Management strategies of unanticipated intracranial stenosis during mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke: A survey of academic neurointerventionalists.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to the management of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) at the time of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains controversial. The goal of this study is to characterize current practices concerning this challenging clinical situation in a survey of practicing neurointerventionalists. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent to a cross-section of North American academic neurointerventionalists using publicly available contact information and departmental websites. Prior to analysis, responses were anonymized and categorized by region. RESULTS: A total of 136/360 responses were recorded from the U.S. and Canada. The mean number of years of practicing as a neurointerventionalist among the respondents was 10.5 (± 6.2 years). ICAD was perceived as a causative factor during MT for LVO in 5-10% of thrombectomy cases. The most common first-line treatment approach for significant ICAD, assuming a TICI 2b or better reperfusion, was medical therapy (77.9% of respondents), followed by angioplasty + stent placement (8.8% of respondents). There were no significant differences in the first line treatment of ICAD in LVO between geographical regions (p = 0.815). CONCLUSION: The approach to underlying ICAD in LVO varies widely; however, the majority of neurointerventionalists prefer medical therapy with DAPT as a first-line treatment approach. The current survey highlights the need for studies that better define the optimal timing and modality of treatment, along with an evidence-based framework for balancing the risks associated with these treatment approaches.

PulseRider-assisted embolization of a distal anterior cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: PulseRider is an endovascular device that can be a useful adjunctive device for wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. However, its use in distal vessels such as the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has not been widely reported. OBSERVATIONS: The authors reported the case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent coiling of a 6.9-mm distal ACA aneurysm with PulseRider assistance. Using a partially intraaneurysmal deployment technique, the wide-necked aneurysm was successfully embolized, resulting in Raymond-Roy class II occlusion without intra- or periprocedural complications. LESSONS: This case illustrates a novel approach to treatment for wide-necked distal ACA aneurysms, which can be challenging to treat via traditional endovascular means. PulseRider can be safely used to treat distal ACA aneurysms with minimal residual aneurysm.

Trapping and P2-P3 Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Reanastomosis for Treatment of a Ruptured Fusiform Aneurysm: Application of Fourth-Generation Technique: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) represent the second most common posterior circulation aneurysm and commonly have complex morphology. Various bypass options exist for PICA aneurysms,1-6 depending on their location relative to brainstem perforators and the vertebral artery, and the presence of nearby donor arteries. We present a case of a man in his late 40s who presented with 3 d of severe headache. He was found to have a fusiform right P2-segment PICA aneurysm. Preoperative angiogram demonstrated the aneurysm and a redundant P3 caudal loop that came in close proximity to the healthy P2 segment proximal to the aneurysm. The risks and benefits of the procedure were discussed with the patient, and they consented for a right far lateral approach craniotomy with partial condylectomy for trapping of the aneurysm with bypass. The aneurysm was trapped proximally and distally. The P3 was transected just distal to the aneurysm and brought toward the proximal P2 segment, facilitated by a lack of perforators on this redundant distal artery. An end-to-side anastomosis was performed. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated exclusion of the aneurysm and patent bypass. The patient recovered well and remained without any neurological deficit at 6-mo follow-up. This case demonstrates the use of a "fourth-generation"5,7,8 bypass technique. These techniques represent the next innovation beyond third-generation intracranial-intracranial bypass. In this type 4B reanastomosis bypass, an unconventional orientation of the arteries was used. Whereas reanastomosis is typically performed end-to-end, the natural course of these arteries and the relatively less-mobile proximal P2 segment made end-to-side the preferred option in this case. Fourth-generation bypass techniques open up more configurations for reanastomosis, using the local anatomy to the surgeon's advantage. The patient consented to the described procedure and consented to the publication of their image.

Technique for Treatment of a Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis With Balloon Angioplasty and Wingspan Stent Placement: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Intracranial angioplasty and stenting is an increasingly common modality to treat intracranial atherosclerosis, which accounts for 80 000 strokes annually. Early trials showed there to be a high complication rate1,2 associated with stenting but with improved technique this complication rate has dramatically decreased.3 The following video details the procedure of intracranial balloon angioplasty and stenting for a high-grade stenosis of the right internal carotid artery. The risks and benefits of the procedure were discussed with the patient and they consented to the procedure.

Comparison of Simultaneous Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) 3-Dimensional Rotational Venography (3D-RV) versus Separate Bilateral ICA 3D-RV and Postprocessing 3D-3D Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative venogram of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is helpful to plan the surgical resection strategy in patients with parasagittal meningiomas invading the SSS. METHODS: Catheter 3-dimensional rotational venography (3D-RV) allows for SSS patency assessment and detection of alternative venous cortical drainage routes in patients with contraindication for magnet resonance venography. It is unknown if separate bilateral internal carotid artery 3D-RV followed by postprocessing 3D-3D fusion (technique 1) achieves the same imaging results as simultaneous bilateral internal carotid artery 3D-RV without postprocessing fusion (technique 2) needed. RESULTS: In this report we were able to confirm in 2 patients that both techniques achieve comparable imaging quality with similar amount of contrast use. CONCLUSIONS: Although technique 2 requires less radiation, technique 1 is favored due to the need for only 1 vessel access site and catheter with reduced risk for access site and ischemic complications.

Distal Access Catheters for Coaxial Radial Access for Posterior Circulation Interventions.

BACKGROUND: The neurointerventional field is moving towards transradial access (TRA). Among the favorable indications for TRA is for posterior circulation/vertebrobasilar interventions. For some neurointerventions, a triaxial system (guide catheter, distal access catheter [DAC], and microcatheter) is typically used for optimal support. We describe application of a new technique in which we forgo use of the guide catheter, using the DAC only for coaxial access via the radial approach and its potential advantages. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of our institutional database for cases using our coaxial distal access catheter technique for posterior circulation interventions. Patient characteristics and radiographic and clinical information were reviewed. All reviews were approved by institutional review board and ethics committee, and all patient identifiers were removed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were found that met our criteria. Successful access and procedural completion was achieved in 11 of 12 (92%). Mechanical thrombectomy accounted for 7 cases; 2 of these patients were also stented via the same approach/technique. Other cases included 2 successful aneurysm treatments (1 flow diverter, 1 coil embolization), a balloon test occlusion for a cervical chordoma, and an arteriovenous malformation embolization. CONCLUSIONS: TRA with a distal access catheter provides support equivalent to a triaxial system with a coaxial construct in the posterior circulation. This has the advantage of using a smaller system in the radial and vertebrobasilar artery without losing stability. This technique can be used effectively and safely for a variety of posterior circulation neuroendovascular interventions.

Increased dopamine receptor expression and anti-depressant response following deep brain stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle.

BACKGROUND: Among several potential neuroanatomical targets pursued for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), the superolateral-branch of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) is emerging as a privileged location. We investigated the antidepressant-like phenotypic and chemical changes associated with reward-processing dopaminergic systems in rat brains after MFB-DBS. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated, DBS-Off, and DBS-On. For DBS, a concentric bipolar electrode was stereotactically implanted into the right MFB. Exploratory activity and depression-like behavior were evaluated using the open-field and forced-swimming test (FST), respectively. MFB-DBS effects on the dopaminergic system were evaluated using immunoblotting for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), and dopamine receptors (D1-D5), and high-performance liquid chromatography for quantifying dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) in brain homogenates of prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens (NAc). RESULTS: Animals receiving MFB-DBS showed a significant increase in swimming time without alterations in locomotor activity, relative to the DBS-Off (p<0.039) and sham-operated groups (p<0.014), indicating an antidepressant-like response. MFB-DBS led to a striking increase in protein levels of dopamine D2 receptors and DAT in the PFC and hippocampus, respectively. However, we did not observe appreciable differences in the expression of other dopamine receptors, TH, or in the concentrations of dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA in PFC, hippocampus, amygdala, and NAc. LIMITATIONS: This study was not performed on an animal model of TRD. CONCLUSION: MFB-DBS rescues the depression-like phenotypes and selectively activates expression of dopamine receptors in brain regions distant from the target area of stimulation.