Endovascular Treatment of Bifurcation Aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge: Product Features and Selected Results of Off-Label Use.

Treatment for wide-neck bifurcation cerebral aneurysms (WNBAs) is widely performed by endovascular treatment as well as open surgical clipping. However, due to factors such as the shape and size of the aneurysms, as well as the anatomical features of surrounding branch vessels, there are some cases in which simple coiling or conventional adjunctive techniques, such as balloon-assisted or neck bridge stent-assisted coiling, are not sufficient to achieve a satisfactory cure. Against this backdrop, the device known as the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) (MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) was developed and can be deployed directly into the aneurysm for treatment. Over a decade has passed since its development, and it is now used in many countries worldwide. This review provides insights into the evolution of the WEB device from its development to the date of this writing, highlighting the unique features of the device and its treatment indications. Additionally, it discusses the posttreatment course, perspectives on recurrence and retreatment, imaging assessments, and potential off-label use based on numerous studies primarily conducted in Europe and the USA.

Prognostic Determinants of Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Stroke in Elderly Patients.

This study investigated prognostic factors in elderly patients (80 years and older) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute stroke treatment. Of 59 cases, 47.5% achieved a favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 3) at three months, with a mortality rate of 20.3%. Factors associated with better outcomes included younger age, lower admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, lower N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and D-dimer levels, the presence of the first pass effect (FPE), and successful recanalization. However, logistic regression showed that only lower admission NIHSS scores were significantly correlated with favorable outcomes. In addition, this study suggests that lower admission NT-proBNP and D-dimer levels could potentially serve as prognostic indicators for elderly LVO patients undergoing MT.

A Novel Braided Stent With Customized Simulation Software for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Multicenter Prospective Trial Before Unrestricted Clinical Application.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Planning/guidance software became important tools for physicians' presurgical optimal decision-making. However, there are no intracranial stent products with specifically associated simulation software. We report the "premarket" clinical trial of a new braided stent with a customized simulation software. METHODS: A stent system with 3 mesh density types (16, 24, and 32 wire mesh) was designed based on computational flow dynamics technology, and a simulation software (virtual stent planner [VSP]) was developed for the optimal stent deployment planning. Stents were selected after simulation on preoperative 3D-processed angioimages, and accuracy of the VSP was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-three unruptured intracranial aneurysms were successfully treated with VSP guidance. Twenty aneurysms (61%) were anterior circulation aneurysms, and 13 (39%) were posterior circulation aneurysms. The average aneurysm size was 7.1 mm, and the mean follow-up period was 19.2 months (11-39.0). There was no major recurrence or retreatment during follow-up, 2 morbidity cases, and no mortality. VSP planning presented slightly smaller stent dimensions compared with postdeployment: 24.2 vs 25.5 mm average, error -1.3 mm, and difference rate-5.46%. CONCLUSION: Based on this result, the new stents and software guidance system were approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a combined medical device. VSP provided precise deployment with minimal error compared with actual stent and can contribute to better stent deployment even for less experienced physicians.

Woven Endo Bridge shape modification contributes to decrease in adequate occlusion rate after Woven Endo Bridge implantation for wide-neck bifurcation intracranial aneurysms.

PURPOSE: Recently, a novel device, the Woven Endo Bridge (WEB), was developed for wide-neck bifurcation intracranial aneurysms (WNBAs). The aim of this study is to investigate factors that contribute to adequate occlusion (AO) after the operation using detailed radiological images. METHODS: The subjects were 29 patients with 29 aneurysms who received WEB implantation for WNBAs between December 2020 and April 2022. We assessed the contributing factors to AO by retrospectively comparing the AO group and non-AO group. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.6 ± 13.1 years, and 18 were female (62.1%). The mean aneurysm dome width, aneurysm height, and aneurysm neck diameter were 4.8 ± 0.6 mm, 5.1 ± 0.6 mm, and 3.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. After about 6 months, 22 of 29 patients (75.9%) had AO. Complications were observed in 2 patients (6.9%), renal artery injury in one, and minor cerebral infarction in another, but the modified Rankin scale scores of both patients remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis extracted only WEB shape modification (WSM) as a contributing factor to AO (odds ratio: 0.912, p = 0.0287). CONCLUSION: WEB implantation for WNBAs was a treatment modality with acceptable efficacy and safety. WSM was the only significant factor contributing to non-AO after the treatment. We should clarify the mechanisms or causes of WSM to achieve AO after WEB implantation in future.

Safety and efficacy of pipeline embolization device treatments for intradural internal carotid artery aneurysms in a single center in a Japanese population.

Background: The pipeline embolization device (PED) is the most common flow diverter device in the world. To date, there have been no reports of treatment outcomes specific to intradural internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The safety and efficacy of the PED treatments for intradural ICA aneurysms are reported. Methods: 131 patients with 133 aneurysms underwent PED treatments for intradural ICA aneurysms. The mean aneurysm dome size and neck length were 12.7 ± 4.3 mm and 6.1 ± 2.2 mm, respectively. We used adjunctive endosaccular coil embolization for 88 aneurysms (66.2%). A total of 113 aneurysms (85%) were angiographically followed up 6 months following the procedure, and 93 aneurysms (69.9%) were followed up for 1 year. Results: The angiographic outcome at 6 months showed that 94 (83.2%) aneurysms had O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grade D, 6 (5.3%) had C, 10 (8.8%) had B, and 3 (2.7%) had A. At 1 year, 82 (88.2%) aneurysms had OKM grade D, 6 (6.5%) had C, 3 (3.2%) had B, and 2 (2.2%) had A. Multivariate analysis showed that aneurysm neck size and adjunctive coiling were statistically significant in aneurysm occlusion status. Major morbidity modified Rankin Scale >2 and mortality rates related to procedures were 3.0% and 0%, respectively. Delayed aneurysm ruptures were not observed. Conclusion: These results reveal that PED treatment of intradural ICA aneurysms is safe and efficacious. The combined use of adjunctive coil embolization not only prevents delayed aneurysm ruptures but also contributes to an increase in the rate of complete occlusion.

Incidences of and risk factors for clinical and subclinical contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients who underwent neuroendovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) can develop after intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an early marker for AKI that helps to detect subclinical CA-AKI. We investigated the incidence of and risk factors for clinical and subclinical CA-AKI in patients who underwent neuroendovascular surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 228 patients who underwent neuroendovascular surgery in 2020. Changes in serum creatinine and urine output were used to detect clinical CA-AKI. Urine NGAL concentration was used to detect subclinical CA-AKI in 67 out of 228 patients. RESULTS: In 228 patients, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after surgery. However, serum creatinine decreased less significantly (p < 0.05) than hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein, and BUN on postoperative Day 3. Two patients out of 228 developed clinical CA-AKI, and seven patients out of 67 with urine NGAL measurements developed subclinical CA-AKI. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus and carotid artery stenosis were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the development of clinical and/or subclinical CA-AKI. CONCLUSION: There was a large difference between the incidences of clinical CA-AKI (0.88%) and subclinical CA-AKI (10.4%). The difference might have primarily resulted from the different sensitivities between serum creatinine and urine NGAL and possibly from underestimation of the incidence of clinical AKI due to a postoperative decrease in serum creatinine caused by hemodilution. In addition to diabetes mellitus, carotid artery stenosis could also be a risk factor for CA-AKI.

Ruptured anomalous hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery aneurysm: a case report.

A 48-year-old man hospitalized for subarachnoid hemorrhage harbored a ruptured aneurysm arising from an anomalous hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery. Endovascular treatment was performed and the aneurysm was successfully embolized with neck remnant. The anterior choroidal artery is a very important artery supplying critical brain structures in the treatment of intracranial vascular disease. Anomalous hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery is rare, so the embryological perspective is important for its recognition in surgical procedures.

Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology Placement for Small- and Medium-sized Aneurysms Achieves Early Complete Occlusion.

The flow diverter has been shown to be a safe and effective device for large cerebral aneurysms in the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). Recently, its indication has been expanded to small- and medium-sized cerebral aneurysms in the distal segment of the ICA. In this study, we report a single-center, retrospective investigation of the safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Flex device to treat these aneurysms. Of the patients who underwent Pipeline implantation for small- and medium-sized ICA aneurysms (≤12 mm) at our hospital between July 2013 and October 2021, 102 patients with 104 aneurysms were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 57.7 ± 12.1 years, and 94 (90.4%) were female. The mean aneurysmal dome diameter was 9.2 ± 2.3 mm, the mean neck diameter was 5.3 ± 1.6 mm, and the mean dome-to-neck ratio was 1.8 ± 0.5. Twenty-five patients (24.0%) had incorporated vessels from the aneurysm. Complete occlusion of the aneurysms was obtained in 96 patients (92.3%). There were no cases of parent artery stenosis or major stroke after the procedure. Absence of incorporated vessel from the aneurysm dome and adjunctive coil embolization are statistically significant factors indicating complete occlusion in multivariate analysis. The time to complete occlusion was determined earlier with the use of the Pipeline Shield (p = 0.0386) and with adjunctive coils (p = 0.0025). We showed that Pipeline implantation for small- and medium-sized aneurysms was safe and highly effective.

Long-term outcomes of Y-stent-assisted coil embolization using Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Junior (LVIS Jr) for intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Y-stent-assisted coil embolization is indicated for the treatment of complex intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. However, the long-term outcomes associated with this technique remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of Y-stent-assisted coil embolization using the Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Junior (LVIS Jr) device. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our databases to identify patients treated with Y-stent-assisted coiling using LVIS Jr. Digital subtraction angiography, silent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and time-of-flight MRA were performed at 1 year after the procedure. Patients also received an annual follow-up using MRA. Aneurysm occlusion status was classified into complete occlusion (CO), neck remnant (NR), and body filling (BF). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (22 aneurysms) were included in this study. All procedures were performed successfully. Immediate postprocedural angiograms showed CO in 13 aneurysms (59.1%), NR in two aneurysms (9.1%), and BF in seven aneurysms (31.8%). One-year follow-up angiograms revealed CO in 86.4% of patients. Only one patient had a major recurrence and required retreatment. The mean follow-up duration was 43.5 months. The last angiographic studies demonstrated CO in 18 aneurysms (81.8%), NR in three aneurysms (13.6%), and BF in one aneurysm (4.5%). Periprocedural and delayed complications occurred in two patients and one patient, respectively. There was no permanent morbidity or death. The modified Rankin Scale scores at last clinical follow-up were equal to those before the procedures in all patients. CONCLUSION: Y-stent-assisted coil embolization using LVIS Jr for intracranial bifurcation aneurysms has favorable long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.

Long-term Follow-up Results after Flow Diverter Therapy Using the Pipeline Embolization Device for Large or Giant Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Single-center Retrospective Analysis in the Japanese Population.

Flow diverter (FD) therapy using Pipeline embolization device (PED) has become an important alternative to treat internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. Herein, we report the long-term outcome for 3 years after FD therapy using PED for ICA aneurysms in Japan. The patients who underwent angiographical and/or clinical follow-up for 3 years after the FD therapy using PED of large or giant unruptured ICA aneurysms from December 2012 at our university hospital are the subjects of this study. We retrospectively reviewed the in- and outpatients' medical charts, and written operative and radiological records. There were 84 patients with 90 aneurysms who could be clinically and/or angiographically followed up for 3 years. Of these, 7 aneurysms were only available for clinical follow-up. Of the remaining 83 aneurysms, 6 aneurysms had vessel occlusion due to stent thrombosis or parent artery occlusion, and 60 of the remaining 77 (77.9%) had complete occlusion. In multivariate analysis, older age (>70 years), wide neck, and non-adjunctive coiling contributed statistically significantly to incomplete occlusion. Of the 84 patients, 2 patients (2.4%) had delayed complications between 6 months and 3 years after the initial FD placement. Three patients (3.6%) had poor outcome due to postoperative major stroke complications, 2 of which were acute complications. The long-term results after FD therapy are good both angiographically and clinically. Endothelialization of the aneurysmal neck and intra-aneurysmal thrombosis contribute to complete occlusion. The primary reason for the somewhat low complete occlusion in Japan may be the patients are generally older.

Outcomes following aneurysmal coil embolization with intentionally shortened low-profile visible intraluminal support stent deployment.

PURPOSE: Among all stents available for neuroendovascular therapy, the low-profile visible intraluminal support stent bears the highest metal coverage ratio. We deployed a low-profile visible intraluminal support stent with a delivery wire or/and microcatheter system push action to shorten the low-profile visible intraluminal support stent and thus achieve a flow diversion effect. We report our single-institution experience with the use of low-profile visible intraluminal support stents for intentionally shortened deployment (shortening group) and non-shortened deployment (non-shortening group) for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 patients with 131 intracranial aneurysms who were treated with low-profile visible intraluminal support stent-assisted coil embolization from February 2016-January 2019. All perioperative complications were noted. Every 6 months, we re-examined the patients with cerebral angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. The outcomes of aneurysm occlusion were evaluated by the modified Raymond-Roy occlusion classification. We used the finite element method and computational fluid dynamics to investigate the hemodynamics after shortened low-profile visible intraluminal support stent deployment. RESULTS: Immediately after treatment, the modified Raymond-Roy occlusion classification was significantly better in the shortening group than in the non-shortening group (p<0.05). The latest angiographic outcomes showed the same tendency. Hemodynamic analysis by computational fluid dynamics suggested an adequate flow diversion effect with the use of our intentional shortening method. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-assisted coil embolization using this technique showed good results of a high complete occlusion rate and low complication rate. These findings suggest that shortened low-profile visible intraluminal support stent deployment yields a flow diversion effect and may lead to early intra-aneurysmal thrombus formation.

Flow diverter device placement for cerebral aneurysm is not effective for the patient with parent artery occlusion for contralateral aneurysm.

PURPOSE: There have been many reports on the risks of enlargement and rupture of residual aneurysms and de novo aneurysm formation in the contralateral internal carotid artery after parent artery occlusion (PAO). In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of flow diverter device placement (FDDP) for the treatment of contralateral internal carotid artery aneurysms after PAO. METHODS: After 11 patients, who had bilateral large or giant internal carotid aneurysms, were treated for either side with PAO or FDDP, they underwent FDDP for residual lesions in our hospital between October 2015 and June 2018. The patients were divided into two groups, depending on the prior procedure: PAO or FDDP. The embolic state after subsequent FDDP was evaluated by angiography. The embolic state was graded using the O'Kelly Marotta scale. Patients' characteristics and the embolic state of intracranial aneurysms after FDDP were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Comparing patients' characteristics between the PAO group and FDDP group, statistically significant differences were observed in laterality of the lesions and the interval between prior treatment and FDDP for residual aneurysms (p < 0.05). The embolic state at the one-year follow-up revealed that there could be significantly sufficient embolisation in the FDDP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: When FDDP is performed for the contralateral lesion after PAO treatment, it is difficult to attain sufficient embolisation of intracranial aneurysms because haemodynamic load in this procedure is large compared to that in a regular FDDP.

Stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms using LVIS Jr. stents.

Authors reported the anatomical and clinical results of the stent assisted coiling (SAC) of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms using Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Junior (LVIS Jr.). Forty-seven MCA aneurysms in 46 patients were the subjects of this study. The mean aneurysm size, neck width were 4.5 ± 1.8 mm, 3.0 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Immediate anatomical outcomes were class Ⅰ in 31 (65.0%), class Ⅱ in 5 (10.6%) and class III in 11 (23.4%) patients according to Raymond-Roy classification. The latest anatomical outcomes were class Ⅰ in 33 (86.8%), class Ⅱ in 2 (5.3%) and class III in 3 (7.9%) patients. The change of aneurysm obliteration status were unchanged in 27 (71.0%), improved in 9 (23.7%) and worsen in 2 (5.3%). There were no recurrence necessitating additional treatment. Two patients suffered from angiographically evident in-stent thrombosis, but their clinical outcomes remain good. The modified Rankin scale at discharge were 0 in 45 patients, 1 in 1 patient. No patient showed clinical worsening during the clinical follow-up period at outpatient clinic (mean, 27.4 months). SAC of unruptured MCA aneurysms using LVIS Jr. provide safe and durable effect with high complete obliteration rate recurrence rate.

A Case of Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm with Double Origin of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Causing Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (DOPICA) is rare but is associated with intracranial aneurysm formation. A 46-year-old man was brought to our hospital with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Digital subtraction angiography revealed right vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) and DOPICA. The aneurysm involved the distal component of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The proximal component covered the original flow angiographically. Endovascular internal trapping and parent artery occlusion were performed for the aneurysm and the right vertebral artery (VA). Flow of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery was preserved by the proximal component of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery after trapping. The patient unfortunately died and autopsy revealed ischemic change in the right medulla oblongata. The ischemic change was considered to occur at the treatment according to the pathological findings. Sacrifice of one component of DOPICA to treat VADA with the expectation of preserved flow via the other component should be considered cautiously in terms of the neurovascular anatomy.

Outcome of flow diverter placement for intracranial aneurysm with dual antiplatelet therapy and oral anticoagulant therapy.

PURPOSE: Antiplatelet therapy initiated before flow diverter placement is effective for the prevention of ischemic complications. However, the effectiveness of oral anticoagulant treatment is unclear. This retrospective study evaluated the complications and obliteration rates after flow diverter placement in patients taking anticoagulants. METHODS: A total of 155 cases were treated by Pipeline Flex placement for unruptured large and giant cerebral aneurysms in our hospital between October 2015 and June 2019. The groups of 8 patients taking anticoagulants before operation and 147 patients not taking anticoagulants were compared. RESULTS: Clopidogrel oral dose (P = 0.002) was significantly lower in the anticoagulant group. Delayed aneurysm rupture (P = 0.002) and additional treatment (P = 0.009) rates were significantly higher and complete obliteration rate (P = 0.011) was lower in the anticoagulant group. CONCLUSIONS: Additional oral anticoagulant administration before flow diverter placement does not reduce ischemic complications compared to dual antiplatelet therapy, but does increase hemorrhagic complications, especially delayed aneurysm rupture. Complete obliteration of the cerebral aneurysm is difficult to achieve in patients taking anticoagulants.

Delayed Complications Due to Polymer Coating Embolism after Endovascular Treatment.

There have recently been reports of patients who developed postprocedural symptoms or alterations due to delayed foreign body embolisms observed in imaging findings. Polymer coating of devices have been described as a possible cause of foreign body embolisms, manifesting in delayed granulomatous responses and exhibiting characteristic imaging findings. In four of 4,025 patients who underwent coil embolization in our hospital or its affiliated facilities, similar findings were observed. Delayed lesions appeared between 1 month and 1 year after the procedures. There was extensive edema in the perfusion area of the treated vessels. In two cases examined by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, multiple solid enhancing lesions within vasogenic edema were observed. Biopsy revealed a membranous foreign body in a blood vessel with surrounding foreign body granuloma formation in 1 case. Because these findings are similar to those of cases reported previously, they were considered as a foreign body embolism due to coating separations from the devices. Polymer coating separation occurs most frequently from guidewires. Especially if a metal introducer is used, the risk of separation increases. Surgeons should carefully follow the manufacturers' instructions when they use these devices and should acknowledge and report any events that may occur. Although these complications are extremely rare, further studies are warranted of similar cases; and we should prepare and share information on these intravascular devices for wide-scale dissemination in the industry.

Pipeline embolization device implantation in large carotid cavernous aneurysm associated with situs inversus totalis.

Situs anomalies are a heterogenous class of inborn visceral and vascular abnormalities with a broad range of radiographic characteristics. Situs inversus totalis is characterized by mirror image location of the heart and viscera relative to situs solitus (normal position). Few aberrations involving the neuraxis, and rarely intracranial aneurysms, have been reported in association with situs inversus totalis. We describe the radiological findings and endovascular management of one of the first of its kind: the association of bilateral carotid cavernous aneurysms (one large and the other small-sized) with situs inversus totalis.

Patency of anterior choroidal artery after flow diverter deployment with assessment of magnetic resonance imaging follow-up.

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyse the patency rate of the anterior choroidal artery, and presented imaging and neurological findings, after deployment of a flow diverter in the anterior choroidal artery in the treatment of patients with intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Among the 139 patients who underwent a flow diverter deployment from December 2012 to September 2017 in our hospital, there were 21 patients (15.1%) for whom their anterior choroidal artery was covered for the procedure with a flow diverter. The patients' age, sex, size of aneurysm and the presence or absence of an anterior choroidal artery occlusion, neurological findings and postoperative infarction in the anterior choroidal artery region were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the six male and 15 female patients was 61.5 years (range 32-77 years). The mean maximal diameter of the aneurysms was 16.4 mm (range 10.0-29.4 mm). The anterior choroidal artery was patent in all 21 patients; however, a haemodynamic alteration in the anterior choroidal artery was detected in one patient. Postoperatively, hemiparesis was observed in two patients (9.5%) and a visual field defect in one patient (4.8%), both of which were the symptoms of infarction of the cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery or retinal artery ischaemia. However, no patients had symptoms due to ischaemia of the anterior choroidal artery confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In all patients who underwent flow diverter deployment, the anterior choroidal artery was patent and no ischaemia was detected in the imaging or evidenced by neurological findings. Therefore, flow diverter deployment in the anterior choroidal artery was considered to be a safe procedure.

Endovascular Therapy for Infectious Intracranial Aneurysm: A Report of Four Cases.

BACKGROUND: Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are rare but can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. We aimed to re-evaluate the role of endovascular therapy for the treatment of IIAs. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with IIAs and treated by endovascular therapy in our institutions over the past 13 years. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed with infectious endocarditis with a total of 5 IIAs. Three of the 4 patients had ruptured IIAs. Two presented with intracerebral hemorrhage, one with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one with cerebral infarction. The distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) was the most common site, followed by the distal segment of the posterior cerebral artery. Three patients were treated by parent artery occlusion and one by direct aneurysm obliteration. There were no periprocedural complications. One IIA treated by direct aneurysm occlusion was recanalized within 1 year and required a second embolization. Outcomes were measured by the modified Rankin Scale on discharge: 2 patients scored 0, 1 patient scored 1, and 1 patient scored 3. CONCLUSION: IIAs located deep in the brain or on the peripheral MCA can be safely treated with endovascular therapy even when they are lying in the eloquent cortex.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) as pre-hospital treatment in a swine model of fluid percussion traumatic brain injury.

CONTEXT: Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used as an adjunctive therapy for acute post-traumatic hemorrhage and reversal of iatrogenic coagulopathy in trauma patients in the hospital setting. However, investigations regarding its potential use in pre-hospital management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have not been conducted extensively. AIMS: In the present study, we investigated the physiology, hematology and histology effects of a single pre-hospital bolus injection of rFVIIa compared to current clinical practice of no pre-hospital intervention in a swine model of moderate fluid percussion TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were randomized to receive either a bolus of rFVIIa (90 µg/kg) or nothing 15 minutes (T15) post-injury. Hospital arrival was simulated at T60, and animals were euthanized at experimental endpoint (T360). RESULTS: Survival was 100% in both groups; baseline physiology parameters were similar, vital signs were comparable. Animals that received rFVIIa demonstrated less hemorrhage in subarachnoid space (P = 0.0037) and less neuronal degeneration in left hippocampus, pons, and cerebellum (P = 0.00009, P = 0.00008, and P = 0.251, respectively). Immunohistochemical staining of brain sections showed less overall loss of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and less Flouro-Jade B positive cells in rFVIIa-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Early pre-hospital administration of rFVIIa in this swine TBI model reduced neuronal necrosis and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). These results merit further investigation of this approach in pre-hospital trauma care.