Multivariate study of lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) assemblages hosted by hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae).

Lice were collected from 579 hummingbirds, representing 49 species, in 19 locations in Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru, at elevations 0­3000 m above sea level. The following variables were included in an ecological analysis (1) host species' mean body mass, sexual size dimorphism, sexual dichromatism, migratory behaviour and dominance behaviour; (2) mean elevation, mean and predictability of temperature, mean and predictability of precipitation of the host species' geographic area; (3) prevalence and mean abundance of species of lice as measures of infestation. Ordination methods were applied to evaluate data structure. Since the traits are expressed at different scales (nominal, interval and ratio), a principal component analysis based on d-correlations for the traits and a principal coordinates analysis based on the Gower index for species were applied. Lice or louse eggs were found on 80 (13.8%) birds of 22 species. A total of 267 lice of 4 genera, Trochiloecetes, Trochiliphagus, Myrsidea and Leremenopon, were collected, with a total mean intensity of 4.6. There were positive interactions between migration behaviour and infestation indices, with elevational migrants having a higher prevalence and abundance of lice than resident birds. Further, we found weak negative correlations between host body mass and infestation indices and positive correlations between mean elevation and prevalence and abundance of Trochiliphagus. Thus, formerly unknown differences in the ecological characteristics and infestation measures of Trochiliphagus and Trochiloecetes lice were revealed, which allows a better understanding of these associations and their potential impacts on hummingbirds.

Stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms using the Solitaire™ AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device: initial and midterm follow-up results.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective review was to present our experience in using the Solitaire™ AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device in the stent-assisted treatment of intracranial aneurysms, focusing on midterm results. To date, this is the largest series using the Solitaire™ AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device. METHODS: From February 2008 to December 2010, 102 patients harboring 104 wide-necked or complex intracranial aneurysms were consecutively enrolled. Forty-five patients presented with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stent implantation was combined with a standard coiling procedure in 100 patients; in 13 of them, by bailout stenting. On average, at least one clinical and angiographic follow-up was available in 63 patients after 6.3 months. Forty-nine patients were followed for up to 13.6 months. RESULTS: Of the stents, 98.4 % could be deployed successfully. A Raymond class 1 occlusion was obtained in 51 % of the aneurysms, a Raymond class 2 occlusion in 44 %, and in the remaining 5 % a Raymond class 3 occlusion was obtained. Procedure-related morbidity was 3.9 % (n = 4) and procedure-related mortality was 2.9 % (n = 3). During the follow-up period, 39.2 % of the aneurysms showed further thrombosis, 45.1 % remained unchanged, and 15.7 % recanalized. In the follow-up clinical examination according to the modified Rankin Scale, 16.3 % of all patients presented with clinical improvement, 73.5 % were unchanged, and 10.2 % of patients deteriorated. CONCLUSION: Considering that stent-assisted coiling is indicated in unfavorable aneurysms, which are not amenable to standard coiling procedures, the Solitaire AB stent proved to be an efficient and safe device in midterm angiographic and clinical follow-up results.

Complication rates using balloon-expandable and self-expanding stents for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenoses : analysis of the INTRASTENT multicentric registry.

INTRODUCTION: Using balloon-expandable stents (BES) for treatment of intracranial stenoses, high inflation pressures and rigidity of the device are regarded as major drawbacks limiting feasibility and safety of the procedure. Self-expanding stents (SES) were developed to facilitate lesion access and to allow for less aggressive dilatation. We analyzed data of the INTRASTENT multicentric registry to assess whether self-expanding stents significantly reduced peri-interventional complication rates. METHODS: Records of intracranial stent procedures were entered consecutively into the registry. Datasets were divided into two groups according to the type of stent used. For outcome measurement, we chose three categories: TIA/minor stroke [modified Rankin score (mRS) <2], disabling stroke, and patient death. Clinical outcome was compared between BES and SES. We analyzed types of adverse events occurring in each group in addition. RESULTS: Of 409 atherosclerotic lesions, 254 were treated with BES and 155 with SES. Technical success rates were 97.6% and 98.7%, respectively. Adverse event rates were 4.9%, 3.7%, and 0.8% for TIA/nondisabling stroke, disabling stroke, and death in the BES group compared with 5.3%, 6.0%, and 4.0% in the SES group. The differences were not statistically significant. We observed more perforator strokes after use of BES, but thromboembolic events occurred more often in the SES treatment group. CONCLUSION: Data of the INTRASTENT registry do not support the hypothesis that introduction of SES lowered the overall complication rate of intracranial stent procedures. There might be an advantage using self-expanding stents in vessel segments with important perforating arteries.

The Woven EndoBridge cerebral aneurysm embolization device (WEB II): initial clinical experience.

INTRODUCTION: The Woven Endobridge (WEB II) device (Sequent Medical, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) is an intra-saccular, oblate, braided-wire embolization device designed to provide flow disruption at the aneurysm neck-parent artery interface. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and short-term performance of the WEB II device regarding the immediacy, degree, and durability of aneurysm occlusion in two patients. METHODS: The WEB II device was implanted in one patient with an unruptured MCA trifurcation aneurysm and one patient with an unruptured basilar tip aneurysm. The degree of intra-aneurysmal flow disruption was graded based on serial digital subtraction aneurysm angiography performed over 30 min immediately following device implantation and at 8 weeks. Immediate and 8-week post-treatment CT and 3-T MRI studies were also performed. RESULTS: Delivery and deployment of the WEB II device was technically straightforward and achieved without complications. Neither device required retrieval or repositioning after full deployment. There were no peri-procedural thrombembolic or hemorrhagic complications. In both cases, complete aneurysm occlusion was observed within minutes of device deployment. Short-term angiographic follow-up confirmed stable complete occlusion at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Early technical and clinical results from the first WEB II cases have been encouraging and suggest that the intra-saccular deployment of self-expanding, compliant, cylindrical, high-density, braided metallic mesh constructs may represent a feasible approach for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Waffle-cone technique with Solitaire™ AB remodeling device: endovascular treatment of highly selected complex cerebral aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate patients with complex aneurysms who underwent waffle-cone stent-assisted coil embolization. METHODS: From February 2008 to February 2010, consecutive data were collected from 80 patients with aneurysms treated with the Solitaire™ AB Remodeling Device followed by a standard coiling procedure using bare or/and bioactive coils. Six of these patients were treated using the "waffle-cone-technique" placing the distal end of a stent directly into the base of a bifurcation aneurysm and coiling through the expanded and cone-shaped distal end of the stent allowing for preservation of parent artery patency. The aneurysms were located at the P3 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (n = 1), the middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n = 1), the basilar tip (n = 2), and the AComAnt (n = 2). Four patients underwent follow-up (2-7 months, mean 4.5 months). RESULTS: Waffle-cone positioning of the Solitaire™ AB Remodeling Device was obtained in all cases without technical problems. No permanent procedural morbidity was observed. In all patients, a Raymond class 2 occlusion was obtained and five patients left the hospital with a good clinical status (mRS0 n = 3, mRS1 n = 1) or no new neurologic deficits (mRS4 n = 1). One patient with SAH III died due to severe vasospasms. Due to major recanalization during follow-up, retreatment was necessary or is planned in four cases; one asymptomatic intimal hyperplasia was observed 8 weeks after initial treatment. CONCLUSION: The waffle-cone technique may enhance the possibilities of the endovascular treatment of these complex aneurysms. Due to the high rate of recanalization requiring endovascular retreatment, stringent angiographic and clinical follow-up is warranted.

Coil embolization of anterior circulation aneurysms supported by the Solitaire AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study is to evaluate patients with wide-necked or complex aneurysms of the anterior circulation who underwent Solitaire AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device-assisted coil embolization. METHODS: From February 2008 to March 2009, consecutive data were collected from 45 patients with anterior circulation aneurysms. Eighteen of the patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Forty-six aneurysms were treated with the aid of different applications (n = 49) of the Solitaire AB Remodeling Device followed by standard coiling procedure (n = 43) using bioactive coils or/and bare coils. RESULTS: Successful positioning of the remodeling device was obtained in 95.9% of the cases. There were two thromboembolic complications (4.1%) and one severe vasospasm requiring retrieval of the device. Permanent procedural morbidity was observed in one patient (2%). The proportion of patients in whom Raymond class 1 occlusion was obtained was 53.5% (n = 23). Raymond class 2 occlusion was achieved in 42% (n = 18) and Raymond class 3 occlusion in 4.7% (n = 2). Thirty-nine patients left the hospital with a good clinical status. CONCLUSION: The initial technical and clinical results of Solitaire AB device-assisted coiling of aneurysms in the anterior circulation are highly encouraging. This technique may enhance the possibilities of the endovascular treatment of these aneurysms in clinical routine.

Initial and mid-term results from 108 consecutive patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with the WEB device.

INTRODUCTION: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a novel device for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. The present series demonstrates our 'real-world experience' in the use of all iterations of WEB devices (available in Europe) in ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. METHODS: We analyzed our all-inclusive cerebrovascular database for patients treated with the WEB device between October 2010 and May 2015. Anatomic and clinical results are reported for all patients. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients with 114 intracranial aneurysms were included in the series. Forty-seven aneurysms (41.2%) were ruptured. Eighty-six patients received angiographic and clinical follow-up after a mean of 13.4 months. One hundred and ten of 114 WEB devices (96.5%) were deployed successfully. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 11 of 110 interventions (10.0%), with a new permanent deficit in one patient. Re-rupture after WEB treatment was detected in two aneurysms (4.3%), which had both initially presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiographic follow-up revealed adequate occlusion in 68 of 90 aneurysms (75.6%). Fifteen aneurysms required retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: This series confirms a high level of safety and efficacy of the WEB device for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.

Safety and efficacy of aneurysm treatment with WEB: results of the WEBCAST study.

OBJECT WEB is an innovative intrasaccular treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Preliminary series have shown good safety and efficacy. The WEB Clinical Assessment of Intrasaccular Aneurysm Therapy (WEBCAST) trial is a prospective European trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of WEB in wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. METHODS Patients with wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms for which WEB treatment was indicated were included in this multicentergood clinical practices study. Clinical data including adverse events and clinical status at 1 and 6 months were collected and independently analyzed by a medical monitor. Six-month follow-up digital subtraction angiography was also performed and independently analyzed by a core laboratory. Success was defined at 6 months as complete occlusion or stable neck remnant, no worsening in angiographic appearance from postprocedure, and no retreatment performed or planned. RESULTS Ten European neurointerventional centers enrolled 51 patients with 51 aneurysms. Treatment with WEB was achieved in 48 of 51 aneurysms (94.1%). Adjunctive implants (coils/stents) were used in 4 of 48 aneurysms (8.3%). Thromboembolic events were observed in 9 of 51 patients (17.6%), resulting in a permanent deficit (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] Score 1) in 1 patient (2.0%). Intraoperative rupture was not observed. Morbidity (mRS score > 2) and mortality were 2.0% (1 of 51 patients, related to rupture status on entry to study) and 0.0% at 1 month, respectively. Success was achieved at 6 months in 85.4% of patients treated with WEB: 23 of 41 patients (56.1%) had complete occlusion, 12 of 41 (29.3%) had a neck remnant, and 6 of 41 (14.6%) had an aneurysm remnant. CONCLUSIONS The WEBCAST study showed good procedural and short-term safety of aneurysm treatment with WEB and good 6-month anatomical results.

Endovascular WEB flow disruption in middle cerebral artery aneurysms: preliminary feasibility, clinical, and anatomical results in a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms with unfavorable anatomy (wide neck, unfavorable morphology) is frequently challenging. Flow disruption with the WEB is a potentially interesting endovascular treatment for this type of aneurysm. OBJECTIVE: To report in a multicenter series the preliminary treatment experience of MCA aneurysms with flow disruption by the WEB. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with 34 MCA aneurysms were treated with the WEB in 5 European centers. The ability to successfully deploy the WEB, procedure- and device-related adverse events, morbidity and mortality of the treatment, and short-term angiographic follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: Most treated aneurysms were unruptured (85.3%) and were between 5 and 10 mm (85.3%) with a neck size ≥ 4 mm (88.2%). The treatment failed in 1 of the 34 aneurysms (2.9%) owing to a lack of appropriate device size. Treatment was performed exclusively with the WEB in 29 of 33 aneurysms (87.9%). Additional treatment (coiling and/or stenting) was used in 4 of 33 aneurysms (12.1%). Mortality of the treatment was 0.0% and morbidity was 3.1% (intraoperative rupture with modified Rankin Scale score of 3 at the 1-month follow-up). In short-term follow-up (range, 2-12 months), adequate occlusion (total occlusion or neck remnant) was observed in 83.3% of aneurysms. CONCLUSION: WEB flow disruption seems to be a promising technique for the treatment of complex MCA aneurysms, particularly those with a wide neck or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio.

Stent-assisted coil embolization of posterior circulation aneurysms using solitaire ab: preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with wide-necked aneurysms of the posterior circulation who underwent Solitaire AB (ev3, Inc., Irvine, CA) stent-assisted coil embolization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 10 patients (age range, 32-76 years; mean age, 59.1 years) with aneurysms of the basilar artery (basilar tip, n = 5; basilar trunk, n = 4; posterior cerebral artery, n = 1). Seven of the patients presented with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Five aneurysms were small, 2 were large, and 3 were giant. All patients were treated by different applications (n = 14) of the Solitaire AB neurovascular remodeling device followed by a standard coiling procedure using bioactive coils. RESULTS: Positioning of all Solitaire AB stents was easy and successful. No stent required retrieving and repositioning after full deployment. There were no thromboembolic complications, and no dissection/rupture or vasospasm occurred during stent placement. In all cases except 3, 100% lesion occlusion was observed after the initial treatment. CONCLUSION: The initial technical and clinical results of Solitaire AB stent-assisted coiling of different types of wide-necked aneurysms in the posterior circulation are highly encouraging, and this technique may improve the endovascular treatment of these aneurysms.