Evidence-based treatment of carotid artery stenosis.

Carotid atheromatous disease is an important cause of stroke. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a well-established option for reducing the risk of subsequent stroke due to symptomatic stenosis (> 50%). With adequately low perioperative risk (< 3%) and sufficient life expectancy, CEA may be used for asymptomatic stenosis (> 60%). Recently, carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) has emerged as an alternative revascularization technique. Trial design considerations are discussed in relation to trial results to provide an understanding of why some trials were considered positive whereas others were not. This review then addresses both the original randomized studies showing that CEA is superior to best medical management and the newer studies comparing the procedure to stent insertion in both symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. Additionally, recent population-based studies show that improvements in best medical management may be lowering the stroke risk for asymptomatic stenosis. Finally, the choice of revascularization technique is discussed with respect to symptom status. Based on current evidence, CAS should remain limited to specific indications.

Stent/coil treatment of very large and giant unruptured ophthalmic and cavernous aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of VLGUIA remains a challenge. To reduce mass effect and achieve complete occlusion, open surgery has been our favored treatment. However, endovascular therapy is preferred for lesions in the cavernous sinus or for older patients with complicating medical problems. The goal of this study is to investigate outcome of stent and/or coil treatment of VLGUIA. METHODS: Beginning in 2002, the neuroform stent has been available to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Since then until 2006, 15 patients were treated for VLGUIA with stenting and/or coiling at this institution. These 15 patients were used for a retrospective analysis in this study. RESULTS: Median patient age was 65 years, median aneurysm size was 27 mm (20-37 mm), and median follow-up time was 22 months. Eight aneurysms were localized in the cavernous sinus and 7 at the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery. Four aneurysms were completely occluded (100%); 3 aneurysms, nearly complete (90%-99%); and 8 aneurysms, partial (<90% occlusion). Twelve patients required retreatment. Final GOS was 1 (good recovery) in 11 patients, 2 (moderate disability) in 3 patients, and 3 (severely disabled) in 1 patient. No patient died or deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: Stent/coil management of VLGUIA is constantly evolving. Current treatment results are promising, with very low morbidity/mortality. Disadvantage is the frequent persistence of residual aneurysm.

Visualization of sacral nerve roots via percutaneous intraspinal navigation (PIN).

A percutaneous technique for visualizing sacral nerve roots is described. A fiberscope was inserted into the subarachnoid space through a sheath that was inserted via a percutaneous lumbar puncture. The sacral nerve roots were identified with endoscopic visualization and x-ray fluoroscopy localization of the endoscope. These images were compared with those obtained from a videoscope, which revealed better imaging. Specific sacral nerve roots can be identified by using a combination of endoscopy and x-ray fluoroscopy. This technique may enable minimally invasive interventions such as lysis of adhesions, arachnoid cyst decompression, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and more selective and precise nerve stimulation electrode placement.

Percutaneous intraspinal navigation for access to the subarachnoid space: use of another natural conduit for neurosurgical procedures.

OBJECT: The purpose of this paper was to demonstrate the usefulness of various fiberoptic endoscopes for percutaneous intraspinal navigation of the spinal canal, posterior fossa, and ventricular system. METHODS: Fresh, unembalmed cadavers were used, in which lumbar punctures were made for access to the subarachnoid space (in the case of larger [3.8- and 5-mm-diameter] endoscopes, small laminotomies were performed). Static and video images of pertinent structures were acquired for comparison among devices. Endoscopes were compared for their maneuverability, durability, field of view, and image quality. Seven sizes and types of endoscopes were considered. Overall, the devices offering a tip-deflecting mechanism were superior in maneuverability. Endoscopes in which a charged couple display chip was used at the tip of the scope for image acquisition offered improved image quality and field of view. Larger scopes, although more durable, were more rigid and may be limited in application. Multiple images from multiple devices are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous intraspinal navigation offers a promising neurosurgical approach to the spinal canal, the posterior fossa, and the ventricular system. Concerns regarding safety, management of complications, and the lack of adjunctive tools for intervention through the endoscopes or for use under fluoroscopic guidance represent areas that warrant further investigation and development.

Resection of an Occipital-Cervical Junction Schwannoma through a modified minimally invasive approach: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive spine (MIS) techniques have been available for many years, but their application has been largely limited to degenerative spine diseases. There are few reports in the literature of using MIS techniques for removal of neoplasms. We report our experience using a modified MIS technique for removal of an occipital-cervical junction (OCJ) schwannoma with attention to technical aspects of this approach. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old male presented with several months of neck pain radiating to the shoulder with bilateral hand numbness. The patient had evidence of early myelopathy on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enhancing intradural lesion with significant mass effect on the spinal cord. The mass extended extradurally through the right C1 neural foramen. Imaging characteristics were suggestive of a schwannoma. The patient underwent a minimally invasive far lateral approach to the OCJ for resection of the lesion. A Depuy Pipeline™ expandable retractor was used for visualization. Surgical resection was performed with microscopic visualization. Somatosensory evolved potentials (SSEP) monitoring was used. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Postoperative imaging demonstrated gross total resection. No intra- or postoperative complications were noted. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 2. At 1-month follow-up, his preoperative symptoms were resolved and his wound healed excellently. CONCLUSION: In properly selected patients, minimally invasive approaches to the OCJ for resection of mass lesions are feasible, provide adequate visualization of tumor and surrounding structures, and may even be preferable given the lower morbidity of a smaller incision and minimal soft tissue dissection.

64-detector CT angiography within 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy and correlation with postoperative stroke.

OBJECT: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) carries a small but not insignificant risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), most frequently observed within 24 hours of surgery, which can lead to the need for urgent vascular imaging in the immediate postoperative period. However, distinguishing expected versus pathological postoperative changes may not be straightforward on imaging studies of the carotid artery early after CEA. The authors aimed to describe routine versus pathological anatomical findings on CTA performed within 24 hours of CEA, and to evaluate associations between these CTA findings and postoperative stroke/TIA. METHODS: The authors reviewed 113 consecutive adult patients who underwent postoperative CTA within 24 hours of CEA at a single academic institution. Presence and location of arterial "flaps," luminal "step-off," intraluminal thrombus and hematoma were documented from postoperative CTA scans. Medical records were reviewed to determine the incidence of new postoperative neurological findings. RESULTS: Postoperative CTA findings included common carotid artery (CCA) step-off (63.7%), one or more intraarterial flaps (27.4%), hematoma at the surgical site (15.9%), and new intraluminal thrombus (7.1%). Flaps were seen in the external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and CCA in 18.6%, 9.7%, and 6.2% of patients, respectively. New postoperative neurological findings were present in 7.1% of patients undergoing CTA. Flaps (especially ICA/CCA) and/or intraluminal thrombi were more frequently seen in patients undergoing CTA for new postoperative stroke/TIA (85.7%) versus patients undergoing CTA for routine postoperative imaging (14.3%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: CTA within 24 hours of CEA demonstrates characteristic anatomical findings. CCA step-offs and ECA flaps are relatively common and clinically insignificant, whereas ICA/CCA flaps and thrombi are less frequently seen and are associated with postoperative stroke/TIA.

Percutaneous intraspinal navigation: feasibility study of a new and minimally invasive approach to the spinal cord and brain in cadavers.

We describe a percutaneous approach for cerebral surgical access. After lumbar puncture, the spinal subarachnoid space was traversed by using standard angiographic guidewire techniques until the introducer catheters were in the intracranial space. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the intracranial subarachnoid space was navigated, and the ventricular system entered. Subarachnoid placement was confirmed with contrast-enhanced digital angiography. Placement anterior to the brain stem was confirmed in both cadavers during dissection, and spinal navigation without cord damage from the anterior or posterior approach was confirmed in one. Percutaneous intraspinal navigation is a new route of access for cerebrospinal surgery that has many potential applications.

Stent-coil treatment of a distal internal carotid artery dissecting pseudoaneurysm on a redundant loop by use of a flexible, dedicated nitinol intracranial stent.

Treatment of dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the distal cervical internal carotid artery with preservation of the parent artery by using stents or coils has become routine. Tortuosity remains a significant obstacle to successful endovascular treatment in some cases. We report the use of a stent-coil technique to treat a nonhealing dissecting pseudoaneurysm and associated stenosis with anatomic preservation of a redundant loop involving the stented arterial segment. This was accomplished by using a Neuroform dedicated intracranial stent.

MR-guided catheter navigation of the intracranial subarachnoid space.

Percutaneous intraspinal navigation (PIN) is a new minimally invasive approach to the CNS. The authors studied the utility of MR-guided intracranial navigation following access to the subarachnoid compartment via PIN. The passive tracking technique was employed to visualize devices during intracranial navigation. Under steady-state free precession (SSFP) MR-guidance a microcatheter-microguidewire was successfully navigated to multiple brain foci in two cadavers. SSFP MR fluoroscopy possesses adequate contrast and temporal resolution to allow MR-guided intracranial navigation.

Complications of preoperative embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECT: Preoperative embolization is viewed by the authors as a useful adjunct in the surgical management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This study was performed to determine the rate of significant complication in patients undergoing this procedure. METHODS: Demographic, anatomical, and procedure data were collected prospectively. The treating physician reported complications. In addition, a review of medical records including procedure reports, operative reports, and discharge summaries was performed. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to determine if any of the variables was predictive of a poor outcome of embolization (death or permanent neurological deficit). Endovascular procedures for embolization were performed 339 times in 201 patients during an 11-year period. Female patients comprised 53.7% of the study group and 85.6% of the AVMs were supratentorial. Embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles, N-butyl cyanoacrylate, detachable coils, and/or the liquid polymer Onyx. Analyzed by procedure, a poor result of embolization occurred in 7.7%. Analyzed by patient, 11% died or had a permanent neurological deficit as a result of the embolization. None of the demographic, anatomical, or procedure variables identified were predictive of a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative embolization may gradually reduce flow to an AVM, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and reduce operative time. The risks of this procedure, however, are not insignificant and must be considered in planning treatment for patients with AVMs.

Harold C. Urschel, Jr, MD, February 17, 1930-November 12, 2012.

The ranks of thoracic surgeons who added immeasurably to the craft lost another warrior when Harold C. Urschel, Jr, 19th President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), died on November 12, 2012. He seemed indestructible, full of energy and ideas, fun to be around, and always good for a quote. He died in the saddle, as it were, preparing a paper to be delivered at the American Heart Association. He is sorely missed by all of us.