The longevity of batteries in internal pulse generators (IPGs) used clinically for deep brain stimulation is not known. We conducted a study to assess the life span of these batteries. From 1993 to 2000, 163 single-channel batteries were surgically implanted in our institution. The electrical settings utilized in patients who had battery failures were assessed and the total electrical energy delivered (TEED) was calculated and correlated with battery longevity. Fourteen IPGs had battery failure requiring replacement. The median life span of the batteries was 45 months. Batteries with high energy consumption as assessed by TEED had a reduced life span (r = –0.82, p ≤ 0.001). Patients with essential tremor who required battery replacement needed higher settings to control their symptoms and therefore presented a shorter battery life when compared to patients with Parkinson’s disease. In our series of patients who needed battery replacement, battery longevity varied with stimulation parameters but was longer than expected from the manufacturer’s specifications.

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Highlights All neurosurgical procedures decreased in number during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surgical complication rates remained within the acceptable range. Emergency procedures numbers remained the same throughout the study period. Neurosurgical oncology cases were the highest in frequency. There is a decline in hospital length of stay as we progressed during the study period.

Introduction. Intracranial aneurysms associated with Behçet's disease (BD) are a rare occurrence. They are fragile, thin-walled pseudoaneurysms, which have high tendency to rupture and present a therapeutic challenge. Case Presentation. We report a 26-year-old male with BD presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Additionally, two unruptured aneurysms were identified. He underwent endovascular embolization using Onyx with successful obliteration of the ruptured aneurysm. Medical therapy resulted in regression of one and resolution of the other aneurysms. Conclusion. We describe the first report of the application of Onyx for obliteration of ruptured cerebral aneurysm in BD as a feasible and safe therapeutic option for patients who are not candidates for other techniques.