1st ed. 2019 Edition
by Marike L. D. Broekman (Editor)
This book covers all ethical
aspects of introducing novel implants and procedures in neurosurgery in a
structured way, addressing the current knowledge gap concerning ethical
innovations in neurosurgery. Initially it explores the difficulties
involved in defining when a procedure should be considered innovation,
research, or care. To this end, it presents not only an overview of
current literature, but also data from a recent survey among
neurosurgeons in Europe.
The book subsequently discusses the
ethical issues related to innovation. These include: informed consent
(what should a surgeon tell the patient and how should he/she do so),
oversight (can any surgeon simply implant a novel spinal device?), the
learning curve (when should a surgeon be allowed to perform a novel
procedure?), vulnerable patients (how to innovate in the pediatric
population or in an emergency setting), and conflicts of interest, as
well as the ethics of paying for innovative treatments.
In turn,
the closing chapters focus on the evaluation of neurosurgical research
and innovation. Are cultural changes necessary and how could innovation
benefit from (international) collaborations? Given the range of topics
addressed, the book offers neurosurgeons, residents, scientists,
companies and hospital administrations a valuable guide to introducing
novel implants and techniques in neurosurgery.
