Direct Versus Indirect Revascularization for Moyamoya: a Large Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya is a chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease of unknown etiology causing neovascularization of the lenticulostriate collaterals at the base of the brain. Although revascularization surgery is the most effective treatment for moyamoya, there is still no consensus on the best surgical treatment modality as different studies provide different outcomes. OBJECTIVE: In this large case series, we compare the outcomes of direct (DR) and indirect revascularisation (IR) and compare our results to the literature in order to reflect on the best revascularization modality for moyamoya. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology guidelines of moyamoya affected hemispheres treated with DR and IR surgeries across 13 academic institutions predominantly in North America. All patients who underwent surgical revascularization of their moyamoya-affected hemispheres were included in the study. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of symptomatic strokes. RESULTS: The rates of symptomatic strokes across 515 disease-affected hemispheres were comparable between the two cohorts (11.6% in the DR cohort vs 9.6% in the IR cohort, OR 1.238 (95% CI 0.651 to 2.354), p=0.514). The rate of total perioperative strokes was slightly higher in the DR cohort (6.1% for DR vs 2.0% for IR, OR 3.129 (95% CI 0.991 to 9.875), p=0.052). The rate of total follow-up strokes was slightly higher in the IR cohort (8.1% vs 6.6%, OR 0.799 (95% CI 0.374 to 1.709) p=0.563). CONCLUSION: Since both modalities showed comparable rates of overall total strokes, both modalities of revascularization can be performed depending on the patient's risk assessment.

International controlled study of revascularization and outcomes following COVID-positive mechanical thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies suggest that mechanisms and outcomes in patients with COVID-19-associated stroke differ from those in patients with non-COVID-19-associated strokes, but there is limited comparative evidence focusing on these populations. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine if a significant association exists between COVID-19 status with revascularization and functional outcomes following thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, international multicenter retrospective study was conducted in consecutively admitted COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute LVO, compared to a control group without COVID-19. Data collected included age, gender, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, details of the involved vessels, procedural technique, and various outcomes. A multivariable-adjusted analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In this cohort of 697 patients with acute LVO, 302 had COVID-19 while 395 patients did not. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean age (in years) and gender of patients, with younger patients and more males in the COVID-19 group. In terms of favorable revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grade 3), COVID-19 was associated with lower odds of complete revascularization (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.48; p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariable modeling with adjustment for other predictors (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.77; p = 0.012). Moreover, endovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor functional outcome in patients with stroke due to LVO. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients with LVO were more often younger and had higher morbidity/mortality rates.

Quantification of hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes in intracerebral hemorrhage study: Design considerations in an artificial intelligence validation (QUANTUM) study.

BACKGROUND: Hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes are important radiographic markers in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Accurate, reliable, and efficient quantification of these volumes will be paramount to their utility as measures of treatment effect in future clinical studies. Both manual and semi-automated quantification methods of hematoma and perihematomal edema volumetry are time-consuming and susceptible to inter-rater variability. Efforts are now underway to develop a fully automated algorithm that can replace them. A (QUANTUM) study to establish inter-quantification method measurement equivalency, which deviates from the traditional use of measures of agreement and a comparison hypothesis testing paradigm to indirectly infer quantification method measurement equivalence, is described in this article. The Quantification of Hematoma and Perihematomal Edema Volumes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage study aims to determine whether a fully automated quantification method and a semi-automated quantification method for quantification of hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes are equivalent to the hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes of the manual quantification method. METHODS/DESIGN: Hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage on 252 computed tomography scans will be prospectively quantified in random order by six raters using the fully automated, semi-automated, and manual quantification methods. Primary outcome measures for hematoma and perihematomal edema volumes will be quantified via computed tomography scan on admission (<24 h from symptom onset) and on day 3 (72 ± 12 h from symptom onset), respectively. Equivalence hypothesis testing will be conducted to determine if the hematoma and perihematomal edema volume measurements of the fully automated and semi-automated quantification methods are within 7.5% of the hematoma and perihematomal edema volume measurements of the manual quantification reference method. DISCUSSION: By allowing direct equivalence hypothesis testing, the Quantification of Hematoma and Perihematomal Edema Volumes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage study offers advantages over radiology validation studies which utilize measures of agreement to indirectly infer measurement equivalence and studies which mistakenly try to infer measurement equivalence based on the failure of a comparison two-sided null hypothesis test to reach the significance level for rejection. The equivalence hypothesis testing paradigm applied to artificial intelligence application validation is relatively uncharted and warrants further investigation. The challenges encountered in the design of this study may influence future studies seeking to translate artificial intelligence medical technology into clinical practice.

Robot-assisted carotid artery stenting: outcomes, safety, and operational learning curve.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past 2 decades, robots have been increasingly used in surgeries to help overcome human limitations and perform precise and accurate tasks. Endovascular robots were pioneered in interventional cardiology, however, the CorPath GRX was recently approved by the FDA for peripheral vascular and extracranial interventions. The authors aimed to evaluate the operational learning curve for robot-assisted carotid artery stenting over a period of 19 months at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was conducted, and 14 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted carotid artery stenting from December 2019 to June 2021 were identified. The metrics for proficiency were the total fluoroscopy and procedure times, contrast volume used, and radiation dose. To evaluate operator progress, the patients were divided into 3 groups of 5, 4, and 5 patients based on the study period. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were included. All patients received balloon angioplasty and stent placement. The median degree of stenosis was 95%. Ten patients (71%) were treated via the transradial approach and 4 patients (29%) via the transfemoral approach, with no procedural complications. The median contrast volume used was 80 mL, and the median radiation dose was 38,978.5 mGy/cm2. The overall median fluoroscopy and procedure times were 24.6 minutes and 70.5 minutes, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in these times, from 32 minutes and 86 minutes, respectively, in group 1 to 21.9 minutes and 62 minutes, respectively, in group 3 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted carotid artery stenting was found to be safe and effective, and the learning curve for robotic procedures was overcome within a short period of time at a high-volume cerebrovascular center.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients Presenting with NIHSS Score <6: A Safety and Efficacy Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Groundbreaking trials have shown the tremendous efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions. Currently, mechanical thrombectomy is limited to patients with NIHSS scores ≥6. We investigated the feasibility and safety of MT in patients presenting with NIHSS scores <6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patient who presented with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion with an NIHSS score <6 between 2015 - 2021. The patients were then divided into two groups: those who received mechanical thrombectomy and those who did not. RESULTS: Among 83 patients, 41 received a mechanical thrombectomy while 42 received medical treatment only. The mean age in the mechanical thrombectomy group was 66 years versus 60 years in the medical group (p = 0.06). Risk factors for stroke did not differ significantly between both groups. 14 patients (34.1%) in the mechanical thrombectomy group and 20 (47.6%) in the medical group received tissue plasminogen activator. No significant difference in clinical improvement (NIHSS) at discharge (p=0.85) or the mRS score at 90 days (p = 0.15) was noted. Mechanical thrombectomy was associated with smaller infarct size (p=0.04) and decreased mortality (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy is safe and effective for patients who present with large vessel occlusions and low initial NIHSS scores. Therefore, the decision to offer the patient mechanical thrombectomy or not should not be decided by NIHSS score alone. Rather, the decision should be multifactorial with the aim of maximizing the patients' outcomes.

TOAST classification and risk factors of ischemic stroke in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemic stroke is a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the increasingly older population. The variability in ischemic stroke subtypes and its risk factors across different populations suggest that more effort is needed to describe the stroke characteristics in order to develop a more tailored management for each population. We aim to describe the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and subtype distribution of subjects with ischemic stroke in the Lebanese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on chart review on patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack at the American University of Beirut Medical center between 2015 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 284 cases were included with a mean age of 72 years, and 58% male gender. The most commonly identified risk factors were hypertension (77%), dyslipidemia (62%), and diabetes mellitus (42%), while atrial fibrillation was only found in 27% of cases. The cohort distribution according to TOAST classification was as follows: 15% large artery stroke, 31% cardioembolic stroke, 17% small artery stroke, 10% stroke of other determined causes, and 27% stroke of unknown cause. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to address ischemic stroke characteristics in Lebanon.

Resuming Anticoagulants in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most disabling cerebrovascular events. Several studies have discussed oral anticoagulant (OAC)-related ICH; however, the optimal timing of resuming OAC in patients with ICH is still a dilemma. In this literature review/meta-analysis, we will summarize, discuss, and provide the results of studies pertaining to OAC resumption in patients with ICH. METHODS: Using PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Web science, a systemic literature review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement on December 20, 2022. Inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis were all studies reporting mean, median, and standard deviation for the duration of anticoagulants resumption after ICH. Thirteen studies met the above criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of the 271 articles found in the literature, pooled analysis was performed in 13 studies that included timing of OAC resumption after ICH. The pooled mean duration to OAC resumption after the index ICH was 31 days (95% CI: 13.7-48.3). There was significant variation among the mean duration to OAC resumption reported by the studies as observed in the heterogeneity test ( P -value ≈0). CONCLUSION: Based on our meta-analysis, the average time of resuming OAC in patients with ICH is around 30 days. Several factors including the type of intracranial hemorrhage, the type of OAC, and the indication for OACs should be taken into consideration for future studies to try and identify the best time to resume OAC in patients with ICH.

First United States multicenter experience with the new-generation FRED X surface-modified flow diversion stent: feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: Flow diversion created a paradigm shift in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The new flow redirection endoluminal device with X technology (FRED X) is the latest update of the recent Food and Drug Administration-approved FRED. The FRED X is engineered to reduce material thrombogenicity and enhance vessel healing. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early safety and efficacy of the new FRED X. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected and analyzed data from patients who had undergone flow diversion with the new FRED X at four tertiary cerebrovascular centers in the United States from February 2022 through July 2022. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with 45 aneurysms treated using 46 devices comprised the overall study cohort and were divided into two groups: 39 patients with unruptured aneurysms and 5 patients with ruptured aneurysms. The mean patient age was 57.7 ± 9.1 years, and most patients were female (84%). Ninety-one percent of the aneurysms were saccular, with the majority (93%) located in the anterior circulation, specifically the posterior communicating (27%) and carotid ophthalmic (27%) territories. The mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 5.6 ± 4.6 mm, and 20% of the lesions had been previously treated. The mean procedure time was 61.6 minutes, with a mean cumulative fluoroscopy time of 24.6 minutes. Additionally, 7% of the lesions received adjunct treatment. Stent placement was successful in 100% of cases, achieving good wall apposition and complete neck coverage. Further, immediate aneurysm contrast stasis > 90% was observed in 61% of cases. Symptomatic postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients in the unruptured cohort and 1 patient in the ruptured cohort. All patients in the study were discharged on dual antiplatelet regimens with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0. At 6 months after treatment, 89% of cases had adequate occlusion, with < 6% of cases having asymptomatic in-stent stenosis. All patients had excellent functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: FRED X for the treatment of an intracranial aneurysm is technically feasible alone or in conjunction with intrasaccular embolization. In addition, the study results showed very promising early safety and efficacy. Follow-up studies should establish the long-term safety and efficacy profiles of this new stent.

Comparison of PED/PED Flex and PED Shield in the treatment of unruptured intracerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of the Pipeline embolization device (PED)/Pipeline Flex embolization device (PED Flex) with that of the Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology (PED Shield). After introducing the first-generation PED and the second-generation PED Flex with its updated delivery system, the PED Shield was launched with a synthetic layer of phosphorylcholine surface modification to reduce thrombogenicity. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of unruptured aneurysms treated with PED/PED Flex versus PED Shield between 2017 and 2022 at the authors' institution. Patients with ruptured aneurysms, adjunctive treatment, failed flow diverter deployment, and prior treatment of the target aneurysm were excluded. Baseline characteristics were collected for all patients, including age, sex, past medical history (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus), smoking status, aneurysm location, and aneurysm dimensions (neck, width, height) and morphology (saccular, nonsaccular). The primary outcome was procedural and periprocedural complication rates. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 200 patients with 200 aneurysms, including 150 aneurysms treated with the PED/PED Flex and 50 treated with the PED Shield. With respect to intraprocedural and periprocedural complications, length of stay, length of follow-up, and functional outcome at discharge, there was no significant difference between the two cohorts. At the midterm follow-up, the rate of in-stent stenosis (PED/PED Flex: 14.2% vs PED Shield: 14.6%, p = 0.927), aneurysm occlusion (complete occlusion: 79.5% vs 80.5%, respectively; neck remnant: 4.7% vs 12.2%; dome remnant: 15.7% vs 7.3%; p = 0.119), and the need for retreatment (5.3% vs 0%, p = 0.097) were comparable between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, as compared to first- and second-generation PED and PED Flex, the third-generation PED Shield offers similar rates of complications, aneurysm occlusion, and in-stent stenosis at the midterm follow-up.

Correlation of Computed Tomography Angiography to Digital Subtraction Angiography in Carotid Stenosis with Real-World Assessment of Overestimation of Carotid Stenosis on Computed Tomography Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a well-established diagnostic modality for carotid stenosis. However, false-positive CTA results may expose patients to unnecessary procedural complications in cases where surgical intervention is not warranted. We aim to assess the correlation of CTA to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in carotid stenosis and characterize patients who were referred for intervention based on CTA and did not require it based on DSA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 186 patients who underwent carotid angioplasty and stenting following preprocedural CTA at our institution from April 2017 to December 2022. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 186 patients (11.2%) were found to have <50% carotid stenosis on DSA (discordant group). Severe plaque calcification on CTA was associated with a discordant degree of stenosis on DSA (LR+=7.4). Among 186 patients, agreement between the percentage of stenosis from CTA and DSA was weak-moderate (r2=0.27, P<0.01). Among concordant pairs, we found moderate-strong agreement between CTA and DSA (adj r2=0.37) (P < 0.0001). Of 186 patients, 127 patients had CTA stenosis of ≥70%, and 59 had CTA of 50%-69%. Correlation between CTA and DSA in severe CTA stenosis was weak (r2=0.11, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stenosis found on CTA, over 88% also had stenosis on DSA, with this positive predictive value in line with previous studies. The percent-stenosis value from CTA and DSA was weakly correlated but does not affect the overall clinical judgement of stenosis. Severe calcification found on CTA may potentially indicate nonstenosis on DSA.

Multicenter US clinical experience with the Scepter Mini balloon catheter.

INTRODUCTION: Distal navigability and imprecise delivery of embolic agents are two limitations encountered during liquid embolization of cerebrospinal lesions. The dual-lumen Scepter Mini balloon (SMB) microcatheter was introduced to overcome these conventional microcatheters' limitations with few small single-center reports suggesting favorable results. METHODS: A series of consecutive patients undergoing SMB-assisted endovascular embolization were extracted from prospectively maintained registries in seven North-American centers (November 2019 to September 2022). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients undergoing 55 embolization procedures utilizing SMB were included (median age 58.5; 48.1% females). Cranial dural arteriovenous fistula embolization was the most common indication (54.5%) followed by cranial arteriovenous malformation (27.3%). Staged/pre-operative embolization was done in 36.4% of cases; and 83.6% of procedures using Onyx-18. Most procedures utilized a transarterial approach (89.1%), and SMB-induced arterial-flow arrest concurrently with transvenous embolization was used in 10.9% of procedures. Femoral access/triaxial setups were utilized in the majority of procedures (65.5% and 60%, respectively). The median vessel diameter where the balloon was inflated of 1.8 mm, with a median of 1.5 cc of injected embolic material per procedure. Technical failures occurred in 5.5% of cases requiring aborting/replacement with other devices without clinical sequelae in any of the patients, with SMB-related procedural complications of 3.6% without clinical sequelae. Radiographic imaging follow-up was available in 76.9% of the patients (median follow-up 3.8 months), with complete occlusion (100%) or >50% occlusion in 92.5% of the cases, and unplanned retreatments in 1.8%. CONCLUSION: The SMB microcatheter is a useful new adjunctive device for balloon-assisted embolization of cerebrospinal lesions with a high technical success rate, favorable outcomes, and a reasonable safety profile.

Predictors of occlusion, long-term outcomes, and safety in a cohort of 674 aneurysms treated with the Pipeline embolization device.

OBJECTIVE: By providing a more physiological approach to the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, the Pipeline embolization device (PED) has revolutionized the endovascular treatment of aneurysms. Although there are many flow diverters on the market, the authors report their experience with the PED, the first flow diverter to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of PED flow diversion for the treatment of a wide range of aneurysms, as well as to look at factors affecting occlusion. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with the PED between January 2011 and December 2019. Charts were reviewed for patient, aneurysm, and procedure characteristics. The primary outcomes of interest were complication rates, occlusion outcomes (O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale), and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]). Secondary outcomes included predictors of incomplete occlusion at 6 and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The study cohort included 581 patients with 674 aneurysms. Most aneurysms (90.5%) were in the anterior circulation and had a saccular morphology (85.6%). Additionally, 638 aneurysms (94.7%) were unruptured, whereas 36 (5.3%) were acutely ruptured. The largest mean aneurysm diameter was 8.3 ± 6.1 mm. Complications occurred at a rate of 5.5% (n = 32). The complete occlusion rate was 89.3% at 24 months' follow-up, and 94.8% of patients had a favorable neurological outcome (mRS score 0-2) at the last follow-up. On multivariate analysis, predictors of incomplete aneurysm occlusion at 6 months were hypertension (OR 1.7, p = 0.03), previous aneurysm treatment (OR 2.4, p = 0.001), and increasing aneurysm neck diameter (OR 1.2, p = 0.02), whereas a saccular morphology was protective (OR 0.5, p = 0.05). Predictors of incomplete occlusion at 24 months were increasing aneurysm neck diameter (OR 1.2, p = 0.01) and previous aneurysm treatment (OR 2.3, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings are corroborated by those of previous studies and trials. The complete occlusion rate was 89.3% at 24 months' follow-up, with 94.8% of patients having favorable functional outcomes (mRS score 0-2). Aneurysm treatment before PED deployment and an increasing aneurysm neck diameter increase the risk of incomplete occlusion at 6 and 24 months.

A complication of the transradial approach: thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm with hemothorax.

The transradial approach has gained popularity in the neuroendovascular field after several studies proved its low rate of hemorrhagic and vascular-related complications in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This is a case of a patient who presented for flow diversion treatment of an incidental left carotid ophthalmic aneurysm. The procedure was uneventful. Post-operatively, the patient's neurological exam and vital signs were normal, however the patient complained of abdominal and chest pain that worsened when lying down and improved when sitting up. Radiologic diagnosis confirmed the presence of a thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm which was completely obliterated with Onyx 18 embolization. Thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare complication of the transradial approach. Shedding the light on these entities is essential as symptoms vary in severity and presentation and necessitate swift diagnosis and treatment.

Post-operative weight loss in venous sinus stenting patients: A multi-center review, systematic review, and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can result in headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, papilledema, and other neurological symptoms. Weight loss can alleviate some symptoms of IIH. This study aims to investigate the effect of venous sinus stenting on post-operative weight and body mass index (BMI) changes among IIH patients. The secondary objective is to investigate the relationship between post-operative weight changes and papilledema resolution. METHODS: Patients with papilledema undergoing venous sinus stenting for IIH were retrospectively reviewed from two comprehensive North American cerebrovascular centers. Patient demographics, surgical course, post-operative outcomes, and weight were analyzed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of post-operative weight in stented IIH patients was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with a diagnosis of IIH and papilledema who underwent venous sinus stenting were identified across two institutions. Patients had a mean pre-operative weight of 103.2 kg, which decreased to 101.5 kg at 3-month follow up (p = 0.0757). Patients at 6-month follow-up saw a weight decrease to 97.4 kg (p = 0.0066). Patients who saw papilledema resolution saw a mean greater decrease in weight (-4.5%) at 6-month follow up than those whose papilledema did not resolve (-1.7%), although this was insignificant (p = 0.1091). A total of 41 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Patients had an average of 1.1 increase in BMI at 3-month follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that venous sinus stenting leads to modest weight reduction in IIH patients, and those with resolved papilledema experience slightly greater weight loss. Further research is necessary to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

A review of mechanical thrombectomy techniques for acute ischemic stroke.

Mechanical thrombectomy is established as standard of care in the management of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and evidence-based guidelines for mechanical thrombectomy have been defined. As research continues to further expand the eligibility criteria for thrombectomy and the number of thrombectomy procedures increase worldwide, there is also growing focus on innovation of thrombectomy devices, procedural techniques, and related outcomes. Thrombectomy primarily involves use of stent retrievers and distal aspiration techniques, but variations and different combinations of techniques have been reported. As this is a rapidly evolving area in stroke management, there is debate as to which, if any, of these techniques leads to improved clinical outcomes over another and there is a lack of data comparing them. In this review, currently published and distinct techniques of mechanical thrombectomy are described methodically along with illustrations to aid in understanding the subtle differences between the techniques. The perceived benefits of each variation are discussed.

Venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients with functioning ventriculoperitoneal shunts: A case series.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease defined by increased intracranial pressure and associated with a variety of symptoms ranging from headaches to tinnitus. Ventricular peritoneal shunting has been the mainstay treatment for patients with IIH. Although VPS's have shown efficacy in treating IIH, some patients complain of refractory symptoms even with functioning VPS's. Venus stenting has emerged as a new technique for treating these refractory symptoms. Despite the scarce literature pertaining its efficacy and safety profile, several small studies have shown promising results. In this case series, four patients with IIH complained of refractory symptoms despite functioning VPS's and were treated with venous stenting.

Social Media and Neurosurgery: Insights from the Top 100 Neurosurgery Influencers on Twitter.

BACKGROUND: The rise in popularity of social media (SoMe) in medicine has created a powerful tool for the professional development and continued education of clinicians. Numerous benefits of SoMe exist; however, significant challenges concerning professionalism, confidentiality, and spread of misinformation may limit its usefulness. To understand the ways the top 100 Twitter influencers interact with SoMe, their views on SoMe, and its future in the medical field. METHODS: Literature was reviewed to obtain common concerns about SoMe in the medical field. A survey with 30 questions was sent to the top 100 Twitter influencers in the Neurosurgical field identified by Riccio et al. The survey assessed participant demographics, SoMe activity, stance toward SoMe, and views on the future of SoMe. RESULTS: Most participants were in the age group of 35-44 years (n = 23, 44.2%), resided in the United States (n = 39, 73.6%), have been in practice for 6-10 years (n = 14, 26.4%), and ranked Twitter as the mostly used platform (n = 37,72.6%). Per participant Reponses, 35 (66%) participants have taken a political stance on SoMe, 0 (0%) have gotten into any legal issues regarding a post shared on SoMe, 45 (84.9%) agreed/strongly agreed that SoMe is essential for networking and mentorship, and 49 (92.3%) agreed/strongly agreed that that SoMe will continue to play a major role in the medical field. CONCLUSIONS: Although SoMe has its advantages, several disadvantages render it a double-edged sword. Maximizing SoMe's benefits and minimizing its misuse will further strengthen its role in the medical field.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Stroke Due to Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion, a Safety and Efficacy Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute basilar artery occlusion accounts for 1% of all ischemic strokes but often leads to devastating neurological injury and mortality. Many institutions still opt for best medical therapy for these patients; however, there is increasing evidence that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for these patients leads to better outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of MT for patients presenting with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database for patients with acute BAO treated with MT from January 2014 through March 2022. RESULTS: Our study included a total of 74 patients. The mean age was 62.7 years, and 55.4% were male. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (73%). The mean door to puncture time was 75 minutes, and the mean procedure time was 54 minutes. 86.5% of patients had a good modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score (≥2b). There were 4 patients who had procedural complications and 3 who had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. At 90 days, 62.5% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale, 0 to 3. The mortality rate was 32.4% and 2% during hospital admission and 90 days, respectively. On univariate analysis, adjunctive angioplasty/stenting and higher presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were associated with modified Rankin Scale 4 to 6 at 90 days ( P -value, .03 and <.001, respectively). Shorter procedure time was associated with modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score ≥ 2b ( P -value, .0015). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that MT is safe and effective for patients presenting with acute BAO and is in conjunction with previous literature. The results from upcoming trials should hopefully establish MT as gold standard for these patients.

Women in neurosurgery: a cross-sectional demographic study of female neurosurgery residents in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past several decades, the number of women applying to medical school has increased significantly. However, parallel recruitment and retention of women in the field of neurosurgery continues to lag. The aim of this study was to identify the ratio and trend of female neurosurgery residents to the total number of residents during the past 7 years across all US neurosurgery residency programs. METHODS: The authors conducted a cross-sectional demographic study investigating the ratio of female neurosurgery residents to the total number of neurosurgery residents across US neurosurgical programs from 2016 to 2022. Using the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, all neurosurgical residency programs in the US were collected. Data were further divided into postgraduate years 1-7 to dissect the data collection per residency year. One hundred fourteen programs were included in the study. RESULTS: The number of female neurosurgery residents was 71 (29.8%) in 2022, 58 (25.2%) in 2021, 65 (27.9%) in 2020, 62 (27.3%) in 2019, 46 (21.4%) in 2018, 33 (15.2%) in 2017, and 34 (15.9%) in 2016. The trend line showed a significant increase using the Mann-Kendall test (p = 0.035). The total number of international medical graduate (IMG) female neurosurgery residents was 3 (4.2%) in 2022, 4 (6.9%) in 2021, 3 (4.6%) in 2020, 1 (1.6%) in 2019, 1 (2.2%) in 2018, 1 (3%) in 2017, and 2 (5.9%) in 2016. CONCLUSIONS: The number of women matching into neurosurgery residency programs is modestly increasing, especially for IMG women. Future steps toward fewer gender disparities should focus on career advancement and leadership diversification in organized and academic neurosurgery.