Assessment of thrombectomy procedure difficulty by neurointerventionalists based on vessel geometry parameters from carotid artery 3D reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing and treating acute ischemic stroke patients within a narrow timeframe is challenging. Time needed to access the occluded vessel and initiate thrombectomy is dictated by the availability of information regarding vascular anatomy and trajectory. Absence of such information potentially impacts device selection, procedure success, and stroke outcomes. While the cervical vessels allow neurointerventionalists to navigate devices to the occlusion site, procedures are often encumbered due to tortuous pathways. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine how neurointerventionalists consider the physical nature of carotid segments when evaluating a procedure's difficulty. METHODS: Seven neurointerventionalists reviewed 3D reconstructions of CT angiograms of left and right carotid arteries from 49 subjects and rated the perceived procedural difficulty on a three-point scale (easy, medium, difficult) to reach the targeted M1. Twenty-two vessel metrics were quantified by dividing the carotids into 5 segments and measuring the radius of curvature, tortuosity, vessel radius, and vessel length of each segment. RESULTS: The tortuosity and length of the arch-cervical and cervical regions significantly impacted difficulty ratings. Additionally, two-way interaction between the radius of curvature and tortuosity on the arch-cervical region was significant (p < 0.0001) wherein, for example, at a given arch-cervical tortuosity, an increased radius of curvature reduced the perceived case difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Examining the vessel metrics and providing detailed vascular data tailored to patient characteristics may result in better procedure preparation, facilitate faster vessel access time, and improve thrombectomy outcomes. Additionally, documenting these correlations can enhance device design to ensure they suitably function under various vessel conditions.

Super large-bore ingestion of clot (SLIC) leads to high first pass effect in thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Super large-bore aspiration (SLBA) has shown high rates of complete clot ingestion. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial clinical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this novel SLBA insert combination-super large-bore ingestion of clot (SLIC) technique for stroke. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of three comprehensive stroke center databases. The SLIC technique entails a triaxial assembly of an 8 Fr 0.106″ Base Camp catheter, 0.088″ catheter extender (HiPoint), and an insert catheter (Tenzing 8) that completely consumes the inner diameter of the 0.088″ SLBA catheter. The HiPoint catheter is delivered over the Tenzing 8 to the face of the embolus, which is withdrawn, while aspirating through the Base Camp and HiPoint catheters as a single assembly. RESULTS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion were treated with SLIC. The median age was 70 years (30-91) and 17 were male (51.5%). The median presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score was 21 (1-34) and 8 (5-10), respectively. There was 100% success in delivering the 0.088″ catheter to the site of the occlusion. The successful revascularization rate (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2B) was 100% within a single pass in most cases (82%). Final mTICI ≥2C was achieved in 94.1% of occlusions, with 73.5% mTICI 3 recanalization. The rate of first pass effect in achieving excellent reperfusion (mTICI ≥2C) was 70.5%. There were no adverse events or postprocedural symptomatic hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with the SLIC technique resulted in achieving a first pass effect (mTICI ≥2C) in 70.5%. Navigation of the SLBA catheter extender over the Tenzing insert was successful and safe in this early experience.

Early major recurrence of cerebral aneurysms after satisfactory initial coiling.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early major recurrence (EMR) of cerebral aneurysms treated by coiling has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to characterize the frequency and risk factors of this phenomenon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients who presented with ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms and underwent coiling from July 2009 to June 2019 at a university hospital. We defined EMR as recurrence of the aneurysm greater than its initial size within the first 6 months of an initial satisfactory coil embolization. Patient demographics, clinical information, aneurysm characteristics, angiographic and technical details were reviewed. RESULTS: From July 2009 to June 2019, 338 aneurysms (190 unruptured aneurysms and 148 ruptured cerebral aneurysms) underwent coiling and satisfied our study criteria. Among these patients, 23 patients (19 ruptured and 4 unruptured aneurysms) were found to have recurrent aneurysm. Of those, 4 were found to have early major aneurysm regrowth occurring within 6 months after coiling (1.2%). The detection of the EMR was as early as 4 weeks and as late as 20 weeks after the initial coil embolization. The average detection time was 10 ± 7.2 weeks (mean ± SD, range:4-20 weeks). In each case, the recurrent aneurysm cavity was more than twice the initial size of presentation. All aneurysms with major recurrence were ruptured with low aspect ratios (dome height to neck ratio) and involved a communicating segment. All patients underwent successful retreatment of the recurrent aneurysm with good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Early major recurrence of treated aneurysms is a rare but important complication that harbors an impending risk of re-rupture. Early control angiography after endovascular coiling may be warranted for small ruptured aneurysms, even in cases in which the initial result seems technically satisfactory.

Beyond the first pass: revascularization remains critical in stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The first pass effect has been recently reported as a predictor of good clinical outcome after stroke thrombectomy. We evaluate the first pass effect on outcome and the influence of revascularization in these and other patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database on anterior cerebral circulation stroke thrombectomy cases from April 2012 to April 2018. Data compiled included patient demographics, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, vessel occlusion site, thrombectomy procedural details, and 90 day modified Rankin Scale scores. RESULTS: 205 patients were included. The numbers of patients who underwent one, two, three, four, five, and six passes were 69, 70, 55, 9, 1, and 1, respectively. Successful revascularization was achieved in 87%, 83%, and 64% of patients in the one, two, and 3 or more passes groups, respectively (p=0.002). Good functional outcome was inversely correlated with number of passes when comparing the one, two, and three or more passes groups (54%, 43%, 29%; P=0.014). In patients with full revascularization, there was no significant difference in good functional outcomes between the one, two, and three or more passes groups (64%, 65%, 50%; P=0.432). Number of passes was not an independent negative predictor of good clinical outcome (OR 1.66, 95% CI 0.82 to 3.39; P=0.165). CONCLUSIONS: First pass thrombectomy patients have better functional outcomes compared with beyond-first pass patients. This effect is related at least in part to a higher rate of revascularization in one pass patients. Revascularization beyond the first pass should continue to be the goal of stroke thrombectomy.

Functional Independence After Stroke Thrombectomy Using Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction Grade 2c: A New Aim of Successful Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Within the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) classification, TICI 2b has been historically considered successful recanalization. However, TICI 2b may result in worse functional outcomes compared with TICI 3 or a proposed TICI 2c revascularization grade. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in functional independence at 90 days between TICI 2b, 2c, and 3 grades. METHODS: A retrospective review of 185 consecutive patients with anterior cerebral circulation occlusions was performed; 33 patients who were treated >8 hours after onset were excluded. Patient angiograms were graded by 2 experienced neurointerventional physicians. Baseline demographics and functional independence at 90 days were compared. RESULTS: Of 152 patients included in the study, 113 patients achieved TICI grade 2b (n = 37), 2c (n = 34), or 3 (n = 42). A significant difference in functional independence at 90 days was observed between TICI 2b and 2c/3 (P = 0.0008), between 2b and 2c (P = 0.0005), and between 2b and 3 (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in functional independence between 2c and 3 (P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: TICI 2c revascularization is associated with significantly improved outcomes compared with TICI 2b revascularization and similar outcomes compared with TICI 3 revascularization. Using a TICI grading system that includes an additional TICI 2c grade or expands the current definition of TICI 3 allows for refined prediction of functional independence. Achieving TICI 2c/3 reperfusion should be considered during stroke thrombectomy.

Spontaneous Resolution of Post-Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula.

Post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas are due to a tear in the wall of the cavernous carotid artery, leading to shunting of blood into the cavernous sinus. These are generally high-flow fistula and rarely resolve spontaneously. Most cases require endovascular embolization. We report a case of Barrow type A carotid-cavernous fistula which resolved spontaneously.

Balloon-Assisted Cannulation for Difficult Anterior Cerebral Artery Access.

The anterior communicating artery is a common location for intracranial aneurysms. Compared to surgical clipping, endovascular coiling has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with ruptured aneurysms and we have seen a paradigm shift favoring this technique for treating aneurysms. Access to the anterior cerebral artery can be challenging, especially in patients with tortuous anatomy or subarachnoid hemorrhage or in patients presenting with vasospasm. We present a technique for cannulating the anterior cerebral artery using a balloon inflated in the proximal middle cerebral artery as a rebound surface.