Early minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation: a phase 2a feasibility, safety, and promise of surgical efficacy study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unproven, although meta-analyses suggest that both early conventional surgery with craniotomy and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may be beneficial. We aimed to demonstrate the safety, feasibility, and promise of efficacy of early MIS for ICH using the Aurora Surgiscope and Evacuator. METHODS: We performed a prospective, single arm, phase IIa Simon's two stage design study at two stroke centers (10 patients with supratentorial ICH volumes ≥20 mL and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥6, and surgery commencing <12 hours after onset). Positive outcome was defined as ≥50% 24 hour ICH volume reduction, with the safety outcome lack of significant ICH reaccumulation. RESULTS: From December 2019 to July 2020, we enrolled 10 patients at two Australian Comprehensive Stroke Centers, median age 70 years (IQR 65-74), NIHSS score 19 (IQR 19-29), ICH volume 59 mL (IQR 25-77), at a median of 227 min (IQR 175-377) post-onset. MIS was commenced at a median time of 531 min (IQR 437-628) post-onset, had a median duration of 98 min (IQR 77-110), with a median immediate postoperative hematoma evacuation of 70% (IQR 67-80%). A positive outcome was achieved in 5/5 first stage patients and in 4/5 second stage patients. One patient developed significant 24 hour ICH reaccumulation; otherwise, 24 hour stability was observed (median reduction 71% (IQR 61-80), 5/9 patients <15 mL residual). Three patients died, unrelated to surgery. There were no surgical safety concerns. At 6 months, the median modified Rankin Scale score was 4 (IQR 3-6) with 30% achieving a score of 0-3. CONCLUSION: In this study, early ICH MIS using the Aurora Surgiscope and Evacuator appeared to be feasible and safe, warranting further exploration. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619001748101.

Early and effective intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation is associated with a lower 1-year residual cavity volume and better functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We explored the clinical significance of the residual hematoma cavity 1 year after minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation. METHODS: Patients presenting with spontaneous supratentorial ICH were evaluated for minimally invasive surgical evacuation. Inclusion criteria included age ≥18 years, preoperative hematoma volume (Hv) ≥15 mL, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6, and premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤3. Patients with longitudinal CT scans at least 3 months after evacuation were included in the study. Remnant cavity volumes (Cv) after evacuation were computed using semi-automatic volumetric segmentation software. Relative cavity volume (rCv) was defined as the ratio of the preoperative Hv to the remnant Cv. RESULTS: 108 patients with a total of 484 head CT scans were included in the study. The median postoperative Cv was 2.4 (IQR 0.0-11) mL, or just 6% (0-33%) of the preoperative Hv. The median residual Cv on the final head CT scan a median of 13 months (range 11-27 months) after surgery had increased to 9.4 (IQR 3.1-18) mL, or 25% (10-60%) of the preoperative Hv. rCv on the final head CT scan was negatively associated with measures of operative success including evacuation percentage, postoperative Hv ≤15 mL, and decreased time from ictus to evacuation. rCv on the final head CT scan was also associated with a worse 6-month functional outcome (ß per mRS point 17.6%, P<0.0001; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.91). CONCLUSION: After minimally invasive ICH evacuation the hematoma lesion decompresses significantly, with a residual Cv just 6% of the original lesion, but then gradually increases in size over time. Early and high percentage ICH evacuation may reduce the remnant Cv over time which, in turn, is associated with improved functional outcomes.

Low-memory shape coils for intracranial aneurysm coiling: Initial and single-center experience with the i-ED coil.

Background: Endovascular aneurysmal coiling is a preventative alternative to clipping to avoid aneurysmal rupture. In the literature and our own experience, some common coiling challenges which arise include: (1) microcatheter kickback, (2) detachment zone rigidity, (3) intrasaccular compartmentalization of coils on deployment, and (4) attainability of high-density and effective packing with as few coils as possible. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive case series of 15 intracranial aneurysm patients who received Kaneka i-ED Coils since their initial use in our practice (December 2020) till May 2022. Results: Of the 14 saccular aneurysm patients treated with i-ED coils, 2/14 (14.3%) achieved a Raymond-Roy (RR) score of 3A (internal remnant), 4/14 (28.6%) achieved RR 2 (slight neck remnant) and 8/14 (57.1%) achieved RR 1. One MoyaMoya patient (5.9%) with a fusiform aneurysm also achieved a complete occlusion by parent artery takedown in this series. Aneurysm volumes ranged from 8.15 mm 3 to 315.5 mm 3 with an average packing density of 36.23% and a standard deviation 8.87%. At 30 days, most of our cohort scored a 0 on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) (11/15), with two patients scoring at an mRS score of 1, one at an mRS score of 4, and one at an mRS score of 6. Low-memory shape, coil cases achieved a significantly higher packing density (P < 0.01) and PD/Coils-used ratio (P < 0.05) than other cases in our practice. Conclusion: Our initial experience with i-ED coils has shown that they are a feasible strategy in a number of differently sized and shaped aneurysms. While fewer coils overall were not a statistically significant finding in this study, the future studies with larger cohorts are necessary and in progress.

AI software detection of large vessel occlusion stroke on CT angiography: a real-world prospective diagnostic test accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) software is increasingly applied in stroke diagnostics. However, the actual performance of AI tools for identifying large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke in real time in a real-world setting has not been fully studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of AI software in a real-world, three-tiered multihospital stroke network. METHODS: All consecutive head and neck CT angiography (CTA) scans performed during stroke codes and run through an AI software engine (Viz LVO) between May 2019 and October 2020 were prospectively collected. CTA readings by radiologists served as the clinical reference standard test and Viz LVO output served as the index test. Accuracy metrics were calculated. RESULTS: Of a total of 1822 CTAs performed, 190 occlusions were identified; 142 of which were internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T), middle cerebral artery M1, or M2 locations. Accuracy metrics were analyzed for two different groups: ICA-T and M1 ±M2. For the ICA-T/M1 versus the ICA-T/M1/M2 group, sensitivity was 93.8% vs 74.6%, specificity was 91.1% vs 91.1%, negative predictive value was 99.7% vs 97.6%, accuracy was 91.2% vs 89.8%, and area under the curve was 0.95 vs 0.86, respectively. Detection rates for ICA-T, M1, and M2 occlusions were 100%, 93%, and 49%, respectively. As expected, the algorithm offered better detection rates for proximal occlusions than for mid/distal M2 occlusions (58% vs 28%, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These accuracy metrics support Viz LVO as a useful adjunct tool in stroke diagnostics. Fast and accurate diagnosis with high negative predictive value mitigates missing potentially salvageable patients.

Bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions treated with simultaneous bilateral thrombectomy: an approach to multivessel occlusions.

The scarcely described phenomenon of acute ischaemic stroke due to bilateral large vessel occlusions and limited reports of its treatment raises the question about the best method for revascularisation. We present a simultaneous bilateral thrombectomy method on a patient with acute bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions. This technique resulted in successful vessel recanalisation within 35 min without haemorrhagic complications-deeming the method both safe and effective. Patient outcome was unfavourable, complicated by the patient's history of heart failure and other cardiac-related problems. Patient is residing at a skilled nursing facility with maximal assistance.

Minimally invasive surgiscopic evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke associated with a 40% mortality rate at 30 days and a 75% functional dependence rate at 6 months. The role of surgery to treat ICH remains controversial. Preclinical studies suggest minimally invasive clot evacuation following ICH may benefit patients by mitigating primary and secondary brain injury.1 2 In this video, we report the operative technique used in minimally invasive surgicsopic evacuation following ICH (video 1). We demonstrate our presurgical approach using preoperative volumetric imaging loaded onto a stereotactic guidance system. Evacuation of intraparenchymal and intraventricular components of a hemorrhage are shown under direct surgiscopic vision using the Aurora System (Integra LifeSciences, Princeton, NJ, USA). Hemostasis is achieved when actively bleeding vessels are directly cauterized and irrigation of the clot cavity yields no fresh blood. Pre- and postevacuation radiographic differences illustrate the mitigation of clot burden in an elderly patient. neurintsurg;13/4/400/V1F1V1Video 1.

Intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS): a neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation.

Neurosurgeons performing intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation procedures have limited options for monitoring hematoma evacuation and assessing residual hematoma burden intraoperatively. Here, we report the successful neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound, referred to here as intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS), in two patients. Pre-evacuation ICARUS demonstrated dense hematomas in both patients. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 1 demonstrated significant reduction in clot burden and two focal hyperechoic regions consistent with pockets of hematoma not previously seen with the endoscope or burr hole ultrasound. These areas were directly targeted and resected with the endoscope and suction device. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 2 showed significant reduction of hematoma volume without indication of residual blood. ICARUS findings were confirmed on intraoperative DynaCT and postoperative CT 24 hours later. ICARUS is feasibly performed in a hematoma cavity both before and after hematoma aspiration. ICARUS may provide additional information to the operating surgeon and assist in maximizing hematoma removal.

The Stereotactic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Underwater Blood Aspiration (SCUBA) technique for minimally invasive endoscopic intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation techniques have gained interest as a potential therapeutic option. However, the instrumentation and techniques employed are still being refined to optimize hemostasis and evacuation efficiency. OBJECTIVE: We describe the application of a specific endoscopic technique in the treatment of ICH called the Stereotactic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Underwater Blood Aspiration (SCUBA) technique. It differs from previously described minimally invasive ICH interventions in that it combines two separate neuroendoscopic strategies in two phases, the first under dry-field conditions and the second using a wet-field strategy. METHODS: All patients who underwent endoscopic ICH evacuation with the SCUBA technique from December 2015 to September 2017 were included. RESULTS: The SCUBA technique was performed in 47 patients. The average evacuation percentage was 88.2% (SD 20.8). Active bleeding identified to derive from a specific source was observed in 23 (48.9%) cases. Active bleeding was addressed with irrigation alone in five cases (10.6%) and required electrocautery in 18 cases (38.3%). Intraoperative bleeding occurred in 3 patients (6.4%) and postoperative bleeding occurred in a single case (2.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The SCUBA technique provides surgeons with a defined strategy for true endoscopic hematoma evacuation. In particular, the fluid-filled cavity in SCUBA Phase 2 has the potential to provide several advantages over the traditional air-filled strategy, including clear identification and cauterization of bleeding vessels and visualization of residual clot burden. Further investigation is necessary to compare this technique to others that are currently used.

Pre-hospital detection of acute ischemic stroke secondary to emergent large vessel occlusion: lessons learned from electrocardiogram and acute myocardial infarction.

Currently, there is no device capable of detecting acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) in the pre-hospital setting. The inability to reliably identify patients that would benefit from primary treatment with endovascular thrombectomy remains an important limitation to optimizing emergency medical services (EMS) triage models and time-to-treatment. Several clinical grading scales that rely solely on clinical examination have been proposed and have demonstrated only moderate predictive ability for ELVO. Consequently, a technology capable of detecting ELVO in the pre-hospital setting would be of great benefit. An analogous scenario existed decades ago, in which pre-hospital detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was unreliable until the emergence of the 12-lead ECG and its adoption by EMS providers. This review details the implementation of pre-hospital ECG (PHECG) for the detection of AMI and explores how early experience with PHECG may be applied to ELVO detection devices, once they become available.

Intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS): a neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation.

Neurosurgeons performing intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation procedures have limited options for monitoring hematoma evacuation and assessing residual hematoma burden intraoperatively. Here, we report the successful neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound, referred to here as intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS), in two patients. Pre-evacuation ICARUS demonstrated dense hematomas in both patients. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 1 demonstrated significant reduction in clot burden and two focal hyperechoic regions consistent with pockets of hematoma not previously seen with the endoscope or burr hole ultrasound. These areas were directly targeted and resected with the endoscope and suction device. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 2 showed significant reduction of hematoma volume without indication of residual blood. ICARUS findings were confirmed on intraoperative DynaCT and postoperative CT 24 hours later. ICARUS is feasibly performed in a hematoma cavity both before and after hematoma aspiration. ICARUS may provide additional information to the operating surgeon and assist in maximizing hematoma removal.

Late onset aneurysm development following radiosurgical obliteration of a cerebellopontine angle meningioma.

The development of de novo intracranial aneurysms following stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial pathology is a rare complication secondary to vascular injury. Typically, these aneurysms develop within the first few years after radiation surgery. We present the first case of an aneurysm developing 10 years after radiosurgery for a cerebellopontine angle meningioma. This case highlights the importance of careful long-term follow-up of patients who undergo radiosurgery for lesions abutting major vessels and/or who suffer post-radiation complications.

Late onset aneurysm development following radiosurgical obliteration of a cerebellopontine angle meningioma.

The development of de novo intracranial aneurysms following stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial pathology is a rare complication secondary to vascular injury. Typically, these aneurysms develop within the first few years after radiation surgery. We present the first case of an aneurysm developing 10 years after radiosurgery for a cerebellopontine angle meningioma. This case highlights the importance of careful long-term follow-up of patients who undergo radiosurgery for lesions abutting major vessels and/or who suffer post-radiation complications.