Use of a large-bore 088 intracranial access support catheter for delivery of large intracranial devices: case series with the TracStar LDP in 125 cases.

BACKGROUND: The delivery of neuroendovascular devices requires a robust proximal access platform. This demand has previously been met with a 6Fr long sheath (8Fr guide) that is placed in the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery segments. We share our experience with the first 0.088 inch 8Fr guide catheter designed for direct intracranial access. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained IRB-approved institutional database of the senior authors to identify all cases where the TracStar Large Distal Platform (LDP) was positioned within the intracranial vasculature, defined as within or distal to the petrous ICA, vertebral artery (V3) segments, or transverse sinus. Technical success was defined as safe placement of the TracStar LDP within or distal to the described distal vessel segments with subsequent complication-free device implantation. RESULTS: Over the 41-month study period from January 2020 to June 2023, 125 consecutive cases were identified in whom the TracStar LDP was navigated into the intracranial vasculature for triaxial delivery of large devices, 0.027 inch microcatheter and greater, for aneurysm treatment (n=108, 86%), intracranial angioplasty/stenting (n=15, 12%), and venous sinus stenting (n=2, 1.6%). All cases used a direct select catheter technique for initial guide placement (no exchange). Posterior circulation treatments occurred in 14.4% (n=18) of cases. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. No vessel dissections occurred in any cases. CONCLUSION: The TracStar LDP is an 0.088 inch 8Fr guide catheter that can establish direct intracranial access with an acceptable safety profile. This can be achieved in a wide range of neurointerventional cases with a high rate of technical success.

Immediate procedural safety of adjunctive proximal coil occlusion in middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas: Experience in 137 cases.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) has emerged as an adjunctive and stand-alone modality for the management of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). We report our experience utilizing proximal MMA coil embolization to augment cSDH devascularization in MMA embolization. METHODS: MMA embolization cases with adjunctive proximal MMA coiling were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database of the senior authors. RESULTS: Of the 137 cases, all patients (n = 89, 100%) were symptomatic and underwent an MMA embolization procedure for cSDH. 50 of the patients underwent bilateral embolizations, with 53% (n = 72) for left-sided and 47% (n = 65) for right-sided cSDH. The anterior MMA branch was embolized in 19 (14%), posterior in 16 (12%), and both in 102 (74.5%) cases. Penetration of the liquid embolic to the contralateral MMA or into the falx was present in 38 (28%) and 31 (23%) cases, respectively, and 46 (34%) cases had ophthalmic or petrous collateral (n = 41, 30%) branches. MMA branches coiled include the primary trunk (25.5%, n = 35), primary and anterior or posterior MMA trunks (20%, n = 28), or primary with the anterior and posterior trunks (54%, n = 74). A mild ipsilateral facial nerve palsy was reported, which remained stable at discharge and follow-up. Absence of anterograde flow in the MMA occurred in 137 (100%) cases, and no cases required periprocedural rescue surgery for cSDH evacuation. The average follow-up length was 170 ± 17.9 days, cSDH was reduced by 4.24 ± 0.5(mm) and the midline shift by 1.46 ± 0.27(mm). Complete resolution was achieved in 63 (46.0%) cases. CONCLUSION: Proximal MMA coil embolization is a safe technique for providing additional embolization/occlusion of the MMA in cSDH embolization procedures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential added efficacy of this technique.

Use of flow diverter stent for treatment of a cervical carotid artery dissection and pseudoaneurysm causing Horner's syndrome.

A 28-year-old man in 2004 was identified with a spontaneous pseudoaneurysm and distal left cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. The patient was followed conservatively for 12 years with cross-sectional imaging. The patient was initially diagnosed with an acute left ICA dissection, with significant luminal narrowing. Follow-up imaging revealed the dissection was not completely healed, and a small pseudoaneurysm, about 4 mm in size, was formed in the distal left cervical ICA. During the 12-year observation period, the patient's pseudoaneurysm expanded from 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, and the patient presented with ptosis, anisocoria and myosis. Flow diverter embolisation resulted in a radiographic cure of the pseudoaneurysm and resolution of Horner's syndrome.

Symptomatic scalp fistula present in a 14-month-old toddler.

This case report covers the resection of a pulsatile scalp fistula, in a 14-month-old toddler. We discuss the patient diagnosis, imaging techniques used, as well as the patient's surgical intervention. We highlight the aetiology of arteriovenous fistulas, while comparing and contrasting previous case reports and their interventions, to our own specific case.

Penetrating intracranial trauma of two minors treated with endovascular technique with the use of temporary balloon occlusion for proximal arterial control.

We present two children treated with endovascular techniques to gain proximal arterial control of the internal carotid and vertebral artery prior to removal of penetrating objects from the skull base. Both siblings (8-month-old and 22-month-old boys) were injured by different sharp objects (knife and scissor) by a guardian. They were transported to the emergency room where vascular control, including coil embolisation and internal carotid balloon occlusion, was performed in the neuroendovascular suite for safe removal of penetrating objects. Both minors recovered and were discharged home without any focal neurological deficits. In two children with scissor and knife stab with intracranial penetration, endovascular technique allowed safe removal of objects and ensured proximal arterial control was maintained to control for possible extravasation of blood on removal from the skull base.

Pipeline-assisted coil embolization of a large middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm in a 9-month-old infant: experience from the youngest flow diversion case.

Intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population are rare entities. The authors recently treated a 9-month-old infant with a 19-mm recurrent, previously ruptured, and coil-embolized left middle cerebral artery (MCA) pseudoaneurysm, which was treated definitively with single-stage Pipeline-assisted coil embolization. The patient was 5 months old when she underwent resection of a left temporal Grade 1 desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma at an outside institution, which was complicated by left MCA injury with a resultant 9-mm left M1 pseudoaneurysm. Within a month, the patient had two aneurysmal rupture events and underwent emergency craniectomy for decompression and evacuation of subdural hematoma. The pseudoaneurysm initially underwent coil embolization; however, follow-up MR angiography (MRA) revealed aneurysm recanalization with saccular enlargement to 19 mm. The patient underwent successful flow diversion-assisted coil embolization at 9 months of age. At 7 months after the procedure, follow-up MRA showed complete aneurysm occlusion without evidence of in-stent thrombosis or stenosis. Experience with flow diverters in the pediatric population is still in its early phases, with the youngest reported patient being 22 months old. In this paper the authors report the first case of such a technique in an infant, whom they believe to be the youngest patient to undergo cerebral flow diversion treatment.

Pipeline Flex Embolization of Flow-Related Aneurysms Associated with Arteriovenous Malformations: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 0.1% of the population harbors brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Diagnosis and workup of AVMs include thorough evaluation for characterization of AVM angioarchitecture and careful assessment for concomitant aneurysms. The presence of coexisting aneurysms is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, with a published risk of 7% per year compared to patients with AVMs alone with a risk of 3%. Comprehensive AVM management requires recognition of concomitant aneurysms and prioritizes treatment strategies to mitigate the aggregate risk of intracranial hemorrhage associated with AVM rupture in patients with coexisting aneurysms. Endovascular treatment of these flow-related aneurysms can offer a cure, while avoiding open surgery. Successful flow-diverting embolization techniques, efficacy, and outcomes have been previously described for a variety of aneurysm types and locations. However, use of a flow diverter has not been previously described for the treatment of high-flow aneurysms on AVM-feeding vessels. CASE PRESENTATION: We report 2 cases of large AVMs within eloquent cortex associated with flow-related aneurysms in patients presenting initially with suspected intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to AVM rupture. DISCUSSION: No consensus currently exists to guide treatment of intracranial aneurysms associated with AVMs. Surgical management addressed AVM embolization initially, as the vasculopathology with the highest rupture risk. Subsequently, Pipeline embolization of the associated aneurysms with adequate antiplatelet treatment was performed before scheduled radiosurgery to decrease the risk of AVM rupture or rebleed. This represents a novel and promising use of the Pipeline Embolization Device. Additional cases and longer follow-up will be needed to further assess the efficacy of this technique.

Single-stage flow diversion with adjunctive coiling for cerebral aneurysm: outcomes and technical considerations in 72 cases.

BACKGROUND: Adjunctive coiling may improve occlusion outcomes when combined in a single stage with cerebral aneurysm flow diversion. This technique has not been well described. OBJECTIVE: To present a series of aneurysm patients treated by single-stage flow diversion with adjunctive coiling, describing technical considerations and outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using an IRB-approved database of procedures performed at a single institution. Treatment selection was based on large aneurysm size, morphological irregularity, branch vessel location, and wide neck. RESULTS: A total of 72 Pipeline with adjunctive coiling (PAC) procedures were performed on 69 patients. Average aneurysm size was 11.0 mm and 86% were wide-necked. Three progressively complex techniques were performed approximately equally: 27 sequential (38%), 23 jailed single-intermediate (32%), and 22 bifemoral jailed microcatheter (31%) cases. Aneurysm dome (P=0.0223) and neck size (P=0.001) increased with procedural complexity and there was a trend toward increased procedure length, radiation exposure, and stent thrombosis. A 'light' coil pack was used with an average packing density of 14% that did not vary by technique. Of the three major complications (4.2%), none were observed with the sequential approach (0%), one with the jailed single-intermediate (4.3%), and two with bifemoral cases (9.1%) (P=0.116). Complete occlusion was achieved in 85% of PAC cases at 6 months and 96% at 12-month follow-up angiography. CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple approaches to flow diversion with adjunctive coiling, each with technical challenges, suitable to different types of aneurysms. Flow diversion with coiling can expedite and improve occlusion outcomes without a significant increase in morbidity.

Use of a next-generation multi-durometer long guide sheath for triaxial access in flow diversion: experience in 95 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial access techniques in modern neurointerventions have shifted towards more robust access platforms. The long guide sheath is one of the building blocks of triaxial systems used in intracranial embolizations. Here we present our experience with the AXS Infinity LS long sheath in the triaxial platform for the implantation of the Pipeline embolization device (PED). METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent PED Flex treatment with the AXS Infinity LS at a single institution. Procedural data collected included parent artery tortuosity, patient demographics, vasodilator use, aneurysm characteristics, equipment utilized, and catheter-related complications. RESULTS: A total of 95 cases were completed using the AXS Infinity LS for the triaxial platform foundation in PED Flex treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Mean patient age was 56.2±12.2 years (range 21-86). Average aneurysm size was 6.9±6.2 mm (range 1-38). There were 89 anterior circulation cases (94%) and 6 posterior circulation cases (6%). Significant cervical ICA tortuosity was present in 11/89 (12%) and moderate to severe cavernous ICA tortuosity was present in 29/89 (33%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 40.0±19.8 min. In 14/95 cases (15%), vasospasm prophylaxis or treatment with intra-arterial verapamil infusion was performed. Catheter access-related complications included asymptomatic iatrogenic dissection in one case (1%) from the distal intracranial catheter and groin hematoma in one case (1%). No parent vessel wall abnormalities were visualized in the region of the Infinity long sheath on final control angiography in all 95 cases. CONCLUSION: The AXS Infinity LS is the newest long guide sheath available for modern neurointerventional procedures. We have shown its utility in augmenting the triaxial access platform in PED Flex cases by providing enhanced distal tip trackability with added support in the aortic arch and proximal great vessels.

Endovascular flow diversion for treatment of anterior communicating artery region cerebral aneurysms: a single-center cohort of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Flow diversion represents a novel but definitive treatment for recurrent and difficult-to-coil aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) region, of which reports are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the Pipeline embolization device (PED) in treating aneurysms in the ACoA region. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed an IRB-approved database of patients with an aneurysm at a single institution for patients with ACoA or A1-A2 aneurysms treated with PED. Data analyzed included demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, follow-up results, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 50 procedures were performed on 41 patients, including seven patients who underwent bilateral 'H-pipe' PED placement. The average age was 56 years and 46% of the patients were female. The average aneurysm size was 4.5 mm, and two large (>10 mm) aneurysms were treated. The vessel of origin was either the ACoA (26 aneurysms, 63%) or the A1-A2 junction (15 aneurysms, 37%). Eighteen patients (44%) had prior subarachnoid hemorrhage and 20 had previously been treated either with clipping (6 aneurysms, 15%) or coiling (14 aneurysms, 34%). Procedural success was achieved in 48/50 cases (96%) and two cases were aborted. Coils were deployed adjunctively in two cases (4%). Procedural outcomes included no deaths, one major ischemic stroke (2%), and two patients with intracranial hemorrhage (4%). Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 81% of patients at 6 months and 85% of patients at last follow-up digital subtraction angiography. CONCLUSIONS: The PED can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of aneurysms of the ACoA region. This represents a good alternative treatment option to microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling.

Ultra-small diameter coils for treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

This study reports our initial clinical experience treating very small intracranial aneurysms using only Target® Nano™ coils. Retrospective angiographic and clinical analysis was performed on a non-randomized single arm registry of all intracranial aneurysms treated with only Target® Nano™ coils (1 mm and 1.5 mm diameter only) during a 12 month period at two academic hospitals. Fourteen patients with 14 intracranial aneurysms were treated. The maximum diameter of saccular aneurysms treated ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 mm; minimum aneurysm diameter was 1.1 to 2 mm. The immediate complete aneurysm occlusion rate was 86% (12/14), and a small residual within the aneurysm was seen in 14% (2/14) of cases. Packing density from coils ranged between 24% and 83% (mean 51%). The immediate complication rate was 0% (0/14). The angiographic/MR angiography follow-up period was 22 to 70 weeks (mean 37 weeks) with an overall complete occlusion rate of 9/11 (81%), recurrence in 18% (2/11), and lack of follow-up in three cases, two due to death during hospitalization and one procedure not yet due for imaging follow-up. Both patients who died presented with brain aneurysm ruptures prior to treatment. Both recurrences were retreated with repeat coiling procedures. Our initial results using only Target® Nano™ coils for the endovascular treatment of very small intracranial aneurysms have demonstrated initial good safety and efficacy profiles.

Micro Vascular Plug (MVP)-assisted vessel occlusion in neurovascular pathologies: technical results and initial clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: Deconstructive approaches may be necessary to treat a variety of neurovascular pathologies. Recently, a new device has become available for endovascular arterial occlusion that may have unique applications in neurovascular disease. The Micro Vascular Plug (MVP, Reverse Medical, Irvine, California, USA) has been designed for vessel occlusion through targeted embolization. PURPOSE: To report the results from our initial experience with eight consecutive patients in whom the MVP was used to achieve endovascular occlusion of an artery in the head and neck. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients treated over a nine-month period were included. The patients' radiographic and electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Specifically demographic information, clinical indication, site of arterial occlusion, size of MVP, time to vessel occlusion, clinical complications, use of other secondary embolic agents, and clinical outcome were recorded. Follow-up information when available is presented. RESULTS: The MVP was used in eight patients for the treatment of neurovascular disease. Indications for treatment included post-traumatic head/neck bleeding (n=3), carotid-cavernous fistula (1), vertebral-vertebral fistula (1), giant fusiform vertebral aneurysm (1), stump-emboli after carotid dissection (1), and iatrogenic vertebral artery penetrating injury (1). One device was used in five patients, two in two patients, and one patient with extensive vertebral-vertebral venous fistula required three plugs to effectively trap the fistula from proximal and distal aspects. Vessel occlusion was obtained in <2 min in each case and there were no procedural complications. Four patients were followed up and no incidence of plug migration or vessel recanalization was seen. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series reporting the use of MVP in neurovascular disease. Use of this device may be associated with shorter procedural times and cost savings in comparison with the use of microcoils for vessel occlusion. Our experience shows that MVP can have unique applications in neurovascular pathologies and it complements other occlusive devices.

Cervical spine injury from gunshot wounds.

OBJECT: Gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the cervical spine have been examined in a limited number of case series, and operative management of this traumatic disease has been sparsely discussed. The current literature supports and the authors hypothesize that patients without neurological deficit need neither surgical fusion nor decompression. Patients with GSWs and neurological deficits, however, pose a greater management challenge. The authors have compiled the experience of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland, over the past 12 years, creating the largest series of such injuries, with a total number of 40 civilian patients needing neurosurgical evaluation. The current analysis examines presenting bone injury, surgical indication, presenting neurological examination, and neurological outcome. In this study, the authors characterize the incidence, severity, and recovery potential of cervical GSWs. The rate of unstable fractures requiring surgical intervention is documented. A detailed discussion of surgical indications with a treatment algorithm for cervical instability is offered. METHODS: A total of 144 cervical GSWs were retrospectively reviewed. Of these injuries, 40 had documented neurological deficits. No neurosurgical consultation was requested for patients without deficit. Epidemiological and clinical information was collected on patients with neurological deficit, including age, sex, timing, indication, type of surgery, initial examination after resuscitation, follow-up examination, and imaging data. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (70%) presented with complete neurological deficits and 12 patients (30%) presented with incomplete injuries. Fourteen (35%) of the 40 patients underwent neurosurgical intervention. Twelve patients (30%) required intervention for cervical instability. Seven patients required internal fixation involving 4 anterior fusions, 2 posterior fusions, and 1 combined approach. Five patients were managed with halo immobilization. Two patients underwent decompression alone for neurological deterioration and persistent compressive injury, both of whom experienced marked neurological recovery. Follow-up was obtained in 92% of cases. Three patients undergoing stabilization converted at least 1 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade and the remaining operative cases experienced small ASIA motor score improvement. Eighteen patients underwent inpatient MRI. No patient suffered complications or neurological deterioration related to retained metal. Three of 28 patients presenting with AIS Grade A improved to Grade B. For those 12 patients with incomplete injury, 1 improved from AIS Grade C to D, and 3 improved from Grade D to E. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injury from GSWs often results in severe neurological deficits. In this series, 30% of these patients with deficits required intervention for instability. This is the first series that thoroughly documents AIS improvement in this patient population. Adherence to the proposed treatment algorithm may optimize neurological outcome and spine stability.

Low-dose intravenous heparin infusion in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary assessment.

OBJECT: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) predisposes to delayed neurological deficits, including stroke and cognitive and neuropsychological abnormalities. Heparin is a pleiotropic drug that antagonizes many of the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in secondary brain injury after aSAH. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis in 86 consecutive patients with Fisher Grade 3 aSAH due to rupture of a supratentorial aneurysm who presented within 36 hours and were treated by surgical clipping within 48 hours of their ictus. Forty-three patients were managed postoperatively with a low-dose intravenous heparin infusion (Maryland low-dose intravenous heparin infusion protocol: 8 U/kg/hr progressing over 36 hours to 10 U/kg/hr) beginning 12 hours after surgery and continuing until Day 14 after the ictus. Forty-three control patients received conventional subcutaneous heparin twice daily as deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. RESULTS: Patients in the 2 groups were balanced in terms of baseline characteristics. In the heparin group, activated partial thromboplastin times were normal to mildly elevated; no clinically significant hemorrhages or instances of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or deep vein thrombosis were encountered. In the control group, the incidence of clinical vasospasm requiring rescue therapy (induced hypertension, selective intraarterial verapamil, and angioplasty) was 20 (47%) of 43 patients, and 9 (21%) of 43 patients experienced a delayed infarct on CT scanning. In the heparin group, the incidence of clinical vasospasm requiring rescue therapy was 9% (4 of 43, p = 0.0002), and no patient suffered a delayed infarct (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Fisher Grade 3 aSAH whose aneurysm is secured, postprocedure use of a low-dose intravenous heparin infusion may be safe and beneficial.

Mandibular thickness measurements in young dentate adults.

OBJECTIVE: To measure thicknesses in clinical landmark areas of the dentate mandibles of young men and women. DESIGN: Using standard radiologic software, we obtained mean (SD) thickness measurements at the inferior or posterior borders of the mandible at the following 7 surgically useful sites: (1) the symphysis, (2) a point halfway between the symphysis and the mental nerve, (3) the mental nerve, (4) a point halfway between the mental nerve and the facial artery notch, (5) the facial artery notch, (6) the angle vertex, and (7) the ramus-condylar neck border. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 150 dentate men and 75 dentate women aged 18 to 30 years who had undergone computed tomography of the head and neck region during the period of December 20, 2006 to February 20, 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Thicknesses of 7 mandibular sites. RESULTS: Mean (SD) thicknesses at the 7 mandibular sites were as follows: symphysis, 14.03 (1.53) mm for men and 13.21 (1.46) mm for women; halfway between the symphysis and the mental nerve, 11.17 (1.37) mm for men and 10.00 (1.08) mm for women; mental nerve, 9.48 (1.28) mm for men and 8.72 (1.00) mm for women; halfway between the mental nerve and the facial artery notch, 10.33 (1.24) mm for men and 9.45 (0.92) mm for women; facial artery notch, 7.27 (0.82) mm for men and 7.10 (0.88) mm for women; angle vertex, 5.42 (0.90) mm for men and 5.39 (0.66) mm for women; and ramus-condylar neck border, 5.90 (0.86) mm for men and 5.85 (0.71) mm for women. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical landmark areas in young dentate mandibles have mean thicknesses with limited SDs. The thickness measurements obtained at the sites in this study provide practical reference information for mandibular reconstruction and bicortical screw length estimation.