Safety and Effectiveness of the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device With Shield Technology for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Midterm Results From a Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of the first generation of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc) have been proven in large case series. Ischemic events are one of the most common complications following treatment of aneurysms with flow diverters. The new PED Flex with Shield technology (PED Shield; Medtronic Inc) was introduced to minimize the rate of complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients harboring aneurysms treated with the PED Shield. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective, single-arm multicenter study of patients treated with the PED Shield. The primary safety endpoint was the absence of major neurological complications and death. The secondary effectiveness endpoint was angiographic occlusion at 6 and 12 mo. Technical complications were also reported. RESULTS: Between November 2017 and December 2018, 151 patients from 7 centers with 182 aneurysms were enrolled. The mean aneurysm size was 7.0 mm; 27 (14.8%) aneurysms were large, and 7 (3.8%) were giant. In 141 of 151 patients (93.4%), the primary endpoint was reached. The overall rate of periprocedural complications was 7.3%. Of the aneurysms, 79.7% met the study's secondary endpoint of complete occlusion at 6 mo and 85.3% at 12 mo. CONCLUSION: The PED Shield is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms. The results regarding total occlusion and ischemic complications did not differ from those obtained in case series using previous versions of the PED. Long-term follow-up and comparative studies are required to provide stronger conclusions regarding the reduced thrombogenicity of this device.

Impact of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging findings in the indication of uterine artery embolization in the treatment of myoma.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the indication for uterine-artery embolization in women with fibroids, as well as the correlation between MRI and ultrasound (US) examinations for diagnosing adenomyosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed through the analysis of the medical records of 263 women referred for uterine-artery embolization as treatment for fibroids after undergoing US and MRI examinations. To compare uterine volume and fibroid measurement in US and MRI, the Wilcoxon test was used; for the number of fibroids, the McNemar test was used. The kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between US and MRI findings for diagnosing adenomyosis. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 37.9 ± 6.8 years and 191 (72.6%) were nulliparous. Forty-three patients with adenomyosis associated with fibroid were diagnosed by MRI; US indicated the presence of adenomyosis in 12 (4.56%) women. There was agreement between MRI and US in the diagnosis of adenomyosis in 218/263 (82.9%) patients (p < 0.05). In the US examination, the mean uterine volume was lower (389 ± 340.8 cm³) than that observed in MRI (472.2 ± 415.9 cm³; p < 0.001). Regarding the number of fibroids, MRI showed a greater number of patients with multiple fibroids (68.8% vs. 57.4%, MRI and US, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In women with fibroids referred for uterine-artery embolization, MRI findings led to the revision of the initial diagnosis in 17.1% cases. US showed a lower sensitivity for diagnosing adenomyosis than MRI.

Safety and efficacy of the EPIC™ nitinol vascular stent system for the treatment of lesions located in the superficial femoral artery: prospective and multicentric trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short and mid-term safety and efficacy of the EPIC™ nitinol vascular stent system for the treatment of lesions located in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). METHODS: From October 2010 to June 2012, 83 subjects were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized study designed to demonstrate that the EPIC nitinol vascular stent system for SFA lesions is non-inferior to the published patency rates found in literature. Inclusion criteria were stenosis or occlusion of the SFA or SFA and proximal popliteal artery, with total length from 4 to 11 cm and amenable for treatment with a single stent, in patients with a score from 2 to 5 on Rutherford classification. The primary endpoint was primary patency rate at 12 months as determined by Duplex ultrasound. The secondary endpoints evaluated were: initial arteriographic success, primary patency rate at 6 months, major adverse event rate at one year and technical success. Follow-up with a complete clinical and physical exam, including ABI and Duplex ultrasound was performed at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Most patients (56.6%) were men and the mean age was 68.59 (33.1-99.15) years. 25.3% of the total population had intermittent claudication and 73.5% presented with critical limb ischemia. Most lesions were total occlusions (75.9%) and the mean lesion length was 71.16 mm. Contralateral femoral access was performed in 26.5%cases, and ipsilateral femoral approach was used for the remaining 73.5% patients. Technical and arteriographic success was obtained in all 83 (100.00%) patients. Duplex controlled primary patency rate at 6 and 12 months was 95.8% and 76.1%, respectively. The freedom from target lesion revascularization rate was 98.7% and 92.6% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No stent fractures were observed in this study. Major adverse event rate at 1 year (clinically driven TLR, major amputation, and all-cause mortality) was 15.7%: two target lesion revascularizations (2.4%), one major amputation (1.2%) and ten deaths not related to the procedure (12%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the EPIC™ Nitinol Vascular Stent System for the treatment of SFA lesions.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula with balloon-assisted sinus coiling. A technical description and initial results.

This study aimed to propose an alternative treatment for carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) using the balloon-assisted sinus coiling (BASC) technique and to describe this procedure in detail. Under general anesthesia, we performed the BASC procedure to treat five patients with traumatic CCF. Percutaneous access was obtained via the right femoral artery, and a 7F sheath was inserted, or alternatively, a bifemoral 6F approach was accomplished. A microcatheter was inserted into the cavernous sinus over a 0.014-inch microwire through the fistulous point; the microcatheter was placed distal from the fistula point, and a "U-turn" maneuver was performed. Through the same carotid access, a compliant balloon was advanced to cross the point of the fistula and cover the whole carotid tear. Large coils were inserted using the microcatheter in the cavernous sinus. Coils filled the adjacent cavernous sinus, respecting the balloon. Immediate complete angiographic resolution was achieved, and an early angiographic control (mean = 2.6 months) indicated complete stability without recanalization. The clinical follow-up has been uneventful without any recurrence (mean = 15.2 months). An endovascular approach is optimal for direct CCF. Because the detachable balloon has been withdrawn from the market, covered stenting requires antiplatelet therapy and its patency is unconfirmed, but cavernous sinus coiling remains an excellent treatment option. Currently, there is no detailed description of the BASC procedure. We provide detailed angiograms with suitable descriptions of the exact fistula point, and venous drainage pathways. Familiarity with these devices makes this technique effective, easy and safe.

A importância da embolização pré-operatória no tratamento do tumor do corpo carotídeo: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / The importance of preoperative embolization for the treatment of the carotid body tumor: case report and review of the literature

Os tumores do corpo carotídeo são neoplasias raras, que se originam dos pequenos órgãos quimio e barorreceptores localizados na adventícia da bifurcação da artéria carótida comum. Constituem-se uma doença de grande interesse para o cirurgião vascular, na medida em que crescem aderidos à adventícia dos vasos que compõem essa bifurcação. Por isso, sua cirurgia requer não só o conhecimento anatômico da região, mas também perfeito reconhecimento das técnicas de reconstrução vascular. Representam um problema especial quanto a seu manejo, devido à sua rica vascularização e intimidade com estruturas nobres da região cervical, como nervos e grandes vasos. Neste caso, apresentamos um homem com um tumor de corpo carotídeo aderido à carótida direita, diagnosticado por punção biópsia e tratado em dois tempos, sendo o primeiro por tratamento endovascular, realizando embolização percutânea do tumor, e, no segundo, a ressecção cirúrgica do mesmo, o que evidencia o tratamento combinado, segundo atual literatura.

Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasms originating from the small chemo- and baroreceptors located in the adventitia of the common carotid artery bifurcation. They are a disease of great interest for vascular surgeons, given that they grow adhered to the adventitia of vessels comprising this bifurcation. For that, their surgery requires not only anatomical knowledge of the region, but also perfect familiarization with vascular repair techniques. Carotid body tumors are a particular problem as to their management, due to rich vascularization and intimacy with important structures of the cervical region, such as nerves and large vessels. We report on a male patient with carotid body tumor adhered to the right carotid artery, diagnosed by puncture biopsy and treated at two different time periods: first by endovascular treatment, with percutaneous embolization of the tumor; and later by surgical resection, which represents the combined treatment suggested in the current literature.

Resposta do ACTH plasmático ao estímulo com CRH ou CRH + desmopressina em pacientes com síndrome de Cushing ACTH- dependente submetidos a cateterismo bilateral simultâneo dos seios petrosos inferiores / Response of plasmatic ACTH to CRH or combined CRH/desmopressin stimulation in patients with ACTHdependent Cushing's syndrome submitted to simultaneous bilateral petrosal sinuses sampling

OBJETIVO: Comparar a resposta do ACTH plasmático após estímulo com CRH ou CRH + desmopressina em pacientes com síndrome de Cushing ACTH-dependente que realizaram cateterismo bilateral simultâneo dos seios petrosos inferiores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O procedimento foi realizado em 21 pacientes - 14 mulheres e 7 homens - com síndrome de Cushing ACTH-dependente no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2003. Após a cateterização de ambos os seios petrosos, amostras de sangue para ACTH foram colhidas, simultaneamente, nos seios petrosos e veia periférica, tanto no estado basal como após três e cinco minutos da administração de CRH humano (100 mg) (6 pacientes) ou CRH + desmopressina (100 mg + 10 mg) (15 pacientes). RESULTADOS: Aos três minutos, houve aumento percentual do ACTH tanto no grupo CRH (257,77 ± 240,36 no seio petroso direito e 718,78 ± 1.358,82 no seio petroso esquerdo [média ± desvio-padrão]) como no grupo CRH + desmopressina (1.263,35 ± 1.842,91 no seio petroso direito [p = 0,06] e 583,93 ± 1.020,03 no seio petroso esquerdo [p = 0,83]). Aos cinco minutos houve declínio percentual do ACTH no grupo do CRH (181,07 ± 217,39 no seio petroso direito e 188,25 ± 270,15 no seio petroso esquerdo) e aumento progressivo no grupo do CRH + desmopressina (1.365,29 ± 1.832,31 no seio petroso direito [p = 0,03] e 866,43 ± 1.431,72 no seio petroso esquerdo [p = 0,11]). Nos três pacientes com secreção ectópica não houve gradiente. CONCLUSÃO: A estimulação combinada CRH + desmopressina induziu maior produção de ACTH em adenomas corticotróficos em comparação ao CRH, o que pode melhorar a sensibilidade diagnóstica deste procedimento.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the responses of plasmatic ACTH to CRH or combined CRH/desmopressin stimulation in patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome submitted to simultaneous, bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses sampling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure was performed in 21 patients - 14 women and 7 men - diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome in the period between January 1998 and December 2003. Upon catheterization of both inferior petrosal sinuses, blood samples for ACTH test were simultaneously collected from the petrosal sinuses and peripheral vein, both in the basal state and three to five minutes after injection of human CRH (100 mg) (six patients), or combined CRH/desmopressin (100 mg + 10 mg) (15 patients). RESULTS: After three minutes, both groups presented increased ACTH levels: CRH (257.77 ± 240.36 in the right petrosal sinus, and 718.78 ± 1358.82 in the left petrosal sinus [mean ± standard error]); combined CRH/desmopressin (1263.35 ± 1842.91 in the right petrosal sinus [p = 0.06], and 583.93 ± 1020.03 in the left petrosal sinus [p = 0.83]). After five minutes, the ACTH levels decreased in the group with CRH (181.07 ± 217.39 in the right petrosal sinus, and 188.25 ± 270.15 in the left petrosal sinus), and presented a progressive increase in the group with combined CRH/desmopressin (1365.29 ± 1832.31 in the right petrosal sinus [p = 0.03], and 866.43 ± 1431.72 in the left petrosal sinus [p = 0.11]). Gradient was absent in the three patients with ectopic secretion. CONCLUSION: Combined CRH/desmopressin stimulation induced a higher production of ACTH in cases of corticotroph adenomas as compared with CRH stimulation, which can improve the diagnostic sensibility of this procedure.

Intracranial arterial stenting for symptomatic stenoses: a Latin American experience.

BACKGROUND: The proportionally higher incidence of intracranial atherosclerosis among Asian and black patients and a greater proclivity for intracranial artery stenosis in the Hispanic population merit drawing attention to a Latin American experience with intracranial arterial stenting. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of an observational study of 33 intracranial lesions (each >50% stenosis) in 32 patients treated by intracranial angioplasty in 6 Latin American centers over a 3-year period. The investigation used a unique device, a balloon-expandable stent (Lekton Motion stent system, now Pharos, Biotronik, AG, Bülach, Switzerland). RESULTS: The treated patients ranged in age from 30 to 81 years (mean, 59.3 years; SD, 12 years), including 24 male and 8 female patients (sex ratio, 4:1). Two were Asians, 4 were blacks, and the rest were white Hispanic. Our mean follow-up is of 10.2 months (SD, 7.84 months), with a mortality rate of 9.4% (3/32), a nonfatal complication rate of 6.2%, and a stroke rate (rate of recurrence) of 0%. The mean pretreatment stenosis of 68.75% (SD, 14%) was reduced to a residual of 5.16% (SD, 16%) (P = .000; 95% confidence interval, 56.8%-70.3%). A control angiogram was performed in 82% of patients, and in that case, the restenosis 50% or greater was of 8.7% during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The treatment of intracranial stenosis with the Lekton Motion stent (Pharos) is feasible with a high technical success rate. Restenosis as well as the rate of new neurologic events during follow-up suggests some efficacy of stroke prevention by using the latest-generation, highly trackable, balloon-expandable stents.

Complex renal artery aneurysms: liquids or coils?

Although renal aneurysms are considered uncommon lesions, they are being disclosed more often with the increasing use of noninvasive imaging diagnostic methods. As the natural history is poorly defined, criteria for treatment are still controversial. Because it is less invasive, the endovascular treatment of renal artery aneurysms has become preferable to surgery, over recent years. The development of microcatheter-guidewire systems and new embolic materials, primarily used in interventional neuroradiolgy, enables a superselective embolization, even in complex lesions. We describe our experience in 11 complex renal artery aneurysms, using platinum detachable coils, liquid embolic agents (glue and Onyx), and remodeling technique, according to the lesion architecture and topographic classification. Complete durable occlusion was obtained in all cases, with only two minor complications. If an appropriated strategy is done and the tools are available, the endovascular approach currently is the first treatment option for renal artery aneurysms.

Evolução da terapia endovascular carotídea baseada em um caso / Carotid endovascular therapy evolution based in one case

As técnicas endovasculares para o tratamento da doença obstrutiva carotídea evoluíram substancialmentenos últimos anos. A introdução dos ôstentsõ em vez da simples angioplastia, o início da utilização e o aperfeiçoamento dos dispositivos de proteção cerebral, o incremento do arsenal medicamentoso e a difusão das técnicas e materiais, entre outros, levou a comunidade médica a um imenso interesse na área. O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar esta evolução, mostrando o porquê de cada etapa, baseado no nosso primeiro caso de ôstentõ que, sete anos depois, submeteu-se a um novo procedimento na carótida contralateral, permitindo a comparação entre os doisprocedimentos.

The endovascular technique for the treatment of carotid obstructive disease improved substantially in the last years. The addition of stents, the utilization and improvement of cerebral protectiondevices, new drugs and materials, the spread of the techniques and information, among others, bring a great interest in the medical community. Our objective is show this evolution, explaining each step, based on our first stent case which, seven years later, wassubmitted to a new procedure on the other carotid, allowing a beautiful comparison between both procedures.

Cateteres intravenosos fraturados: retirada por técnicas endovasculares / Intravenous catheter fragments: endovascular retrieval

OBJETIVO: A colocação de cateter para acesso venoso central é uma prática médica cada vez mais comum, sendo a fratura e embolização de fragmentos do cateter raras, porém correspondem aos corpos estranhos intravasculares mais comuns. O objetivo é demonstrar nossa experiência na retirada desses corpos estranhos intravasculares utilizando técnicas endovasculares. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos últimos cinco anos permitiu a avaliação de dez casos consecutivos, com a idade variando entre nove meses e 67 anos. RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em todos os casos, por diferentes técnicas, sem complicações. Os locais mais comuns de alojamento dos fragmentos foram átrio direito, veia cava superior e artéria pulmonar esquerda. A retirada desses corpos estranhos por técnicas endovasculares é procedimento relativamente simples quando comparado à alternativa cirúrgica, tendo sido utilizada com segurança e sucesso em inúmeros pacientes. Os dispositivos disponíveis mostraram-se bastante eficazes, sendo o laço o mais versátil. CONCLUSÃO: A alta taxa de sucesso com poucas complicações relatadas, mesmo em crianças, permite a afirmação que os corpos estranhos intravenosos devem ser extraídos por técnicas percutâneas sempre que possível. Contudo, a familiarização com as diversas técnicas é fundamental, permitindo combinações e modificações, adaptando-as à situação do caso.

OBJECTIVE: Central venous access is an increasingly frequent procedure and intravenous catheter fractures and fragments embolization, although being rare, correspond to the most common intravascular foreign bodies. This study purpose is to show our experience in the removal of these foreign bodies, employing endovascular techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of ten consecutive cases in the last five years, including patients with ages ranging from 9 months to 67 years. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in all the cases by means of different techniques and with no complication. Most common fragments lodgement sites were: right atrium, superior vena cava and left pulmonary artery. The retrieval of these foreign bodies by means of endovascular techniques is a relatively simple procedure when compared to the surgical alternative, and has been safely and successfully performed in countless patients. The available devices have proven quite effective and, among them, the loop snare is the most versatile. CONCLUSION: The high success rate with few complications reported, even in children, allows us to say that, whenever possible, percutaneous extraction of intravascular foreign objects should be performed. Notwithstanding, familiarization with the several techniques available is essential, allowing combinations and modifications according to each situation.

Manejo dos cateteres de hemodiálise: papel dos procedimentos intervencionistasm / Hemodialysis catheter management: interventional procedures role

A sobrevivência e a qualidade de vida dos nefropatas crônicos dependem da performance dos acessos para diálise. Os cateteres constituem uma importante arma nesta luta, porém inúmeras dificuldades, limitações e complicações podem ocorrer. O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar como técnicas intervencionistas podem auxiliar na obtenção e preservação de acessos por cateteres nas mais diversas situações: cateteres mal-posicionados ou trombosados, presença de bainha de fibrina, oclusões venosas crônicas e, enfim, confecção de acessos heterodoxos como translombar ou transhepático. Nesse contexto, a escolha da melhor estratégia com freqüência demanda uma abordagem multidisciplinar naqual o papel do radiologista intervencionista pode ser de grande valia.

Ruptura carotídea durante angioplastia: tratamento endovascular e seguimento por 5 anos / Carotid artery rupture during angioplasty: endovascular treatment and 5-year follow-up

A angioplastia carotídea emergiu como uma alternativa terapêutica à doença aterosclerótica. Existem inúmeras possíveis complicações inerentes, porém a ruptura é muito rara, e a abordagem terapêutica varia desde a conservadora à operação aberta. Relatamos um caso de ruptura carotídea durante angioplastia, onde o tratamento conservador por tamponamento temporário não resolveu. Optamos pela colocação de um stent revestido, controlando a hemorragia ativa. A paciente recuperou-se integralmente sem nenhuma nova intercorrência, permanecendo assintomática durante todo o seguimento clínico e ecográfico de 61 meses. Concluímos que, apesar de representar uma complicação rara, o risco é real. O tratamento endovascular desse tipo de laceração é seguro e efetivo, com excelente resultado em médio prazo.

Aneurisma micótico da artéria carótida interna extracraniana: relato de um caso e revisäo da literatura / Mycotic aneurysm of the extracranial internal carotid artery: report of a case and review of the literature

Os autores relatam um caso de aneurisma micótico da artéria carótida interna extracraniana em uma criança de quatro anos de idade, secundário a infecçäo das tonsilas. Os autores chamam a atençäo para a dificuldade diagnóstica inicial, enfatizam a impotância do diagnóstico diferencial, especialmente em crianças, e os achados na radiografia convencional, ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido, tomografia computadorizada a angiografia digital carotídea

Síndrome do roubo da subclávia: tratamento por angioplastia transluminar percutânea / Subclavian steal syndrome: treatment by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

A síndrome do roubo da subclávia é doença cérebro-vascular incomum, que pode ser tratada por meio de técnicas endovasculares. São apresentados três casos dessa entidade, submetidos a angioplastia percutânea transluminar, fazendo-se breve revisão da literatura. Dois pacientes permanecem assintomáticos 23 e 30 meses, respectivamente, após o tratamento. Houve recidiva da lesão em um dos pacientes, 12 meses após o procediemnto. Pela baixa morbidade e pelos bons resultados técnicos e clínicos a angioplastia percutânea transluminar deve ser o método de escolha para o tratamento da síndrome do roubo da subclávia.

Neurorradiologia intervencionista: um método auxiliar no tratamento dos tumores do sistema nervoso; relato de dois casos / Intervencionist neuroradiology: an auxiliar method in the treatment of central nervous system tumors; related of 2 cases

A neurorradiologia intervencionista atraves da embolizacao, vem simplificando bastante as intervencoes neurocirurgicas no que concerne aos tumores. Tal procedimento diminui o sangramento e reduz substancialmente o tempo operatorio. A importancia do presente trabalho deve-se ao fato de ser o primeiro relato de casos com o auxilio desse avanco tecnico extremamente importante na nossa regiao

Localizaçäo da fonte de hiperinsulinismo através dos métodos de imagem / Localization of hyperinsulinism source by imaging methods

Os insulinomas pancreáticos säo tumores que se manifestam precocemente devido a intensa produçäo hormonal. Alteraçöes microscópicas, como a hiperplasia de células beta e a nesidioblastose, também säo causas de hiperinsulinismo. É essencial a localizaçäo pré-operatória das lesöes, evitando-se pancreatectomias cegas, desnecessárias ou insuficientes. É apresentada a experiência com 26 pacientes portadores de hiperinsulinismo, em que seis submeteram-se à ultrasonografia, nove à tomografia computadorizada, 25 à angiografia e 16 à dosagem de insulina em sangue colhido de veias pancreáticas, isoladamente ou em combinaçäo, na tentativa de localizar as lesöes. Desses métodos, a cateterizaçäo seletiva de veias pancreáticas com obtençäo de amostras para drenagem hormonal mostrou ser a forma mais sensível de localizar as lesöes, algumas delas näo palpaveis durante a cirurgia

Rotura traumática de brônquio / Traumatic bronchial rupture

A rotura traumática de brônquio é uma complicaçäo infreqüente do trauma torácico, cujo diagnóstico precoce é fundamental para o tratamento cirúrgico adequado. Considerando a importância do radiologista para a identificaçäo desta entidade, apresentamos um caso de rotura traumática de brônquio, salientando os aspectos radiográficos e fazendo breve revisäo da literatura