinth and the internal auditory canal superiorly and by the jugular bulb, the inferior petrosal sinus, and the lower cranial nerves inferiorly. The intrapetrous internal carotid artery represented the anterolateral limit. In the suprameatal area, the drilling was limited laterally by the labyrinth (i.e., by the posterior part of the superior semicircular canal, the upper part of the posterior semicircular canal, and the common crus). The internal auditory canal was the inferior limit, and the superior petrosal sinus and the trigeminal nerve limited the drilling superiorly. Multiple topographic relationships among key landmarks were quantified.
CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the labyrinthine structures examined may be useful (combined with careful assessment of the preoperative imaging and with the use of neuronavigation and endoscopy) to accomplish a retrosigmoid neurovascular sparing petrosectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was undertaken to answer the following question: Do technical adjuvants such as ventricular endoscopic placement, computer-assisted electromagnetic guidance, or ultrasound guidance improve ventricular shunt function and survival?
METHODS: The US National Library of Medicine PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words specifically chosen to identify published articles detailing the use of cerebrospinal fluid shunts for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus. Articles meeting specific criteria that had been delineated a priori were then examined, and data were abstracted and compiled in evidentiary tables. These data were then analyzed by the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines Task Force to consider evidence-based treatment recommendations.
RESULTS: The search yielded 163 abstracts, which were screened for potential relevance to the application of technical adjuvants in shunt placement. Fourteen articles were selected for full-text review. One additional article was selected during a review of literature citations. Eight of these articles were included in the final recommendations concerning the use of endoscopy, ultrasonography, and electromagnetic image guidance during shunt placement, whereas the remaining articles were excluded due to poor evidence or lack of relevance. The evidence included 1 Class I, 1 Class II, and 6 Class III papers. An evidentiary table of relevant articles was created. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATION: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of endoscopic guidance for routine ventricular catheter placement.
METHODS: Level I, high degree of clinical certainty.
CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of ultrasound-assisted catheter placement is an option.
METHODS: Level III, unclear clinical certainty.
CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of computer-assisted electromagnetic (EM) navigation is an option.
METHODS: Level III, unclear clinical certainty.

BACKGROUND: The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) has determined that there is a need to provide an expert consensus that defines the appropriate use of neuromodulation technologies for appropriate patients. The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) was formed to give guidance to current practice and insight into future developments.
METHODS: The INS executive board selected members of the international scientific community to analyze scientific evidence for current and future innovations and to use clinical experience to fill in any gaps in information. The NACC used PubMed and Google Scholar to obtain current evidence in the field and used clinical and research experience to give a more complete picture of the innovations in the field.
RESULTS: The NACC has determined that currently approved neurostimulation techniques and technologies have expanded our ability to treat patients in a more effective and specific fashion. Despite these advances, the NACC has identified several additional promising technologies and potential applications for neurostimulation that could move this field forward and expand the applicability of neuromodulation.
CONCLUSIONS: The NACC concludes that the field of neurostimulation is an evolving and rapidly changing one that will lead to improved patient access, safety, and outcomes.