Our Summary

This study examines the occurrence of a certain brain wave pattern, usually observed when people wake up from general anesthesia, during heart surgery. By monitoring the brain waves of 1,072 heart surgery patients, researchers found this “waking up” pattern in about one in every 20 patients. This pattern typically lasted around 13 minutes and was most likely to occur around the time when the heart-lung machine (which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery) was disconnected. These patients were generally younger and had been given a slightly higher concentration of anesthetic before the heart-lung machine was used. Monitoring these brain waves during surgery could help identify and potentially reduce instances of patients becoming partially conscious, which is a risk during heart surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study related to brain wave patterns during heart surgery?
  2. How often did researchers observe the “waking up” brain wave pattern in heart surgery patients?
  3. How can monitoring brain waves during heart surgery potentially reduce the risk of patients becoming partially conscious?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare team before the procedure. After surgery, it is essential to follow post-operative instructions for recovery, including rest, medication management, and attending follow-up appointments. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support overall brain health and aid in the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with:

  1. Brain tumors: Surgery is often recommended to remove tumors that are causing symptoms or are suspected to be cancerous.

  2. Epilepsy: Surgery may be recommended for patients with epilepsy that is not well controlled with medication, in order to remove the area of the brain where seizures originate.

  3. Traumatic brain injury: Surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots, repair damage to the brain, or relieve pressure on the brain caused by swelling.

  4. Cerebrovascular disorders: Surgery may be recommended for patients with aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or other vascular abnormalities in the brain.

  5. Hydrocephalus: Surgery may be necessary to place a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.

  6. Parkinson’s disease: Deep brain stimulation surgery may be recommended for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are not responding well to medication.

  7. Chiari malformation: Surgery may be necessary to decompress the brain and relieve symptoms caused by the compression of the brainstem and spinal cord.

Overall, brain surgery is typically recommended for patients with conditions that cannot be effectively treated with medication or other non-invasive treatments, and who are otherwise healthy enough to undergo surgery. Each patient’s case is unique, and the decision to undergo brain surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and other medical professionals.

Timeline

Before brain surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes preoperative testing and evaluation to determine the need for surgery and assess any potential risks.
  2. Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential outcomes, and postoperative care.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging scans such as MRI or CT scans to provide detailed information about the brain and help guide the surgical procedure.
  4. Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or adjust their medication regimen in the days leading up to surgery.
  5. Patient may need to fast for a certain period of time before surgery.

After brain surgery:

  1. Patient is typically monitored closely in the recovery room for any signs of complications or changes in their condition.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, or discomfort at the surgical site, which can be managed with pain medication.
  3. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time for observation and recovery, depending on the type of surgery performed.
  4. Patient will likely need to follow specific postoperative instructions provided by their surgical team, such as restrictions on physical activity and guidance on wound care.
  5. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress, discuss any lingering symptoms, and assess the effectiveness of the surgery in addressing their condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of brain surgery do I need, and what is the purpose of the surgery?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the brain surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the brain surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of this particular brain surgery procedure?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the brain surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How long will the recovery process be after the brain surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the brain surgery?
  8. How will the brain surgery affect my daily activities, such as work, driving, and physical exercise?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with the brain surgery that I should be aware of?
  10. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with the brain surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kaiser HA, Peus M, Luedi MM, Lersch F, Krejci V, Reineke D, Sleigh J, Hight D. Journal: Br J Anaesth. 2020 Sep;125(3):291-297. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.05.064. Epub 2020 Jul 15. PMID: 32682555