Factors related to vessel displacement due to stent retriever retraction: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Thrombectomy with a stent retriever (SR) may lead to intracranial hemorrhage due to vessel displacement. We aimed to explore factors related to vessel displacement using an in vitro vessel model. METHODS: A vessel model mimicking two-dimensional left internal carotid angiography findings was used in this study. Six SR types (Solitaire 3 × 40, 4 × 40, and 6 × 40; Embotrap 5 × 37; Trevo 4 × 41; and Tron 4 × 40) were fully deployed in the M2 ascending, M2 bend, or M1 horizontal portion. Subsequently, the SR was retracted, and the vessel displacement, maximum SR retraction force, and angle of the M2 bend portion were measured. A total of 180 SR retraction experiments were conducted using 6 SR types at 3 deployment positions with 10 repetitions each. RESULTS: The mean maximum distance of vessel displacement for Embotrap Ⅲ 5 × 37 (6.4 ± 3.5 mm, n = 30) was significantly longer than that for the other five SR types (p = 0.029 for Solitaire 6 × 40 and p < 0.001 for the others, respectively). Vessel displacement was significantly longer in the M2 ascending portion group (5.4 ± 3.0 mm, n = 60) than in the M2 bend portion group (3.3 ± 1.6 mm, n = 60) (p < 0.001) and it was significantly longer in the M2 bend portion group than in the M1 horizontal portion group (1.1 ± 0.7 mm, n = 60) (p < 0.001). A positive correlation existed between the mean maximum SR retraction force or mean angle of the M2 bend portion due to SR retraction (i.e., vessel straightening) and the mean maximum distance of vessel displacement (r = 0.90, p < 0.001; r = 0.90, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vessel displacement varied with the SR type, size, and deployment position. Moreover, vessel displacement correlated with the SR retraction force or vessel straightening of the M2 bend portion.

Microcatheter movement in the aneurysm due to low-profile visualized intraluminal support deployment: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: When a microcatheter is in the aneurysm, it may move due to low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) deployment. This study was designed to determine this mechanism. METHODS: Six silicon aneurysm models were created by combining the aneurysm location (side wall or bifurcation) and the parent vessel configuration (straight, ipsilateral bending, or contralateral bending). After adjusting the microcatheter tip position in the aneurysm by pushing or pulling, an LVIS stent was deployed to cover the aneurysm neck, and the changes in the microcatheter tip position was measured. Pushing and pulling were performed 15 times each for each model, for a total of 180 experiments. RESULTS: In all experiments, the microcatheter tip moved with LVIS deployment. The total movement distance was 3.00±1.59 mm, which was significantly different between the push and pull groups (p = 0.049), between the three side-wall aneurysm models (p<0.0001), and between the three bifurcation aneurysm models (p<0.0001). Backward movement in the aneurysm occurred in 21% (37/180). The frequency of backward movement was significantly different between the side-wall and bifurcation aneurysm models (p = 0.0265) and between the push and pull groups (p<0.0001). The forward movement distance was significantly different between the side-wall (n = 78) and bifurcation (n = 65) aneurysm models (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The aneurysm location, the parent vessel configuration, and adjustment of the microcatheter tip position by pushing or pulling may affect the total movement distance and forward/backward movement of the microcatheter tip due to LVIS deployment.

Clinical features and long-term outcomes of symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: In symptomatic low-grade stenosis, most of the reports did not clarify the long-term outcome. This study aims to clarify the clinical features and long-term outcomes of symptomatic low-grade stenosis cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 123 symptomatic patients with low-grade (<50%) carotid stenosis. The relative plaque signal intensity (rSI) and expansive remodeling rate (ERR) were measured using carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Antiplatelet therapy and treatment for atherosclerosis risk factors were administered in all cases. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was performed when ischemic symptoms appeared, or the percent stenosis progressed despite medical treatment. RESULTS: The mean percent stenosis, rSI, and ERR on admission were 22.3, 1.70, and 2.01, respectively. The mean volume of the hyperintense plaque on carotid MRI was 641.4± 540 mm3. Sixty percent of cases involved intraplaque hemorrhage and expansive remodeling. During a mean follow-up of 52 months, recurrence of ischemic events was confirmed in 45 cases (36.6%). Of the 67 cases performed follow-up MRI, 34 cases (50%) had an increased volume of T1-hyperintense plaque. CEA or carotid artery stenting was performed in 49 cases. During a mean follow-up of 57.8 months after CEA, two cases of death (fatal intracerebral hemorrhage and asphyxia) and one case of brain stem lacunar infarction were observed, but ipsilateral ischemic events were not. CONCLUSION: Most of the symptomatic patients with low-grade stenosis had both intraplaque hemorrhage and expansive remodeling and presented a high risk of recurrence and stenosis progression. CEA may have preventive effects against ischemic events in low-grade stenosis.

Factors related to microcatheter passage through the trans-cell approach using a low-profile visualized intraluminal support device: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The trans-cell approach using a low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is sometimes used for aneurysm coil embolization. However, factors related to microcatheter passage remain uninvestigated. We aimed to examine in-vitro factors related to microcatheter passage using the trans-cell approach with an LVIS. METHODS: Silicone vessel models (inner diameter, 4 mm) were created with different bend segments and a 4-mm hole assuming an aneurysm neck on the side of the greater curvature. The LVIS Blue (4.5 × 32 mm) was deployed at the bend segment, and passability on the trans-cell surface was evaluated by passing the microcatheter along the micro guidewire. A total of 800 passage experiments were performed using two types of microcatheter, ten types of silicone vessel, four cell widths, five cells with the same LVIS device, and two micro guidewire directions in the aneurysm. RESULTS: The Headway Duo microcatheter (35.5%, 142/400) tended to have better passability compared with the Headway 17 microcatheter (29.3%, 117/400) (p = 0.070). As the cell width and angle between the trans-cell surface and microcatheter direction increased, passability significantly increased (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in passability when the micro guidewire was directed to the proximal side versus the distal side (p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: A large cell width and an obtuse angle between the trans-cell surface and microcatheter direction facilitated good passability. Although statistically marginal, microcatheters with small ledges and small tips had relatively good passability.

Trends in Incidence of Intracranial and Spinal Arteriovenous Shunts: Hospital-Based Surveillance in Okayama, Japan.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To date, the incidence of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to clarify recent trends in the rates of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts in Japan. METHODS: We conducted multicenter hospital-based surveillance at 8 core hospitals in Okayama Prefecture between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2019. Patients who lived in Okayama and were diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), or spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs) were enrolled. The incidence and temporal trends of each disease were calculated. RESULTS: Among a total of 393 cranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts, 201 (51.1%) cases of DAVF, 155 (39.4%) cases of cerebral arteriovenous malformation, and 34 (8.7%) cases of SAVS were identified. The crude incidence rates between 2009 and 2019 were 2.040 per 100 000 person-years for all arteriovenous shunts, 0.805 for cerebral arteriovenous malformation, 1.044 for DAVF, and 0.177 for SAVS. The incidence of all types tended to increase over the decade, with a notable increase in incidence starting in 2012. Even after adjusting for population aging, the incidence of nonaggressive DAVF increased 6.0-fold while that of SAVS increased 4.4-fold from 2010 to 2018. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous studies, we found that the incidence of DAVF is higher than that of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Even after adjusting for population aging, all of the disease types tended to increase in incidence over the last decade, with an especially prominent increase in SAVSs and nonaggressive DAVFs. Various factors including population aging may affect an increase in DAVF and SAVS.

Impact of subcallosal artery origin and A1 asymmetry on surgical outcomes of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Surgical clipping of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms remains challenging due to their complex anatomy. Anatomical risk factors for ACoA aneurysm surgery require further elucidation. The aim of this study is to investigate whether proximity of the midline perforating artery, subcallosal artery (SubCA), and associated anomaly of the ACoA complex affect functional outcomes of ACoA aneurysm surgery. METHODS: A total of 92 patients with both unruptured and ruptured ACoA aneurysms, who underwent surgical clipping, were retrospectively analyzed from a multicenter, observational cohort database. Association of ACoA anatomy with SubCA origin at the aneurysmal neck under microsurgical observation was analyzed in the interhemispheric approach subgroup (n = 56). Then, we evaluated whether anatomical factors associated with SubCA neck origin affected surgical outcomes in the entire cohort (both interhemispheric and pterional approaches, n = 92). RESULTS: In the interhemispheric approach cohort, combination of A1 asymmetry and aneurysmal size ≥ 5.0 mm was stratified to have the highest probability of the SubCA neck origin by a decision tree analysis. Then, among the entire cohort using either interhemispheric or pterional approach, combination of A1 asymmetry and aneurysmal size ≥ 5.0 mm was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes by multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 6.76; 95% CI 1.19-38.5; p = 0.03) as compared with A1 symmetry group in the acute subarachnoid hemorrhage settings. CONCLUSION: Combination of A1 asymmetry and larger aneurysmal size was significantly associated with SubCA aneurysmal neck origin and poor functional outcomes in ACoA aneurysm surgery. Interhemispheric approach may be proposed to provide a wider and unobstructed view of SubCA for ACoA aneurysms with this high-risk anatomical variant.

A Simple Surgical Technique for Pediatric Sinus Pericranii: Intraoperative Manual Compression of a Major Shunting Point.

INTRODUCTION: Sinus pericranii is a vascular anomaly with extra- and intracranial venous connections. Sinus pericranii is categorized into 2 groups according to its contribution to the normal venous circulation. The accessory type sinus pericranii, which does not contribute to the normal major venous circulation, can be managed. Despite several proposed operative maneuvers, a standardized technique is yet to be established to control intraoperative bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-week-old neonate underwent examination of a subcutaneous mass in the parieto-occipital region. The subcutaneous mass had a major venous connection to the superior sagittal sinus on ultrasonography. The subcutaneous mass was partially thrombolized on magnetic resonance imaging and was minimally enhanced on computed tomography venography. The subcutaneous mass seemed not to contribute to the normal venous circulation. Surgical removal of the subcutaneous mass was performed due to its increased size at the age of 1 year and 3 months. While subcutaneous mass was detached from the scalp, the major venous connection was manually compressed, and minor venous connections were easily detected. The intraoperative bleeding was controllable. The pathological diagnosis was sinus pericranii. The patient is now followed up in the outpatient clinic. No recurrence was seen 18 months after the surgery. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Intraoperative hemostasis is essential while sinus pericranii is detached from the cranium. Hemostatic agents such as bone wax or absorbable gelatin and heat coagulation seem to be useful. However, complicative hemorrhage concerning to the preceded technique has been also reported. As seen in our case, to detect minor shunting points between the sinus pericranii and the intracranial veins, the major venous connection was manually compressed. Intraoperative manual compression of a major venous connection of sinus pericranii can be an option to manage intraoperative bleeding.

The Use of the Carotid Sheath as a Rotation Anchor to Detect an Anomalous Ascending Pharyngeal Artery in Carotid Endarterectomy.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) requires complete control of the blood backflow. An anomalous ascending pharyngeal artery (AphA) has been reported to result in incomplete control of the blood flow during CEA. Here, we present a case of symptomatic right internal carotid stenosis for which CEA was performed. An anomalous AphA was confirmed based on its origin from the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) on 3-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). The anomalous AphA arose near the distal end of the plaque, and the origin of the AphA was located in the dorsal wall of the ICA, hidden from the surgical view. The origin of the AphA was detected with rotation of the ICA within the carotid sheath (CS). Intraoperatively, the blood flow from the AphA was completely controlled with clamping of the origin of the AphA. We emphasize the importance of the 3DRA to detect an anomalous AphA and propose the use of the CS as an anchor to rotate the ICA for optimizing the surgical view behind the ICA. This simple surgical technique facilitates to detect and clamp an anomalous AphA arising from the ICA.

Flexible endoscopically assisted evacuation of acute and subacute subdural hematoma through a small craniotomy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The first choice to treat acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is a large craniotomy under general anesthesia. However, increasing age or comorbid burden of the patients may render invasive treatment strategy inappropriate. These medically frail patients with SDH may benefit from a combination of small craniotomy and endoscopic hematoma removal, which is less invasive and even available under local anesthesia. Although hematoma evacuation with a rigid endoscope for acute or subacute SDHs has been reported in the literature, use of a flexible endoscope may have distinct advantages. In this article, we attempted to clarify the utility of small craniotomy evacuation with a flexible endoscope for acute and subacute SDH in the elderly patients. METHOD: Between November 2013 and September 2016, a total of 17 patients with acute SDH (15 patients), subacute SDH (1 patient), or acute aggravation of chronic SDH (1 patient) underwent hematoma evacuation with a flexible endoscope at our hospital and were enrolled in this retrospective study. Either under local or general anesthesia, the SDH was removed with a flexible suction tube with the aid of the flexible endoscope through the small craniotomy (3 × 4 cm). Hematoma evacuation rate, improvement of clinical symptoms, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Hematoma evacuation rate was satisfactory, and statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale in all cases compared to the preoperative assessment. No procedure-related hemorrhagic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here suggest that small craniotomy evacuation with a flexible endoscope is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for acute and subacute SDH in selected cases.

Recurrent Meningitis in an 11-year-old Girl with a Petrous Apex Cystic Lesion.

Cases of recurrent meningitis in elderly patients with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fistula have been reported, and in some of these patients, cystic lesions were thought to be the underlying cause. We report a case of recurrent meningitis in an 11-year-old Japanese girl with an arachnoid cyst in the petrous apex. Pulsation of the cystic lesion was thought to cause bone erosion, leading to the formation of a fistula. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in evaluating the arachnoid cyst and fistula. During 2 years of follow-up, the osteolytic lesion enlarged and the rate of bone erosion was higher than expected.

Asymptomatic Carotid T1-High-Intense Plaque as a Risk Factor for a Subsequent Cerebrovascular Ischemic Event.

BACKGROUND: Intraplaque hemorrhage, detected as a high-signal intensity on carotid MRI, is also strongly associated with ischemic events in symptomatic patients. However, in asymptomatic patients, the relationship of the T1-high intense plaque and the subsequent stroke is not clear. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that asymptomatic carotid T1-high intense plaque is a risk factor for a subsequent cerebrovascular ischemic event. METHODS: Of the 1,353 consecutive patients, who underwent head and carotid MRI as part of their annual medical check-up, the imaging quality of 13 was poor and 150 did not present for follow-up examination, thus leaving 1,190 subjects for evaluation. Of the 1,190 patients, 96 patients had findings of high-signal intensity on carotid MRI and 1,094 patients did not. Cerebrovascular events were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 53 months, 4 patients with high-signal intensities on carotid MRI (4%) and 3 with no findings (0.3%) had a cerebrovascular ischemic event, with the occurrences significantly higher in the high-signal-intensity group. (p < 0.01) Cox regression analysis indicated that the presence of the high-intense plaque on carotid MRI (hazard ratio [HR] 4.2; 95% CI 1.0-17.1; p = 0.04), age (HR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; p = 0.003), and diabetes mellitus (HR 7.2; 95% CI 1.8-27.4; p = 0.004) were associated with the occurrence of subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic carotid T1-high-intense plaque might be a potential high-risk factor for a subsequent cerebrovascular ischemic event.

Histological Examination of Trousseau Syndrome-Related Thrombus Retrieved Through Acute Endovascular Thrombectomy: Report of 2 Cases.

The mechanism of thrombus formation in Trousseau syndrome remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate specific pathological findings of the thrombi in Trousseau syndrome. The authors report on 2 cases of thrombi in Trousseau syndrome from large cerebral vessels removed by endovascular therapy and compared with thrombi in atherosclerosis or cardiac embolism. The first patient, a 67-year-old man, was transferred to our hospital for sudden onset consciousness disturbance and tetraparesis. He had been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. The magnetic resonance (MR) angiography demonstrated basilar artery occlusion. An endovascular thrombectomy was performed. The second patient, an 84-year-old woman, was transferred to our hospital for sudden onset motor aphasia and right-sided motor weakness. She has a history of stage IV pancreatic body cancer. The MR angiography demonstrated left middle cerebral artery occlusion. An endovascular thrombectomy was performed for the floating thrombus. Macroscopic findings of retrieved thrombi were observed immediately after thrombectomy. The thrombi in Trousseau syndrome were white in color and solid against manual compression, whereas thrombi from other causes were red and fragile. In terms of microscopic findings, the thrombi in Trousseau syndrome mainly contained fibrin. On the other hand, thrombi associated with atherosclerosis or cardiac embolism had smaller area of fibrin with a considerable amount of red and white blood cells. The thrombi in Trousseau syndrome, which caused occlusion of large cerebral vessel, almost exclusively consisted of fibrin.

[Indocyanine Green Videoangiography-Guided Target Bypass for Surgical Trapping of Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm:A Technical Case Report].

Intraoperative indocyanine green(ICG)videoangiography is simple, less invasive, and enables real-time observation of hemodynamics during neurovascular surgery. In this article, we describe a case of ruptured distal middle cerebral artery aneurysm, which was unclippable and required parent artery occlusion with extracranial-intracranial bypass. Under temporary clipping of the proximal vessel, ICG videoangiography demonstrated the proper target vessel for bypass through delayed and retrograde filling of the dye. In this operation, ICG videoangiography contributed to simpler and less invasive procedures, by avoiding dissection of the tight cerebral fissure and intraoperative angiography.

Milrinone via lumbar subarachnoid catheter for vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) due to symptomatic vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this study was to elucidate the safety and feasibility of intrathecal milrinone infusion via lumber subarachnoid catheter for prevention of DIND after aSAH. METHODS: We diagnosed 425 consecutive patients with aSAH who received clipping or coil embolization within 48 h after arrival. Patients with the evidence of vasospasm on CT angiography (CTA) received the milrinone therapy via lumbar subarachnoid catheter. DIND, delayed cerebral infarction (DCI), and modified Rankin scale at 3 months after SAH were used for the assessment of outcome. RESULTS: Of 425 patients, 170 patients (40.0 %) with CTA-proven vasospasm received the milrinone therapy. DIND was observed in 68 patients (16.0 %), DCI in 30 patients (7.1 %), and the overall mortality was 7.2 %. In patients with WFNS grade IV and V aSAH, 26 out of 145 patients (17.9 %) were presented with DIND, 12 (8.3 %) with DCI, and the mortality was 16.0 %. No major complication related to the milrinone injection was observed. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal milrinone injection via lumbar catheter was safe and feasible, and further randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this regimen in the patients with SAH.

Basilar artery occlusion due to vertebral artery injury treated with thrombectomy and distal vertebral artery embolization through the unaffected side.

Background: There is no established opinion regarding embolization of asymptomatic traumatic vertebral artery injuries that do not require cervical spine repair and fixation. Case Description: A 78-year-old man fell backward from a height of about 1 m and was rushed to his previous hospital. He had a fracture of the left transverse process of the 6th cervical vertebra. Six hours after the trauma, he became unconscious; magnetic resonance angiography showed occlusion of the left vertebral and basilar arteries, and he was transferred to our hospital. The basilar artery was completely recanalized 430 min after the onset of unconsciousness. Due to the presence of thrombi in the distal vertebral artery at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra and collateral blood flow from the deep cervical artery, the distal vertebral artery was occluded to prevent embolism. Postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging showed extensive infarction in the posterior circulation, and the patient died two days after surgery. Conclusion: In the case of vertebral artery injury, preparation for early occlusion of the basilar artery is necessary. If a thrombus and collateral blood flow are present distal to the vertebral artery injury, distal vertebral artery embolization may be necessary to prevent embolism.

Aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism diagnosed with an embolus retrieved by thrombectomy: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Calcified cerebral embolism has been reported as a cause of acute cerebral infarction, but an aortogenic origin has rarely been identified as the embolic source. The authors describe a case of aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism in a patient with other embolic sources. OBSERVATIONS: In a patient with cerebral infarction and atrial fibrillation, a white hard embolus was retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy. Pathological analysis of the embolus revealed that it was mostly calcified, with some foam cells and giant cells. The macroscopic and pathological findings allowed the authors to finally diagnose an aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism. LESSONS: Even in patients with cardiogenic embolic sources, it is possible to identify a complex aortic atheroma with calcification as the embolic source, based on the macroscopic and pathological findings of the embolus retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy.

Learning Curve Effect of Combined Technique Thrombectomy as First-Line Attempt for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively examined the initial experience and learning curve after the introduction of thrombectomy with the combined technique using an aspiration catheter and a stent retriever as first-line attempt for acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke at our institution between January 2020 and December 2022 were divided into 3 groups according to the year of thrombectomy. Patient characteristics and procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between the three year periods to determine predictors of favorable clinical outcome. RESULTS: In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the numbers of patients were 74, 70, and 90, respectively, with similar patient characteristics across the three years; successful recanalization rates were 79.7%, 97.1%, and 93.3%, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years); median procedure times were 67, 43, and 32 minutes, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years and P = 0.018 for the last 2 years); first pass effect rates were 20.3%, 41.4%, and 44.4%, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years); symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 14.9%, 2.9%, and 1.1%, respectively (P = 0.018 for the first 2 years); and percentages of modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 90 days were 24.3%, 42.9%, and 41.1%, respectively (P = 0.022 for the first 2 years). Procedure time (P = 0.038) and successful recanalization (P = 0.041) were independent predictors of favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve effect of the combined technique may be associated with better clinical outcome due to increased successful recanalization rates, shortened procedure time, and reduced symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

[Cost Comparison of Carotid Endarterectomy versus Carotid Stenting in Japan].

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been covered by the health insurance system in Japan since 2008. There have been few studies concerning medical costs and charges for patients who received CEA or CAS in Japan. The aim of this study was to elucidate the difference in the costs between the patients who received CEA and those who received CAS in Japan. Between 2010 and 2011, 19 patients who received CEA and 20 patients who received CAS were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, symptomatic/asymptomatic, emergent/scheduled, length of stay, outcome, cost for the procedure (professional fee), supply for the operation, the total medical service fee, and copayment of the patients was compared between the two treatment groups. No significant difference was detected between the two groups except for the supply of the operation and the total medical service fee (CEA:mean 1,565,580 yen vs CAS 2,758,360 yen, p=0.0001). On the other hand, no significant difference was obtained in the copayment of the patients (CEA 71,895 yen, CAS 72,458 yen). Even when limited to the scheduled cases, similar results were obtained. There is a monthly copayment limit in the health insurance system in Japan, which results in a reasonable charge for patients who received CAS, despite the fact that the rest of the fee including high costs for the supplies was paid by the company and the nation. To reduce the medical costs, Japanese have to be aware of the high costs in CAS, most of which is due to the supplies.

Intraoperative identification of the lateral spinal artery in a case of craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula surgically obliterated.

BACKGROUND: The formation of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) at the craniocervical junction is rare. Such a fistula can be fed by the branches of the vertebral and external carotid arteries. The lateral spinal artery can branch from the vertebral artery. The feeders of a DAVF at the craniocervical junction are often diagnosed on preoperative angiography, and there is little reported evidence on the intraoperative diagnosis of the lateral spinal artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 84-year-old man presented with motor weakness and sensory disturbance of the lower extremities. Edematous changes in the medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord were observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral angiography revealed a DAVF fed by a branch of the vertebral artery, with a shunting point located in the dura of the right condyle; the main drain was the anterior spinal vein. The DAVF drain was surgically obliterated to prevent hemorrhagic events and improve neurological symptoms. Intraoperatively, an artery branching from the feeder of the DAVF was identified and preserved. The patient had a good postoperative course, and the neurological symptoms were ameliorated. Follow-up cerebral angiography revealed proximal branching of the lateral spinal artery from the feeding artery of the DAVF. CONCLUSION: A lateral spinal artery was identified intraoperatively while a DAVF at the craniocervical junction was obliterated. This suggests that preoperative imaging should be carefully reviewed, and endovascular procedures should consider such possibilities to avoid adverse ischemic outcomes.

De novo expansion formation in the outer curvature of the internal carotid artery after flow diverter deployment for an infectious cavernous carotid aneurysm: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Infectious aneurysms very rarely occur in the cavernous carotid artery. Recently, treatment by flow diverter implantation with preservation of the parent artery has been the treatment of choice. OBSERVATIONS: A 64-year-old woman presented with stenosis at the C5 segment of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), followed by ocular symptoms within 2 weeks, with a de novo aneurysm in the left cavernous carotid artery and wall irregularity with stenosis from the C2 to C5 segments of the left ICA. Antimicrobial therapy was given for 6 weeks, and a Pipeline Flex Shield was implanted. Angiography 6 months after treatment showed complete obliteration of the infectious aneurysm and improvement of the stenosis. However, de novo expansions were formed in the outer curvature of C3 and C4 segments of the ICA where the Pipeline device had been deployed. LESSONS: Aneurysms that develop rapidly and show shape changes over time, accompanied by fever and inflammation, may be associated with an infection. Because of the fragility in the irregular wall of the parent vessel associated with infectious aneurysms, de novo expansion may form in the outer curvature of the parent vessel after flow diverter placement; thus, careful follow-up is necessary.