Neurosurgery Surgical Research Laboratory
Treatment of Post-Surgical Vasoconstriction

Dr Zervas | Recent Publications | Links

Research in Cerbral Vasospasm Dr Zervas's Lab - PET Imaging of CBF, CBV, O2M, OEF and GluMetab Research @ Neurosurgery Dr N.T. Zervas, Research Info Neurosurgery Surgical Research Lab Neurosurgery Research Labs Images courtesy of Anna-Liisa Brownell, PhD in collaboration on a study of CNS tissue metabolism (rGMR, rCMRO2, rOEF, rCBF, rCBV) during cerebral vasospasm. (For more info.) Research PET Imaging Functional CT Studies Images courtesy of CIPR (Center for Imaging and Pharmaceutical Research) as part of a collaboration with the CNS project group. The images are the work of George Hunter, MD and Leena Hamberg, PhD as part of a study on peripheral tissue perfusion (CBV, TTT, CBFi) during cerebral vasospasm. (For more info.) Center for Imaging and Pharmaceutical Research (CIPR) Dr Zervas's & Dr Peterson's Labs - Studies in laser-induced pulsed-fluid wave treatment of vasospastic cerebral arteries. MGH Laser Center

Despite intensive laboratory and clinical research efforts over the past l5 years, delayed chronic cerebral vasospasm remains a major source of morbidity and mortality following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Research efforts in my laboratory have taken two related paths: (1) In vitro efforts to define the basic mechanisms which underlie the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm, and (2) In vivo studies to identify pharmacological methods of prophylactic and/or therapeutic relief of cerebral vasospasm. In the course of this project, we developed and characterized the animal model of post-SAH cerebral vasospasm which has become the worldwide standard in vasospasm research. Over 40 laboratories internationally use the "doubleSAH canine model" routinely.

Most recently, innovations in the clinical management of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients has led to marked improvement in their general clinical outcome, except for those patients with a demonstrable severe focal constriction in some particular cerebral arterial perfusion zone. A new collaborative effort with the Wellman Laser Applications Group holds great promise for the treatment of these patients.