Safety and Efficacy of the FRED Jr Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device for Intracranial Aneurysms: Retrospective Multicenter Experience With Emphasis on Midterm Results.

Background and Purpose: Flow diversion is increasingly used as an endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms. In this retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of the treatment of intracranial, unruptured, or previously treated but recanalized aneurysms using Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) Jr with emphasis on midterm results. Materials and Methods: Clinical and radiological records of 150 patients harboring 159 aneurysms treated with FRED Jr at six centers between October 2014 and February 2020 were reviewed and consecutively included. Clinical outcome was measured by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Anatomical results were assessed according to the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) scale and the Cekirge-Saatci Classification (CSC) scale. Results: The overall complication rate was 24/159 (16%). Thrombotic-ischemic events occurred in 18/159 treatments (11%). These resulted in long-term neurological sequelae in two patients (1%) with worsening from pre-treatment mRS 0-2 and mRS 4 after treatment. Complete or near-complete occlusion of the treated aneurysm according to the OKM scale was reached in 54% (85/158) at 6-month, in 68% (90/133) at 1-year, and in 83% (77/93) at 2-year follow-up, respectively. The rates of narrowing or occlusion of a vessel branch originating from the treated aneurysm according to the CSC scale were 11% (12/108) at 6-month, 20% (17/87) at 1-year, and 23% (13/57) at 2-year follow-up, respectively, with all cases being asymptomatic. Conclusions: In this retrospective multicenter study, FRED Jr was safe and effective in the midterm occlusion of cerebral aneurysms. Most importantly, it was associated with a high rate of good clinical outcome.

First clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini microballoon catheter.

BACKGROUND: Balloon-assisted techniques can improve the endovascular treatment of cerebrospinal vascular malformations. The aim of this study was to report the first clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter. METHODS: Patients with cerebral or spinal vascular malformations treated with the Scepter Mini at seven European neurovascular centers were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, angiographic features of the vascular malformations, procedural parameters including the type of application, navigability, technical failures, complications and embolization success were assessed. RESULTS: The usage of 34 Scepter Mini microballoon catheters in 20 patients was analyzed. Most treated malformations (80.0%) were cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Four different applications were reported: embolization via Scepter Mini (n=23, 67.6%), balloon-occlusion with simultaneous embolization via a second microcatheter (n=3, 8.8%), diagnostic angiography with simultaneous balloon-inflation for flow arrest (n=4, 11.8%), and navigation support (n=4, 11.8%). The mean diameter of the blood vessels in which the Scepter Mini was inflated was 1.9±0.5 mm. The navigability of the Scepter Mini was rated as 'easy' or 'very easy' in 88.2% of cases. Complete occlusion of the malformation was achieved in 60.9% of cases. Technical failures occurred in 4/23 embolization procedures, and all were related to insufficient stability of the balloon within the vessel. No complications related to the Scepter Mini were observed, while unrelated complications occurred in three patients (15.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The Scepter Mini is a promising new device for balloon-assisted embolization of cerebrospinal vascular malformations via small feeders. Beyond embolization, the Scepter Mini can also be used for other applications, such as superselective flow arrest and navigation support.

Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Posterior Circulation Aneurysms Treated With the Pipeline Embolization Device: A Subgroup Analysis of the International Retrospective Study of the Pipeline Embolization Device.

BACKGROUND: The safety of PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland) in posterior circulation aneurysms is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To study complications associated with the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms by conducting a subgroup analysis from the International Retrospective Study of PED registry. METHODS: Data from 91 consecutive patients with 95 posterior circulation aneurysms at 17 centers between July 2008 to February 2013 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was defined as any complication leading to neurological morbidity or death. The outcome predictors were calculated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. RESULTS: The mean aneurysm size was 13.8 mm. Aneurysm types were saccular (36.8%), fusiform (29.5%), dissecting (28.4%), and others (5.3%). The median follow-up was 21.1 mo. Twelve (13.2%) patients encountered a primary endpoint event. In multivariate analysis for the primary endpoint, use of ≥3 PEDs and fusiform shape compared with other shapes had hazard ratios (HRs) of 7.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.48-25.86; P = .0007) and 3.48 (95% CI, 1.06-13.39; P = .0488), respectively. The multivariate HR of aneurysm size for neurological morbidity after PED implantation was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.04-1.18; P = .0015), and HRs of ruptured aneurysm and age for neurological mortality were 8.1 (95% CI, 1.31-41.26; P = .0197) and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.15; P = .0262), respectively. Basilar artery aneurysm had an HR of 3.54 (95% CI, 1.12-14.18, P = .0529) in the univariate analysis for major outcomes. CONCLUSION: PED implantation may be considered for the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms, especially of saccular or dissecting type. Our major complications appear to be comparable to those reported previously after clipping and coiling in the literature. Neurointerventionists should consider the shape, size, rupture, and location of complex posterior circulation aneurysms as well as age and PED number before the PED placement.

Physician training protocol within the WEB Intrasaccular Therapy (WEB-IT) study.

INTRODUCTION: The WEB Intra-saccular Therapy (WEB-IT) trial is an investigational device exemption study to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the WEB device for the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. The neurovascular replicator (Vascular Simulations, Stony Brook, New York, USA) creates a physical environment that replicates patient-specific neurovascular anatomy and hemodynamic physiology, and allows devices to be implanted under fluoroscopic guidance. OBJECTIVE: To report the results of a unique neurovascular replicator-based training program, which was incorporated into the WEB-IT study to optimize technical performance and patient safety. METHODS: US investigators participated in a new training program that incorporated full surgical rehearsals on a neurovascular replicator. No roll-in cases were permitted within the trial. Custom replicas of patient-specific neurovascular anatomy were created for the initial cases treated at each center, as well as for cases expected to be challenging. On-site surgical rehearsals were performed before these procedures. RESULTS: A total of 48 participating investigators at 25 US centers trained using the replicator. Sessions included centralized introductory training, on-site training, and patient-specific full surgical rehearsal. Fluoroscopy and procedure times in the WEB-IT study were not significantly different from those seen in two European trials where participating physicians had significant WEB procedure experience before study initiation. CONCLUSIONS: A new program of neurovascular-replicator-based physician training was employed within the WEB-IT study. This represents a new methodology for education and training that may be an effective means to optimize technical success and patient safety during the introduction of a new technology.

Long-Term Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes Following Pipeline Embolization Device Treatment of Complex Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Five-Year Results of the Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early and mid-term safety and efficacy of aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has been well demonstrated in prior studies. OBJECTIVE: To present 5-yr follow-up for patients treated in the Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms clinical trial. METHODS: In our prospective, multicenter trial, 109 complex internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms in 107 subjects were treated with the PED. Patients were followed per a standardized protocol at 180 d and 1, 3, and 5 yr. Aneurysm occlusion, in-stent stenosis, modified Rankin Scale scores, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The primary endpoint of complete aneurysm occlusion at 180 d (73.6%) was previously reported. Aneurysm occlusion for those patients with angiographic follow-up progressively increased over time to 86.8% (79/91), 93.4% (71/76), and 95.2% (60/63) at 1, 3, and 5 yr, respectively. Six aneurysms (5.7%) were retreated. New serious device-related events at 1, 3, and 5 yr were noted in 1% (1/96), 3.5% (3/85), and 0% (0/81) of subjects. There were 4 (3.7%) reported deaths in our trial. Seventy-eight (96.3%) of 81 patients with 5-yr clinical follow-up had modified Rankin Scale scores ≤2. No delayed neurological deaths or hemorrhagic or ischemic cerebrovascular events were reported beyond 6 mo. No recanalization of a previously occluded aneurysm was observed. CONCLUSION: Our 5-yr findings demonstrate that PED is a safe and effective treatment for large and giant wide-necked aneurysms of the intracranial ICA, with high rates of complete occlusion and low rates of delayed adverse events.

Pipeline for uncoilable or failed aneurysms: 3-year follow-up results.

OBJECTIVE The long-term effectiveness of endovascular treatment of large and giant wide-neck aneurysms using traditional endovascular techniques has been disappointing, with high recanalization and re-treatment rates. Flow diversion with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has been recently used as a stand-alone therapy for complex aneurysms, showing significant improvement in effectiveness while demonstrating a similar safety profile to stent-supported coil treatment. However, relatively little is known about its long-term safety and effectiveness. Here the authors report on the 3-year safety and effectiveness of flow diversion with the PED in a prospective cohort of patients with large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms enrolled in the Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) trial. METHODS The PUFS trial is a prospective study of 107 patients with 109 aneurysms treated with the PED. Primary effectiveness and safety end points were demonstrated based on independently monitored 180-day clinical and angiographic data. Patients were enrolled in a long-term follow-up protocol including 1-, 3-, and 5-year clinical and imaging follow-up. In this paper, the authors report the midstudy (3-year) effectiveness and safety data. RESULTS At 3 years posttreatment, 74 subjects with 76 aneurysms underwent catheter angiography as required per protocol. Overall, complete angiographic aneurysm occlusion was observed in 71 of these 76 aneurysms (93.4% cure rate). Five aneurysms were re-treated, using either coils or additional PEDs, for failure to occlude, and 3 of these 5 were cured by the 3-year follow-up. Angiographic cure with one or two treatments of Pipeline embolization alone was therefore achieved in 92.1%. No recanalization of a previously completely occluded aneurysm was noted on the 3-year angiograms. There were 3 (2.6%) delayed device- or aneurysm-related serious adverse events, none of which led to permanent neurological sequelae. No major or minor late-onset hemorrhagic or ischemic cerebrovascular events or neurological deaths were observed in the 6-month through 3-year posttreatment period. Among 103 surviving patients, 85 underwent functional outcome assessment in which modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-1 were demonstrated in 80 subjects. CONCLUSIONS Pipeline embolization is safe and effective in the treatment of complex large and giant aneurysms of the intracranial internal carotid artery. Unlike more traditional endovascular treatments, flow diversion results in progressive vascular remodeling that leads to complete aneurysm obliteration over longer-term follow-up without delayed aneurysm recanalization and/or growth. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00777088 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Safety and efficacy of the Pipeline embolization device for treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a pooled analysis of 3 large studies.

OBJECTIVE The authors performed a pooled analysis of 3 studies-IntrePED (International Retrospective Study of the Pipeline Embolization Device), PUFS (Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms Study), and ASPIRe (Aneurysm Study of Pipeline in an Observational Registry)-in order to assess angiographic outcomes and clinical safety of the Pipeline embolization device (PED). METHODS IntrePED was a retrospective study, while PUFS and ASPIRe were prospective studies. For each patient included in these studies, the authors collected baseline demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, and procedural details. The primary outcomes for this combined analysis were clinical outcomes, including neurological morbidity and mortality and major ipsilateral intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcomes were angiographic occlusion rates, which were available for ASPIRe and PUFS only. RESULTS A total of 1092 patients with 1221 aneurysms were included across the 3 studies. The mean aneurysm size was 12.0 ± 7.8 mm and the mean neck size was 6.6 ± 4.8 mm. The major ipsilateral ischemic stroke rate was 3.7% (40/1091). The major ipsilateral intracranial hemorrhage rate was 2.0% (22/1091). The major neurological morbidity rate was 5.7% (62/1091). The neurological mortality rate was 3.3% (36/1091). The combined major morbidity and neurological mortality rate was 7.1% (78/1091). The complete occlusion rates were 75.0% at 180 days (111/148) and 85.5% at 1 year (94/110). The overall aneurysm retreatment rate was 3.0% (33/1091) at a mean follow-up time of 10.2 ± 10.8 months. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the PED is safe and effective. Angiographic occlusion rates progressed with follow-up. Rates of stroke, hemorrhage, morbidity and mortality, and retreatment were low, especially given the fact that the aneurysms treated were generally large and wide necked.

Aneurysm Study of Pipeline in an Observational Registry (ASPIRe).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Few prospective studies exist evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The Aneurysm Study of Pipeline In an observational Registry (ASPIRe) study prospectively analyzed rates of complete aneurysm occlusion and neurologic adverse events following PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter study prospectively evaluating patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with PED. Primary outcomes included (1) spontaneous rupture of the Pipeline-treated aneurysm; (2) spontaneous nonaneurysmal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH); (3) acute ischemic stroke; (4) parent artery stenosis, and (5) permanent cranial neuropathy. Secondary endpoints were (1) treatment success and (2) morbidity and mortality at the 6-month follow-up. Vascular imaging was evaluated at an independent core laboratory. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-one patients with 207 treated aneurysms were included in this registry. The mean aneurysm size was 14.5 ± 6.9 mm, and the median imaging follow-up was 7.8 months. Twenty-four aneurysms (11.6%) were small, 162 (78.3%) were large and 21 (10.1%) were giant. The median clinical follow-up time was 6.2 months. The neurological morbidity rate was 6.8% (13/191), and the neurological mortality rate was 1.6% (3/191). The combined neurological morbidity/mortality rate was 6.8% (13/191). The most common adverse events were ischemic stroke (4.7%, 9/191) and spontaneous ICH (3.7%, 7/191). The complete occlusion rate at the last follow-up was 74.8% (77/103). CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective postmarket study confirms that PED treatment of aneurysms in a heterogeneous patient population is safe with low rates of neurological morbidity and mortality. Patients with angiographic follow-up had complete occlusion rates of 75% at 8 months.

Stent-assisted coil embolization of challenging intracranial aneurysms: initial and mid-term results with low-profile ACCLINO devices.

BACKGROUND: Stent-assisted coiling using low-profile, self-expandable and retrievable stents is a valid option in endovascular treatment of challenging intracranial aneurysms. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ACCLINO 1.9 F and ACCLINO Flex stent systems, designed for use as adjunctive products in coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Case files of 47 patients, and 52 aneurysms in total, treated with at least one ACCLINO 1.9 F or ACCLINO Flex stent were retrospectively evaluated. Technical success, complications, and angiographic outcomes were assessed based on immediate post-procedural controls along with 6th and 12th month angiograms. RESULTS: Mechanical untoward event rate, including asymptomatic complications, is 9.6 % (five out of 52 aneurysms). Failed dual-stenting attempt rate is 15.4 % (two out of 13). Overall procedure-related morbidity is 4.2 % with no neurologic sequelae. Initial occlusion rate is 90.4 % (47 aneurysms). One patient had residual filling in the aneurysm neck, which was stable throughout follow-up. The remaining four cases had spontaneous follow-up occlusion. Recanalization rate at 6th month is 2.1 % with one aneurysm requiring retreatment. One patient was lost to follow-up. There is no mortality associated with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-assisted coil embolization with ACCLINO stents in single or dual configurations is a feasible treatment option for challenging intracranial aneurysms. Follow-up results are encouraging; techniques were effective in complex cases and there were no clinically significant adverse outcomes.

Neuroophthalmological outcomes associated with use of the Pipeline Embolization Device: analysis of the PUFS trial results.

OBJECT: Neuroophthalmological morbidity is commonly associated with large and giant cavernous and supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The authors sought to evaluate the neuroophthalmological outcomes after treatment of these aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). METHODS: The Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) trial was an international, multicenter prospective trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the PED. All patients underwent complete neuroophthalmological examinations both before the PED procedure and at a 6-month follow-up. All examinations were performed for the purpose of this study and according to study criteria. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients were treated in the PUFS trial, 98 of whom had complete neuroophthalmological follow-up. Of the patients with complete follow-up, 39 (40%) presented with a neuroophthalmological baseline deficit that was presumed to be attributable to the aneurysm, and patients with these baseline deficits had significantly larger aneurysms. In 25 of these patients (64%), the baseline deficit showed at least some improvement 6 months after PED treatment, whereas in 1 patient (2.6%), the deficits only worsened. In 5 patients (5%), new deficits had developed at the 6-month follow-up, while in another 6 patients (6%), deficits that were not originally assumed to be related to the aneurysm had improved by that time. A history of diabetes was associated with failure of the baseline deficits to improve after the treatment. The aneurysm maximum diameter was significantly larger in patients with a new deficit or a worse baseline deficit at 6 months postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the PED for large and giant ICA aneurysms had excellent neuroophthalmological outcomes 6 months after the procedure, with deficits improving in most of the patients, very few deficits worsening, and few new deficits developing.

Pipeline for uncoilable or failed aneurysms: results from a multicenter clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3/Covidien, Irvine, Calif) in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms is a multicenter, prospective, interventional, single-arm trial of PED for the treatment of uncoilable or failed aneurysms of the internal carotid artery. Institutional review board approval of the HIPAA-compliant study protocol was obtained from each center. After providing informed consent, 108 patients with recently unruptured large and giant wide-necked aneurysms were enrolled in the study. The primary effectiveness endpoint was angiographic evaluation that demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion and absence of major stenosis at 180 days. The primary safety endpoint was occurrence of major ipsilateral stroke or neurologic death at 180 days. RESULTS: PED placement was technically successful in 107 of 108 patients (99.1%). Mean aneurysm size was 18.2 mm; 22 aneurysms (20.4%) were giant (>25 mm). Of the 106 aneurysms, 78 met the study's primary effectiveness endpoint (73.6%; 95% posterior probability interval: 64.4%-81.0%). Six of the 107 patients in the safety cohort experienced a major ipsilateral stroke or neurologic death (5.6%; 95% posterior probability interval: 2.6%-11.7%). CONCLUSION: PED offers a reasonably safe and effective treatment of large or giant intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms, demonstrated by high rates of complete aneurysm occlusion and low rates of adverse neurologic events; even in aneurysms failing previous alternative treatments.

External carotid-internal jugular fistula as a late complication after carotid endarterectomy: a rare case.

A 66-year-old man presented with mild amnesia, progressive fatigue, ataxia, visual hallucinations, and debility. His past medical history included right-sided carotid endarterectomy performed elsewhere 6 years previously. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed left parieto-occipital arteriovenous malformation-like tortous vessels, venous congestion, and ischemic areas. Cerebral angiography showed right-sided compound external carotid artery-internal jugular vein (IJV) fistula, and distal occlusion of the right IJV. Transvenous embolization via contralateral IJV was performed, and the fistula, together with fistulous portion of the distal IJV, was sealed using coils. Two years later, patient is well with normal neurologic examination findings. The presence of an arteriovenous communication after vascular surgery is a serious complication with potential long-term effects and therefore should be diagnosed and treated as promptly as possible.

Aneurysm of the distal anterior cerebral artery radiologically mimicking a ventricular mass.

The ventricular system is a rare localization for intracranial aneurysms. Most ventricular aneurysms arise from a distal branch of the choroidal arteries and a major branch point of the circle of Willis. A 41-year-old-man suffering from dizziness of 2 weeks' duration was admitted to the clinic. On radiological examination, he had a well-circumscribed mass involving the frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle without radiological evidence of a prior or recent hemorrhage. Localization and radiological appearance were not typical of a ventricular mass and did not allow diagnosis. After cerebral angiography, an aneurysm arising from the distal anterior cerebral artery was incidentally found in an intraventricular location. This unruptured aneurysm was successfully treated via the endovascular route. The authors describe the unusual case of a distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm with a dome extending into the right lateral ventricle, which appears to be the first such case in the literature. Angiography may be helpful to neurosurgeons in avoiding the disastrous complications of a biopsy procedure in such unusual cases.

Iliac vascular complication after spinal surgery: immediate endovascular repair following CT angiographic diagnosis.

Iliac arterial injuries are rare but important complications that can develop after spinal surgery. The presentation of these injuries is usually late, with symptoms such as leg swelling or cardiac failure. However, acute massive bleeding may be a sign of early presentation as in our patient. Herein, we present a case of life-threatening bleeding with early computed tomography angiographic diagnosis of common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm and iliac arteriovenous fistula secondary to spinal surgery which was successfully managed by endovascular stent graft treatment.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with bioactive Cerecyte coils: effects on treatment stability.

INTRODUCTION: The Cerecyte coils were developed to improve long-term stability of embolized cerebral aneurysms by producing an increased fibrous reaction over the neck of the aneurysms. We report our preliminary clinical experience with mid-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight consecutive patients with 84 intracranial aneurysms treated exclusively with Cerecyte coils were included in this study. Forty-eight aneurysms were ruptured and 36 were incidental. Twenty-two aneurysms were small with (<10 mm) small neck (<4 mm) (SASN); 55 were small with wide neck (>or=4 mm) (SAWN); six were large (10-25 mm) (L); and one was giant (G) (>25 mm). The embolization technique was the same with that in standard bare coiling. RESULTS: Immediate post-procedure angiography demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion in 69%, neck remnant in 29.8% and incomplete occlusion in 1.2%. Follow-up angiography was obtained in 80 aneurysms in a period of time ranging from 6 months to 2 years. The overall recanalization rate was 11.3%, and the re-treatment rate was 6.3%; in the subgroup analysis, recanalization rates were 4.5% in S/S; 9.8% in S/W; and 33.3% in large aneurysms. The only giant aneurysm also showed recanalization. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates were 2.6% and 1.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our midterm results showed a relatively low rate of recurrence compared to those reported for platinum coils with morbidity and mortality rates comparable to those with standard bare platinum coils. The efficacy of Cerecyte coils in the long term will be specifically addressed by the ongoing randomized Cerecyte coil trial.

Venous outflow of the brain after bilateral complete jugular ligation.

A case of a patient with bilateral internal, external, posterior external and anterior jugular vein ligations and excisions performed in the neck due to a larynx tumor is presented. Radical neck dissection is a standard otorhinolaryngological procedure in the management of head and neck cancer patients with bilateral lymph node metastasis to the neck. Sacrifice of both internal and external jugular veins bilaterally has been recognized as a dangerous approach leading to intracranial hypertension with subsequent neurological sequela and death. In this report, we aimed to demonstrate how venous outflow from the brain diverts after jugular venous system obliteration. After bilateral jugular vein ligations, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed that the venous drainage route of the brain had been diverted from the jugular veins to the vertebral venous plexus.

Stent-graft applications in peripheral non-atherosclerotic arterial lesions.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate peripheral arterial lesions treated with stent-grafts in various territories and to identify the role of computed tomography angiography (CTA), both in diagnosis and follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 19 patients (11 male, 8 female) aged between 24 and 85 years. In all, 24 stent-grafts were used to seal an extravasation in 3 patients, a pseudoaneurysm/aneurysm in 12 patients, and an arteriovenous fistula in 4 patients. Self-expandable and balloon-expandable stent-grafts were used, all of which were covered with polytetrafluoroethylene material. Iatrogenic etiologies were responsible in 11 of the patients. In total, 5 superficial femoral, 2 deep femoral, 4 external iliac, 3 common iliac, 1 common carotid, 1 internal carotid, 1 subclavian, 1 renal artery, and 1 thyrocervical trunk lesion were treated. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%, with no periprocedural complications. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range: 1-72 months). CTA was performed in 10 patients for diagnosis and in 7 patients for follow- up. There was no stent migration, but 1 stent crush. The total vessel occlusion rate was 16.6%, all diagnosed using CTA. CONCLUSION: Stent-graft applications offer quick, single-step treatment, with few procedural complications. However, long-term durability remains a major concern. CTA is a very valuable tool, both for diagnosis and follow- up. Pseudoaneurysms and extravasations can be demonstrated successfully, as well as incomplete arteriovenous fistula closure, and patent or occluded stent-grafts.

Neuroapplication of Amplatzer vascular plug: a novel device for parent artery occlusion.

Extracranial internal carotid aneurysms are rare, but the complications associated with the traditional surgical reconstruction methods are relatively high. Endovascular treatment has replaced surgery for treatment of a variety of vascular problems. We describe here the treatment of a recurrent extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm using a detachable balloon combined with the Amplatzer vascular plug.

Endovascular treatment of basilar and ICA termination aneurysms: effects of the use of HydroCoils on treatment stability in a subgroup of patients prone to a higher recurrence rate.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of occlusion of terminal bifurcation aneurysms after embolization with hydrogel-coated coils. METHODS: Of 35 bifurcation aneurysms, 34 were treated with hydrogel-coated coils in combination with platinum coils, and 1 was treated with hydrogel-coated coils only. Aneurysms were located at the basilar tip in 17 patients, and the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation in 18 patients. The patient population consisted of 20 women and 15 men with ages ranging from 21 to 65 years. The aneurysm was found in 16 patients on presentation for subarachnoid hemorrhage, and in 19 patients the finding was incidental. Of the 35 aneurysms, 25 were small, 9 were large and 1 was giant. The giant aneurysm was located at the basilar tip and showed partial thrombosis. All except two basilar tip aneurysms were treated with balloon assistance. The remaining two basilar tip aneurysms were embolized with the assistance of an aneurysmal neck bridge device. RESULTS: The mean percentage occluded aneurysm volume for all devices was in the range 34-100%. Follow-up angiograms were obtained at 1 year in 6 patients, 2 years in 11 patients, and 3 years in 18 patients. Angiograms obtained immediately after embolization demonstrated a Raymond class 1 occlusion in 29 patients (82.9%) and a Raymond class 2 occlusion in 6 patients (17.1%). In four of these six patients follow-up angiograms demonstrated regrowth with resultant Raymond class 3 occlusion. In the other two patients, Raymond class 2 occlusion remained stable on follow-up angiograms. In patients who had a Raymond class 1 occlusion on the angiogram obtained immediately after embolization, no regrowth was seen on the follow-up angiograms. The overall recanalization rate was 11.4% (three large, one giant) at 6 months. Retreatment was not considered in three of these patients and they were to be followed; the other patient was retreated. CONCLUSION: Our initial procedural data demonstrate that higher volumetric occlusion was achieved with hydrogel-coated coils and the long-term follow-up results showed a favorably low recanalization rates among the terminal bifurcation aneurysms.