SOFIA Aspiration System as first-line Technique (SOFAST): a prospective, multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of the 6 French SOFIA Flow Plus aspiration catheter for endovascular stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The SOFAST study collected clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of the 6 French SOFIA Flow Plus aspiration catheter (SOFIA 6F) when used as first-line treatment. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter investigation to assess the safety and efficacy of SOFIA 6F used for first-line aspiration. Anterior circulation LVO stroke patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI)≥2b rate. Secondary endpoints included first-pass and first-line mTICI≥2b rates, times from arteriotomy to clot contact and mTICI≥2b, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS)≤2. First-line and final mTICI scores were adjudicated by an independent imaging core lab. Safety events were assessed by an independent clinical events adjudicator. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were enrolled across 12 centers from July 2020 to June 2022. Median age was 67 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 15.5, and 56.5% of patients received intravenous thrombolytics. At the end of the procedure, 97.2%, 85.2%, and 55.6% of patients achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. With SOFIA 6F first-line aspiration, 87.0%, 79.6%, and 52.8% achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. After the first pass, 75.0%, 70.4%, and 50.9% achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. Median times from arteriotomy to clot contact and successful revascularization were 12 and 17 min, respectively. At 90 days, 66.7% of patients achieved mRS≤2. CONCLUSIONS: First-line aspiration with SOFIA 6F is safe and effective with high revascularization rates and short procedure times.

Endovascular intervention for the treatment of epistaxis: cone beam CT review of anatomy, collateral, and treatment implications/efficacy.

Epistaxis is common, impacting more than half the population, and can require procedural intervention in approximately 10% of cases. With an aging population and increasing use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants, severe epistaxis is likely to increase in frequency significantly over the next two decades. Sphenopalatine artery embolization is rapidly becoming the most common type of procedural intervention. The efficacy of endovascular embolization is dependent on a refined understanding of the anatomy and collateral physiology of this circulation as well as the impact of temporizing measures such as nasal packing and inflation of a nasal balloon. Likewise, safety is dependent on a detailed appreciation of collateralization with the internal carotid artery and ophthalmic artery. Cone beam CT imaging has the resolution to enable a clear visualization of the anatomy and collateral circulation associated with the arterial supply to the nasal cavity, in addition to assisting with hemorrhage localization. We present a review of epistaxis treatment, a detailed description of anatomic and physiologic considerations informed by cone beam CT imaging, and a proposed protocol for sphenopalatine embolization for which there is currently no standard.

Safety and efficacy of endovascular versus microsurgical treatment of unruptured wide-necked middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a propensity score-matched analysis of the NeuroVascular Quality Initiative Quality Outcomes Database Cerebral Aneurysm Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Unruptured, wide-necked middle cerebral artery (WN-MCA) aneurysms have traditionally been considered ideal candidates for microsurgery (MS), although endovascular treatment (EVT) has dramatically increased in popularity with the advent of novel devices such as intrasaccular flow disruptors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MS versus EVT for unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms. METHODS: The NeuroVascular Quality Initiative Quality Outcomes Database (NVQI-QOD) Cerebral Aneurysm Registry, a multiinstitutional, prospectively collected procedural database, was queried for cases of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms treated with MS or EVT between 2015 and 2022. A wide neck was defined as an aneurysm neck ≥ 4 mm or a dome/neck ratio ≤ 2. Demographics and aneurysm characteristics were queried. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to match aneurysm size, number of aneurysms treated, patient age, and aneurysm status. Safety outcomes were evaluated including intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Aneurysm occlusion status and clinical outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and the last follow-up were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 671 unruptured MCA aneurysms, 319 were wide necked. Thirty cases were excluded, as the aneurysm had been previously treated. Two hundred eighty-nine operations (203 EVT, 86 MS) in 282 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 86 operations in each group for analysis. The mean aneurysm width was 5.0 (EVT) versus 4.9 mm (MS; p = 0.285). Safety data showed similar intraoperative (7.0% EVT vs 3.5% MS, p = 0.496) and postoperative (4.7% vs 7%, p = 0.746) complication rates. The MS patients were more likely to have complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge (90.4% vs 58.8%, p < 0.001). In a limited subset of patients (52.9%) for whom outcome data were available, the EVT patients were more likely to have an mRS score 0 at discharge (50/59 [84.7%] vs 29/54 [53.7%], p < 0.0003] and at the last follow-up (36/55 [65.5%] vs 13/36 [36.1%], p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a large, modern cohort of propensity score-matched patients who underwent treatment of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms. Safety data on intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar in both treatment groups. MS was more likely to result in complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge. In a subset of patients with available outcome data, EVT was associated with better functional outcomes at discharge and the last follow-up. Given the lack of complete follow-up data and rates of retreatment, these results should be interpreted cautiously.

SuperDyna: Unlocking the Potential of Post-Treatment Device Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Current imaging algorithms for post-device evaluation are limited by either poor representation of the device or poor delineation of the treated vessel. Combining the high-resolution images from a traditional three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) protocol with the longer cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocol may provide simultaneous visualization of both the device and the vessel content in a single volume, improving the accuracy and detail of the assessment. We aim here to review our use of this technique which we termed "SuperDyna". METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent an endovascular procedure between February 2022 and January 2023 were identified. We analyzed patients who had both non-contrast CBCT and 3D-DSA post-treatment and collected information on pre-/post-blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, radiation dose, and the intervention type. RESULTS: In 1 year, SuperDyna was performed in 52 (of 1935, 2.6%) patients, of which 72% were women, median age 60 years. The most common reason for the addition of the SuperDyna was for post-flow diversion assessment (n=39). Renal function tests showed no changes. The average total procedure radiation dose was 2.8 Gy, with 4% dose and ~20 mL of contrast attributed to the additional 3D-DSA needed to generate the SuperDyna. CONCLUSIONS: The SuperDyna is a fusion imaging method that combines high-resolution CBCT and contrasted 3D-DSA to evaluate intracranial vasculature post-treatment. It allows for more comprehensive evaluation of the device position and apposition, aiding in treatment planning and patient education.

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage With Tenecteplase vs Alteplase in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Comparative Effectiveness of Routine Tenecteplase vs Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CERTAIN) Collaboration.

Importance: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a serious complication of stroke thrombolytic therapy. Many stroke centers have adopted 0.25-mg/kg tenecteplase instead of alteplase for stroke thrombolysis based on evidence from randomized comparisons to alteplase as well as for its practical advantages. There have been no significant differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) reported from randomized clinical trials or published case series for the 0.25-mg/Kg dose. Objective: To assess the risk of sICH following ischemic stroke in patients treated with tenecteplase compared to those treated with alteplase. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective observational study using data from the large multicenter international Comparative Effectiveness of Routine Tenecteplase vs Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CERTAIN) collaboration comprising deidentified data on patients with ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Data from more than 100 hospitals in New Zealand, Australia, and the US that used alteplase or tenecteplase for patients treated between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, were included for analysis. Participating centers included a mix of nonthrombectomy- and thrombectomy-capacity comprehensive stroke centers. Standardized data were abstracted and harmonized from local or regional clinical registries. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who were considered eligible and received thrombolysis at the participating stroke registries during the study period were included. All 9238 patients who received thrombolysis were included in this retrospective analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures: sICH was defined as clinical worsening of at least 4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), attributed to parenchymal hematoma, subarachnoid, or intraventricular hemorrhage. Differences between tenecteplase and alteplase in the risk of sICH were assessed using logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, NIHSS score, and thrombectomy. Results: Of the 9238 patients included in the analysis, the median (IQR) age was 71 (59-80) years, and 4449 patients (48%) were female. Tenecteplase was administered to 1925 patients. The tenecteplase group was older (median [IQR], 73 [61-81] years vs 70 [58-80] years; P < .001), more likely to be male (1034 of 7313 [54%] vs 3755 of 1925 [51%]; P < .01), had higher NIHSS scores (median [IQR], 9 [5-17] vs 7 [4-14]; P < .001), and more frequently underwent endovascular thrombectomy (38% vs 20%; P < .001). The proportion of patients with sICH was 1.8% for tenecteplase and 3.6% for alteplase (P < .001), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.30-0.58; P < .01). Similar results were observed in both thrombectomy and nonthrombectomy subgroups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this large study, ischemic stroke treatment with 0.25-mg/kg tenecteplase was associated with lower odds of sICH than treatment with alteplase. The results provide evidence supporting the safety of tenecteplase for stroke thrombolysis in real-world clinical practice.

Principles, techniques and applications of high resolution cone beam CT angiography in the neuroangio suite.

The aim of this review is to describe the acquisition and reformatting of state of the art high resolution cone beam CT (HR-CBCT) and demonstrate its role in multiple neurovascular conditions as a tool to improve the understanding of disease and guide therapeutic decisions. First, we will review the basic principle of CBCT acquisition, followed by the injection protocols and the reformatting paradigms. Next, multiple applications in different pathological conditions such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, and stroke will be described. HR-CBCT angiography, widely available, is uniquely useful in certain clinical scenarios to improve the understanding of disease and guide therapeutic decisions. It rapidly is becoming an essential tool for the contemporary neurointerventionalist.AChoAho.

Artificial intelligence aneurysm measurement tool finds growth in all aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral aneurysm rupture is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Detecting aneurysms at high risk of rupture is critical in management decision making. Rupture risk has traditionally been associated with size-measured as a maximum dimension. However, aneurysms are morphologically dynamic, a characteristic ignored by large prospective aneurysm risk studies. Manual measurement is challenging and fraught with error. We used an artificial intelligence (AI) measurement tool to study aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management to detect changes in size not appreciated by manual linear measurement. METHODS: A single practice database with >5000 aneurysms was queried. Patients followed conservatively for an unruptured aneurysm were identified using appropriate diagnosis codes. This cohort was screened for subsequent rupture using procedure codes. Only patients with two vascular imaging studies before rupture were included. RESULTS: Five patients met the criteria. All patients had aneurysm enlargement, two of which were not detected from manual linear measurements, including adjudication and analysis, during a multidisciplinary neurovascular conference in a high volume practice. Maximum dimension increased at a minimum of 1.8% (range 1.8-63.3%) from the first scan to the last, and aneurysm volume increased at a minimum of 5.9% (5.9-385.5%), highlighting the importance of volumetric measurement. CONCLUSIONS: AI-enabled volumetric measurements are more sensitive to changes in size and detected enlargement in all aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management. This finding has major implications for clinical practice and methods used for interval aneurysm measurement in patients being conservatively followed.

Technical video: Onyx-18 embolization of spinal epidural arteriovenous Fistula using the scepter-Mini balloon catheter.

Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) account for approximately 70% of all vascular spinal malformations and commonly develop in the lateral epidural space at the epidural /radicular venous junction. The fistula is located close to the spinal nerve root where a radiculomeningeal artery shunts to a radicular vein. Increased venous pressure leads to decreased spinal venous drainage and venous congestion causing progressive myelopathy, bowel/bladder incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Treatment consists of surgical occlusion of the intradural vein, or endovascular embolization, which has a reported success rate of 25%-75%.1 Endovascular failure can occur with inadequate embolic penetration of the nidus and the proximal segment of the draining vein, or premature reflux of the liquid embolic agent.The use of a dual-lumen balloon microcatheter offers advantage in these cases given the ability to push liquid embolysate more distally during balloon inflation. The Scepter Mini is a new dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO)-compatible dual-lumen balloon microcatheter with a distal-tip outer diameter of 1.6 Fr and a nominal balloon diameter of 2.2 mm, facilitating atraumatic navigation and safer balloon inflation. Limited neurointerventional experience using the Scepter Mini in predominantly cerebrovascular cases has reported favorable navigability and flow arrest2, 3 Although Onyx is rarely used for spinal AVF embolization, success has been reported considering the well-known favorable experience in cerebral cases.1, 4, 5We present one of the first cases of Onyx embolization of a spinal dural AVF through a Scepter Mini in a patient with progressively worsening lower extremity sensorimotor dysfunction. Operators should be aware of radiculomedullary arteries arising at the same level or at adjacent levels to avoid unintentional Onyx migration during balloon inflation.

Safety and Effectiveness of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Single Plane Angiography.

OBJECTIVES: Nearly all data on mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is based on procedures performed on biplane angiography systems. However, thrombectomy may be performed on single-plane systems in situations of triage or limited resources. We present the first US study comparing the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy performed on single-plane vs. biplane systems. METHODS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated with thrombectomy between July 2020 and July 2021 by a high-volume practice. Patients were dichotomized into those treated on single plane and biplane systems. Demographic, procedural, clinical and follow-up characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Of the 246 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, 70 (33%) and 141 (66%) patients were treated on SP and BP systems, respectively. No significant differences were detected in follow-up 'good functional outcome' (mRS ≤ 2; SP 51% vs BP 43%, p = 0.14), successful recanalization (SP 87% vs BP 88%, p = 0.72), intra-procedural vascular injury (SP 3% vs BP 2%, p = 0.96), or time from groin puncture to reperfusion (SP 24 min vs BP 26 min, p = 0.58). Additionally, no significant differences were detected in peri-procedural complications, fluoroscopy times or total radiation. Patients treated on single plane systems required significantly more contrast. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke performed on single plane angiography systems is as safe and efficacious as when performed on biplane systems. Our results may have implications for increasing stroke care access, both domestically in underserved/rural areas and internationally when considering requirements for stroke care in lower-income countries.

The Use of a Pipeline Embolization Device for Treatment of a Ruptured Dissecting Middle Cerebral Artery M3/M4 Aneurysm: Challenges and Technical Considerations.

Prompt, effective treatment is necessary following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent recurrent rupture, which is thought to double mortality. Atypical ruptured aneurysms, such as blister or dissecting pseudoaneurysms, or those that are unusually distal in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are challenging to treat with either open or endovascular options, though the pipeline embolization device (PED) has shown promise in multiple case series. We present a case of a ruptured dissecting pseudoaneurysm in the distal MCA (distal M3/proximal M4) prefrontal division in an healthy young patient (<60 years) successfully treated with a PED. The PED was chosen both as the only vessel sparing option in the young patient as well as for its potential as a vessel sacrifice tool if the pseudoaneurysm was felt to be incompletely treated, which in this case was not necessary-though would have leveraged the thrombogenicity of the device as a therapeutic advantage.

Racial Disparity in Mechanical Thrombectomy Utilization: Multicenter Registry Results From 2016 to 2020.

Background Previous studies on racial disparity in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment of acute large vessel occlusion stroke lack individual patient data that influence treatment decision-making. We assessed patient-level data in a large US health care system from 2016 to 2020 for racial disparities in MT utilization and eligibility. Methods and Results A retrospective study was performed of 34 596 patients admitted to 43 hospitals from January 2016 to September 2020. Data included patient age, sex, race, residential zip code median income and population density, presenting hospital stroke certification, baseline ambulation, and National Institutes of Health stroke scale. The cohort included 26 640 White, non-Hispanic (77.0%), and 7956 African American/Black (23.0%) patients. In multivariable logistic regression, Black patients were less likely to undergo MT (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.54-0.76), arrive within 5 hours of "last known well" (adjusted OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69-0.78), and have documented anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (adjusted OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.96). Race was not associated with MT rate among patients arriving within 5 hours of last known well with documented acute large vessel occlusion. Conclusions Black patients with stroke underwent MT less frequently than White patients, likely in part because of longer times from last known well to hospital arrival and a lower rate of documented acute large vessel occlusion. Further studies are needed to assess whether extending the MT time window and more aggressive large vessel occlusion screening protocols mitigate this disparity.

Adjustment of Malpositioned Woven EndoBridge Device Using Gooseneck Snare: Complication Management Technique.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intrasaccular flow-disrupting device for the treatment of wide-necked saccular cerebral aneurysms. As with any neuroendovascular device, complications in the form of malpositioning and migration must be managed quickly and safely. Few studies have reported complication management techniques in instances of dislocated or migrated WEB devices. We retrospectively describe a case of a malpositioned WEB device that was successfully adjusted with the use of a gooseneck snare. Multiple other intra-procedural bailout strategies for management of WEB malposition and migration were considered, and are herein discussed. Operators should be aware of the causes of WEB malposition and a variety of bailout strategies.

Patient Characteristics and Outcomes Associated with Decline in Stroke Volumes During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed evaluation of stroke may contribute to COVID-19 pandemic-related morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated patient characteristics, process measures and outcomes associated with the decline in stroke presentation during the early pandemic. METHODS: Volumes of stroke presentations, intravenous thrombolytic administrations, and mechanical thrombectomies from 52 hospitals from January 1-June 30, 2020 were analyzed with piecewise linear regression and linear spline models. Univariate analysis compared pandemic (case) and pre-pandemic (control) groups defined in relation to the nadir of daily strokes during the study period. Significantly different patient characteristics were further evaluated with logistic regression, and significantly different process measures and outcomes were re-analyzed after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Analysis of 7,389 patients found daily stroke volumes decreased 0.91/day from March 12-26 (p < 0.0001), reaching a nadir 35.0% less than expected, and increased 0.15 strokes/day from March 27-June 23, 2020 (p < 0.0001). Intravenous thrombolytic administrations decreased 3.3/week from February 19-March 31 (p = 0.0023), reaching a nadir 33.4% less than expected, and increased 1.4 administrations/week from April 1-June 23 (p < 0.0001). Mechanical thrombectomy volumes decreased by 1.5/week from February 19-March 31, 2020 (p = 0.0039), reaching a nadir 11.3% less than expected. The pandemic group was more likely to ambulate independently at baseline (p = 0.02, OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.08-2.42), and less likely to present with mild stroke symptoms (NIH Stroke Scale ≤ 5; p = 0.04, OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02). Process measures and outcomes of each group did not differ, including door-to-needle time, door-to-puncture time, and successful mechanical thrombectomy rate. CONCLUSION: Stroke presentations and acute interventions decreased during the early COVID-19 pandemic, at least in part due to patients with lower baseline functional status and milder symptoms not seeking medical care. Public health messaging and initiatives should target these populations.

Endovascular Retreatment of Previously Ruptured Coiled Cerebral Aneurysm Remnants Significantly Reduces Rebleed Rate.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms by endovascular coiling is associated with a better neurologic outcome when compared with neurosurgical clipping but has a higher risk for target aneurysm rebleeding after treatment. We hypothesize that aggressive retreatment of coiled aneurysms will lead to fewer recurrent hemorrhages as compared with historical values of 2.3%-3.0%. METHODS: All first-time Guglielmi detachable coil-embolized cerebral aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution from 2004 to 2015. Aneurysm retreatment after first-time embolization was recorded as well as time to retreatment. Retreatment at our institution is routinely performed for incomplete coiling with etiologies including incomplete initial coiling, coil compaction, and aneurysmal dilatation. Aneurysm rerupture was treated with additional coiling. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate embolization durability. RESULTS: There were 214 aneurysms that met inclusion criteria. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up was 2.74 (2.24) years. Aneurysms that were patent or recanalized were retreated. Mean (standard deviation) time to retreatment was 9 (9) months. Overall, 46 (21.5%) aneurysms required retreatment. Retreatment was performed for coil compaction/remnant growth, recanalization, persistent remnant, and rebleed. Two (0.9%) patients had recurrent aneurysm hemorrhage and both were treated with additional coil embolization. There were no new long-term neurologic deficits caused by aneurysm retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive retreatment of previously ruptured, coiled cerebral aneurysms for persistent aneurysm patency reduces the recurrent hemorrhage risk to that historically seen in neurosurgically clipped aneurysms with minimal additional morbidity. This study validates a large body of literature demonstrating the significance of post-treatment aneurysm remnants and their association with recurrent hemorrhage.

The Natural History of Coiled Cerebral Aneurysms Stratified by Modified Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history and long-term durability of Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization is still unknown. We hypothesize a stepwise decrease in durability of embolized cerebral aneurysms as stratified by the Modified Raymond-Roy Classification (MRRC). METHODS: First-time GDC-embolized cerebral aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed from 2004 to 2015. Loss of durability (LOD) was defined by change in aneurysm size or patency seen on serial radiographic follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate embolization durability. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was used to assess baseline aneurysm and patient characteristics for their effect on LOD. RESULTS: A total of 427 patients with 443 aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 89 (21%) aneurysms met LOD criteria. Grade 1 aneurysms had statistically significantly greater durability than did all other MRRC grades. Grade 3b aneurysms had significantly worse durability than did all other aneurysm grades. There was no difference in durability between grade 2 and 3a aneurysms. Of aneurysms with LOD, 26 (29%) experienced worsening of MRRC grade. Thirty-five (24%) initial MRRC grade 2, 72 (45%) initial MRRC grade 3a, and 6 (22%) initial MRRC grade 3b aneurysms progressed to MRRC grade 1 without retreatment. In our multivariate analysis, only initial MRRC grade was statistically significantly associated with treatment durability (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MRRC grade is independently associated with first-time GDC-embolized cerebral aneurysm durability. Achieving MRRC grade 1 occlusion outcome is significantly associated with greater long-term GDC durability. Although few aneurysms experience further growth and/or recanalization, most incompletely obliterated aneurysms tend to remain stable over time or even progress to occlusion. Grading scales such as the MRRC are useful for characterizing aneurysm occlusion but may lack sensitivity and specificity for characterizing changes in aneurysm morphology over time.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured tiny (⩽3mm) intracranial aneurysms in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case series of 20 patients and literature review.

Successful endovascular coiling of ruptured tiny saccular intracranial aneurysms (⩽3mm) is technically challenging and traditionally has been associated with technical failures, as well as morbidity related to thromboembolic events and high intraoperative rupture rates. This study analyzes the feasibility, technical efficacy, and clinical outcomes of coil embolization of ruptured tiny intracranial aneurysms using current coil and microcatheter technology and techniques. We performed a retrospective review of 20 patients with 20 ruptured tiny aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from 2013 to 2016 at a single high-volume academic tertiary care practice. The mean aneurysm size was 2.4mm (median 2.5mm, 1-3). Complete occlusion was achieved in 12 of 20 patients (60%), the remaining 7 of 20 patients (35%) had a small neck remnant, and there was 1 failure (5%) converted to microsurgical clipping. Two patients had a failed attempted surgical clip reconstruction and were subsequently coiled. There was 1 intraprocedural rupture (5%) and 1 severe parent artery vasospasm (5%) during coiling. At discharge, 60% of patients were living independently. At follow-up three patients were deceased. Mean angiographic follow-up was 139days (SD 120). There were no aneurysm recurrences among occluded patients and there were no retreatments among those with neck remnants. Coiling of ruptured aneurysms ⩽3mm is feasible with high occlusion rates and low complication rates. The availability of softer coils with flexible detachment zones has led to safe and effective endovascular treatment of tiny ruptured aneurysms.

Neuroophthalmological outcomes associated with use of the Pipeline Embolization Device: analysis of the PUFS trial results.

OBJECT: Neuroophthalmological morbidity is commonly associated with large and giant cavernous and supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The authors sought to evaluate the neuroophthalmological outcomes after treatment of these aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). METHODS: The Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) trial was an international, multicenter prospective trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the PED. All patients underwent complete neuroophthalmological examinations both before the PED procedure and at a 6-month follow-up. All examinations were performed for the purpose of this study and according to study criteria. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients were treated in the PUFS trial, 98 of whom had complete neuroophthalmological follow-up. Of the patients with complete follow-up, 39 (40%) presented with a neuroophthalmological baseline deficit that was presumed to be attributable to the aneurysm, and patients with these baseline deficits had significantly larger aneurysms. In 25 of these patients (64%), the baseline deficit showed at least some improvement 6 months after PED treatment, whereas in 1 patient (2.6%), the deficits only worsened. In 5 patients (5%), new deficits had developed at the 6-month follow-up, while in another 6 patients (6%), deficits that were not originally assumed to be related to the aneurysm had improved by that time. A history of diabetes was associated with failure of the baseline deficits to improve after the treatment. The aneurysm maximum diameter was significantly larger in patients with a new deficit or a worse baseline deficit at 6 months postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the PED for large and giant ICA aneurysms had excellent neuroophthalmological outcomes 6 months after the procedure, with deficits improving in most of the patients, very few deficits worsening, and few new deficits developing.

Features predictive of brain arteriovenous malformation hemorrhage: extrapolation to a physiologic model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although there is generally thought to be a 2% to 4% per annum rupture risk for brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), there is no way to estimate risk for an individual patient. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients were eligible who had nidiform bAVMs and underwent detailed pretreatment diagnostic cerebral angiography at our medical center from 1996 to 2006. All patients had superselective microcatheter angiography, and films were reviewed for the purpose of this project. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, and angioarchitectural characteristics were analyzed. A univariate analysis was performed, and angioarchitectural features with potential physiological significance that showed at least a trend toward significance were added to a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two bAVMs met criteria for study entry. bAVMs with single venous drainage anatomy were more likely to present with hemorrhage. In addition, patients with multiple draining veins and a venous stenosis reverted to a risk similar to those with 1 draining vein, whereas those with multiple draining veins and without stenosis had diminished association with hemorrhage presentation. Those bAVMs with associated aneurysms were more likely to present with hemorrhage. These findings were robust in both univariate and multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this article lead to the first physiological, internally consistent model of individual bAVM hemorrhage risk, where 1 draining vein, venous stenosis, and associated aneurysms increase risk.

Nidal embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations: rates of cure, partial embolization, and clinical outcome.

OBJECT: Nidal embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) has become an increasingly important component of bAVM treatment. However, controversy exists as to the relative efficacy and safety of single-stage versus multistage approaches to bAVM embolization, with recent literature favoring multistage strategies. The authors present a series of consecutive bAVMs embolized at their institution, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a predominantly single-stage embolization strategy. The safety and efficacy of embolization are reported in the context of predetermined treatment strategies to provide more generalizable insight into treatment outcome. METHODS: One hundred thirty consecutive patients with 131 bAVMs underwent endovascular embolization at a single center. Diagnostic angiography with superselective microcatheterizations was performed in all patients. Postembolization angiograms were reviewed by 3 neuroradiologists for degree of occlusion and angiographic evidence of procedural complications. Patients were divided into cohorts based on the prospectively determined treatment strategy, which included the following: global devascularization of the bAVM (Devasc); targeting of a focal angioarchitectural weakness (Target), typically as an adjunct to surgery or Gamma Knife treatment; and primary occlusion of the bAVM by embolization alone (Occlude). Safety and efficacy were evaluated in the context of these treatment groups. RESULTS: The 131 bAVMs were treated over an average of 1.28 embolization sessions per bAVM; 105 bAVMs (80%) were treated in a single stage. The average percentage devascularization in the Devasc arm was 85.3%, which was statistically significantly greater than the 72% aggregate devascularization reported in 8 modern N-butyl cyanoacrylate and Onyx papers based on 1-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum testing (p<0.001). Focal angioarchitectural weaknesses were successfully embolized for all 24 bAVMs in the Target group, directly with the embolic agent in 23 bAVMs and indirectly in 1 bAVM with a venous aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm by reducing arterial inflow and inducing venous thrombosis. Lesions in all patients in the Occlude arm were 100% occluded with embolization alone. Overall, the bAVMs in the Occlude arm were significantly smaller and required embolization of fewer pedicles than those in the Devasc group. One patient (0.8%) experienced significant morbidity following embolization, and 1 patient in the cohort died (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This research communicates the authors' experience in developing a largely single-stage strategy for embolization of bAVMs. The results suggest that an aggressive, single-stage embolization may be implemented with a margin of safety and effectiveness similar to the multistage approaches more commonly reported in the literature. This work additionally introduces the importance of prospective assignment to a treatment strategy in assessing procedural outcome in bAVM embolization, thereby improving generalizability of the results and allowing for more rigorous interpretation of efficacy and safety.

Phantom limb after stroke: an underreported phenomenon.

The presence of a phantom limb (PL) resulting from a cerebral lesion has been reported to be a rare event. No prior study, however, has systematically investigated the prevalence of this syndrome in a group of post-stroke individuals. Fifty post-stroke individuals were examined with structured interview/questionnaire to establish the presence and perceptual characteristics of PLs. We document the presence of phantom experiences in over half of these individuals (n=27). We provide details of these phantom experiences and further characterize these symptoms in terms of temporal qualities, posture, kinesthesia, and associated features. Twenty-two participants reported postural phantoms, which were perceived as illusions of limb position that commonly manifested while lying in bed at night - a time when visual input is removed from multi-sensory integration. Fourteen participants reported kinesthetic phantoms, with illusory movements ranging from simple single joint sensations to complex goal-directed phantom movements. A striking syndrome of near total volitional control of phantom movements was reported in four participants who had immobile plegic hands. Reduplicative phantom percepts were reported by only one participant. Similarly, phantom pain was present in only one individual - the sole participant with a pre-stroke limb amputation. The results suggest that stroke results in phantom experiences more commonly than previously described in the literature. We speculate that subtotal deafferance or defective motor efference after stroke may manifest intermittently as a PL.