Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Vascular Imaging During Iodinated Contrast Shortage.

GE Healthcare© announced on April 19, 2022, that their main factory and distributor of iodinated contrast had experienced a temporary shutdown because of COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai, China. This, along with other supply chain issues, led to a worldwide shortage of iodinated contrast agents, Omnipaque and Visipaque. Our Comprehensive Stroke Center was confronted with the cascading effect of this iodinated contrast material shortage. We took immediate steps to revise our protocols and processes to continue to provide high-quality care to our stroke patients. A multidisciplinary working group comprised of representatives of our stroke center, including vascular neurology, diagnostic neuroradiology, and neurovascular surgery, urgently met to brainstorm how to mitigate the shortage. We established parameters and local guidelines for the use of CT angiography, CT perfusion, and digital subtraction angiography for stroke patients. In this article, we propose "best practice" recommendations from a single Joint Commission approved Comprehensive Stroke Center that can be used as blueprint by other hospital systems when navigating potential future supply chain issues, to provide consistent high-quality stroke care.

Posterior circulation perforator aneurysms: a proposed management algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from posterior circulation perforator aneurysms (PCPAs) is rare and its natural history is unknown. Diagnosis may be difficult, acute management is poorly defined, and long-term recurrent SAH rates and clinical outcome data are lacking. METHODS: We searched our institution's records for cases of PCPA rupture and analyzed patient demographics, Hunt and Hess (HH) grades, diagnostic imaging, management, and clinical outcomes. We conducted telephone interviews to calculate modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. RESULTS: We identified 9 patients (6 male, 3 female) with a ruptured PCPA who presented to the University of Virginia Health System (Charlottesville, VA, USA) between 2010 and 2016. Median and mean ages were 62 and 63 years, respectively. Median HH grade was 3. Seven of nine (78%) PCPAs were angiographically occult on initial imaging and median time to diagnosis was 5 days. Three conservatively managed patients had a mean mRS score of 0.67 (range 0-1) at mean follow-up of 35.3 months. Antifibrinolytic therapy was administered to all conservatively managed patients without thrombotic complication. Six patients receiving endovascular treatment had a mean mRS score of 2.67 (range 0-6) at mean follow-up of 49.2 months. No cases of recurrent SAH were seen in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The rarity of PCPA has precluded long-term clinical follow-up until now. Our experience suggests low recurrent SAH rates. Until further studies are performed, conservative management, possibly combined with antifibrinolytic therapy, may be a viable treatment with acceptable long-term outcome.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes of balloon remodeling versus unassisted coil embolization in the ruptured aneurysm cohort of the GEL THE NEC study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: GEL THE NEC (GTN) was a multicenter prospective registry developed to assess the safety and efficacy of HydroSoft coils in treating intracranial aneurysms. We compared the angiographic and clinical outcomes of aneurysms treated with balloon assisted coil embolization (BACE) versus unassisted coil embolization (CE) in the ruptured aneurysm cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GTN was performed at 27 centers in five countries. Patients aged 21-90 years with a ruptured aneurysm 3-15 mm in size were eligible for enrollment. We analyzed demographics/comorbidities, aneurysm location, and geometry, including maximum diameter, neck size, and dome to neck ratio, immediate and long term angiographic outcomes (graded by an independent core laboratory using the modified Raymond Scale), and procedure related adverse events. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were studied using χ2and t tests. RESULTS: Of the 599 patients in the GTN, 194 met the inclusion criteria. 84 were treated with BACE and 110 with CE. There were more prior smokers in the BACE group (p=0.01). The BACE group also had more vertebrobasilar aneurysms (p=0.006) and a larger mean neck size (p=0.02). More aneurysms were immediately completely occluded in the BACE group (p=0.02) Procedure- related major morbidity and mortality were no different between the techniques (p=0.4 and p=1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective ruptured aneurysm cohort from the GTN, BACE resulted in greater occlusion rates compared with unassisted CE with similar morbi-mortality.

GEL THE NEC: a prospective registry evaluating the safety, ease of use, and efficacy of the HydroSoft coil as a finishing device.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The HydroSoft coil was developed as a finishing coil, ideally to be placed along the aneurysm neck to enhance intracranial aneurysm healing. The GEL THE NEC (Gaining Efficacy Long Term: Hydrosoft, an Emerging, New, Embolic Coil) multicenter registry was developed to assess the safety and efficacy of HydroSoft coils in treating intracranial aneurysms. We report angiographic and clinical results of this prospective registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GEL THE NEC was performed at 27 centers in five countries. Patients aged 21-90 years with a ruptured or unruptured aneurysm 3-15 mm in size were eligible for enrollment. The following variables were obtained: demographics/comorbidities, aneurysm geometry, adjunctive devices used, proportion of patients in whom HydroSoft coils were successfully placed, and long-term angiographic outcomes (graded by an independent core laboratory using the Modified Raymond Scale), and procedure-related adverse events. Predictors of good angiographic outcome were studied using χ2 and t-tests. RESULTS: A total of 599 patients with 599 aneurysms were included in this study. HydroSoft coils were successfully deployed in 577 (96.4%) patients. Procedure-related major morbidity and mortality were 0.5% (3/599) and 1.3% (8/599), respectively. The most common perioperative complications were iatrogenic vasospasm (30/599, 5.0%), thromboemboli (27/599, 4.5%), and aneurysm perforation (16/599, 2.7%). At last angiographic follow-up (mean 9.0±6.3 months), the complete occlusion rate was 63.2% (280/442) and near complete occlusion rate was 25.2% (107/442). The core laboratory read recanalization rate was 10.8% (46/425) and the retreatment rate was 3.4% (20/599). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with HydroSoft coils resulted in complete/near complete occlusion rates of 88% and a major complication rate of 1.8%. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01000675.

Time-resolved CT assessment of collaterals as imaging biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Collateral circulation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke and is increasingly recognized as a promising biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome. However, there is no single established grading system. We designed a novel machine-learning software that allows non-invasive, objective, and quantitative assessment of collaterals according to their vascular territories. Our goal is to investigate the prognostic and predictive value of this collateral score for the prediction of acute stroke outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 135 patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with IV TPA. An equation using this collateral score (adjusting for age, baseline NIHSS, and recanalization) was derived to predict the clinical outcome (90-day mRS). The primary analyses focused on determining the prognostic value of our newly developed collateral scores. Secondary analyses examined the interrelationships between the collateral score and other variables. RESULTS: The collateral score emerged as a statistically significant prognostic biomarker for good clinical outcome (p < 0.033) among recanalized patients, but not among non-recanalized patients (p < 0.497). Our results also showed that collateral score was a predictive biomarker (p < 0.044). These results suggest that (1) patients with good collateral score derive more benefit from successful recanalization than patients with poor collateral score and (2) collateral status is inconsequential if recanalization is not achieved. CONCLUSION: Our data results reinforce the importance of careful patient selection for recanalization therapy to avoid futile recanalization. The paucity of collaterals predicts poor clinical outcome despite recanalization. On the other hand, robust collaterals warrant consideration for recanalization therapy given the better odds of good clinical outcome.

Transorbital Approach for Endovascular Occlusion of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: Technical Note and Review of the Literature.

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) pose an anatomically and physiologically challenging problem for clinicians. The most common method of treatment for these lesions is transvenous endovascular embolization via the inferior petrosal sinus or the facial vein. When transvenous access is not possible, an alternate approach must be devised. We describe a case example with bilateral Barrow Type B CCFs, which were inaccessible using the traditional transvenous approach. Hence, a direct transorbital approach, performed under fluoroscopic guidance, was employed to successfully obliterate the CCF. At five months follow-up, the patient was recovering without complications. This case delineates the technical aspects of transorbital CCF embolization and demonstrates that this approach is a viable alternative to conventional transvenous methods for appropriately selected CCF cases. We supplement our case example and technical note with a literature review of this approach.

Preoperative Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations with Silk Suture and Particles: Technical Considerations and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is commonly performed prior to surgical resection in order to reduce intraoperative bleeding and improve the safety of resection. Although most modern embolization procedures utilize permanent embolic agents, silk suture and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles may offer unique advantages for preoperative devascularization. The aims of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical considerations and determine the outcomes for preoperative silk suture and PVA particle embolization (SPE) of AVMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our AVM embolization database. AVM patients who underwent preoperative SPE and subsequent surgical resection were included for analysis. Baseline patient demographics, AVM characteristics, embolization and operative records, and post-treatment outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients who underwent 12 preoperative SPE procedures were included for analysis. Five AVMs were ruptured (45%), and the median nidus volume was 3.0 cm3 (range: 1.3-42.9 cm3). The Spetzler-Martin grade was I-II in seven patients (64%) and III-IV in four patients (36%). The degree of nidal obliteration was less than 25% in two procedures (17%), 25-50% in one procedure (8%), 50-75% in eight procedures (67%), and greater than 75% in one procedure (8%). The rates of post-embolization AVM hemorrhage and mortality were 8% and 0%, respectively. The postoperative angiographic obliteration rate was 100%, and the modified Rankin Scale score improved or stable in 91% of patients (median follow-up duration 2 months). CONCLUSION: Preoperative AVM SPE affords a reasonable risk to benefit profile for appropriately selected patients.

Prevalence of dural venous sinus stenosis and hypoplasia in a generalized population.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While recent literature has described the prevalence of transverse sinus stenosis in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, tinnitus, and refractory headaches, it is unclear what the prevalence is in the general population. This study evaluates the prevalence of venous sinus stenosis and hypoplasia in the general patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 355 of 600 consecutive patients who underwent CT angiography of the head met the inclusion criteria. The diameters of the dural venous sinuses were recorded. Each study was evaluated by a neuroradiologist for the presence of stenoses. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed by a statistician. RESULTS: The prevalence of unilateral transverse sinus stenosis or hypoplasia in a sample of patients representing the general population was 33%, the prevalence of bilateral transverse sinus stenosis was 5%, and the prevalence of unilateral stenosis with contralateral hypoplasia was 1%. A multivariate analysis identified arachnoid granulations as a predictor of stenosis (p<0.001). Gender trended toward significance (p=0.094). Race was not a significant predictor of stenosis (p=0.745). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of bilateral transverse sinus stenosis in the general population is not trivial. These data may be used as a reference for understanding the mechanistic role of stenoses in idiopathic intracranial hypertension, tinnitus, and refractory headaches.

Endovascular treatment of ophthalmic artery aneurysms: ophthalmic artery patency following flow diversion versus coil embolization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has been shown to effectively treat complex internal carotid artery aneurysms while maintaining patency of covered side branches. The purpose of this retrospective matched cohort study is to evaluate the effect of flow diversion on the patency of the ophthalmic artery when treating ophthalmic artery aneurysms. METHODS: A retrospective review of our prospectively collected institutional database identified 19 ophthalmic artery aneurysms treated with a PED. These were matched according to aneurysm diameter in a 1:2 fashion to ophthalmic artery aneurysms treated via coil embolization, although it is important to note that there was a statistically significance difference in the neck diameter between the two groups (p=0.045). Clinical and angiographic outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: On follow-up angiography, decreased flow through the ophthalmic artery was observed in 26% of the PED cohort and 0% of the coil embolization cohort (p=0.003). No ophthalmologic complications were noted in either cohort. Complete occlusion at 12 months was more common following PED treatment than coil embolization (74% vs 47%; p=0.089), although lower than reported in previous trials. This may be due to inflow into the ophthalmic artery keeping the aneurysm patent. Retreatments were more common following coil embolization than PED (24% vs 11%), but this was not significant (p=0.304). Permanent morbidity rates were not significantly different between the PED (11%) and coil embolization (3%) cohorts (p=0.255). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ophthalmic artery aneurysms may be adequately and safely treated with either the PED or coil embolization. However, treatment with the PED carries a higher risk of impeding flow to the ophthalmic artery, although this did not result in clinical sequelae in the current study.

Outcomes of vertebroplasty compared with kyphoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Many studies demonstrate that both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are superior to conservative therapy in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which included prospective non-randomized, retrospective comparative, and randomized studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Web of Science databases for studies of kyphoplasty versus vertebroplasty from 1 January 1990 to 30 November 2014 and compared the following outcomes: procedure characteristics, pain and disability improvement, complications and anatomic outcomes. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing pain outcomes based on the risk of bias. RESULTS: 29 studies enrolling 2838 patients (1384 kyphoplasty and 1454 vertebroplasty) were included. 16 prospective non-randomized studies, 10 retrospective comparative studies, and 3 randomized controlled studies were included. No significant differences were found in mean pain scores between the two groups postoperatively (2.9±1.5 kyphoplasty vs 2.9±1.7 vertebroplasty, p=0.39) and at 12 months (2.7±1.8 kyphoplasty vs 3.2±1.8 vertebroplasty, p=0.64). No significant differences were found in disability postoperatively (34.7±7.1 kyphoplasty group vs 36.3±7.8 vertebroplasty group, p=0.74) or at 12 months (28.3±16 kyphoplasty group vs 29.6±13.9 vertebroplasty group, p=0.70). Kyphoplasty was associated with lower odds of new fractures (p=0.06), less extraosseous cement leakage (p<0.01), and greater reduction in kyphotic angle (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in short- and long-term pain and disability outcomes. Further studies are needed to better determine if any particular subgroups of patients would benefit more from vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral body compression fractures.

Randomized controlled trial of vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND: We present the results of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty in treating vertebral body compression fractures. METHODS: Patients with vertebral body compression fractures were randomly assigned to treatment with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Primary endpoints were pain (0-10 scale) and disability assessed using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Outcomes were assessed at 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following the procedure. RESULTS: 115 subjects were enrolled in the trial with 59 (51.3%) randomly assigned to kyphoplasty and 56 (48.7%) assigned to vertebroplasty. Mean (SD) pain scores at baseline, 3 days, 30 days, and 1 year for kyphoplasty versus vertebroplasty were 7.4 (1.9) vs 7.9 (2.0), 4.1 (2.8) vs 3.7 (3.0), 3.4 (2.5) vs 3.6 (2.9), and 3.0 (2.8) vs 2.3 (2.6), respectively (p>0.05 at all time points). Mean (SD) RMDQ scores at baseline, 3 days, 30 days, 180 days, and 1 year were 17.3 (6.6) vs 16.3 (7.4), 11.8 (7.9) vs 10.9 (8.2), 8.6 (7.2) vs 8.8 (8.5), 7.9 (7.4) vs 7.3 (7.7), 7.5 (7.2) vs 6.7 (8.0), respectively (p>0.05 at all time points). For baseline to 12-month assessment in average pain and RMDQ scores, the standardized effect size between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty was small at -0.36 (95% CI -1.02 to 0.31) and -0.04 (95% CI -1.68 to 1.60), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty appear to be equally effective in substantially reducing pain and disability in patients with vertebral body compression fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00279877.

Embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with silk suture particles prior to stereotactic radiosurgery.

We aimed to determine the long term durability of silk suture and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particle embolization (SPE) of arteriovenous malformations (AVM), and to evaluate the outcomes following multimodality management of AVM with combined SPE and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). A general supposition among neurointerventionalists is that embolization of cerebral AVM with silk sutures and PVA particles does not yield a durable occlusion. We performed a retrospective review of all AVM patients treated at our institution with combined SPE and SRS. After extracting the baseline, embolization and SRS data for each patient, the durability of SPE was determined by evaluating the postembolization recanalization between the last procedural angiogram and the most recent neuroimaging. Four AVM patients who underwent a total of nine SPE procedures through 21 arterial pedicles were included for the analyses. The nidus volumes were 5.8-75 cm(3) and the Spetzler-Martin grades were II and V in one patient and III in two patients. The median degree of devascularization per procedure was <25%. There were no procedural complications, with all patients maintaining functional independence after embolization (modified Rankin scale score 0-2). After a median follow-up duration of 27 months (range: 23-36), there were no patients with recanalization. SRS (marginal dose 13-18 Gy) resulted in 40 to >95% volume reduction. Following SRS, one patient remained asymptomatic, two patients improved, and one patient deteriorated due to a latency period AVM hemorrhage. In conclusion, SPE can safely provide durable AVM devascularization, therefore, appropriately selected nidi can be effectively treated with combined SPE and SRS.

A method for complete angiographic obliteration of a brain arteriovenous malformation in a single session through a single pedicle.

Historically, the endovascular treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) has largely been relegated to an adjunctive role to open surgical and radiosurgical methods. In this article, we describe a novel endovascular approach to the treatment of brain AVM using Onyx (ev3 Endovascular, Plymouth, MN, USA), which may allow for a complete angiographic obliteration in a single treatment session. Twelve patients underwent Onyx embolization of an AVM using a novel "reverse plug and push" technique in which a plug is formed around the treatment catheter prior to injecting Onyx into the AVM. The plug mitigates the risk of backflow and catheter entrapment, thereby allowing the user to inject higher volumes of Onyx at higher injection rates. Patient demographics, AVM characteristics, and treatment details were reviewed. Using the "reverse plug then push" technique, an average of 8.8 mL of Onyx was injected into the AVM in a single session. In every case, the microcatheter was removed easily with minimal traction pressure. Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in 83% of patients after a single treatment. Morbidity and mortality were 8% each. The "reverse plug then push" technique allows for a more rapid injection of Onyx due to the formation of a well-controlled plug prior to treatment, mitigating the risk of catheter entrapment by Onyx reflux. With further refinement, this technique may present a viable curative option for treatment of select brain AVM.

Endovascular treatment of unruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: comparison of dual microcatheter technique and stent-assisted coil embolization.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms is challenging. Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) is associated with increased complications and requires dual antiplatelet therapy. OBJECTIVE: To compare treatment of unruptured, wide-necked aneurysms with a dual-microcatheter technique (DMT) versus SAC. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2011, 100 patients with unruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms were treated with DMT and 160 with SAC. Over time there was a significant decrease in the use of SAC and a corresponding increase in DMT. The investigators matched 60 patients treated with DMT blinded to outcome in a 1:2 fashion based on maximal aneurysm dome diameter with 120 patients treated with SAC. Outcomes were determined with conditional (matched) multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient or aneurysm characteristics between cohorts, including aneurysm diameter, neck width, or volume. Overall packing density and coil volume achieved was not significantly different between cohorts. There were higher rates of overall complications in those receiving SAC (19.2%) compared with DMT (5.0%; p=0.012), but no significant difference in major complications (8.3% vs 1.7%, respectively; p=0.103). At a mean follow-up of 27.0 ± 18.9 months, rates of retreatment did not differ between DMT (15.1%) and SAC (17.7%). Delayed in-stent stenosis occurred in five patients and in-stent thrombosis in four patients treated with SAC. There was no difference in favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin score 0-2) between those treated with DMT (90.6%) compared with SAC (91.2%). CONCLUSIONS: DMT and SAC are effective endovascular approaches for unruptured, wide-necked aneurysms; however, DMT may result in less morbidity. Further long-term studies are necessary to determine the optimal indications for these treatment options.

Stenting of symptomatic intracranial stenosis using balloon mounted coronary stents: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is the cause of up to 10% of ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. Intracranial stenting with off-label balloon mounted coronary stents (BMCS) may be a viable alternative for patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis who fail best medical therapy. DESIGN: Between December 2005 and June 2012, 42 symptomatic intracranial stenoses were treated with a BMCS after failing medical management. Procedural records, clinical outcomes, and imaging follow-up were reviewed. Outcome measurements included technical success rate, morbidity and mortality, long term stent patency, and clinical outcomes, as measured by the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 98% (41 of 42 lesions). Morbidity within the first 30 days was 7.1% (three of 42 lesions). Overall morbidity, including both periprocedural and long term evaluation, was 9.5% (four of 42 lesions). There were no deaths. Follow-up imaging was available for 30 stents (71%) with an average follow-up time of 35.1 months. Restenosis (>50%) and retreatment were observed in 20% and 10% of cases, respectively. Clinical evaluation by a neurologist ≥ 30 days postprocedure was available in 40 of 42 cases (95%) with an average of 32.1 months. At presentation, 55% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≤ 2. At follow-up, 74% of patients were found to have an mRS score of ≤ 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that BMCS may benefit patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis who experience stroke or transient ischemic attack in spite of best medical therapy.

Modification of a Braided Support Catheter into a Rapid Exchange System for Navigation of a Distal Protection Device through Significant Vascular Tortuosity.

Cerebral embolic protection devices (EPD) reduce the rate of periprocedural thromboembolic complications and are currently used in all carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures. However, tortuous vascular anatomy of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may prevent navigation of distal EPDs, thereby leading to inadequate cerebral protection. We present a case in which significant tortuosity of the ICA distal to the stenotic lesion precluded navigation of currently available distal EPDs. During a CAS procedure, significant vascular tortuosity of the distal cervical ICA was noted which prevented navigation of currently available distal EPDs due to catheter kinking. In order to overcome this anatomic barrier, a novel rapid exchange catheter system (RECS) was created using a modified DAC 038 braided catheter through which a distal EPD and microguidewire were placed. This newly devised RECS allowed navigation of the distal EPD past the tortuous ICA bend and successful completion of the CAS procedure without periprocedural complications. We demonstrate that modification of currently available devices can, in select cases, effectively address cases of significant vascular tortuosity which limit the use of conventional distal EPDs.

Single-center experience with a dual microcatheter technique for the endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms.

OBJECT: The endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms can be technically challenging due to distal coil migration or impingement of the parent vessel. In this paper, the authors illustrate an alternative method for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using a dual microcatheter technique. METHODS: The authors' first 100 consecutive patients who underwent coil embolization of a wide-necked aneurysm using a dual microcatheter technique are reported. With this technique, 2 microcatheters are used to introduce coils into the aneurysm. The coils are deployed either sequentially or concurrently to form a stable construct and prevent coil herniation or migration. Angiographic and clinical outcomes are reported. RESULTS: The technical success rate of the dual microcatheter technique is 91% with a morbidity and mortality of 1% and 2%, respectively. Clinical outcomes are excellent with 93% of patients demonstrating a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at long-term follow-up regardless of their score at presentation. Retreatment rates are 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The dual microcatheter technique may be a safe and efficacious first line of treatment for widenecked aneurysms.

Balloon anchor technique for pipeline embolization device deployment across the neck of a giant intracranial aneurysm.

Treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms, via either surgical or endovascular approaches, is associated with a high level of technical difficulty as well as a high rate of treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Flow-diverting stents, such as the Pipeline embolization device (PED), have drastically altered the therapeutic strategies for the treatment of giant aneurysms. Gaining endovascular access using a microcatheter to the portion of the parent artery distal to the aneurysm neck is requisite for safe and effective stent deployment. Giant aneurysms are often associated with vascular tortuosity, which necessitates significant catheter support systems to enable maneuvering of PEDs across the aneurysm neck. This is also required in order to reduce the probability of stent herniation within giant aneurysms. We report on a case of a giant supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm which was treated successfully with a PED utilizing a balloon anchor technique to facilitate direct microcatheter access across the aneurysm neck.

DynaCT imaging for intraprocedural evaluation of flow-diverting stent apposition during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

The treatment of large, complex intracranial aneurysms is being increasingly performed using flow-diverting stents (FDS) such as the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3, Irvine, CA, USA). Malapposition of a FDS to the parent artery wall decreases the likelihood of aneurysm obliteration and increases the risk of both immediate and delayed complications. DynaCT scanning (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) is a novel imaging modality which uses a flat plane detector to generate CT images using the same C-arm employed for digital subtraction angiography. We present a 40-year-old woman with an unruptured, 11 mm cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm who was treated with endovascular obliteration using a PED. Intraprocedural DynaCT scan performed after PED deployment demonstrated incomplete stent apposition to the parent vessel which could not be detected on digital subtraction angiography alone. Balloon angioplasty was performed to improve apposition of the stent to the vessel wall. There were no procedural or clinical complications. The aneurysm shrank in size at follow-up angiography 6 months after the procedure and will be monitored for progressive occlusion. While gross stent malapposition is readily evident after stent deployment, minor instances of malapposition may be undetectable by standard angiography. Therefore the use of DynaCT imaging may improve intraprocedural stent visualization and potentially avert long-term endovascular aneurysm treatment complications associated with inadequate stent apposition.

Endovascular treatment of recurrent intracranial aneurysms following previous microsurgical clipping with the Pipeline Embolization Device.

The treatment of intracranial aneurysms with microsurgical clipping is associated with a very low rate of recurrence. However, in cases of aneurysm recurrence after previous clipping, microsurgical dissection due to adhesions and fibrosis may be challenging, and it may be difficult to safely occlude the recurrent lesion without the risk of significant morbidity. Flow-diverting stents have drastically changed the landscape of endovascular neurosurgery. We present two patients with large, recurrent supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms which were previously clipped 17 and 23 years ago at outside institutions. Both recurrent lesions were treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3 Endovascular, Irvine, CA, USA) without radiographic or clinical complications. In the first patient, the 15 mm aneurysm significantly decreased in size at 6 month angiographic follow-up. The 21 mm aneurysm in the second patient was completely occluded 7 months following PED treatment. The moderate degree of in-stent stenosis present on initial follow-up imaging resolved on angiography 11 months post-treatment. The management of recurrent aneurysms after clipping is sparsely reported in the literature due to its infrequent occurrence. In carefully selected cases, flow-diverting stents may be used for complex aneurysms of the distal ICA, even for those which have recurred following microsurgical clipping.