The Changing Spectrum of Neurointensive Care Unit Needs for Tumor Patients

The neuro-intensive care unit (neuroICU) is well-equipped to provide high level of care for brain tumor patients, but it must also adapt to the changing needs of these patients. The current neuroICU needs of brain tumor patients are the facilitation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and delivery of efficient, high-quality care. The essence of ERAS is accelerated recovery, which has been shown to include early mobilization, decreased length of stay (LOS), and potential bypassing of the physical ICU. Therefore, we propose implementing neuroICU level of care through telemedicine, or electronic (e-neuroICU). We share our initial experiences with e-neuroICU and how it still ensures the delivery of neuro-ICU level of care while enabling select patients to bypass a physical ICU during their recovery. We also discuss the use of ultrasound-penetrable cranioplasty implants for bedside transcranioplasty ultrasound (TCU) as a new way to allow for more efficient postoperative imaging.