Two surgical strategies (early carotid reperfusion vs. Central aortic repair-first) of acute type a aortic dissection complicated with cerebral malperfusion syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral malperfusion (CM) is a common comorbidity in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), which is associated with high mortality and poor neurological prognosis. This meta-analysis investigated the surgical strategy of ATAAD patients with CM, aiming to compare the difference in therapeutic effectiveness between the central repair-first and the early reperfusion-first according to clinical outcomes. METHODS: The meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted based on studies sourced from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane literature database, in which cases of ATAAD with CM underwent surgical repair were included. Data for baseline characteristics, mortality, survival were extracted, and risk ratio (RR) values and the pooled mortality were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 17 retrospective studies were analyzed, including 1010 cases of ATAAD with CM underwent surgical repair. The pooled early mortality in early reperfusion group was lower (8.1%; CI, 0.02 to 0.168) than that in the central repair group (16.2%; CI, 0.115 to 0.216). The pooled long-term mortality was 7.9% in the early reperfusion cohort and 17.4% the central repair-first cohort, without a statistically significant heterogeneity (I [2] = 51.271%; p = 0.056). The mean time of symptom-onset-to-the-operation-room in all the reports was 8.87 ± 12.3 h. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that early reperfusion-first may achieved better outcomes compared to central repair-first in ATAAD patients complicated with CM to some extent. Early operation and early restoration of cerebral perfusion may reduce the occurrence of some neurological complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (No. CRD CRD42023475629) on Nov. 8th, 2023.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the cerebrovascular space: essential domains for readers.

INTRODUCTION: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (SRMAs) in neurosurgery have significantly increased. With approximately 1 million patients affected by cerebrovascular disease annually, interpreting SRMAs necessitates a systematic approach. The objective of this review is to identify and describe four essential domains for SRMA interpretation. METHODS: This review outlines the necessities of reviewing existing literature and methodological frameworks essential for interpreting cerebrovascular neurosurgery SRMAs. Each domain is to accurately assess study design variations, heterogeneity assessment methods, outcome comparability strategies, and the impact of technological advancements and time bias on study outcomes. RESULTS: Study design evaluation distinguishes between randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies. RCTs provide high internal validity, but as seen in the ARUBA trial, can contain internal flaws that necessitate a deeper understanding before application to clinical practices. Non-randomized studies offer valuable real-world insights. A heterogeneity assessment involves readers and writers accurately using forest plots, Cochrane's Q test, Higgins I² statistics, subgroup analysis, and meta-regressions to understand a study's clinical findings. The expertise thresholds, as in the NASCET trial, significantly impact a study's external validity. Strategies such as the GRADE approach can assist in managing diverse outcome measures. Technological advancements, particularly in endovascular procedures and SRS, influence the accuracy of comparing studies across periods, and thus swiftly outdate older studies, lowering the applicability of SRMAs. CONCLUSION: Effective interpretation of cerebrovascular neurosurgery SRMAs requires attention to study design, heterogeneity, outcome comparability, and technological advancements. These domains collectively enable evidence-based clinical decision-making and optimized patient care in a dynamic field.

Making Neuroendovascular Therapy for Cerebrovascular Disease Using Distal/Trans-radial Artery Access Safer.

Neuroendovascular therapy using distal/trans-radial artery access (d/TRA) has attracted attention as a less invasive procedure. We have selected dTRA or TRA in all cases of carotid artery stenting (CAS). In recent years, TRA has been actively selected for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke (MT for AIS) and Onyx embolisation for arteriovenous malformations. We compared the patient background, surgical strategy, perioperative complications, and outcome in 41 patients who underwent CAS in the first period (Apr 2017-Feb 2019) and 12 patients in the second period (Apr 2020-Feb 2022) avoiding trans-femoral artery access (TFA) as possible. We compared the patient background, surgical strategy, perioperative complications, and outcome in 46 patients who underwent MT for AIS via TFA from Apr 2022 to Dec 2022 as the first period and five patients who underwent MT for AIS via TRA from Jan 2023 to Sep 2023 as the second period. Concerning CAS, the second period included significantly more symptomatic cases, with a higher rate of edaravone use to prevent hyperperfusion and a significantly smaller sheath diameter. In the second period, CAS was performed in severe conditions; nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of either the ratio of cases detected by postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging positive or the ratio of cases with puncture site-related complications (PSCs). Concerning MT for AIS, there were no significant differences between the two groups with the patient backgrounds. The percentage of effective reperfusion, time from puncture to recanalisation, and outcome in the second period were all non-inferior to those in the first period when conventional MT for AIS was performed. Even though we introduced d/TRA in patients with cognitive decline and inability to remain at rest during the perioperative period, we completely avoided PSCs via d/TRA. In particular, cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after CAS and ischaemia-reperfusion injury or re-occlusion after MT were rare but critical perioperative complications, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be used to monitor these problems. We introduced intensive evaluation by NIRS if we had time to spare.

Advances in the Endovascular Management of Cerebrovascular Disease.

The field of endovascular neurosurgery has experienced remarkable progress over the last few decades. Endovascular treatments have continued to gain traction as the advancement of technology, technique, and procedural safety has allowed for the expansion of treatment indications of various cerebrovascular pathologies. Interventions such as the coiling of intracranial aneurysms, carotid artery stenting, mechanical thrombectomy in the setting of ischemic stroke, and endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformations have all seen transformations in their safety and efficacy, expanding the scope of endovascularly treatable conditions and offering new hope to patients who may have otherwise not been candidates for surgical intervention. Despite this notable progress, challenges persist, including complications associated with device deployment and questions regarding long-term outcomes. This article explores the advancements in endovascular neurosurgical techniques, highlighting the impact on patient care, outcomes, and the evolution of traditional surgical methods.

The value of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm to avoid brainstem ischemia.

PURPOSE: Despite being rarely reported, ischemic insults resulting from compromising small brainstem perforators following microvascular decompression (MVD) remain a potential devastating complication. To avoid this complication, we have been using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography intraoperatively to check the flow within the small brainstem perforators. We aim to evaluate the safety and usefulness of ICG videoangiography in MVD. METHODS: We extracted retrospective data of patients who received ICG videoangiography from our prospectively maintained database for microvascular decompression. We noted relevant data including demographics, offending vessels, operative technique, outcome, and complications. RESULTS: Out of the 438 patients, 15 patients with a mean age (SD) of 53 ± 10.5 years underwent intraoperative ICG angiography. Male:female was 1:1.14. The mean disease duration prior to surgery was 7.7 ± 5.3 years. The mean follow-up (SD) was 50.7 ± 42.0 months. In 14 patients, the offending vessel was an artery, and in one patient, a vein. Intraoperative readjustment of the Teflon pledget or sling was required in 20% (3/15) of the cases. No patient had any sort of brainstem ischemia. Eighty percent of the patients (12/15) experienced complete resolution of the spasms. 86.7% (13/15) of the patients reported a satisfactory outcome with marked improvement of the spasms. Three patients experienced slight hearing affection after surgery, which improved in two patients later. There was no facial or lower cranial nerve affection. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ICG is a safe tool for evaluating the flow within the brain stem perforators and avoiding brainstem ischemia in MVD for hemifacial spasm.

Factors Affecting the Prognosis of Patients with Acute Cerebrovascular Occlusion with High National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Scores Treated with SWIM Technology.

Objective: We aimed to explore the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion with high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores treated with the SWIM (Solitaire™ stent retriever-assisted thrombectomy with immediate mechanical aspiration) technique using an intracranial support catheter. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 72 patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion who underwent SWIM surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University in China between January 2020 and June 2022. The patients were divided into a good prognosis group (Modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0 to 2; n = 30) and a poor prognosis group (mRS score 3 to 6; n = 42) on their mRS scores 3 months after surgery. The THRIVE (TICI, hemorrhage, reocclusion, infarction, vessel, and embolism) score at different time points before and after the SWIM procedure and the postoperative revascularization rate were compared in the 2 NIHSS score groups. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors that affected the prognosis of patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion treated with the SWIM procedure. Results: The NIHSS score difference at various time points after SWIM surgery in patients with low to moderate NIHSS scores was significantly higher than in patients with high NIHSS scores (P < .05). The postoperative revascularization rate in patients with high NIHSS scores was 74.36%, which was not significantly different from that in patients with low to moderate scores (84.85%; P > .05). The poor prognosis in patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion after SWIM surgery was related to age, hypertension, NIHSS score, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS), onset-to-treatment time (OTT) and Alberta Collateral Grading Scale (ACGS) score (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, admission NIHSS score and ACGS score were independent risk factors that affected the prognosis in patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion treated with the SWIM procedure (P < .05). Conclusion: The prognosis in patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion with high NIHSS scores after SWIM surgery was poor. Advanced age, high NIHSS score and ACGS score were independent risk factors that affected the prognosis in patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion treated with the SWIM procedure. Overall, incorporating these findings into clinical practice promotes personalized approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration and timely interventions to optimize outcomes in patients undergoing the SWIM procedure for acute cerebrovascular occlusion.

[Chinese expert consensus on intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of intracranial aneurysms (2023 edition)].

Intracranial aneurysm is a common disease in neurosurgery, and intraoperative vascular injury causes postoperative ischemic complications that seriously influence patient prognosis. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) enables effective identification of early intraoperative ischemia and thus reduces related complications. The Clinical Neurophysiology Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Neurosurgeons Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized national experts in neurophysiology and cerebrovascular disease to develop this expert consensus based on a review of published guidelines, consensuses and clinical evidence both at home and abroad, and after Delphi expert consultation. A consensus was formed on four aspects, including commonly used IONM techniques and parameter settings, perioperative preparation and interpretation of results, the value of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring of aneurysms at different sites, and electrophysiological monitoring in special cases. Moreover, according to level of evidence recommended by GRADE criteria, nine recommendations were put forward from the above four aspects to provide a reference for clinical intracranial aneurysm intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring practice.

[Monitoring during Cerebrovascular Surgery].

Intraoperative monitoring of cerebrovascular disease is performed in direct surgery and endovascular treatment to prevent complications due to blood flow disturbance. Typical surgeries in which monitoring is useful are revascularization surgeries, such as bypass, carotid endarterectomy, and aneurysm clipping surgery. Revascularization is performed to normalize intracranial and extracranial blood flow but requires interruption of blood flow to the brain, even for a short time. Changes in cerebral circulation and function when blood flow is blocked cannot be generalized because they are affected by collateral circulation and differ among cases. Monitoring is important to understand these changes during surgery. It is also used in revascularization procedures to check if the reestablished cerebral blood flow is adequate. Changes in monitoring waveforms can detect the emergence of neurological dysfunction, but in some cases, clipping surgery can end with missing waveforms, leading to dysfunction. Even in such cases, it can help identify which surgery caused the malfunction and improve the outcome of subsequent surgeries.

Current Status of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion in China: A Real-World Nationwide Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) for large vessel occlusion in clinical practice in developing countries like China needs to be confirmed. The aim of the study was to determine whether the benefit of EVT for acute ischemic stroke in randomized trials could be generalized to clinical practice in Chinese population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective registry of EVT at 111 centers in China. Patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by imaging-confirmed intracranial large vessel occlusion and receiving EVT were included. The primary outcome was functional independence at 90 days defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2. Outcomes of specific subgroups in the anterior circulation were reported and logistic regression was performed to predict the primary outcome. RESULTS: Among the 1793 enrolled patients, 1396 (77.9%) had anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (median age, 66 [56-73] years) and 397 (22.1%) had posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (median age, 64 [55-72] years). Functional independence at 90 days was reached in 45% and 44% in anterior and posterior circulation groups, respectively. For anterior circulation population, underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease was identified in 29% of patients, with higher functional independence at 90 days (52% versus 44%; P=0.0122) than patients without intracranial atherosclerotic disease. In the anterior circulation population, after adjusting for baseline characteristics, procedure details, and early outcomes, the independent predictors for functional independence at 90 days were age <66 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.733 [95% CI, 1.213-2.476]), time from onset to puncture >6 hours (OR, 1.536 [95% CI, 1.065-2.216]), local anesthesia (OR, 2.194 [95% CI, 1.325-3.633]), final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3 (OR, 2.052 [95% CI, 1.085-3.878]), puncture-to-reperfusion time ≤1.5 hours (OR, 1.628 [95% CI, 1.098-2.413]), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 24 hours after the procedure <11 (OR, 9.126 [95% CI, 6.222-13.385]). CONCLUSIONS: Despite distinct characteristics in the Chinese population, favorable outcome of EVT can be achieved in clinical practice in China. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03370939.

Tandem Lesions in Anterior Circulation Stroke: Analysis of the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment.

[Figure: see text].

Thrombectomy Complications in Large Vessel Occlusions: Incidence, Predictors, and Clinical Impact in the ETIS Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Procedural complications in thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions of the anterior circulation are not well described. We investigated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical implications of thrombectomy complications in daily clinical practice. METHODS: We used data from the ongoing prospective multicenter observational Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry in France. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 4029 stroke patients with anterior large vessel occlusions treated with thrombectomy between January 2015 and May 2020 in 18 centers. We systematically collected procedural data, incidence of embolic complications, perforations and dissections, clinical outcome at 90 days, and hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: Procedural complications occurred in 7.99% (95% CI, 7.17%-8.87%), and embolus to a new territory (ENT) was the most frequent (5.2%). Predictors of ENTs were terminal carotid/tandem occlusion (odds ratio [OR], 5 [95% CI, 2.03-12.31]; P<0.001) and an increased total number of passes (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.05-1.41]; P=0.006). ENTs were associated to worse clinical outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2; adjusted OR, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.25-0.63]; P<0.001), increased mortality (adjusted OR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.2-2.53]; P<0.001), and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (adjusted OR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.15-3.03]; P=0.011). Perforations occurred in 1.69% (95% CI, 1.31%-2.13%). Predictors of perforations were terminal carotid/tandem occlusions (39.7% versus 27.6%; P=0.028). 40.7% of patients died at 90 days, and the overall rate of poor outcome was 74.6% in case of perforation. Dissections occurred in 1.46% (95% CI, 1.11%-1.88%) and were more common in younger patients (median age, 64.2 versus 70.2 years; P=0.002). Dissections did not affect the clinical outcome at 90 days. Besides dissection, complications were independent of the thrombectomy technique. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy complication rate is not negligible, and ENTs were the most frequent. ENTs and perforations were associated with disability and mortality, and terminal carotid/tandem occlusions were a risk factor. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03776877.

Frailty Measurement and Implications for Cerebrovascular Disease Management in a Veteran Based Population.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and objective preoperative assessment of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains difficult and variable. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a validated medical record-based assessment of frailty that has been used to predict clinical outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures including CEA. We applied RAI to a veteran population following CEA for asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease and examined the factors related to post-operative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval, Veteran Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program data was queried for CEA procedures from 2002 to 2015 for ICD-9 codes indicating asymptomatic patients. RAI was then calculated based on Veteran Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program variable medical record extraction. Three groupings of patients were undertaken including non-frail (RAI < 30), frail (RAI 30-34) and very frail (RAI ≥ 35). Chi squared and ANOVA were used to assess cohort differences. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of post-operative stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), any complication, and death. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2015, 37,873 asymptomatic patients underwent CEA. Over 98% (37,266) of the patients were male with an average age of 68.3 ± 8.55 years. The cohorts contained 82.8% (n = 31,362), 12.4% (n = 4,678), and 4.8% (n = 1,833) for the non-frail, frail and very frail groups respectively. Frailty was associated with increased rates of post-operative stroke, MI, any complication, death, and longer hospital length of stay (P< 0.001). Operative time did not significantly differ between the groups. Increasing frailty was associated with having one or more complications (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.50-1.90 for frail and OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.41-3.24 for very frail, (P< 0.001), post-operative stroke in frail (OR 1.33 95% CI 1.06-1.67) and very frail (OR 1.57 1 95% CI 1.14-2.16) patients, and MI in both frail (OR 1.68, CI 1.17-2.43) and very frail (OR 3.73, CI 2.52-5.51) patients. Frailty was also significantly associated with death with in very frail patients (OR 4.14, 95% CI 3.00-5.71, P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing frailty as determined by RAI was associated with worse post-operative outcomes in asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA. Higher RAI score cohorts were associated with higher rates of postoperative stroke, MI, complications, and death. We recommend the use of this frailty index as a screening tool to guide risk discussions with asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA.

Vessel territory mapping after cerebral revascularization surgery using selective angiographic flat detector perfusion imaging.

The technical feasibility and diagnostic potential of angiographic flat-detector perfusion imaging technique, combining digital subtraction angiography with a flat-detector computed tomography steady-state perfusion imaging, was explored in patients treated with direct or indirect revascularization surgery. This short communication is about an imaging modality with great potential for evaluation, comparison and grading of vascular perfusion territory areas and anatomical location selectively perfused by direct and indirect cerebral bypasses.

Adaptive Approach to Endovascular Management of Large Vessel Occlusion During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented strain on the health care system. An adaptive strategy for the handling of thrombectomy for patients with large vessel occlusion has evolved at our center to optimize patient care while also minimizing risk of virus transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the new thrombectomy protocol by comparing thrombectomy times and patient outcomes during the pandemic and pre pandemic period. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent emergent thrombectomy from April 4th, 2020 to August 25th, 2020 (pandemic period) and between December 2nd, 2019 to April 3rd, 2020 (pre-pandemic period). The new protocol centered on a standardized approach to airway management in patients considered 'high-risk' for infection. An array of patient-specific factors and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference in door-to-recanalization or other time parameters between the two groups (138 minutes during the pandemic vs. 129 minutes pre-pandemic; p=0.37). However, outcomes measured as discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were worse for patients during the pandemic (mRS ≤ 2, 10/58; 17.2% during pandemic vs. 24/68; 35.3% pre-pandemic, p = 0.02). No neurointerventional providers have been found to contract COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Our approach to mechanical thrombectomy during the COVID-19 era was associated with similar recanalization rates but worse clinical outcomes compared to pre pandemic period. Further studies are necessary to identify factors contributing to worse outcomes during this ongoing pandemic.

Sudden Recanalization: A Game-Changing Factor in Endovascular Treatment of Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes.

Background and Purpose- First pass (FP) recanalization has been shown to be a predictor of favorable outcome in endovascular treatment of stroke. The reasons why FP recanalization leads to better outcome as compared with multiple passes (MP) are unknown. We aim to investigate the recanalization pattern and its relationship with outcome. Methods- Six hundred nine consecutive patients underwent endovascular treatment. Recanalization was defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2B-3. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 90 days. Sudden recanalization (SR) was considered when modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score varied from 0-1 to 2B-3 in a single pass. Progressive recanalization (PR) was considered if modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2A was achieved at an interim pass before achieving recanalization. Patients were also categorized as recanalizers at FP, MP, or nonrecanalizers. Results- Five hundred nine (83.9%) patients achieved recanalization. SR was achieved in 378 (62.1%) patients; 280 (46%) were FP-SR, and 98 (16.1%) were MP-SR. MP-PR was achieved in 131 (21.5%) patients. Rates of favorable outcome were similar between patients with FP-SR (57.5%) and MP-SR (57.1%; odds ratio [OR], 0.9 [CI, 0.53-1.54]; P=0.7) but lower in MP-PR (29.8%; OR, 3.33 [CI, 1.71-5.63]; P<0.01). Patients with MP-PR had better outcome than nonrecanalizer (17%; OR, 2.93 [CI, 1.42-6.15]; P<0.01). In univariate analysis, both FP recanalization (OR, 1.91 [CI, 1.31-2.72]; P<0.01) and SR (OR, 3.19 [CI, 2.12-4.95]; P<0.01) were associated with favorable outcome. However multivariate analysis adjusting for FP recanalization showed that the only procedural predictor of favorable outcome was SR (OR, 3.12 [CI, 1.91-5.16]; P<0.01). Higher number of passes were associated with worse outcome in patients with recanalization (OR, 0.75 [CI, 0.66-0.85]; P<0.01) but not in those with SR (OR, 0.94 [CI, 0.59-1.61]; P=0.937). Conclusions- SR strongly predicts favorable outcome in patients undergoing endovascular treatment, even after previous unsuccessful attempts. PR may reflect clot fragmentation and embolization due to more friable composition, leading to worse outcomes. Prospective studies with independent assessment of recanalization pattern should validate these results.

Vertebrobasilar Artery Calcification and Outcomes in Posterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose- Intracranial carotid artery calcification is associated with worse outcome in anterior circulation stroke patients who undergo endovascular thrombectomy. We investigated the association between vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBAC) and outcome in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Methods- Consecutive patients treated for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion from a prospective single-center registry were studied. VBAC was manually segmented on computed tomography brain scans. The associations between VBAC and VBAC volume, functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), and 90-day mortality were assessed using propensity score-adjusted logistic regression. Results- Sixty-four posterior circulation large vessel occlusion patients were included. Twenty-five (39.1%) patients had VBAC, and of these, the median (interquartile range) VBAC volume was 19.8 (6.65-23.4) mm3. VBAC was associated with reduced functional independence (OR, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.04-0.78]; P=0.03) and increased mortality (OR, 9.44 [95% CI, 2.43-36.62]; P=0.005). Larger VBAC volumes were a significant predictor of reduced functional independence and increased mortality. Conclusions- VBAC is an independent predictor of outcome in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Considering the presence of VBAC might improve prognostication and shared treatment decision-making between patients, families, and physicians.

Local tirofiban infusion for remnant stenosis in large vessel occlusion: tirofiban ASSIST study.

BACKGROUND: Compared with embolic occlusions, intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusions (LVOs) often require rescue treatment following mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Herein, we hypothesized that local tirofiban infusion can be effective and safe for remnant stenosis in LVO during endovascular treatment and can improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: This observational multicenter registry study (January 2011 to February 2016) included patients with ICAS who underwent endovascular treatment for LVO within 24 h after stroke onset. An underlying fixed focal stenosis at the occlusion site observed on cerebral angiography during and after MT was retrospectively determined as a surrogate marker of ICAS. Procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups. RESULTS: Of 118 patients, 59 received local tirofiban infusion. Compared to the non-tirofiban group, patients were older (non-tirofiban group versus tirofiban group; median, 63 years vs. 71 years, p = 0.015) and the onset-to-puncture time was longer (median, 275 min vs. 395 min, p = 0.036) in the tirofiban group. The median percent of residual stenosis prior to rescue treatment tended to be higher in the tirofiban group (80 [71-86] vs. 83 [79-90], p = 0.056). Final reperfusion success (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemic 2b-3) was more frequent (42.4%vs. 86.4%, p = 0.016) and post-procedure parenchymal hematoma type 2 and/or thick subarachnoid hemorrhages were less frequent (15.3%vs. 5.1%, p = 0.068) in the tirofiban group. The frequency of favorable outcomes 3 months after endovascular treatment (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was significantly higher in the tirofiban group (32.2% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.025), and tirofiban administration was an independent predictor of favorable outcomes (odds ratio, 2.991; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-8.848; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Local tirofiban infusion can be a feasible adjuvant treatment option for patients with ICAS-LVO.

Venous sinus stenting improves cerebral autoregulation in a patient with venous sinus stenosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Venous sinus stenosis (VSS) is a type of cerebral venous vascular disease. Cerebral autoregulation is an indicator of cerebral arterial function. The cerebral circulatory system is composed of the venous system and arterial system. Impaired venous function may affect arterial function. Thus, cerebral venous stenosis may influence cerebral autoregulation. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case, a 50-year-old woman with transient blindness and headache was admitted to the hospital. The patient was diagnosed with VSS. A stent was placed at the stenosis. The stent released the intravenous pressure and remitted the patient's symptoms. Measurements of dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) were performed at 3 time points: before stenting, after stenting, and 3 months later. The dCA gradually improved after stenting. CONCLUSION: VSS may have an influence on cerebral autoregulation, and effective treatment improves cerebral autoregulation in patients with VSS.

Safety and efficacy of staged angioplasty for patients at risk of hyperperfusion syndrome: a single-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Intracranial hemorrhage following hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (SAP) is a two-stage form of CAS that can prevent the abrupt increase of cerebral blood flow. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of SAP. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients who underwent CAS for high-grade carotid artery stenosis between January 2010 and December 2018 were enrolled. Patients who showed severe impairment of hemodynamic reserve in 123I-IMP SPECT with acetazolamide received SAP (SAP group), while the others received regular CAS (RS group). RESULTS: Twenty-six (19.4%) patients at risk for HPS received SAP. HPS was not observed in either group. Diffusion-weighted image (DWI)-positive lesions on postoperative MRI were observed in 56 (52.3%) cases in the RS group and 16 (64.0%) cases in the SAP group. Symptomatic procedure-related complications occurred in 5 (4.6%) cases in the RS group and 1 (3.8%) case in the SAP group. These differences were not statistically significant. Modified Rankin Scale score had declined 30 days after discharge in 4 (3.0%) cases. Distal filter protection was significantly correlated to the occurrence of new DWI-positive lesions. CONCLUSIONS: For patients at high risk of HPS, SAP was a reasonable treatment strategy to prevent HPS. SAP did not increase the rate of DWI-positive lesions or procedure-related complications compared with regular CAS.

Early unplanned readmission of neurosurgical patients after treatment of intracranial lesions: a comparison between surgical and non-surgical intervention group.

BACKGROUND: Recent health care policy making has highlighted the necessity for understanding factors that influence readmission. To elucidate the rate, reason, and predictors of readmissions in neurosurgical patients, we analyzed unscheduled readmissions to our neurosurgical department after treatment for cranial or cerebral lesions. METHODS: From 2015 to 2017, all adult patients who had been discharged from our Department of Neurosurgery and were readmitted within 30 days were included into the study cohort. The patients were divided into a surgical and a non-surgical group. The main outcome measure was unplanned inpatient admission within 30 days of discharge. RESULTS: During the observation period, 183 (7.4%) of 2486 patients had to be readmitted unexpectedly within 30 days after discharge. The main readmission causes were surgical site infection (34.4 %) and seizure (16.4%) in the surgical group, compared to natural progression of the original diagnosis (38.2%) in the non-surgical group. Most important predictors for an unplanned readmission were younger age, presence of malignoma (OR: 2.44), and presence of cardiovascular side diagnoses in the surgical group. In the non-surgical group, predictors were length of stay (OR: 1.07) and the need for intensive care (OR: 5.79). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that reasons for readmission vary between operated and non-operated patients and are preventable in large numbers. In addition, we identified treatment-related partly modifiable factors as predictors of unplanned readmission in the non-surgical group, while unmodifiable patient-related factors predominated in the surgical group. Further patient-related risk adjustment models are needed to establish an individualized preventive strategy in order to reduce unplanned readmissions.