Transradial Versus Transfemoral Intraoperative Cerebral Angiography for Open Cerebrovascular Surgery: Effectiveness, Safety, and Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cerebral angiography (IOA) is a valuable adjunct in open and hybrid cerebrovascular surgery. Commonly, transfemoral access (TFA) is used. Lately, transradial access (TRA) has gained popularity for neurointervention. However, the TRA has not yet been compared with the TFA for IOA. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of the TRA and TFA for IOA. In addition, the learning curve for implementing the TRA for IOA was evaluated. METHODS: Between July 2020 and 2022, 92/1787 diagnostic cerebral angiographies met inclusion criteria for IOA. Sheath run time to primary target vessel run time (STT), amount of contrast dye (CD), fluoroscopy time (FT), and dose-area products (DAPs) were compared between TRA and TFA, different aortic arch types, and both study years. RESULTS: One case required transitioning from TRA to TFA (1/26, 3.8%) because of a minute proximal radial vasculature. The STT, CD, FT, and DAP were similar for the TRA (n = 25) and the TFA groups (n = 67) (p = ns). One groin hematoma (1.5%) was observed in the TFA group. No other complications or any change in modified Rankin Scale were observed. Aortic arch type II/III was associated with longer STT ( P = .032) but not CD, FT, or DAP. There was a nonsignificant decline of STTs among the TRA cases ( P = .104) but stable STTs among TFA cases ( P = .775). CONCLUSION: The TRA and TFA represent equally effective and safe routes for IOA. In addition, expertise with the TRA can rapidly be gained and facilitates tailoring the access for IOA to patient's individual anatomy and surgeon's needs.

Tenecteplase versus alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy: experience from a US healthcare system undergoing a system-wide transition of primary thrombolytic.

BACKGROUND: Tenecteplase (TNK) is a genetically modified variant of alteplase (TPA) and has been established as a non-inferior alternative to TPA in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Whether TNK exerts distinct benefits in large vessel occlusion (LVO) AIS is still being investigated. OBJECTIVE: To describe our first-year experience after a healthcare system-wide transition from TPA to TNK as the primary thrombolytic. METHODS: Patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolytics between January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients with LVO considered for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were included in this analysis. Spontaneous recanalization (SR) after TNK/TPA was a composite variable of reperfusion >50% of the target vessel territory on cerebral angiography or rapid, significant neurological recovery averting MT. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare SR rates between TNK and TPA. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were identified; 51/148 (34.5%) received TNK and 97/148 (65.5%) TPA. The middle cerebral arteries M1 (60.8%) and M2 (29.7%) were the most frequent occlusion sites. Baseline demographics were comparable between TNK and TPA groups. Spontaneous recanalization was significantly more frequently observed in the TNK than in the TPA groups (unmatched: 23.5% vs 10.3%, P=0.032). PSM substantiated the observed SR rates (20% vs 10%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 90-day mortality, and functional outcomes were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary experience from a real-world setting demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of TNK before MT. The higher spontaneous recanalization rates with TNK are striking. Additional studies are required to investigate whether TNK is superior to TPA in LVO AIS.

In-hospital mortality rates, complication rates, length of stay, and total costs of >14,000 chronic subdural hematomas treated in the U.S. between 2016 and 2020: Query of the premier health-care database.

Background: With the drastically aging population in the U.S., chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) are projected to represent the most common neurosurgical diagnosis requiring treatment within the next two decades. There is lack of contemporary outcome data in patients treated for nontraumatic and nonacute subdural hematoma. We aim to portray current mortality rates, complication rates, length of stay, and costs associated with inpatient cSDH care. Methods: The Premier Health-care Database, Premier Inc., Charlotte/NC was queried for encounters October 2016-December 2020 with the ICD-10 diagnoses of nontraumatic nonacute subdural hematoma as the principal diagnosis among patients age ≥40 years. Per database in-hospital mortality is defined as mortality in an inpatient who is not discharged. Complications represent medical conditions not present on admission that affects mortality, length of stay, and costs within the database. Results: The query identified 14,136 inpatient encounters. Between October 2016 and December 2020, in-hospital mortality rates averaged 10.9% in the medical group (MG) and 3.6% in the surgical group (SG) (P < 0.001). Complication rates averaged between 8.9 % in the MG and 19.9% in the SG (P < 0.001). LOS averaged 3.0 days in the MG and 5.7 days in the SG (P < 0.001). Total costs averaged $ 10,233 in the MG and $ 26,658 in the SG. Conclusion: The standardized outcomes presented represent an objective benchmark of contemporary cSDH treatment outcomes in the U.S. With the projected substantial increase of cSDH cases within the next decades, new treatment strategies such as middle meningeal embolization need to be explored and outperform current outcome metrics.

NIHSS 24 h After Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts 90-Day Functional Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke is a safe and effective treatment modality. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 24 h after MT (24 h-NIHSS) was shown to serve as the strongest surrogate for 90-day functional outcome. Here, we seek to externally validate 24 h-NIHSS as predictor for 90-day functional outcome and explore additional variables in this context. METHODS: Patients treated for anterior LVO between February 2016 and August 2020 with premorbid mRS < 3 were included. Receiver operating characteristics were used to compare different NIHSS-related surrogates, such as baseline (B) NIHSS, 24 h-NIHSS, Δ­NIHSS and percent (%) change NIHSS to predict favorable function outcome (mRS 0-2). Additional analysis was performed to assess predictors associated with poor outcome despite reaching the best predictor threshold. RESULTS: A total of 337 eligible cases were identified. The 24 h-NIHSS outperformed B­NIHSS, Δ­NIHSS, and %­NIHSS in terms of 90-day mRS 0-2 prediction. A 24-NIHSS ≤ 8 was identified as the optimal binary threshold. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that 24-NIHSS ≤ 8 and younger patient age were independently associated with mRS 0-2. Despite achieving 24 h-NIHSS ≤ 8, 23/143 (16.1%) cases experienced poor outcome (mRS 4-6). Older age, higher baseline NIHSS, coexisting chronic kidney disease, and longer hospital stay were independent predictors for poor outcome despite achieving 24 h-NIHSS ≤ 8. CONCLUSION: An NIHSS of 8 or less 24 h after MT was validated to serve as an independent, strong surrogate for favorable functional outcome; however, cofactors such as older age, higher baseline NIHSS and coexisting comorbidities appear to mitigate this clinical adjunct.

Outcome Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Pooled data of randomized controlled trials investigating mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat anterior circulation large vessel occlusion have demonstrated safety and effectiveness across all age groups, including ≥ 80 years of age; however, only a few nonagenarians were in the ≥ 80 years subgroup. Therefore, the benefit of MT in nonagenarians is mostly unknown. METHODS: Two comprehensive stroke centers retrospectively reviewed all acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke between February 2016 and August 2020. Revascularization TICI2b/3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and functional outcome using modified Rankin scale (mRS) were assessed for cases aged < 80 years, 80-89 years, and 90-99 years. Favorable functional outcome was defined as mRS 0-2 or reaching the prestroke mRS and moderate as mRS 0-3. RESULTS: The final data set comprised a total of 736 cases. Of these, 466 aged < 80 years, 219 aged 80-89 years, and 51 aged 90-99 years. In nonagenarians, TICI 2b/3 revascularization was observed in 84.3% while symptomatic ICH was observed in 4%. These rates were similar to 80-89 years and < 80 years age groups. Favorable and moderate functional outcome as well as death rates differed significantly between nonagenarians and < 80 years (19.6%, 29.4%, 51.0% vs 47.9%, 60.7%, 18.7%, respectively, p < 0.001), but were similar between nonagenarians and octogenarians (29.7%, 38.8%, 38.8%, p = 0.112-0.211). CONCLUSION: A moderate outcome among nonagenarians was observed in about 30%, while mortality rates were about 50%. Withholding mechanical thrombectomy does not appear justifiable, although the absolute treatment effect among nonagenarians remains unknown.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior versus Posterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke with Emphasis on Posterior Circulation Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Although there is class I evidence for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, no high-class evidence exists for the posterior circulation. Here, we sought to compare clinical features of anterior versus posterior LVO as well as predictors of a posterior LVO MT outcome. METHODS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent MT for anterior and posterior LVO stroke between February 2016 and August 2020 from 2 comprehensive stroke centers were reviewed. Anterior and posterior LVO strokes were compared. In addition, predictors for a favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0-3), death (mRS 6), and futile revascularization (mRS 4-6 despite TICI 2b/3 revascularization) for posterior LVO were analyzed. RESULTS: Collectively, 813 LVO thrombectomy cases were analyzed, and 77 of 813 cases (9.5%) were located in the posterior circulation. Although favorable 90-day functional outcome rates did not differ between anterior and posterior LVO (P = 0.093), death was significantly more frequent among posterior LVO cases (P = 0.013). In the posterior LVO subgroup, a primary aspiration technique and successful revascularization TICI 2b/3 irrespective of time to the intervention were independently associated with achieving a favorable outcome. Primary aspiration was identified to inversely associate with futile revascularization. CONCLUSION: Anterior and posterior circulation MT patients have distinct clinical profiles. The use of primary aspiration appears fundamental for beneficial outcomes in posterior circulation MT.

Trends over time in the management of 2253 patients with cerebral aneurysms: A single practice experience.

BACKGROUND: To better understand the longitudinal trend in the proportion of techniques employed for cerebral aneurysm treatment, we reviewed our experience with 2253 patients over the last 11 years. METHODS: We reviewed data in our prospective aneurysm database for all consecutive patients treated from January 1998 through December 2009. Data regarding age, sex, aneurysm location, presence or absence of hemorrhage, Fisher grade, clinical grade, treatment methods, length of hospitalization, and mortality rates by the time of discharge were retrieved and retrospectively analyzed. The most common aneurysm types were subsequently classified and analyzed separately. RESULTS: The patient population included 663 males (29%) and 1590 females (71%). A total of 2253 patients presented with 3413 aneurysms; 1523 (63%) of the aneurysms were diagnosed as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 2411 (71%) aneurysms were treated. Overall, 645 (27%) of the 2411 aneurysms underwent endosaccular coiling and 1766 (73%) underwent clip ligation; 69 (3%) of these aneurysms required both treatment modalities. The percentage of all aneurysms treated by endosaccular coiling increased from 8% (21) in 1998 to 28% (87) in 2009. There was no statistical difference between the average length of hospitalization for patients who underwent endosaccular coiling and clip ligation for their ruptured (P = 0.19) and unruptured (P = 0.80) aneurysms during this time period. CONCLUSIONS: In our practice, endovascular treatment has continued to be more frequently employed to treat cerebral aneurysms. This technique has had the greatest proportional increase in the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms.

Optimizing referral practices for patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Because many cases of non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (NTICH) do not require surgery, establishing the most appropriate referral and treatment algorithms to optimize patient outcome, including appropriate utilization of specialty physicians, such as neurosurgeons and neurologists, would be helpful. In this retrospective study based on census and billing records, the best referral model showed that medical therapy was the chosen treatment option if patients did not meet all of the following three criteria: GCS < or = 13, age < or = 70 and lesion volume > or = 40 cm3. These criteria may be helpful in predicting the need for surgery and improving referral practices for patients with NTICH.

Trans-zygomatic middle cranial fossa approach to access lesions around the cavernous sinus and anterior parahippocampus: a minimally invasive skull base approach.

PURPOSE: Exposure of the cavernous sinus or anterior parahippocampus often involves a wide exposure of the temporal lobe and mobilization of the temporalis muscle associated with temporal lobe retraction. The authors present a cadaveric study to illustrate the feasibility, advantages and landmarks necessary to perform a trans-zygomatic middle fossa approach to lesions around the cavernous sinus and anterior parahippocampus. METHODS: The authors performed bilateral trans-zygomatic middle fossae exposures to reach the cavernous sinus and parahippocampus in five cadavers (10 sides). We assessed the morbidity associated with this procedure and compared the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this method versus more extensive skull base approaches. A vertical linear incision along the middle portion of the zygomatic arch was extended one finger breadth inferior to the inferior edge of the zygomatic arch. Careful dissection inferior to the arch allowed preservation of facial nerve branches. A zygomatic osteotomy was followed via a linear incision through the temporalis muscle and exposure of the middle cranial fossa floor. RESULTS: A craniotomy along the inferolateral temporal bone and middle fossa floor allowed extradural dissection along the middle fossa floor and exposure of the cavernous sinus including all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Intradural inspection demonstrated adequate exposure of the parahippocampus. Exposure of the latter required minimal or no retraction of the temporal lobe. CONCLUSIONS: The trans-zygomatic middle fossa approach is a simplified skull base exposure using a linear incision, which may avoid the invasivity of more extensive skull base approaches while providing an adequate corridor for resection of cavernous sinus and parahippocampus lesions. The advantages of this approach include its efficiency, ease, minimalism, preservation of the temporalis muscle, and minimal retraction of the temporal lobe.