Simultaneous Parkinsonism and Dementia as Initial Presentation of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (IDAVFs) are abnormal vascular connections between dural arteries and various venous structures within the brain. IDAVFs, rarely present with parkinsonism and dementia concurrently, making this a unique and underexplored clinical scenario. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to comprehensively analyze cases of IDAVFs manifesting as both parkinsonism and dementia. METHODS: We assessed databases from inception to September 18, 2023. We identified studies describing patients with IDAVFs initially presenting with dementia or parkinsonism. Inclusion criteria encompassed case reports and case series, while excluding review articles, guidelines, technical notes, comments, conference abstracts, and editorials. RESULTS: The systematic search resulted in the initial screening of 383 studies, with 33 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these, 29 were case reports, often describing 3 or fewer patients. From the remaining 4 case series, data pertinent to patients presenting both parkinsonism and dementia were selectively extracted, yielding a total study population of 43 patients. The anatomical distribution of IDAVFs within this cohort was diverse, with the transverse and sigmoid sinuses being the most common locations. Although most of these patients received endovascular therapy, a few underwent microsurgical occlusion or combined surgical and endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: IDAVFs presenting with both parkinsonism and dementia represent a rare clinical entity. This systematic review provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, treatment options, and outcomes for such cases. However, additional research involving larger cohorts is essential to better comprehend the underlying mechanisms and establish standardized therapeutic guidelines.

How I do it: surgical clip reconstruction of a large, partially thrombosed, ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured large and partially thrombosed aneurysms are challenging lesions to treat successfully. METHODS: We describe the surgical treatment of a large, ruptured partially thrombosed middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Once the Sylvian fissure is dissected, temporary clips are placed, and the clot is evacuated with simple microsuction and ultrasonic aspiration. The aneurysm is then carefully clip reconstructed to avoid compromise of the parent vessels. CONCLUSION: In cases of surgical clipping of large, thrombosed aneurysms, it is important to be aware of a few, but critically important, pitfalls to ensure successful outcome.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Stent Retrievers vs Direct Aspiration vs a Combined Approach.

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized control trials (RCTs) established that mechanical thrombectomy is superior to medical therapy for patients with stroke due to a large vessel occlusion. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy profile of the different mechanical thrombectomy strategies. METHODS: A random-effects meta-analysis was performed and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with a total of 2449 patients were included. No differences were identified between the stent retrieval and direct aspiration groups in terms of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3 and mTICI 3 recanalization rates, and favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤ 2). Adverse event rates, including 90-d mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), were similar between the stent retrieval and direct aspiration groups. The use of the stent retrieval was associated with a higher risk of vasospasm (odds ratio [OR]: 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-8.09; I2: 0%) compared to direct aspiration. When compared with the direct aspiration group, the subgroup of patients who underwent thrombectomy with the combined approach as a first-line strategy had a higher likelihood of successful mTICI 2b/3 (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.02-2.12; I2: 0%) and mTICI 3 recanalization (OR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.56-8.54), although with a higher risk of SAH (OR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.15-16.32). CONCLUSION: Stent retrieval thrombectomy and direct aspiration did not show significant differences. Current available evidence is not sufficient to draw conclusions on the best surgical approach. The combined use of a stent retriever and aspiration as a first-line strategy was associated with higher mTICI 2b/3 and mTICI 3 recanalization rates, although with a higher risk of 24-h SAH, when compared with direct aspiration.

Endovascular reconstruction of extracranial traumatic internal carotid artery dissections: a systematic review.

Extracranial internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a potential source of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients and requires high degree of suspicion for diagnosis after the initial presentation. Occasionally, if standard therapy is contraindicated, endovascular reconstruction is a treatment option. The aim of this systematic review was to report clinical and radiographic outcomes following endovascular repair of ICAD of traumatic and iatrogenic etiology. A comprehensive systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Twenty-four studies comprising 191 patients (204 lesions) were included; 179 underwent traditional carotid artery stenting (CAS), whereas 12 patients underwent flow diversion with the pipeline embolization device (PED). In total, 75.7% of the CAS group and 66.6% of the PED group presented with ICAD-related symptomatology. Concomitant pseudoaneurysms were identified in 61.9% and 78.5% of lesions in the CAS and PED group, respectively. Adverse event rates among CAS-treated lesions after 30-day follow-up were below 2.2% for stroke, transient ischemic attack, and mortality. During follow-up in the CAS group, there was no incidence of ICAD-related stroke or death and 2.2% of patients underwent a repeat CAS procedure. In the PED group, no patient suffered stroke or death in the reported follow-up. In the PED cohort, there was an adequate occlusion rate and no patient had to be retreated. Endovascular reconstruction of traumatic or iatrogenic ICAD appears safe. This approach demonstrated acceptable short- and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in both groups.

Treatment of anterior cerebral artery and anterior communicating artery aneurysms with flow-diversion devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the early safety and efficacy of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm treatment with flow-diversion devices (FDDs), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for these aneurysms. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was performed by a reference librarian, and, after screening, eight case series were included for meta-analysis. We estimated from each study the cumulative incidence (event rate) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome. Event rates were pooled in a meta-analysis across studies using the random-effects model; descriptive statistics were reported when relevant. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: 129 ACA and ACoA aneurysms from 8 series were included. Technical success rate of 96% (95% CI: 0.93 to 1.00) and a technical complication rate was 3% (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.06). Perioperative rates of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, morbidity, and mortality were 3% (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.06), 5% (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.08), 3% (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.06 and 2% (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.05), respectively. The rate of treatment-related, long-term neurological deficit was 4% (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07). Complete occlusion rate at last radiological follow-up was 79% (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: FDDs are an acceptable tool for the treatment of ACA and ACoA aneurysms with high rates of technical success and low rates of periprocedural morbidity and mortality. Comparative studies with longer-term follow-up are needed to clarify the role of these devices in the management of ACA and ACoA aneurysms in patients with challenging comorbidities.

Flow Diversion of an Incompletely-Treated Fusiform Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Fusiform aneurysms involving the M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery are often dissecting, identified by a characteristic diseased adjacent segment, and location not at a branch point. Herein, we present the case of a 38-yr-old man with a symptomatic, dissecting M2 aneurysm that was previously incompletely treated with stent-assisted coiling. In our experience, symptomatic fusiform aneurysms in this location tend to recur unless the involved segment is completely trapped or reconstructed with flow diversion. We successfully treated this patient with a vessel reconstruction using a Pipeline Flex Embolization Device (Medtronic). Deployment of a flow diverter inside a previously placed stent can pose potential challenges, as the original stent may constrain complete expansion of the flow diverter and prevent perfect apposition against the parent vessel wall. In this operative video, we demonstrate this technique and provide a brief discussion of the potential pitfalls.

Transylvian Clip Occlusion of an Enlarging High-Flow Tentorial Arteriovenous Fistula: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Endovascular therapy is the primary treatment for the majority of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF). Surgical occlusion is an effective alternative when embolization is not possible. This video demonstrates microsugical occlusion of a right-sided tentorial dAVF in a symptomatic 45-yr-old male. The dAVF was fed directly by meningohypophyseal trunk. Venous drainage was retrograde through the sphenoparietal sinus, superficial sylvian vein, vein of Labee, and transverse sinus. The patient underwent a right-sided pterional craniotomy; the sylvian fissure was widely opened. Subarachoid dissection was performed until a large arterialized draining vein was identified exiting dura subtemporally. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography confirmed the fistulous site and the draining vein was occluded and divided. The patient remained neurologically intact after surgery. Immediate angiography demonstrates complete occlusion of the dAVF. This video demonstrates the surgical access obtained through a transylvian approach for this tentorial dAVF. Occlusion of the draining vein, with or without resection of the fistula, is enough to permanently treat these lesions.

Early postmarket results with PulseRider for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVE: Traditionally, stent-assisted coiling and balloon remodeling have been the primary endovascular treatments for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with complex morphologies. PulseRider is an aneurysm neck reconstruction device that provides parent vessel protection for aneurysm coiling. The objective of this study was to report early postmarket results with the PulseRider device. METHODS: This study was a prospective registry of patients treated with PulseRider at 13 American neurointerventional centers following FDA approval of this device. Data collected included clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, and perioperative events. Follow-up data included degree of aneurysm occlusion and delayed (> 30 days after the procedure) complications. RESULTS: A total of 54 aneurysms were treated, with the same number of PulseRider devices, across 13 centers. Fourteen cases were in off-label locations (7 anterior communicating artery, 6 middle cerebral artery, and 1 A1 segment anterior cerebral artery aneurysms). The average dome/neck ratio was 1.2. Technical success was achieved in 52 cases (96.2%). Major complications included the following: 3 procedure-related posterior cerebral artery strokes, a device-related intraoperative aneurysm rupture, and a delayed device thrombosis. Immediately postoperative Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class 1 was achieved in 21 cases (40.3%), class 2 in 15 (28.8%), and class 3 in 16 cases (30.7%). Additional devices were used in 3 aneurysms. For those patients with 3- or 6-month angiographic follow-up (28 patients), 18 aneurysms (64.2%) were RROC class 1 and 8 (28.5%) were RROC class 2. CONCLUSIONS: PulseRider is being used in both on- and off-label cases following FDA approval. The clinical and radiographic outcomes are comparable in real-world experience to the outcomes observed in earlier studies. Further experience is needed with the device to determine its role in the neurointerventionalist's armamentarium, especially with regard to its off-label use.

Contemporary trends in extracranial-intracranial bypass utilization: analysis of data from 2008 to 2016.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of FDA approval of flow-diversion technology for the treatment of supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms and the publication of the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study, both of which occurred in 2011, on the utilization of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypasses is not known. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for hospitalizations for EC-IC bypass performed from 2008 to 2016. Diagnoses of interest included an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), carotid occlusive disease (COD), and moyamoya disease. The authors assessed trends in EC-IC bypass utilization for these diagnoses and the incidence of adverse discharges, defined as discharge to locations other than home, and the rate of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1640 EC-IC bypass procedures were performed at 558 hospitals during the study period, with 1148 procedures at 448 hospitals performed for a diagnosis of interest. The most frequent surgical indication was moyamoya disease (65.7%, n = 754), followed by COD (23.2%, n = 266), SAH (3.2%, n = 37), and a UIA (7.9%, n = 91). EC-IC bypass utilization for COD decreased from 0.21 per 100 admissions of COD in 2010 to 0.09 per 100 admissions in 2016 (p = 0.023). The frequency of adverse discharges increased during the study period from 22.3% of annual admissions in 2008 to 31.2% in 2016 (p = 0.030) when analysis was limited to procedures performed for a diagnosis of interest. Per volume, the top 5th percentile of hospitals, on average, performed 18.4 procedures (SD 13.2) per hospital during the study period, compared to 1.3 procedures (SD 1.3) that were performed in hospitals within the bottom 95th percentile. The rate of adverse discharges was higher at low-volume institutions when compared to that at high-volume institutions (33.8% vs 28.7%; p = 0.029). Over the study period, the authors noted a trend toward a reduced percentage of total surgical volume performed at high-volume hospitals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed a decrease in the utilization of EC-IC bypass for COD during the study period. An increase in the rate of adverse discharges was also noted, coinciding with more procedures being performed at lower-volume centers.

Interhemispheric transfalcine approach to a medial frontal arteriovenous malformation: operative video with positioning illustrations.

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are a complex and challenging subset of neurosurgical disease, the optimal treatment of which is nuanced and dependent on numerous patient- and disease-specific factors. Clinical features that may predispose toward resection as front-line treatment include lower grade lesions, particularly those in non-eloquent locations, as well as active pregnancy. In all AVM resections, minimization of risk to exposed healthy brain adjacent to the lesion is a key surgical principle. In this illustrative case report, we discuss the management of a young woman who presented with a new diagnosis of AVM following an intracranial hemorrhage, at which time she was also identified as newly pregnant. Resection via the contralateral transfalcine approach with preoperative embolization was recommended, the intraoperative and postoperative courses proceeded uneventfully, and the patient was cured of her AVM and went on to successfully deliver twins. Recording and description of procedure are shown in Video Case Report.

Aneurysm Formation, Growth, and Rupture: The Biology and Physics of Cerebral Aneurysms.

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) are characterized by a pathological wall structure with internal elastic lamina and media disruption, which leads to focal weakened pouches of the arterial wall. The prevalence of unruptured CAs has been estimated to be 2%-5% in the general population. During the past few decades, the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the formation, growth, and rupture of CAs have been the focus of numerous research studies. In the present review, we have summarized the inflammatory pathways, genetics, and risk factors for the formation, growth, and rupture of CAs. In addition, we have discussed the concepts of geometric indexes, flow patterns, and fluid dynamics that govern CA development.

Rebleeding drives poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage independent of delayed cerebral ischemia: a propensity-score matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and aneurysm rebleeding contribute to morbidity and mortality in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH); however, the relationship between their impacts on overall functional outcome is incompletely understood. METHODS: The authors conducted a cohort study of all aSAH during the study period from 2001 to 2016. Primary end points were overall functional outcome and ischemic aSAH sequelae, defined as delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), DCI with infarction, symptomatic vasospasm (SV), and global cerebral edema (GCE). Outcomes were compared between the rebleed and nonrebleed cohorts overall and after propensity-score matching (PSM) for risk factors and treatment modality. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression analyses for functional outcomes were performed in the PSM cohort to identify predictors of poor outcome. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-five aSAH cases admitted within 24 hours of aneurysm rupture were included, of which 411 (90%) experienced initial aneurysm ruptures only, while 44 (10%) had clinically confirmed rebleeding. In the overall cohort, rebleeding was associated with significantly worse functional outcome, longer intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), and GCE (all p < 0.01); treatment modality, overall LOS, DCI, DCI with infarction, and SV were nonsignificant. In the PSM analysis of 43 matched rebleed and 43 matched nonrebleed cases, only poor functional outcome and GCE remained significantly associated with rebleeding (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Multivariate regression identified that both rebleeding (HR 21.5, p < 0.01) and DCI (HR 10.1, p = 0.01) independently predicted poor functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Rebleeding and DCI after aSAH are highly morbid and potentially deadly events after aSAH, which appear to have independent negative impacts on overall functional outcome. Early rebleeding did not significantly affect the risk of delayed ischemic complications.

Role of Preoperative Embolization in Carotid Body Tumor Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are highly vascularized tumors which can render tumor resection surgery challenging. There is evidence suggesting that preoperative selective embolization can reduce blood loss during surgery and decrease the risk of perioperative complications; however, recent reports have questioned the benefits that preoperative embolization provides. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of preoperative embolization on CBT surgical resection. METHODS: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until March 2019. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and the I2 statistic was used to assess for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies comprising 1326 patients were included. Patients who received preoperative embolization had statistically significant lower intraoperative blood loss (weighted mean difference [WMD], -135.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], -224.58 to -46.06; I2 = 78.6%). Duration of the procedure was statistically significantly shorter in the preembolization group than the nonembolization group (WMD, -38.61; 95% CI, -65.61 to -11.62; I2 = 71.9%). There were no differences in the rates of cranial nerve (CN) injuries (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% CI, 0.68-1.86; I2 = 12.9%), stroke (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.70-4.36; I2 = 0%), transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.11-2.65; I2 = 0%), or length of stay (WMD, 0.32; 95% CI, -1.35 to 1.98; I2 = 96.4%) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received embolization prior to CBT resection had statistically significant lower blood loss and shorter duration of operation. The rates of CN palsy, stroke, TIA, and length of stay were similar between patients who had preoperative embolization and those who did not.

Treatment of Ethmoidal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Meta-analysis Comparing Endovascular versus Surgical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in the anterior cranial fossa constitute approximately 1%-1.5% of intracranial vascular malformations. Depending on the drainage patterns, the diagnosis of ethmoidal DAVFs should prompt treatment because of the high risk of bleeding. Available treatments strategies are surgical treatment and the endovascular approach. OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical treatment with the endovascular therapy in terms of complete obliteration and perioperative adverse events. METHODS: This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed and Cochrane until February 2019. A random effects model meta-analysis of odds ratios (OR) was conducted and the I-square was used to assess heterogeneity. Good outcome was defined as no neurologic deterioration within 30 days after the procedure. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 81 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Surgical disconnection was superior to endovascular therapy in terms of postprocedural complete obliteration rate (surgery group, 100% [n = 65/65]; endovascular therapy, 47% [n = 15/32]; OR, 32.19; 95% confidence interval, 5.46-189.72; I2 = 9.9%) and 30-day good outcome (surgery group, 98% [n = 63/64]; endovascular therapy, 47% [n = 15/32]; OR, 21.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.94-247.27; I2 = 53.6%). No significant differences in terms of 30-day stroke, transient ischemic attack; visual deficit, new-onset seizure, and intracranial hemorrhage were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment was superior to endovascular therapy in terms of complete obliteration and overall good outcome. Adverse event rates were similar between the 2 groups. Future studies should be conducted to validate our results.

Accredited Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Programs: Current Specialty Composition and Academic Impact Using the h Index.

BACKGROUND: Concerns exist that neurosurgery might fail to lead the field of endovascular surgical neuroradiology (ESN), as other specialties are allowed to train and practice ESN. This study aimed to assess the current breakdown of specialties and their relative academic productivity in accredited ESN fellowship programs. METHODS: A list of fellowship programs was obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training directories. Primary specialty (i.e., residency) training for each faculty member in these programs was determined using information provided by the programs. A bibliometric search was performed for each member using Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA). Cumulative and ESN-specific h indices were calculated; h indices were compared between each specialty group and between international medical graduates and US medical graduates, regardless of specialty training. RESULTS: Thirty-one ESN fellowship programs with 88 faculty members were included. Neurosurgeons constituted 61.4% (n = 54) of the total ESN faculty, followed by radiologists with 30.7% (n = 27), and neurologists with 7.9% (n = 7). The mean ESN-specific h index for neurosurgery-trained ESN faculty was 16.2 ± 14.6 compared with 14.4 ± 10.9 for radiologists and 13.0 ± 12.6 for neurologists (P = 0.76). There were 12 IMGs and 76 USMGs. The mean ESN-specific h index was greater for IMGs than USMGs, 24.7 ± 14.3 versus 14.0 ± 12.7 (P = 0.008), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgery is leading the ESN field in numbers; however, the h index is not significantly different among ESN faculty based on primary training. The number of IMGs is relatively small, yet IMGs have significantly higher mean h indices.

Nuances of transarterial and transvenous embolization of a large tentorial arteriovenous fistula.

An 80-year-old female presented with a long history of severe pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, and decreased hearing. She was found to have a large right-sided tentorial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with enlarged deep draining veins, including the vein of Rosenthal. The patient underwent Onyx embolization of the fistula via a combined transarterial and transvenous approach resulting in complete obliteration of the fistula. Her symptoms improved immediately after the procedure and at 6-months' follow-up she was clinically asymptomatic with no evidence of residual fistula on neuroimaging. Transvenous embolization of AVF is at times necessary when transarterial access is not possible.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/uOMHY7eaOoQ.

Surgical treatment of previously embolized craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula.

Craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are rare vascular lesions with a potentially dangerous natural history due to the onset of neurological deficit secondary to intracranial hemorrhage or myelopathy due to venous congestion. Despite advances in endovascular techniques, many dAVFs located in this area continue to require surgical treatment as embolization is often not feasible or safe. In this video, the authors illustrate a patient with a symptomatic craniocervical junction dAVF who had undergone attempted Onyx embolization at another institution. Because of persistent filling of the fistula and worsening myelopathy after the previous attempt, the patient was referred to the authors' clinic for definitive surgical treatment. The video illustrates the typical location of the early draining vein in most craniocervical junction dAVFs immediately below the emergence of the vertebral artery from the dura. The patient underwent successful definitive clip ligation of the fistula, which was exposed through a lateral suboccipital craniotomy.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/Bvg6VKLgwO0.

Remote ischemic preconditioning for elective endovascular intracranial aneurysm repair: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Remote ischemic preconditioning has been proposed as a possible potential treatment for ischemic stroke. However, neuroprotective benefits of the pre-procedural administration of remote ischemic preconditioning have not been investigated in patients undergoing an elective endovascular intracranial aneurysm repair procedure. This study investigated the safety and feasibility of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm who undergo elective endovascular treatment. METHODS: In this single-center prospective study, patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm undergoing elective endovascular treatment with flow diverters or coiling were recruited. Patients received three intermittent cycles of 5 minutes arm ischemia followed by reperfusion using manual blood cuff inflation/deflation less than 5 hours prior to endovascular treatment. Patients were monitored and followed up for remote ischemic preconditioning-related adverse events and ischemic brain lesions by diffusion -weighted magnetic resonance imaging within 48 hours following endovascular treatment. RESULTS: A total of seven patients aged 60 ± 5 years with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm successfully completed a total of 21 sessions of remote ischemic preconditioning and the required procedures. Except for two patients who developed skin petechiae over their arms, no other serious procedure-related adverse events were observed as a result of the remote ischemic preconditioning procedure. On follow-up diffusion -weighted magnetic resonance imaging, a total of 19 ischemic brain lesions with a median (interquartile range) volume of 245 (61-466) mm3 were found in four out of seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of remote ischemic preconditioning prior to endovascular intracranial aneurysm repair was well tolerated, safe and clinically feasible. Larger sham-controlled clinical trials are required to determine the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic strategy in mitigating ischemic damage following endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Novel Endovascular Neck Reconstruction and Coiling Technique for the Treatment of a Large Wide-Necked Basilar Apex Aneurysm Through a Radial Artery Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Herein, we demonstrate a case of a large, wide-necked, basilar apex aneurysm (BAA) that was treated with neck reconstruction-assisted coil embolization using the PulseRider device (PulsarVascular, Los Gatos, California), a novel neck-reconstruction device. A 68-yr-old man was found to have large BAA during work-up for sinusitis. Computed tomography angiogram revealed an 11 × 10-mm BAA. Patient has history of coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (currently taking Warfarin), recent left hip replacement and right femoral bypass. Treatment of the aneurysm was advised due to its location and size. Microsurgical clip reconstruction was high risk for general anesthesia due to his medical comorbidities and anticoagulation. Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms are challenging to treat with traditional balloon- or stent-assisted techniques. To mitigate these challenges, novel neck-reconstruction devices have been developed. The Pulsar is one of these neck-reconstruction devices that removes the need to selectively catheterize branch arteries; it is available in a "Y" and "T" configuration. Under conscious sedation and through a radial artery approach, the patient underwent endovascular reconstruction of BAA with Pulsar device and coils. A 6-Fr guide catheter, a 0.021" microcatheter for the Pulsar device and a 0.017" microcatheter for coil delivering were used. A 3 × 8.6 mm Pulsar device was selected based on aneurysm neck and basilar artery measurements. Complete embolization (Raymond-Roy 1 obliteration) of the aneurysm was successfully achieved with no complications. The patient remained neurologically intact and was discharged on postoperative day 1. Parts of this video were published in Intracranial Aneurysms (1st Edition), Ringer (Ed), online companion to chapter 33B, Copyright Elsevier (2018).

Direct Transcervical Access vs the Transfemoral Approach for Carotid Artery Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To examine the safety profile of transcervical access (TCA) in comparison with the transfemoral approach (TFA) in carotid artery stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to current guidelines. Eleven eligible studies including 11,592 patients (10,736 in the TFA group and 856 in the TCA group) were identified through a search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases up to October 2018. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and quantified using the Egger method. RESULTS: The TFA group had a statistically significantly higher risk of periprocedural (30-day) stroke compared with the TCA group (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.63, p=0.027; I2=0%). Also, patients in the TFA group had a significantly higher risk of developing new ischemic lesions (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.48 to 5.96, p=0.002; I2=0%) on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). No differences in terms of transient ischemic attack (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.10, p=0.268; I2=5.9%), myocardial infarction (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.35; p=0.242; I2=0%), local hematoma (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.25, p=0.389; I2=0%), or mortality (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.92, p=0.449; I2=0%) were identified between the groups. CONCLUSION: TCA is associated with a significantly lower risk for periprocedural stroke and DW-MRI ischemic lesions compared with TFA. Other periprocedural outcomes were similar between the groups.