Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in patients with tandem lesion in the anterior circulation: analysis from the METRICS study.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation tandem lesion (TL) remains a technical and clinical challenge for endovascular treatment (EVT). Conflicting results from observational studies and missing evidence from the randomized trials led us to report a recent real-world multicenter clinical experience and evaluate possible predictors of good outcome after EVT. METHODS: We analyzed all AIS patients with TL enrolled in the prospective national study METRICS (Mechanical Thrombectomy Quality Indicators Study in Czech Stroke Centers). A good 3-month clinical outcome was scored as 0-2 points in modified Rankin Scale (mRS), achieved recanalization using the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) according to the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) criteria. RESULTS: Of 1178 patients enrolled in METRICS, 194 (19.2%) (59.8% males, mean age 68.7±11.5 years) were treated for TL. They did not differ in mRS 0-2 (48.7% vs 46.7%; p=0.616), mortality (17.3% vs 22.7%; p=0.103) and sICH (4.7% vs 5.1%; p=0.809) from those with single occlusion (SO). More TL patients with prior intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) reached TICI 3 (70.3% vs 50.8%; p=0.012) and mRS 0-2 (55.4% vs 34.4%; p=0.007) than those without IVT. No difference was found in the rate of sICH (6.2% vs 1.6%; p=0.276). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed prior IVT as a predictor of mRS 0-2 after adjustment for potential confounders (OR 3.818, 95% CI 1.614 to 9.030, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients with TL did not differ from those with SO in outcomes after EVT. TL patients with prior IVT had more complete recanalization and mRS 0-2 and IVT was found to be a predictor of good outcome after EVT.

Fresh Cold-Stored Vascular Allografts in Subgenicular Location: Our Experience with Rescue Endovascular Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is considered the most severe pattern of peripheral artery disease. CLI is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality with high risk of limb amputation. In the absence of appropriate autologous grafts, unsuitability of prosthetic bypasses, and endovascular methods, fresh cold-stored venous allografts is an option. Endovascular interventional methods are essential methods for maintaining primary and secondary patency. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective analysis of 82 surgical revascularizations using allogeneic vascular grafts and rescue endovascular techniques restoring and maintaining the patency of these allogeneic revascularizations in the period between July 2005 and July 2021. RESULTS: We have performed 82 allogeneic revascularizations in 75 patients (52 reconstructions in men/63.4%/, 30 reconstructions in women/36.6%/). The median age of patients was 68 years (49 min, 87 max). We subsequently had to intervene a total of 26 bypasses. We intervened in 30 acute occluded allogeneic bypass grafts and 9 failing stenotic bypass grafts. We performed 52 angiographies. The success rate of rescue endovascular procedures in primary allogeneic reconstruction with distal anastomosis to the popliteal artery is statistically significant (P < 0.02) compared to procedures with distal anastomosis to the tibial and pedal bed. The cumulative patency (primary at time) of allogeneic reconstructions in our group was 89% after 1 month, 51.9% after 12 months, 24.2% after 3 years, 9.8% after 5 years. Limb salvage was 72.6% in 1 year, 53% in 3 years, 36.5% in 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cold-stored venous allografts may be used for performing below-the-knee revascularization for CLI with acceptable results, despite the poor long-term patency. Rescue endovascular techniques are an essential method for restoring or maintaining the patency of these reconstructions. These techniques have a high success rate and no other alternative.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Quality Indicators Study in Czech Stroke Centers: Results of the METRICS Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rigorous and regular evaluation of defined quality indicators is crucial for further improvement of both technical and clinical results after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Following the recent international multi-society consensus quality indicators, we aimed to assess trend in these indicators on national level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective multicenter study (METRICS) was conducted in Czech Republic (CR) in year 2019. All participating centers collected technical and clinical data including defined quality indicators and results were subsequently compared with those from year 2016. RESULTS: In the 2019, 1375 MT were performed in the CR and 1178 (86%) patients (50.3% males, mean age 70.5 ± 13.0 years) were analyzed. Recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 83.7% of patients and 46.2% of patients had good 3-month clinical outcome. Following time intervals were shortened in comparison to 2016: "hospital arrival - GP" (77 vs. 53 min; p<0.0001), "hospital arrival - maximal achieved recanalization" (122 vs. 93 min; p<0.0001), and "stroke onset - maximal achieved recanalization" (240 vs. 229 min; p p<0.0001). More patients with tandem occlusion were treated in 2019 (7.8 vs. 16.5%; p<0.0001) and more secondary transports were in 2019 (31.3 vs. 37.8%; p=0.002). No difference was found in 3-month clinical outcome and in the rate of periprocedural complications. Results of the METRICS study met all criteria of multi-society consensus quality indicators. CONCLUSION: Nationwide comparison between 2016 and 2019 showed improvement in the key time intervals, but without better overall clinical outcomes after MT.

Biopsy of lung lesions under CT control.

OBJECTIVES: With the increasing number of detected lung nodules and the need for morphological verification, the number of CT- controlled biopsies is increasing. The aim of this study was to assess the risks and benefits of these biopsies. METHODS: This is a prospective and observational study. We evaluated 101 punctures performed on a group of 90 consecutive patients in the Department of Radiology. RESULTS: In patients with a mean age of 66 years, with mostly accidentally detected lung nodules, we observed complications 38 times. The most common were minor pneumothoraxes or insignificant bleedings. In 6 patients, the complications were more serious, 5 times the pneumothoraxes required chest drainage, once massive hemoptysis was recorded. The lesions were successfully biopsied 78 times, the target was missed 23 times. The diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) was confirmed in 60 patients, 49 LCs were verified by puncture under CT control. 42% (25/60) of patients with LC were diagnosed in TNM stages I and II. 23% (14/60) of patients with LC were treated surgically. The remaining 30 patients most often suffered from lung metastazes (13/30), in 8 of them an inflammatory lung disease was diagnosed. 69 patients underwent bronchoscopy, in only 19% (13/69) it contributed to the diagnosis. In a model "screening like" group of 49 patients with only randomly detected lung deposits, we diagnosed LC in 76% (37/49). 49% (18/37) were in TNM stage I and II, 11 were treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: CT-controlled biopsy of lung lesions is an effective and safe diagnostic method.

Endovascular Treatment of a Life-threatening Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury in Polytraumatized Patients - A Single Center Experience.

A retrospective analysis of our group of patients, efficacy, safety and the results of endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aorta by using stentgraft implantation in polytraumatized patients. In the period between 6/2006 and 2/2020, in the processing of data, we analysed retrospectively patients with polytrauma diagnosed with thoracic aortic rupture or transection (TAT) and treated with multiple injuries. Clinical characteristics, complications, pathological features, and hospital follow-up data were retrieved from our group. In our group of 28 polytraumatized patients referred to our Trauma Centre with current TAT, all 28 patients with such a thoracic aortic injury were treated by using thoracic stentgraft implantation. In our group of patients, the average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 22 for women (min 19, max 27) and 26 for men (min 17, max 41), respectively. We reached 100% technical implantation success rate with our patients. In our group, we had 30-day mortality of 10.7% (3 patients) and the in-hospital mortality was 17.8% (5 patients). Surviving patients had calculated ISS score of 25 (min 17, max 41); dead patients had an ISS score of 28 (min 19, max 34) - p≤0.05. Endovascular treatment of TAT, as a minimally invasive and effective procedure with rapid bleeding control, may increase survival chances for severely compromised polytraumatized patients in the context of multiple-organ damage and the need for a major cardio-vascular surgery.

Thrombectomy vs medical management in low NIHSS acute anterior circulation stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake an effectiveness and safety analysis of EVT in patients with LVO and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤6 using datasets of multicenter and multinational nature. METHODS: We pooled patients with anterior circulation occlusion from 3 prospective international cohorts. Patients were eligible if presentation occurred within 12 hours from last known well and baseline NIHSS ≤6. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included neurologic deterioration at 24 hours (change in NIHSS of ≥2 points), mRS 0-2 at 90 days, and 90-day all-cause mortality. We used propensity score matching to adjust for nonrandomized treatment allocation. RESULTS: Among 236 patients who fit inclusion criteria, 139 received EVT and 97 received medical management. Compared to medical management, the EVT group was younger (65 vs 72 years; p < 0.001), had more proximal occlusions (p < 0.001), and less frequently received concurrent IV thrombolysis (57.7% vs 71.2%; p = 0.04). After propensity score matching, clinical outcomes between the 2 groups were not significantly different. EVT patients had an 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] -8.8% to 26.1%) higher rate of excellent 90-day outcome, despite a 22.3% (95% CI, 3.0%-41.6%) higher risk of neurologic deterioration at 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: EVT for LVO in patients with low NIHSS score was associated with increased risk of neurologic deterioration at 24 hours. However, both EVT and medical management resulted in similar proportions of excellent clinical outcomes at 90 days. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic strokes and LVO with NIHSS < 6, EVT and medical management result in similar outcomes at 90 days.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Czech Republic: Technical Results from the Year 2016.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Experienced multidisciplinary stroke team and well-organized hospital management are considered necessary to achieve good results after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke patients. We analyzed the technical results of MT performed in the Czech Republic in the year 2016 to provide relevant data for further quality improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All centers performing MT in the CR were called for detailed technical and clinical data from year 2016, which were anonymously analyzed and relevant technical key time intervals were compared. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the HERMES meta-analysis. RESULTS: In the 2016, 1053 MTs were performed in the CR. Of 15 dedicated centers, the data from 12 centers and from 886 (84%) patients (49.2% males, mean age 69.8 ± 12.3 years) were analyzed. The overall median of time from hospital arrival to groin puncture (GP) was 77 min with a range from 40 to 109 min among individual hospitals, from GP to first passage of stent retriever 20 (15-40) min and from GP to maximal reached recanalization 42 (33-80) min. The median of recanalization time was 240 (219-320) min. The recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 81.7% of patients, 44.1% of patients had a good 3-month clinical outcome and 6.3% suffered from symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Peri-procedural complications were recorded in 89 (10%) patients. CONCLUSION: Despite achieved good overall results, a great variability in some of the analyzed key time intervals among individual centers performing MT warrants further quality improvement.

Treating great and small saphenous vein insufficiency with histoacryl in patients with symptomatic varicose veins and increased risk of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Treating great and small saphenous vein trunk insufficiency with cyanoacrylate glue is the least taxing treatment method of all available techniques. Due to long-term unavailability of commercial kits with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (histoacryl) in the Czech Republic, we used a modified technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six limbs in 49 patients suffering from great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein insufficiency in combination with symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency and complicating comorbidities were treated with a modified endovascular cyanoacrylate glue application technique. RESULTS: The immediate success rate of the treatment was 98 %. In follow-up intervals of six weeks, six months, one year, and two years, the anatomical success rates of embolization (recanalization of no more than 5 cm of the junction) were 98, 96, 94, and 94 %, respectively. At identical intervals the venous insufficiency was scored according to the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire and the American Venous Clinical Severity Score. In both cases, improvement was demonstrated over the two-year follow-up, with a 0.5 % significance level. Specific clinical signs of venous insufficiency were also evaluated, such as pain, oedema, clearance of varicose veins, and healing of venous ulceration. One severe complication - a pulmonary embolism - was reported, without consequences. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that treating insufficient saphenous veins with modified histoacryl application brought a relief from symptoms of venous insufficiency and that the efficiency of this technique is comparable to commonly used methods.

Mechanical thrombectomy performs similarly in real world practice: a 2016 nationwide study from the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials have proven mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to be a highly effective and safe treatment in acute stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare neurothrombectomy data from the Czech Republic (CR) with data from the HERMES meta-analysis. METHODS: Available nationwide data for the CR from 2016 from the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-Thrombectomy (SITS-TBY) registry for patients with terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions were compared with data from HERMES. CR and HERMES patients were comparable in age, sex, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. RESULTS: From a total of 1053 MTs performed in the CR, 845 (80%) were reported in the SITS-TBY. From these, 604 (72%) were included in this study. Occlusion locations were as follows (CR vs HERMES): ICA 22% versus 21% (P=0.16), M1 MCA 62% versus 69% (P=0.004), and M2 MCA 16% versus 8% (P<0.0001). Intravenous thrombolysis was given to 76% versus 83% of patients, respectively (P=0.003). Median onset to reperfusion times were comparable: 232 versus 285 min, respectively (P=0.66). A modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/3 was achieved in 74% (433/584) versus 71% (390/549) of patients, respectively (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90-1.5, P=0.24). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of parenchymalhematoma type 2 (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.66-1.90, P=0.68). A modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 3 months was achieved in 48% (184/268) versus 46% (291/633) of patients, respectively (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71-1.18, P=0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Data on efficacy, safety, and logistics of MT from the CR were similar to data from the HERMES collaboration.

Study of the variability of scapular inclination and the glenoid version - considerations for preoperative planning: clinical-radiological study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning with the aid of imaging methods is a principal factor in successful surgery on the shoulder. This work aims to evaluate the variability of glenoid version, spiralling twist and scapular inclination in relation to the frontal axis. Studies focusing on measuring the variability of scapular inclination in the standardised rest position are lacking in the literature. METHODS: We evaluated 104 CT scans of the shoulder. We measured the glenoid version with respect to the scapular axis at three levels. We measured the scapular inclination angle in relation to the sagittal plane and we determined scapular inclination in relation to the frontal axis. Statistical evaluation was performed using the marginal linear model and parameters were estimated using the generalised least squares method, which enables the dependency of measurements performed on the same subject to be taken into consideration. RESULTS: The highest values of retroversion are attained by the glenoid in the cranial section (average -9.96°, range -29.7 to +13.2°). Proof of the spiralling twist is the decline in retroversion at the centre of the glenoid (average -2.09°, range -16.7 to +11.6°). Retroversion decreases further in the inferior direction (average -0.5°, range -20.9 to +17.5°). The average thoracoscapular angle is 45.46°, ranging from 13.1 to 69.0°. The average scapular inclination in relation to the frontal plane is 44.54°, ranging from 21.0 to76.9°. CONCLUSIONS: During preoperative planning, the surgeon should take into consideration not only the glenoid version in relation to the scapular axis, but also the value of the scapular inclination so as to eliminate possible surgical errors, optimise prosthesis implantation and thus decrease the risk of functional restrictions of the joint. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics Committee for Multi-Centric Clinical Trials (EK-554/14,29thApril 2014).

Pediatric Bulbar and Posterior Urethral Injuries: Operative Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze complications and outcomes of end-to-end urethral anastomosis performed for posttraumatic bulbar strictures or posterior urethral injuries in pediatric patients. METHODS: The records of 15 boys, age 18 years and below, admitted to our tertiary trauma center with urethral injuries from 1989 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Out of these 15 boys, 7 were excluded (2 for iatrogenic trauma, 2 for minor straddle injuries who were not operated on, 2 for incomplete records, and 1 lost to follow-up) and 8 analyzed patients were operated for bulbar or posterior urethral injury. The mean follow-up after the operation was 4.5 years (range 0.5-10). To obtain up-to-date follow-up information, all the analyzed patients were contacted by a letter and telephone in January 2015 and asked about lower urinary tract or erectile dysfunction (ED) using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of injury was 12.3 years (range 5-17). Four patients with pelvic fracture had complete posterior urethra disruption, three patients after straddle injury developed obliterating stricture of the bulbar urethra and one patient had torn his bulbar urethra apart by a sharp hook. Except for the immediate exploration of the open perineal wound, all patients were operated via perineal approach 1 to 6 months after initial suprapubic catheter insertion. Five patients needed a cystotomy to identify the proximal urethral stump by a probe, and two patients had partial pubectomy to gain urethral length. Postoperative complications included stricture in anastomosis in six patients (all reoperated, four more than once including attempts of endoscopic internal urethrotomy). Six days after surgery, one patient developed massive external bleeding around a permanent urinary catheter due to a posttraumatic ruptured arterial aneurysm that was later stopped by urgent angiography and coil insertion. After discharge, three patients had transient stress incontinence. All patients had uroflowmetry maximum flow above 20 mL/s on their last follow-up except for two (12 and 15 mL/s). None have any lower urinary tract dysfunction symptoms in adulthood; one suffers from mild ED and two report moderate ED due to penile shortening. CONCLUSION: Delayed end-to-end anastomosis for pediatric urethral injury is a safe operational option. However, high rate of short-term complications and reoperations should be expected. Penile shortening is one of the most severe long-term complications.

Hepatic intra-arterial injection of drug-eluting bead, irinotecan (DEBIRI) in unresectable colorectal liver metastases refractory to systemic chemotherapy: results of multi-institutional study.

INTRODUCTION: Response rates and overall outcome for patients who have failed first-line and in some cases second-line chemotherapy are as low as 12% and 7 months, respectively. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hepatic arterial sulfonate hydrogel microsphere (drug-eluting beads), irinotecan preloaded therapy (DEBIRI) in metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to systemic chemotherapy. METHODS: This was a multicenter multinational single-arm study of metastatic colorectal cancer patients who received DEBIRI after failing systemic chemotherapy from 10/2006 to 8/2008. Primary endpoints were safety, tolerance, tumor response rates, and overall survival. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients who had received prior systemic chemotherapy and who underwent a total of 99 DEBIRI treatments were reviewed. The median number of DEBIRI treatments was 2 (range 1-5), median treatment dose was 100 mg (range 100-200 mg), with total hepatic treatment of 200 mg (range 200-650 mg), with 86% of treatments performed as lobar infusion and 30% of patients treated with concurrent simultaneous chemotherapy. Adverse events occurred in 28% of patients with median grade of 2 (range 1-3) with no deaths at 30 days post procedure. Response rates were 66% at 6 months and 75% at 12 months. Overall survival in these patients was 19 months, with progression-free survival of 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic arterial drug-eluting bead, irinotecan (DEBIRI) was safe and effective in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) refractory to multiple lines of systemic chemotherapy. DEBIRI is an acceptable therapy for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver.

Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) using irinotecan-loaded beads for the treatment of unresectable metastases to the liver in patients with colorectal cancer: an interim report.

BACKGROUND: Following failure of standard systemic chemotherapy, the role of hepatic transarterial therapy for colorectal hepatic metastasis continues to evolve as the experience with this technique matures. The aim of this study to gain a better understanding of the value of drug eluting bead therapy when administered to patients with unresectable colorectal hepatic metastasis. METHODS: This was an open-label, multi-center, single arm study, of unresectable colorectal hepatic metastasis patients who had failed standard therapy from 10/2006-10/2008. Patients received repeat embolizations with Irinotecan loaded beads(max 100 mg per embolization) per treating physician's discretion. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients underwent 99 treatments using Irinotecan drug eluting beads. The median number of total treatments per patient was 2(range of 1-5). Median length of hospital stay was 23 hours(range 23 hours - 10 days). There were 30(30%) sessions associated with adverse reactions during or after the treatment. The median disease free and overall survival from the time of first treatment was 247 days and 343 days. Six patients(10%) were downstaged from their original disease status. Of these, four were treated with surgery and two with RFA.Neither number of liver lesions, size of liver lesions or extent of liver replacement(25%) were predictors of overall survival. Only the presence of extrahepatic disease(p = 0,001), extent of prior chemotherapy (failed 1st and 2nd line vs > 2 line failure)(p = 0,007) were predictors of overall survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization using Irinotecan loaded beads was safe and effective in the treatment of patients as demonstrated by a minimal complication rate and acceptable tumor response.

Autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with subacute and chronic spinal cord injury.

Stem cell transplants into spinal cord lesions may help to improve regeneration and spinal cord function. Clinical studies are necessary for transferring preclinical findings from animal experiments to humans. We investigated the transplantation of unmanipulated autologous bone marrow in patients with transversal spinal cord injury (SCI) with respect to safety, therapeutic time window, implantation strategy, method of administration, and functional improvement. We report data from 20 patients with complete SCI who received transplants 10 to 467 days postinjury. The follow-up examinations were done at 3, 6, and 12 months after implantation by two independent neurologists using standard neurological classification of SCI, including the ASIA protocol, the Frankel score, the recording of motor and somatosensory evoked potentials, and MRI evaluation of lesion size. We compared intra-arterial (via catheterization of a. vertebralis) versus intravenous administration of all mononuclear cells in groups of acute (10-30 days post-SCI, n=7) and chronic patients (2-17 months postinjury, n=13). Improvement in motor and/or sensory functions was observed within 3 months in 5 of 6 patients with intra-arterial application, in 5 of 7 acute, and in 1 of 13 chronic patients. Our case study shows that the implantation of autologous bone marrow cells appears to be safe, as there have been no complications following implantation to date (11 patients followed up for more than 2 years), but longer follow-ups are required to determine that implantation is definitively safe. Also, we cannot yet confirm that the observed beneficial effects were due to the cell therapy. However, the outcomes following transplantation in acute patients, and in one chronic patient who was in stable condition for several months prior to cell implantation, are promising. It is evident that transplantation within a therapeutic window of 3-4 weeks following injury will play an important role in any type of stem cell SCI treatment. Trials involving a larger population of patients and different cell types are needed before further conclusions can be drawn.