Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-dzt6s Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T00:07:57.872Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

P.123 Is there an association between geographical location of patients in NS and management of unruptured, incidental intracranial aneurysm?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2024

R Alubankudi
Affiliation:
(Halifax)*
J Jarrett
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
A Weeks
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
G Pickett
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Background: Managing unruptured cerebral aneurysms involves monitoring or repair, with complex factors influencing decision-making. Geographical distance from treatment centers is an understudied factor. This study explores a potential relationship in Nova Scotia between proximity to the sole neurosurgical center in Halifax and aneurysm management. Methods: A prospectively collected neurosurgery database was used to identify all adults seen for unruptured cerebral aneurysm between Jan 1, 2015 - Dec 31, 2020. Demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, follow-up and treatment information were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed management differences based on geography, controlling for relevant factors including aneurysm size and location. Results: Among 390 patients, 40% were in Halifax, and 60% were outside. No significant difference existed in elective repair (34% vs. 26%, p=0.143) and imaging follow-up frequency (2.26 vs. 2.22, p=0.858). In-person follow-up was higher within Halifax (1.83 vs. 1.43, p=0.008), while virtual follow-up was significant outside Halifax (1.44 vs. 1.01, p=0.003). Overall, in-person and elective repair frequencies declined with the COVID-19 peak, whereas virtual follow-up increased. Conclusions: No significant association was found between patient location and repair decisions. Patients in closer proximity had more in-person follow-ups, while those farther away had more virtual follow-ups. The COVID-19 pandemic affected follow-up frequencies universally.

Type
Abstracts
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation