Endovascular Treatment for Complex Vascular Pathologies in the Pediatric Population: Experience from a Center with Dual-Trained Neurosurgeons.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment of complex vascular pathologies in the pediatric population is often performed by nonpediatric subspecialists with adaptation of equipment and techniques developed for adult patients. We aimed to report our center's experience with safety and outcomes of endovascular treatments for pediatric vascular pathologies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our endovascular database. All patients ≤18 years who underwent endovascular treatment between January 1, 2004 and December 1, 2022 were included. RESULTS: During the study time frame, 118 cerebral angiograms were performed for interventional purposes in 55 patients. Of these patients, 8(14.5%) had intracranial aneurysms, 21(38.2%) had intracranial arteriovenous malformations, 6(10.9%) had tumors, 5(9.1%) had arterial occlusions (n = 3) or dissections (n = 2), 8(14.5%) had vein of Galen malformations, and 7(12.7%) had other cerebrovascular conditions. Of the total 118 procedures, access-site complications occurred in 2(1.7%), intraprocedural complications occurred in 3(2.5%), and transient neurological deficits were observed after 2(1.7%). Treatment-related mortality occurred in 1(1.8%) patient. CONCLUSIONS: Neurointervention in pediatric patients was safe and effective in our experience.

A propensity score-matched comparative study of balloon guide catheters versus conventional guide catheters for concurrent mechanical thrombectomy with carotid stenting in tandem strokes: comparison of first pass effect, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Extensive clot burden in tandem strokes accounts for poor mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes. Several studies have shown the benefit of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) in MT and carotid artery stenting. OBJECTIVE: In view of this potential benefit, to investigate the safety and effectiveness of proximal flow arrest using a BGC during concurrent MT and carotid revascularization for tandem stroke treatment in a comparative, propensity score-matched (PSM) study. METHODS: Patients with a tandem stroke identified from our endovascular database were dichotomized into groups treated with BGCs versus conventional guide catheters. One-to-one PSM adjustment for baseline demographics and treatment selection bias using nearest-neighbor matching was performed. Patient demographics, presentation characteristics, and procedural details were recorded. Outcomes assessed were final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade, periprocedural symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rate, in-hospital mortality, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to compare procedural parameters and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Concurrent carotid revascularization (stenting with/without angioplasty) and MT was performed in 125 cases (BGC: 85; no BGC: 40). After PSM (40 patients/group), the BGC group had a significantly shorter procedure duration (77.9 vs 61.5 min; OR=0.996; P=0.006), lower discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (8.0 vs 11.0; OR=0.987; P=0.042), and higher odds of 90-day mRS 0-2 score (52.3% vs 27.5%; OR=0.34; P=0.040). On multivariate regression, the BGC group had a significantly higher first pass effect rate (mTICI 2b or 3)(OR=1.115, 95% CI 1.015 to 1.432; P=0.013) and lower periprocedural sICH rate (OR=0.615, 95% CI 0.406 to 0.932; P=0.025). No difference in in-hospital mortality was observed (OR=1.591, 95% CI 0.976 to 2.593; P=0.067). CONCLUSION: BGCs used for concurrent MT-carotid revascularization with flow arrest were safe and resulted in superior clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with a tandem stroke.

Stenting for Venous Sinus Stenosis in Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although venous sinus stenting (VSS) improves cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption and decreases intracranial pressure in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), the underlying pathophysiology of IIH is not well understood. We present a review and meta-analysis of the literature on VSS for IIH treatment, focusing on the rates of restenosis and symptom recurrence. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed and Embase databases between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Articles including ≥5 patients with IIH and venous sinus stenosis treated with VSS and post-treatment rates of restenosis (de novo stenosis at a different anatomic location along the dural sinuses or restenosis within or adjacent to the stent) were selected. Demographic, procedural, and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. Mean values for variables collected were pooled, and a mean value was calculated with a 95% CI. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were included, comprising 694 patients and 781 VSS cases. The mean age was 33.9 (CI, 31.5-36.2) years. The mean body mass index was 35.3 (CI, 32.9-37.7) kg/m 2 . Before VSS, 98.8% (CI, 96.8%-100.0%) of patients experienced headaches, 87.7% (CI, 80.6%-95.5%) had visual acuity issues, 78.7% (CI, 69.9%-88.5%) had papilledema, 58.3% (CI, 46.0%-73.9%) had tinnitus, and 98.8% (96.4%-100.0%) had symptoms refractory to previous therapies. After VSS, 77.7% (CI, 71.1%-84.95%) experienced symptom improvement and 22.3% (CI, 15.1%-29.0%) had persistent or worsened symptoms. Pooled restenosis rate was 17.7% (CI, 14.9%-20.9%). CONCLUSION: VSS is effective in alleviating IIH signs and symptoms, but the associated high rates of restenosis and persistent symptoms highlight the need for further investigation of this procedure and other adjunctive treatments for IIH.

Preradiosurgical Embolization of Arteriovenous Malformations Reduces Target Volume - The Main Determinant for Complete Obliteration.

BACKGROUND: Embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) have increasingly been used to treat complex arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We studied outcomes of AVM patients treated through a multidisciplinary approach, examined the effect of embolization on SRS success, and analyzed predictors of treatment failure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients with AVMs treated with Gamma Knife (Leksell) SRS over an 11-year period. Patients with incomplete medical records and follow-up <2 years were excluded. Demographics, clinical presentation, previous rupture history, angiographic nidus size, Spetzler-Martin (S-M) grade, adjunctive endovascular embolization and microsurgical resection, radiologic evidence of obliteration and hemorrhage, and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores) were recorded. Radiosurgery-related details including nidus volume and number of sessions and radiosurgery-, embolization-, and resection-associated complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (mean age, 41.0 ± 21.3 years) were included. Mean reduction in AVM nidus target volume with endovascular embolization was 66.0 ± 19.7%. S-M grade reduction was achieved in 51.6% cases. Total obliteration after SRS was achieved in 56 AVMs (67.5%) after 2 years, and in 38 (86.4%) after 4 years. Two (2.4%) patients had rehemorrhage after SRS. Overall complication rate was 3.6%. Median angiographic follow-up was 55.5 months. Favorable outcomes (mRS = 0-2) were seen in 77.1%. SRS target volume was an independent predictor of treatment failure regardless of pre-SRS embolization. CONCLUSIONS: High AVM obliteration rates were achieved with judicious use of radiosurgery alone or with embolization. Embolization reduced target nidus volume by an average of 66%. SRS target volume was an independent predictor of treatment failure.

Non-dermatologic isolated intracranial necrobiotic xanthogranuloma.

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a condition that was first identified in 1980 based on its characteristic histological identity, and it has been known since then as a dermatologic manifestation of an underlying systemic dysproteinemia. Intracranial manifestation is a rare presentation of this condition and has been reported only once in its more than 40 years of existence. Herein and to our knowledge, we report the second observation of an intracranial manifestation and, surprisingly, the first case without the expected dermatologic and systemic dysproteinemia associations. This case identifies an existing knowledge gap in our understanding of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma and emphasises the need for further research into understanding the presentation, comorbidities and management of this condition.

Salvage of Intraoperative Rupture of a Wide-Necked Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm: The Felt-Fenestrated Clipping Technique.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative aneurysm rupture during microsurgical clipping can be managed with different salvage techniques. In an aneurysm with a very wide neck that is located at a bifurcation, repairing an iatrogenic tear can be challenging and carry the risk of branch occlusion and infarction. OBJECTIVE: To describe a variation of the cotton-clipping technique modified to better fit the bifurcation anatomy, which we call "felt-fenestrated clipping." METHODS: An illustrative case of intraoperative rupture of a wide-necked middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm is presented. Radiological imaging, operative video, and technique illustration were obtained and prepared for this report. RESULTS: A middle-aged woman underwent microsurgical clipping of a wide-necked middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm. A right-angle clip became dislodged from the clip applier and snapped across the aneurysm causing a small rupture at the base. This was later determined to be the result of improper placement of a standard clip onto a mini-clip applier. After a few salvage attempts, a small piece of Teflon felt was placed over the rupture site and held in place using a straight, fenestrated clip. Then, the right-angle clip was applied over the true neck of the aneurysm and the edge of the rupture site, covering the Teflon felt to obtain true hemostasis. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a technically successful felt-fenestrated clipping technique for treatment of an intraoperative rupture not amenable to other salvage options. This technique is useful to achieve hemostasis while preserving branches in wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms.

Stroke thrombectomy volume, rather than stroke center accreditation status of hospitals, is associated with mortality and discharge disposition.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the association between stroke thrombectomy (ST) volume and hospital accreditation with clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of ST case volume and accreditation status with in-hospital mortality and home discharge disposition using the national Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) database. METHODS: Rates of hospital mortality, home discharge disposition, and hospital stay were compared between accredited and non-accredited hospitals using 2017-2018 MEDPAR data. The association of annual ST case volume with mortality and home disposition was determined using Pearson's correlation. Median rate of mortality and number of ST cases at hospitals within the central quartiles were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 29 355 cases were performed over 2 years at 847 US centers. Of these, 354 were accredited. There were no significant differences between accredited and non-accredited centers for hospital mortality (14.8% vs 14.5%, p=0.34) and home discharge (12.1% vs 12.0%, p=0.78). A significant positive correlation was observed between thrombectomy volume and home discharge (r=0.88; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.97, p=0.001). A significant negative relationship was found between thrombectomy volume and mortality (r=-0.86; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.49, p=0.002). Within the central quartiles, the median number of ST cases at hospitals with mortality was 24/year, and the median number of ST cases at hospitals with home discharge rate was 23/year. CONCLUSION: A higher volume of ST cases was associated with lower mortality and higher home discharge rate. No significant differences in mortality and discharge disposition were found between accredited and non-accredited hospitals.

Volumetric resolution of chronic subdural hematomas treated with surgical evacuation versus middle meningeal artery embolization during immediate, early, and late follow up: propensity-score matched cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Literature on volumetric resolution and recurrence over time between surgical evacuation alone (SEA) and standalone middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in comparable chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) patients is limited. METHODS: A retrospective database analysis of cSDH patients managed with either SEA or MMAE was conducted. Propensity-score matching was performed for axial and coronal lengths, maximum diameter, and midline shift. Volumetric measurements at multiple time intervals and recurrence were compared between the groups. RESULTS: 48 matched hematoma pairs in patients with similar demographics, comorbidities, medications, and symptoms were obtained. Median volume was significantly lower at 24 hours in the SEA group (12.6 mL vs 52.7 mL, p<0.001) but not at remaining intervals. Median volume reduction was significantly greater in the SEA group at 24 hours (39.1 mL vs 8.8 mL in the MMAE group, p<0.001) and at 3-12 weeks (50.8 mL vs 23.7 mL, p<0.001), but not at remaining intervals. The SEA group had a significantly greater median hematoma resolution rate at 24 hours (39.1 mL/day vs 8.8 mL/day, p<0.001) and 3-12 weeks (1 mL/day vs 0.4 mL/day, p<0.001), but not at remaining intervals. Near-complete resolution at 3-12 weeks and 12-60 weeks was not significantly different between groups. Overall, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the SEA group (22.9% vs 4.2%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In comparable cSDH patients, SEA resulted in better volumetric outcomes in immediate postoperative and early follow-up periods, as expected. However, this difference was not significant at more distant follow-up intervals. Furthermore, surgical patients experienced a significantly higher rate of recurrence.

Venous sinus stenting for the treatment of acute blindness in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

We present a case of acute onset of blindness treated with venous sinus stenting in the hyperacute period (24-48 h). The patient had not been diagnosed previously with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and presented at an outside facility with a short history of headache, nausea, vomiting and visual deficits. Initial management included lumbar punctures for pressure relief. Unfortunately, the patient's condition deteriorated and she experienced the rapid onset of blindness. Within 24-48 h of blindness onset, she was transferred to our institution for emergent endovascular stenting of the venous sinuses. The intervention resulted in improvement of symptoms and recovery of visual acuity over a short-term follow-up period.

Mechanical thrombectomy with a balloon-guide catheter: sheathless transradial versus transfemoral approach.

BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke has been limited by the size of catheters usable in the radial artery, with the smaller access site precluding balloon-guide catheter (BGC) use. However, promising results have been reported for a TRA with a sheathless BGC (sTRA). We sought to perform a comparative study of MT with a BGC via the sTRA versus the transfemoral approach (TFA). METHODS: A retrospective review of our MT database was conducted. Baseline, procedure-related, and outcome data were compared for patients aged ≥18 years with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6, and prestroke modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 treated with either approach. RESULTS: Ninety-three consecutive patients (34 sTRA and 59 TFA) were included. Both groups had similar demographics, comorbidities, stroke severity, intravenous alteplase use, and occlusion location. Mean time from puncture to final recanalization was faster in the sTRA group (29 vs 36 min, p=0.059) despite a higher access site crossover rate in the sTRA group (11.8% vs 0%, p=0.016). There were no differences between groups regarding last modified Thombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score; first-pass or modified first-pass effect; time from last known well to puncture; use of stent-retriever, aspiration, or combination first approach; number of passes; symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage; hospital stay; 90-day functional independence; and mortality. National Institutes of Health Scale score and modified first-pass effect were the only independent predictors of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable patients treated with MT via the sTRA or TFA had similar angiographic and clinical outcomes.

Left Ophthalmic Segment Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Treated with Flow Diversion in a Child with Apert Syndrome: Technical Note.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in children with Apert syndrome has not been described, and development of an aneurysm as a complication secondary to craniofacial surgery has never been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the rare case of a 10-year-old boy with Apert syndrome who underwent craniofacial reconstruction surgery consisting of subcranial Le Fort III osteotomies, bilateral lateral canthopexies, and nasal nares dilations for midfacial hypoplasia and resultant obstructive sleep apnea, and on routine follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 year later, he was found to have a large left ophthalmic internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm that was not seen on MRI obtained 2 years prior. Immediately after the craniofacial surgery, the patient experienced a severe headache behind his left eye and extraocular movement abnormalities that subsided over the next days to months. Given the new and rapid growth of the aneurysm on follow-up MRI, the patient underwent a diagnostic cerebral angiogram followed by successful flow diversion treatment of the aneurysm with the pipeline embolization device (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland). CONCLUSION: Post-procedurally, over the next year, the patient developed word-finding difficulty and stuttering speech. He was found to have in-stent ICA stenosis and middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis at the first follow-up and underwent an initial angioplasty. After several weeks, ICA, MCA, and anterior cerebral artery stenoses were identified, and the patient underwent angioplasties for the ICA and MCA stenoses. On follow-up examination after the second procedure, the patient had tremendous improvement in his speech difficulties and was doing well clinically.

First reported single-surgeon transpalpebral hybrid approach for indirect cavernous carotid fistula: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Failure to reach the cavernous sinus after multiple transvenous attempts, although rare, can be challenging for neurointerventionists. The authors sought to demonstrate technical considerations and nuances of the independent performance of a novel hybrid surgical and endovascular transpalpebral approach through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) for direct coil embolization of an indirect carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), and they review salient literature regarding the transpalpebral approach. OBSERVATIONS: An illustrative case, including patient history and presentation, was reviewed. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2021, that reported ≥1 patient with a CCF treated endovascularly via the SOV approach. Data extracted included sample size, treatment modality, surgical technique, performing surgeon specialty, and procedure outcome. The authors' case illustration demonstrates the technique for the hybrid transpalpebral approach. For the review, 273 unique articles were identified; 14 containing 74 treated patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Oculoplastic surgery was the most commonly involved specialty (5 of 14 studies), followed by ophthalmology (3 of 14). Coiling alone was the treatment of choice in 12 studies, with adjunctive use of Onyx (Medtronic) in 2. LESSONS: The authors' technical case description, video, illustrations, and review provide endovascular neurosurgeons with a systematic guide to conduct the procedure independently.

Evolution of the patient-first approach: a dual-trained, single-neurosurgeon experience with 2002 consecutive intracranial aneurysm treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The paradigm for intracranial aneurysm (IA) treatment is shifting toward a hybrid approach involving open and endovascular techniques. The authors chronicled the evolution of IA treatment by retrospectively examining a large series of IA cases treated by a single dual-trained neurosurgeon, focusing on evolving technology relative to the choice of treatment options, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. METHODS: The aneurysm database at the authors' institution was searched to identify consecutive patients treated with endovascular or open microsurgical approaches by one neurosurgeon during an 18-year time span. Patients were included regardless of IA rupture status, location or morphology, or treatment modality. Data collected were baseline clinical characteristics, aneurysm size, treatment modality, operative complications, in-hospital mortality, and retreatment rate. RESULTS: A total of 1858 patients with 2002 IA treatments were included in the study. Three-hundred fifty IAs (17.5%) were ruptured. Open microsurgery was performed in 504 aneurysms (25.2%) and endovascular surgery in 1498 (74.8%). Endovascular IA treatments trended toward a growing use of flow diversion during the last 11 years. In-hospital mortality was 1.7% overall, including 7.0% in ruptured and 0.5% in unruptured cases. The overall complication rate was 3.3%, including 3.4% for microsurgical cases and 3.3% for endovascular cases. The rate of retreatment was 3.6% after clipping and 10.7% for endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates complementary use of open and endovascular approaches for IA treatment. By customizing treatment to the patient, comparable rates of procedural complications, mortality, and retreatment were achieved for both endovascular and microsurgical approaches.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Derivo Embolization Device: a novel surface-modified flow diverter for intracranial aneurysm treatment.

BACKGROUND: Surface-modified flow diverters (FDs) designed to reduce thrombogenicity represent the next frontier for intracranial aneurysm treatment. The Derivo Embolization Device (DED) is a novel FD with titanium oxide and titanium oxynitride finishing of the struts. We performed a systematic review of pertinent literature, aiming to evaluate the device's effectiveness and safety. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 481 aneurysms were included. These studies were conducted in Turkey, Brazil, Germany, Poland, and Italy; two were prospective and three were retrospective. Twenty-six aneurysms (5.4%) were ruptured. The antiplatelet regimens were heterogeneous, but dual antiplatelet therapy was administered preprocedurally in all studies and maintained for 3-12 months before a switch to single antiplatelet therapy. The rate of periprocedural ischemic and hemorrhagic complications was 4.9% (95% CI 2.9% to 7%). Adjunctive coiling was used in 25.6% (95% CI 11.4% to 39.8%) of aneurysms. The complete angiographic occlusion rate was 81.4% (95% CI 71.3% to 91.5%), mortality rate was 2.1% (95% CI 0.4% to 3.9%), with follow-up ranging from 9 to 18 months. Delayed aneurysm rupture was reported in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The DED has been increasingly used in other countries. We identified low rates of periprocedural complications and mortality and a high rate of complete occlusion.

Use of a sheathless 8-French balloon guide catheter (Walrus) through the radial artery for mechanical thrombectomy: technique and case series.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of transradial stroke thrombectomy has been limited by guide catheter size and lack of good balloon options. In this study we describe our technique for the use of a sheathless 8-French balloon guide catheter (Walrus) through radial access and present our initial clinical experience. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion using the sheathless catheter over a period of 3 months. Clinical characteristics, procedural details, reperfusion success (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3 grade), first-pass effect (FPE; mTICI reperfusion grade 2c or 3 with a single pass), access site complications and clinical improvement at discharge were recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 10 patients in the series, median age was 77 years (IQR 75-79) and three were women. All patients had a baseline modified Rankin Scale score ≤2. Median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 12.5 (IQR 9-16). Four patients received intravenous alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy. Eight patients had M1 occlusion and two had proximal M2 occlusion. The median radial artery diameter was 2.5 mm (IQR 2.5-2.7). Successful reperfusion was achieved in all patients. FPE was achieved in six patients. No access site-related complications or post-procedural intracranial hemorrhages occurred. All patients had improvement in NIHSS score at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The use of this sheathless catheter for transradial access was safe and feasible. The technique can potentially improve the outcomes of transradial access for stroke intervention.

Use of Walrus balloon-guide catheter through sheathless radial approach for mechanical thrombectomy of right middle cerebral artery occlusion.

The literature demonstrates a favorable first pass effect with balloon-guide catheter (BGC) for mechanical thrombectomy. An 8F BGC is routinely used with femoral access. We present the first video report of 8F BGC advanced through the radial artery using a sheathless technique (video 1). An approximately 70-year-old patient presented with left-sided hemiplegia, neglect, and dysarthria. A CT angiogram demonstrated right M1 occlusion, and the patient underwent urgent mechanical thrombectomy. Radial approach was preferred owing to patient history of anticoagulation. A 6F Sim Select intermediate catheter was used to minimize the step off as the 8F BGC was advanced into the radial artery over an 035 exchange-length Advantage Glidewire. A skin nick over the Glidewire Advantage facilitated the introduction of the 8F BGC into the radial artery. Standard mechanical thrombectomy using a combination of stent retriever and aspiration catheter (Solumbra technique) was performed, and thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 recanalization was achieved after a single pass. The National Institutes of Health Scale score improved from 12 to 4, with mild left facial droop, dysarthria, and decreased speech fluency. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 2. Ultrasound should be used for immediate assessment of radial artery size and conversion to femoral access without delay if the radial artery is less than 2.5 mm. neurintsurg;14/5/neurintsurg-2021-017985/V1F1V1Video 1.

Treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge device: a systematic review.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a barrel-shaped nitinol mesh deployed within the aneurysmal sac. The absence of metallic mesh in the aneurysm's parent vessel lumen obviates the need for potent antiplatelet therapy, making this device appealing for acutely ruptured aneurysms not amenable to clipping or coiling. To assess the literature regarding WEB treatment of these aneurysms, we performed a comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Keywords were combined with Boolean operators to increase search sensitivity and specificity ('woven endobridge device' AND 'ruptured'). Nine studies comprising 377 acutely ruptured aneurysms were included. Overall, 82.7% were wide-necked, 85.9% were located in the anterior circulation, and 26.9% of patients presented with poor subarachnoid hemorrhage grade. Intraprocedure and postprocedure complications occurred in 8.4% (95% CI 3.6% to 13.3%) and 1% (95% CI 0% to 2%), respectively. The post-treatment rebleeding rate was 0%. Rates of adequate occlusion (complete occlusion to neck remnant) and retreatment at last follow-up were 84.8% (95% CI 73% to 96.6%) and 4.5% (95% CI 2.2% to 6.8%), respectively. The favorable outcome rate (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was 62.2% (95% CI 53% to 71.4%); mortality was 13.6% (95% CI 9.7% to 17.6%). WEB treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms results in high adequate occlusion rates, low perioperative complication rates, no rebleeding, and low recurrence requiring retreatment. This device is promising for acutely ruptured aneurysms not amenable to clipping or coiling, considering the lower need for antiplatelet regimens during the procedure or follow-up.

Mechanical thrombectomy versus intravenous alteplase alone in acute isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Acute isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusions (aPCAOs) were excluded or under-represented in major randomized trials of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The benefit of MT in comparison to intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase; IV-tPA) alone in these patients remains controversial and uncertain. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases for articles comparing MT with or without bridging IV-tPA and IV-tPA alone for aPCAO using keywords ('posterior cerebral artery', 'thrombolysis' and 'thrombectomy') with Boolean operators. Extracted data from patients reported in the studies were pooled into groups (MT vs IV-tPA alone) for comparison. Estimated rates for favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality were extracted. RESULTS: Seven articles (201 MT patients, 64 IV-tPA) were included, all retrospective. There was no statistically significant difference between pooled groups in median age, median presentation National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, PCAO segment, and median time from symptom onset to puncture or needle. The recanalization rate was significantly higher in the MT group than the IV-tPA group (85.6% vs 53.1%, p<0.00001). Odds ratios for favorable outcome (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.5), sICH (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.2 to 5.5), and mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.5 to 3.6) did not significantly favor any modality. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences in odds of favorable outcome, sICH, and mortality in MT and IV-tPA in comparable aPCAO patients, despite superior MT recanalization rates. Equipoise remains regarding the optimal treatment modality for these patients.

Use of N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA) for preoperative tumor embolization.

N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA) is a fast-acting liquid adhesive that polymerizes when it comes in contact with blood anions. We present the principles of nBCA preparation and delivery for tumor embolization of a right convexity meningioma in a patient who presented with a 6-month history of word-finding difficulty and memory loss video 1 Angiography of the middle meningeal artery showed a hairpin turn that was not negotiable with a number of different microwires, including the Synchro-2, Chikai 014 and Balt hybrid 008 wire. Due to the tortuous hairpin turn, the microcatheter position was distal to the tumor blush for the convexity meningioma. Given the distal microcatheter position, we opted for nBCA as the liquid embolic of choice for tumor embolization. The time of polymerization for nBCA may be delayed using glacial acetic acid, which makes nBCA ideal when the microcatheter is in a distal position relative to the target location for embolization. The patient underwent successful embolization using nBCA and was taken for a right frontal craniotomy for resection of the meningioma the next day. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 mL and the postoperative MRI showed gross total resection. The patient had an uncomplicated hospital course and was discharged home on post-procedure day 3. neurintsurg;14/1/neurintsurg-2021-017400/V1F1V1Video 1.

Radial first or patient first: a case series and meta-analysis of transradial versus transfemoral access for acute ischemic stroke intervention.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared technical success and effectiveness of transradial access (TRA) versus transfemoral access (TFA) for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We compared the two approaches for technical success, effectiveness, and outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively compared TRA with TFA for AIS MT at our institute. We additionally performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies describing the use of TRA alone or in comparison with TFA for MT. Primary outcomes included rate of successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) >2b), number of passes, access-site complications, and 3- month mortality and favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2). RESULTS: A total of 222 consecutive patients (TRA=93, TFA=129) were included in our case series. The rate of successful reperfusion was significantly higher for the TFA cohort (91.4% vs 79.6%, P=0.01) with lower mean number of passes (1.8±1.2 vs 2.4±1.6, P=0.014). Three-month mortality in the TFA group was lower (22.1% vs 40.9% for the TRA cohort (P=0.004), with a higher rate of favorable functional outcomes (51.3% vs 34.1%, P=0.015). A meta-analysis of 10 studies showed significant heterogeneity in rates of successful reperfusion (57.1% to 95.6%, heterogeneity=67.55%, P=0.001). None of the previous comparative studies reported 3-month mortality and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrate a higher successful reperfusion rate, fewer passes, lower 3-month mortality, and improved 3-month functional outcomes with TFA. The systematic review highlights the inadequacy of existing evidence. Prospective comparative studies are needed before a 'radial-first' approach can be adopted for stroke intervention.