1154 Evaluating the Efficacy of Ultrasound Imaging With Sonolucent Cranial Implants in Neuro-oncologic Surgery Patients: A Multicenter Study

INTRODUCTION: Sonolucent cranial implants (SCIs) represent a significant advancement in neurosurgical patient care, particularly in the postoperative monitoring of such patients. Traditionally, computed tomography (CT) scans have been the cornerstone for detecting and managing acute changes in neurosurgical patients. However, CT scans come with limitations, including the monetary cost, time spent in patient transport, and the risks associated with radiation exposure. METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) and Lenox Hill Hospital. Patients aged 16–85 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class = IV and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score = 70 undergoing craniotomy with sonolucent cranial implant are eligible for inclusion. Patients were recruited and consented in clinic using standardized consent forms. When patients were seen in follow-up, transcranioplasty ultrasound was conducted and evaluated for efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients were included. US imaging was conducted on all patients. Physicians reported positive experiences in using the SCIs for US brain imaging following craniotomy along with a decreased cost in follow-up imaging in comparison with CT scans. Comparable size measurements were possible with US as compared to CT. CONCLUSIONS: SCIs offer a feasible and efficacious means of conducting US brain imaging following craniotomy. Thus, SCIs offer a solution to these challenges of traditional CT imaging by providing a "window" that allows US technology to view intracranial architectures, overcoming the natural obstacle posed by the adult skull's decreased penetrance to ultrasonic waves.