Abstract
Objective To assess the feasibility of a dynamic craniotomy procedure with the use of a novel
reversibly expandable cranial bone flap fixation plate. The expandable plate allows
outward bone flap migration with an increase in intracranial volume or intracranial
pressure (ICP).
Methods Dynamic craniotomy intracranial hypertension compliance was evaluated in a skull
model with progressive increase in intracranial volume and compared with the standard
craniotomy with fixed plates.
Results Dynamic craniotomy provided significant control of ICP with increasing intracranial
volume compared with the standard craniotomy. With an incremental increase in intracranial
volume from 360 mL to 600 mL, the ICP increased from 2.6 to 91.9 mm Hg with the standard
craniotomy, whereas with the dynamic craniotomy the ICP for similar intracranial volume
increased from 2.5 to 25 mm Hg (p < 0.00001).
Conclusions The dynamic craniotomy procedure provides superior control of ICP with an abrupt
intracranial volume increase when compared with the standard craniotomy.
Keywords
brain swelling - cerebral edema - cranial fixation - plate - craniectomy - cranioplasty
- decompressive craniotomy - intracranial hypertension - malignant stroke - traumatic
brain injury