The Use of the Scepter Dual-Lumen Balloon Catheter for Trans-Arterial Onyx Embolization of Cranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Dual lumen balloon microcatheters allow for controlled anterograde flow of Onyx while providing proximal flow arrest, thereby obviating the need for a second microcatheter or Onyx plug formation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficiency of the Scepter dual-lumen balloon microcatheter in trans arterial Onyx embolization of intracranial DAVFs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 36 patients with cranial DAVFs in which a Scepter balloon microcatheter was used between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: Our study comprised 36 patients, mostly male (n=23, 63.8%) with a mean age of 60.8 years. Most DAVFs were located in the occipital lobe (n=24, 66.7%) and 50% had external carotid artery supply from the occipital artery. 18 (50%) of DAVFs were Cognard type III and IV, respectively. 33.3% (n= 12) of DAVFs drained into the transverse sigmoid junction, and 27.7% (n= 10) had direct cortical venous drainage into supratentorial or posterior fossa veins. Complete occlusion was obtained in 22 (61.1%) patients while partial occlusion was observed in 14 (38.9%) patients. 1 (2.8%) patient developed a retroperitoneal hematoma. At final follow-up complete occlusion was observed in 21 (77.8%) and partial occlusion was observed in 8 (22.2%). Recurrence was observed in 4/30 (13.3%) patients and retreatment was required in 6 (18.75%) cases. CONCLUSION: At mid-term follow-up, our study showed low morbidity and modest complete occlusion rates using the Scepter for trans arterial Onyx embolization of high grade DAVFs.

Comparison between endovascular and surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: a single-center cohort and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, endovascular embolization has gained popularity as a first-line treatment option for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (sDAVFs). The authors present their institution's case series of sDAVFs treated endovascularly and surgically, and they performed a systemic review to assess the outcomes of both modalities of treatment. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective observational study of 24 consecutive patients with sDAVFs treated between 2013 and 2023. The primary outcome was the rate of occlusion, which was compared between the surgically and endovascularly treated sDAVFs. They also conducted a systemic review of all the literature comparing outcomes of endovascular and surgical treatment of sDAVFs. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients with 24 sDAVFs were studied. The mean patient age was 63.8 ± 15.5 years, and the majority of patients were male (n = 19, 79.2%). Of the 24 patients, 8 (33.3%) received endovascular treatment, 15 (62.5%) received surgical treatment, and 1 (4.2%) patient received both. Complete occlusion at first follow-up was higher in the surgical cohort but did not achieve statistical significance (66.7% vs 25%, p = 0.52). Recurrence was higher in the endovascular cohort (37.5% vs 13.3%, p = 0.3), while the rate of postprocedural complications was higher in the surgical cohort (13.3% vs 0%, p = 0.52); however, neither of these differences was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular embolization in the management of sDAVFs is an alternative treatment to surgery, whose long-term efficacy is still under investigation. These findings suggest overall comparable outcomes between endovascular and open surgical treatment of sDAVFs. Future studies are needed to determine the role of endovascular embolization in the overall management of sDAVFs.

Comparison of the transarterial, transvenous, and superior ophthalmic vein approaches in the treatment of indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunting lesions with a highly variable clinical presentation that depends on the drainage pattern. Based on venous drainage, treatment can be either transarterial (TA) or transvenous (TV). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of indirect CCF embolization via the TA, TV, and direct superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) approaches. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 74 patients admitted to their institution from 2010 to 2023 with the diagnosis of 77 indirect CCFs as confirmed on digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients with 77 indirect CCFs were included in this study. Embolization was performed via the TA approach in 4 cases, the TV approach in 50 cases, and the SOV in 23 cases. At the end of the procedure, complete occlusion was achieved in 76 (98.7%) cases. The rate of complete occlusion at the end of the procedure and at last radiological follow-up was significantly higher in the SOV and TV cohorts than in the TA cohort. The rate of recurrence was highest in the TA cohort (25% for TA vs 5.3% for TV vs 0% for SOV, p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of immediate complete occlusion was higher in the TV and SOV cohorts than in the TA cohort while the rate of complete occlusion at final follow-up was highest in the SOV cohort. The SOV approach was significantly associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Indirect CCFs require careful examination of the fistulous point and the venous drainage to provide the most effective patient-tailored approach.

Endovascular thrombectomy plus medical care versus medical care alone for large ischaemic stroke: 1-year outcomes of the SELECT2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple randomised trials have shown efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischaemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term (ie, at 1 year) evidence of benefit of thrombectomy for these patients. METHODS: SELECT2 was a phase 3, open-label, international, randomised controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment, conducted at 31 hospitals in the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients aged 18-85 years with ischaemic stroke due to proximal occlusion of the internal carotid artery or of the first segment of the middle cerebral artery, showing large ischaemic core on non-contrast CT (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score of 3-5 [range 0-10, with lower values indicating larger infarctions]) or measuring 50 mL or more on CT perfusion and MRI, were randomly assigned, within 24 h of ischaemic stroke onset, to thrombectomy plus medical care or to medical care alone. The primary outcome for this analysis was the ordinal modified Rankin Scale (range 0-6, with higher scores indicating greater disability) at 1-year follow-up in an intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03876457) and is completed. FINDINGS: The trial was terminated early for efficacy at the 90-day follow-up after 352 patients had been randomly assigned (178 to thrombectomy and 174 to medical care only) between Oct 11, 2019, and Sept 9, 2022. Thrombectomy significantly improved the 1-year modified Rankin Scale score distribution versus medical care alone (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney probability of superiority 0·59 [95% CI 0·53-0·64]; p=0·0019; generalised odds ratio 1·43 [95% CI 1·14-1·78]). At the 1-year follow-up, 77 (45%) of 170 patients receiving thrombectomy had died, compared with 83 (52%) of 159 patients receiving medical care only (1-year mortality relative risk 0·89 [95% CI 0·71-1·11]). INTERPRETATION: In patients with ischaemic stroke due to a proximal occlusion and large core, thrombectomy plus medical care provided a significant functional outcome benefit compared with medical care alone at 1-year follow-up. FUNDING: Stryker Neurovascular.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Stroke Across Ischemic Injury and Penumbra Profiles.

Importance: Whether endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) efficacy for patients with acute ischemic stroke and large cores varies depending on the extent of ischemic injury is uncertain. Objective: To describe the relationship between imaging estimates of irreversibly injured brain (core) and at-risk regions (mismatch) and clinical outcomes and EVT treatment effect. Design, Setting, and Participants: An exploratory analysis of the SELECT2 trial, which randomized 352 adults (18-85 years) with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) and large ischemic core to EVT vs medical management (MM), across 31 global centers between October 2019 and September 2022. Intervention: EVT vs MM. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was functional outcome-90-day mRS score (0, no symptoms, to 6, death) assessed by adjusted generalized OR (aGenOR; values >1 represent more favorable outcomes). Benefit of EVT vs MM was assessed across levels of ischemic injury defined by noncontrast CT using ASPECTS score and by the volume of brain with severely reduced blood flow on CT perfusion or restricted diffusion on MRI. Results: Among 352 patients randomized, 336 were analyzed (median age, 67 years; 139 [41.4%] female); of these, 168 (50%) were randomized to EVT, and 2 additional crossover MM patients received EVT. In an ordinal analysis of mRS at 90 days, EVT improved functional outcomes compared with MM within ASPECTS categories of 3 (aGenOR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.04-2.81]), 4 (aGenOR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.19-3.40]), and 5 (aGenOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.22-2.79]). Across strata for CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volumes, aGenOR for EVT vs MM was 1.63 (95% CI, 1.23-2.16) for volumes ≥70 mL, 1.41 (95% CI, 0.99-2.02) for ≥100 mL, and 1.47 (95% CI, 0.84-2.56) for ≥150 mL. In the EVT group, outcomes worsened as ASPECTS decreased (aGenOR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.82-1.00] per 1-point decrease) and as CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volume increased (aGenOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89-0.95] per 10-mL increase). No heterogeneity of EVT treatment effect was observed with or without mismatch, although few patients without mismatch were enrolled. Conclusion and Relevance: In this exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial of patients with extensive ischemic stroke, EVT improved clinical outcomes across a wide spectrum of infarct volumes, although enrollment of patients with minimal penumbra volume was low. In EVT-treated patients, clinical outcomes worsened as presenting ischemic injury estimates increased. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457.

Endovascular Thrombectomy Treatment Effect in Direct vs Transferred Patients With Large Ischemic Strokes: A Prespecified Analysis of the SELECT2 Trial.

Importance: Patients with large ischemic core stroke have poor clinical outcomes and are frequently not considered for interfacility transfer for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Objective: To assess EVT treatment effects in transferred vs directly presenting patients and to evaluate the association between transfer times and neuroimaging changes with EVT clinical outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial, which evaluated EVT vs medical management (MM) in patients with large ischemic stroke, evaluated adults aged 18 to 85 years with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) as well as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 3 to 5, core of 50 mL or greater on imaging, or both. Patients were enrolled between October 2019 and September 2022 from 31 EVT-capable centers in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Data were analyzed from August 2023 to January 2024. Interventions: EVT vs MM. Main Outcomes and Measures: Functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days with blinded adjudication. Results: A total of 958 patients were screened and 606 patients were excluded. Of 352 enrolled patients, 145 (41.2%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 66.5 (58-75) years. A total of 211 patients (59.9%) were transfers, while 141 (40.1%) presented directly. The median (IQR) transfer time was 178 (136-230) minutes. The median (IQR) ASPECTS decreased from the referring hospital (5 [4-7]) to an EVT-capable center (4 [3-5]). Thrombectomy treatment effect was observed in both directly presenting patients (adjusted generalized odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.42-2.86) and transferred patients (adjusted generalized OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11-2.03) without heterogeneity (P for interaction = .14). Treatment effect point estimates favored EVT among 82 transferred patients with a referral hospital ASPECTS of 5 or less (44 received EVT; adjusted generalized OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.89-2.58). ASPECTS loss was associated with numerically worse EVT outcomes (adjusted generalized OR per 1-ASPECTS point loss, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.02). EVT treatment effect estimates were lower in patients with transfer times of 3 hours or more (adjusted generalized OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.73-1.80). Conclusions and Relevance: Both directly presenting and transferred patients with large ischemic stroke in the SELECT2 trial benefited from EVT, including those with low ASPECTS at referring hospitals. However, the association of EVT with better functional outcomes was numerically better in patients presenting directly to EVT-capable centers. Prolonged transfer times and evolution of ischemic change were associated with worse EVT outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for rapid identification of patients suitable for transfer and expedited transport. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457.

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

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

Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Large Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The 30-day readmission rate has emerged as a metric of quality care and is associated with increased health care expenditure. We aim to identify the rate and causes of 30-day readmission after mechanical thrombectomy and provide the risk factors of readmission to highlight high-risk patients who may require closer care. METHODS: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of 703 patients presenting for mechanical thrombectomy between 2017 and 2023. All patients who presented with a stroke and underwent a mechanical thrombectomy were included in this study. Patients who were deceased on discharge were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Our study comprised 703 patients, mostly female (n = 402, 57.2%) with a mean age of 70.2 years ±15.4. The most common causes of readmission were cerebrovascular events (stroke [n = 21, 36.2%], intracranial hemorrhage [n = 9, 15.5%], and transient ischemic attack [n = 1, 1.7%]).Other causes of readmission included cardiovascular events (cardiac arrest [n = 4, 6.9%] and bradycardia [n = 1, 1.7%]), infection (wound infection postcraniectomy [n = 3, 5.2%], and pneumonia [n = 1, 1.7%]). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of 30-day readmission were history of smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.2) P = .01), distal embolization (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-8.7, P = .03), decompressive hemicraniectomy (OR: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.2-27.6, P < .01), and intracranial stent placement (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.4-8.7) P < .01). CONCLUSION: In our study, the rate of 30-day readmission was 8.3%, and the most common cause of readmission was recurrent strokes. We identified a history of smoking, distal embolization, decompressive hemicraniectomy, and intracranial stenting as independent predictors of 30-day readmission in patients with stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

The Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Stroke Care: A Decade of Scientific Evidence in Review.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced the diagnostic evaluation of stroke and has revolutionized acute stroke care delivery. The scientific evidence evaluating the role of AI, especially in areas of stroke treatment and rehabilitation is limited but continues to accumulate. We performed a systemic review of current scientific evidence evaluating the use of AI in stroke evaluation and care and examined the publication trends during the past decade. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify all studies published from 2012 to 2022 that incorporated AI in any aspect of stroke care. Studies not directly relevant to stroke care in the context of AI and duplicate studies were excluded. The level of evidence and publication trends were examined. RESULTS: A total of 623 studies were examined, including 101 reviews (16.2%), 9 meta-analyses (1.4%), 140 original articles on AI methodology (22.5%), 2 case reports (0.3%), 2 case series (0.3%), 31 case-control studies (5%), 277 cohort studies (44.5%), 16 cross-sectional studies (2.6%), and 45 experimental studies (7.2%). The highest published area of AI in stroke was diagnosis (44.1%) and the lowest was rehabilitation (12%). A 10-year trend analysis revealed a significant increase in AI literature in stroke care. CONCLUSIONS: Most research on AI is in the diagnostic area of stroke care, with a recent noteworthy trend of increased research focus on stroke treatment and rehabilitation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Enterprise stent still useful after all these years.

BACKGROUND: The Enterprise stent (Codman Neuro, Massachusetts, USA) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2007 for stent-assisted coiling (SAC). Since its introduction, newer stents and devices for aneurysm treatment have been developed resulting in a shift in the utilization of this stent from SAC to other off-label indications. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the Enterprise stent being used for SAC and other off-label indications. METHODS: This is a multi-center retrospective review of the use of the Enterprise stent between 2018 and 2023. All patients in which the Enterprise stent was successfully deployed were included in the study. RESULTS: Our study cohort comprised of 194 patients, mostly females (n = 112, 57.7%), with a mean age of 63.2 years ± 14.3. The Enterprise stent was used for SAC in only 24 (12.4%) patients and was used for rescue stenting in stroke in 101 patients (52.1%), treatment of intracranial stenosis in 53 patients (27.3%), treatment of in-stent stenosis in 1 patient (0.5%), and for treatment of dissections in 15 patients (7.7%). From 2018 to 2023, the use of Enterprise stents for SAC significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) while the use of Enterprise stents for non-SAC purposes was insignificantly variable (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the Enterprise stent remains a reliable tool in neuroendovascular procedures, even if its original intended use has been supplanted by other devices.

Transradial versus transfemoral access routes for diagnostic cerebral angiography: a large single-center comparative cost-analysis study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the transradial (TR) approach has become a common alternative because of its safety profile and increased patient satisfaction compared with the transfemoral (TF) route. Both routes are associated with their respective associated costs, and differences typically emerge on the basis of patient anatomy, operator expertise, and occurrence of complications. The authors' objective was to compare the overall costs of diagnostic cerebral angiography via both routes and to shed light on the individual equipment costs of each route. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study of 926 elective diagnostic angiograms was performed between December 2019 and March 2022. RESULTS: The study comprised of 314 and 612 angiograms performed through the TF and TR routes, respectively. A significantly greater proportion of female patients were included in the TF cohort (79.3% vs 67.8%, p < 0.001), and most other demographic characteristics and baseline modified Rankin Scale scores were comparable between cohorts. The overall cost of patients utilizing the TR route was comparable to that of the TF route (mean ± SD $12,591.80 ± $19,128.00 vs $12,789.50 ± 18,424.00, p = 0.88). However, the median cost of catheters was significantly higher in TR group ($55.20 vs $12.40, p = 0.03), while the median costs of closure devices ($87.00 vs $20.20 p < 0.001) and sheaths ($44.60 ± 11.3 vs $41.10 ± 3.10, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the TF group. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the authors' study showed that the TR approach can be a less expensive option for patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography, especially if complications occur. Future studies may corroborate these findings and potentially lead to the adoption of TR as a low-cost, efficient, gold-standard technique for cerebral angiography.

Endovascular Embolization for Epistaxis: A Single Center Experience and Meta-Analysis.

The optimal treatment for intractable epistaxis is still controversial. Various studies have demonstrated high success rates and low complication rates for endovascular embolization. Herein, the authors report an institutional experience and meta-analysis in terms of efficacy and safety of endovascular embolization of intractable epistaxis. This was a retrospective observational study of 35 patients with epistaxis who underwent 40 embolization procedures between 2010 and 2023. The primary outcome was immediate success defined by immediate cessation of epistaxis at the end of the procedure. Immediate success was achieved in most of the procedures (39, 97.5%). During follow-up, three (7.5%) patients experienced a rebleed. Forty-one studies from 3595 articles were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis and comprised 1632 patients. The mean pooled age was 57.5 years (95% CI: 57.2-57.8) and most patients were males (mean: 70.4, 95% CI: 69.8-71.0). Immediate success was achieved at a pooled mean of 90.9% (95% CI: 90.4-91.4) and rebleeding was observed at a pooled mean of 17% (95% CI: 16.5-17.5). In conclusion, endovascular embolization proved to be both safe and effective in treating intractable epistaxis carrying a low risk of post-operative stroke.

The Rate and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients Treated for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms: A Large Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies of various populations and diseases have shown that unplanned 30-day readmission rates are positively correlated with increased morbidity and all-cause mortality. In this study, we aim to provide the rate and predictors of 30-day readmission in patients undergoing treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 525 patients presenting for aneurysm treatment between 2017 and 2022. All patients who were admitted and underwent a successful treatment of their unruptured intracerebral aneurysms were included in the study. The primary outcome was the rate and predictors of 30-day readmission. RESULTS: The rate of 30-day readmission was 6.3%, and the mean duration to readmission was 7.8 days ± 6.9. On univariate analysis, factors associated with 30-day readmission were antiplatelet use on admission (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, P = .009), peri-procedural rupture (OR: 15.8, P = .007), surgical treatment of aneurysms (OR: 2.2, P = .035), disposition to rehabilitation (OR: 9.5, P < .001), and increasing length of stay (OR: 1.1, P = .0008). On multivariate analysis, antiplatelet use on admission was inversely correlated with readmission (OR: 0.4, P = .045), whereas peri-procedural rupture (OR: 9.5, P = .04) and discharge to rehabilitation (OR: 4.5, P = .029) were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION: In our study, risk factors for 30-day readmission were aneurysm rupture during the hospital stay and disposition to rehabilitation, whereas the use of antiplatelet on admission was inversely correlated with 30-day readmission. Although aneurysm rupture is a nonmodifiable risk factor, more studies are encouraged to focus on the correlation of antiplatelet use and rehabilitation disposition with 30-day readmission rates.

Predictors of Transfemoral Access Site Complications in Neuroendovascular Procedures: A large Single-Center Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The transfemoral (TF) route has historically been the preferred access site for endovascular procedures. However, despite its widespread use, TF procedures may confer morbidity as a result of access site complications. The aim of this study is to provide the rate and predictors of TF access site complications for neuroendovascular procedures. METHODS: This is a single center retrospective study of TF neuroendovascular procedures performed between 2017 and 2022. The incidence of complications and associated risk factors were analyzed across a large cohort of patients. RESULTS: The study comprised of 2043 patients undergoing transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures. The composite rate of access site complications was 8.6 % (n = 176). These complications were divided into groin hematoma formation (n = 118, 5.78 %), retroperitoneal hematoma (n = 14, 0.69 %), pseudoaneurysm formation (n = 40, 1.96 %), and femoral artery occlusion (n = 4, 0.19 %). The cross-over to trans radial access rate was 1.1 % (n = 22). On univariate analysis, increasing age (OR=1.0, p = 0.06) coronary artery disease (OR=1.7, p = 0.05) peripheral vascular disease (OR=1.9, p = 0.07), emergent mechanical thrombectomy procedures (OR=2.1, p < 0.001) and increasing sheath size (OR=1.3, p < 0.001) were associated with higher TF access site complications. On multivariate analysis, larger sheath size was an independent risk factor for TF access site complications (OR=1.8, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Several pertinent factors contribute towards the incidence of TF access site complications. Factors associated with TF access site complications include patient demographics (older age) and clinical risk factors (vascular disease), as well as periprocedural factors (sheath size).

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Subdural Hematoma: An Institutional Cohort and Propensity Score-Matched Comparison with Conventional Management.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of non-acute subdural hematoma (NASDH) is challenging due to its high recurrence rates and comorbidities of mostly elderly patients. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) recently emerged as an alternative to surgery in the treatment of NASDH. OBJECTIVE: To describe a single center's experience of MMAE with Onyx for NASDH and compare it to a surgically treated historical cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing MMAE for NASDH from 2019 to 2021. MMAE was performed with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx). Comparisons were made with a historical cohort from 2010 to 2018 who underwent surgical evacuation only, before and after propensity score matching. Outcomes were assessed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: We included 44 consecutive patients (55 MMAEs) who underwent MMAE, with a median follow-up of 63.5 days. Twenty-four NASDHs underwent upfront embolization, 17 adjunctive, and 14 for recurrence after prior surgical evacuation, with no significant differences in hematoma and mRS reduction between them. Two patients died during hospitalization and 2 during follow-up, unrelated to the procedure. Mean SDH thickness decreased by 48.3% ± 38.1% (P < 0.001) on last follow-up, which did not correlate with the amount of Onyx injected. Six (13.6%) patients required surgical rescue after embolization. There were no procedure-related complications. The mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on admission was 2.8 ± 1.5, which decreased significantly to 1 [1,4] at the last follow-up (P = 0.033). The MMAE (41 hematomas; upfront and adjunctive embolization) and Surgical Evacuation-only (461 hematomas) cohorts were balanced with propensity score mathing. Matching was successful for 41 MMAE and 41 surgical-only hematoma pairs, and only hypertension remained significantly different between the two groups, but there was no significant difference in any outcome. CONCLUSION: MMAE for NASDH seems safe and effective in appropriately selected patients, non-inferior to surgery, and may become a minimally-invasive alternative. Given our encouraging results, large-scale clinical randomized trials are warranted.

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

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

Safety of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients on Antiplatelet/Anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is performed in patients who are already on anticoagulation (AC)/antiplatelet therapy (AP). However, data are insufficient regarding MT's safety and efficacy profiles in these patients. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the outcome of stroke patients already on anticoagulation/antiplatelet receiving MT. METHODS: We included consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated with MT for 10 years (2012-2022) in a comprehensive stroke center. Baseline variables, efficacy (recanalization [Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infraction] ≥ 2b), good functional outcome (modified Ranking Scale ≤ 2 at 3 months), and safety (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [sICH], mortality rates) were evaluated. Additionally, we conducted a subgroup analysis of patients with prior single-AP versus DAPT. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-six patients were included (54.5% women, median age 71 years), 84 (13%) were on AC, 196 (30.3%) on AP, and 366 (56.7%) in the control group. The AC and AP groups were older and had more comorbidities. sICH occurred in 7.3% of cases. There was no significant difference in sICH incidence across the groups. The AC group had a lower rate of intravenous thrombolysis (15.9%; P < 0.001), a higher rate of sICH (11.9% vs. AP 7.7% and control 6%; P = 0.172), and higher mortality at discharge (17.9% vs. AP 8.7% and control 10.4%; P = 0.07). However, the groups had similar functional outcomes and mortality rates at 3 months. Successful recanalization was achieved in 92.7% and was similar across groups. Multivariable logistic regression and the subgroup analysis (single-AP vs. dual AP) did not reveal statistically significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: MT in patients with prior anticoagulation and AP presenting with acute ischemic strokeis feasible, effective, and safe.