Reappraisal of Microsurgical Revascularization for Anterior Circulation Ischemia in Patients with Progressive Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke is becoming an established standard therapy. However, there is no consensus in the treatment of patients who are suffering from progressive neurologic symptoms in the later stages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of microsurgical revascularization in such patients with progressive stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of 14 consecutive patients with progressive stroke who underwent emergency open surgery for anterior circulation occlusion within 7 days after onset. Surgical candidates were carefully selected on the basis of symptom severity, diffusion-weighted imaging, and perfusion study. Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass was applied for atherosclerotic occlusion, and microsurgical embolectomy was applied for embolic occlusion. RESULTS: Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass was performed in 12 patients, microsurgical embolectomy in 1, and the combination of these modalities in 1. As a result, complete revascularization was achieved in all patients. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores significantly improved after surgery (at third postoperative day, P < 0.05; at 14th postoperative day, P < 0.01). A favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was achieved in 12 of the 14 (85.7%) patients. Minor intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient and hyperperfusion syndrome occurred in 1 patients; however, the patients subsequently recovered without additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical revascularization is a feasible treatment option for patients with progressive stroke due to anterior circulation major vessel occlusion.

"Isolated carotid bifurcation" and vertebral-carotid artery bypass for common carotid artery occlusion.

Symptomatic common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion is relatively rare, and requires an elaborate vascular reconstruction procedure with which many neurosurgeons are unfamiliar. We describe a case of CCA occlusion managed by vertebral artery (VA)-internal carotid artery (ICA) saphenous vein interposition graft. An 80-year-old man presented with deterioration of consciousness, transient aphasia, and severe right hemiparesis. Angiography revealed proximal occlusion of the left CCA with concomitant patent ICA. Cerebral blood flow measurement using iodine-123 N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine and single photon emission computed tomography showed corresponding hemodynamic insufficiency of the left hemisphere. The patient underwent a novel revascularization procedure, in which the saphenous vein was used as an interposition graft between the V3 segment of the VA and the left proximal ICA. Postoperative course was uneventful, and patency of the bypass graft was confirmed. VA-ICA bypass with interposition graft is an alternative treatment option for symptomatic proximal CCA occlusion.

Middle cerebral-anterior cerebral-radial artery interposition graft bypass for proximal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm.

A 74-year-old man underwent pterional craniotomy to treat a left proximal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm. The orifice of the aneurysm was located at the origin of the proximal segment of the ACA, and the right A(1) segment of ACA was hypoplastic. After failed attempts at neck plasty with fenestrated clips, trapping and bypass were performed. Superficial temporal to left frontopolar artery bypass was performed to secure minimal blood supply. The radial artery (RA) was then harvested, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) to A(1) segment of the ACA bypass was performed using the RA interposition graft. Trapping of the aneurysm was successfully achieved without ischemic event. Intracranial-intracranial bypass has been employed in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysm in an increasing number of selected patients. The present case shows that MCA-ACA-RA interposition graft bypass is an effective procedure to provide blood supply to the ACA territory if a proximal A(1) lesion requires trapping with incompetent contralateral A(1).

[The result of conventional craniotomy and hematoma evacuation in striatocapsular hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to report the outcome of our surgical procedure of conventional craniotomy for the evacuation of striatocapsular hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2004 to 2008, 75 patients were admitted to our hospital because of striatocapsular hemorrhage. We assigned thirty one (41%) of the 75 patients to surgery. We employed prognosis-based outcome analysis. RESULTS: The average volume of hematoma in surgically treated cases was 95.2 ± 52.5 (30- 223.8) mL. Mortality rate was 16% at 6 months after the onset. In the total population, a favorable outcome was achieved in 65% assessed by using the Glasogow Outcome Scale, 37.3% by using a modified Rankin Scale and 38.7% by using the Barthel index, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our observational study indicated that the outcome through conventional craniotomy and evacuation of hematoma was superior to the outcome of typical previous studies. We also illustrated our surgical procedure to emphasize operative nuances.

Poor-grade ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm with intracerebral hematoma: bleeding characteristics and management.

Poor-grade ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm is frequently associated with intraparenchymal hemorrhage, which is associated with high morbidity rates. We analyzed the clinical presentations and surgical strategies of 23 cases of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Hematomas were divided into three types: temporal hematoma (7 patients), sylvian hematoma (10 patients), and frontal hematoma (6 patients). In 13 of 23 patients, preoperative brainstem symptoms suggested impeding uncal herniation. Surgical procedures included external decompression in 11 patients, simple lateral temporal lobectomy in 5, and selective uncectomy in 9. Three patients died. Favorable outcome defined as upper half of severely disabled or better in the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale was achieved in 13 patients. Patients with frontal hematomas presented with both uncal herniation and brainstem signs preoperatively, but this subgroup showed unexpectedly good recovery. Patients with sylvian hematomas had relatively poor outcomes. The present series suggests that aggressive decompression and evacuation of hematoma in the acute stage may prevent significant postoperative brain swelling, and will not compromise the treatment of vasospasm.

[Basilar artery occlusion due to embolism from the vertebral artery: three case reports].

Without early recanalization, it is well known that acute basilar artery occlusion almost always results in death or severe disability. We report three cases of basilar artery occlusion due to vertebral artery thrombo-embolism. In all cases, the cause of the strokes was artery to artery embolism from the vertebral artery origin. In case 1 and 3, despite complete occlusion of the vertebral artery origin, the thrombus was drained into the basilar artery through collateral flow from the external carotid artery. Atherosclerotic lesion of the vertebral artery origin is one of the main embolic sources of basilar artery, in which case, angioplasty or stent placement of the vertebral artery origin should be considered in addition to thrombolysis of the basilar artery.

[Case allocation in the management of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm using endovascular embolization as a first option].

OBJECTIVE: The management of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms remains controversial since the results of ISAT have been reported. The aim of our study is to report our decision-making process and outcome in 36 consecutive cases using endovascular coil embolization as a first choice of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients were studied. Since April, 2004, the treatment modality has been decided after discussion between the endovascular and cerebrovascular surgeons, taking into account the physiological status, treatment risk and morphology of the aneurysm. RESULTS: Twelve (33%) of 36 patients were allocated to coil embolization. Factors leading to the selection of clipping surgery were decided mostly by the morphology of the aneurysm, namely, tiny in 11 (47.8%), irregular shape in 6 (26.1%), broad neck in 3 (13.0%) and bleb located at the neck in 3 (13.0%). Half of the aneurysms projecting anteriorly were treated coil embolization. CONCLUSION: The allocation rate of endovascular treatment in ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms was 33%. Endovascular treatment was effective in at least half of the anterior the projecting aneurysms.

[Microsurgical exposure of middle cerebral aneurysms located at the limen recess].

OBJECTIVE: To describe techniques of exposure for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms located at the limen recess. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 17 patients who underwent clipping surgery, during a 3-year period, to MCA aneurysms located at the limen recess. All clinical and imaging data were reviewed. RESULTS: Techniques required in the limen recess MCA aneurysms were: 1) Wide exposure of the sylvian fissure (from the distal part to the carotid cistern), 2) Secure the M1 proximal, 3) Temporary occlusion, 4) Perpendicular clip. Temporary occlusion was employed in 13 of 17 patients. No procedure related morbidity was observed. CONCLUSION: Difficulty lies in the circumstance that the aneurysm frequently has its orifice 270 degree, while the clip has to be applied perpendicular to the M2 axis in a narrow working space. Using temporary clip and extensive exposure may be the key to avoid brain damage in the surgery of MCA aneurysms located at the limen recess.