1. I met Chris Shaffrey from the UVA Department of Neurosurgery. He’s a specialist in spinal disorders with an emphasis on spinal deformity. I came away very impressed, particularly with his evidence-based approach to spine surgery.
2. X-rays can miss many fractures. It has long been debated about the relative cost-benefit ratio of x-rays versus computed tomography (CT) for spinal fractures after trauma. X-rays are much cheaper. CT scans are much more thorough and sensitive. This paper suggests that more fractures may be missed by traditional x-rays than had previously been thought. Perhaps a CT scan is worth the additional cost.
3. Vycor medical products has developed a novel brain retractor called the Viewsite. Traditionally, malleable blade retractors have been used to retract the brain during a neurosurgical procedure. These retractors have many limitations: they concentrate the retractive force on a small segment of brain; they have sharp edges that can cut into the brain; they are opaque blocking visualization of tissues behind the retractor. The Viewsite uses a novel circumferential retraction system to distribute the retractive force on a wider surface. Here’s how the company describes it:
The ViewSite™ Brain Access System is a revolutionary approach in brain retraction. Each ViewSite system consists of an introducer and a working channel port that allows the surgeon a seamless entry to the targeted site while distributing brain tissue evenly in a 360° dispersion pattern. Other ViewSite benefits include superior binocular vision to see in and around the surgical site; multiple sizes in different widths and lengths to meet all surgical needs and compatibility with most surgical arms to avoid accidental displacement or movement during surgery.
