Evaluating Efficacy and Complications of Contour Intrasaccular Device in Cerebral Aneurysm Management: A Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intrasaccular devices provide a method for treating complex aneurysms without leaving metallic materials in the parent artery. Compared to other well-studied devices in neurointervention, the Contour device is relatively new as an intrasaccular flow diverter. This study examines its use in cases of incidental aneurysms and its application in the acute treatment of ruptured aneurysms. Additionally, it covers potential complications that may arise and methods for prevention. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 25 patients who underwent treatment with the Contour device at 3 hospital centers. We collected data related to age, gender, baseline modified Rankin Scale, personal habits, medical history, procedure details, and angiographic results according to the Woven endobridge occlusion scale. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients (65.5%) achieved a satisfactory angiographic result (grade 0-0') 1 year after embolization. Contrast stagnation was observed in 14 patients (58.3%). Intraprocedural complications, such as device displacement, were documented in 3 patients (12%), while 2 patients (8%) had aggregates attached to the device. Regarding late complications, 5 patients (20%) experienced device displacement and 1 patient had a minor stroke (4%). Retreatment was necessary for 3 patients (12%), involving a flow diverter, stenting, and coiling. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the Contour device offers a viable option for treating complex aneurysms. While initial results are promising, it is crucial to acknowledge a learning curve to minimize complications and achieve satisfactory angiographic results without the need for additional treatments.

Endovascular thrombectomy first-pass reperfusion and ancillary device placement.

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in treating acute ischemic stroke, however, further research is required to optimize this technique. We aimed to evaluate the impact of guide catheter position and clot crossing on revascularization rates using A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique (ADAPT). METHODS: Data were collected between January 2018 and August 2019 as part of the Spanish ADAPT Registry on ACE catheters (SARA), a multicenter observational study assessing real-world thrombectomy outcomes. Demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were collected. Subgroup analyses assessed the relationship between guide catheter/microguidewire position and modified Trombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scores. First pass effect (FPE) was defined as mTICI 3 after single pass of the device. RESULTS: From a total of 589 patients, 80.8% underwent frontline aspiration thrombectomy. The median score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16.0. After adjusting for confounders, the likelihood of achieving FPE (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 0.587; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38 to 0.92; p=0.0194) were higher among patients with more distal petrocavernous placement of guide catheter. The likelihood of achieving FPE (aOR, 0.592; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.90; p=0.0138) and final angiogram complete reperfusion (aOR, 0.465; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.73; p=0.0008) were higher among patients without microguidewire crossing the clot. No difference was noted for time from arterial puncture to reperfusion in any study group. At the 90-day follow-up, the mortality rate was 9.2% and 65.8% of patients across the entire study cohort were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2). CONCLUSIONS: Petrocavernous guide catheter placement improved first-pass revascularization. Crossing the occlusion with a microguidewire lowered the likelihood of achieving FPE and complete reperfusion after final angiogram.

Transcranial duplex ultrasound monitoring of intracranial arterial stenosis treated with ELUTAX "3" drug-eluting balloon.

We report the results of transcranial ultrasound monitoring in three patients with intracranial arterial stenosis of the middle cerebral artery treated with the only drug-eluting balloon certificated for intracranial use in highly symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis, ELUTAX "3" (AR Baltic Medical). We performed transcranial Doppler ultrasounds 24 h, 72 h, 10 days, 15 days and 30 days after the angioplasty, thereby measuring mean flow velocity (MFV) in the maximum stenosis area in patients with symptomatic steno-occlusive disease of the middle cerebral artery treated with ELUTAX "3". Two patients were treated during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) due to acute ischemic stroke and one patient was treated on elective basis due to symptomatic pre-occlusive stenosis, with recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) refractory to medical therapy. In Case 1, the first transcranial Doppler ultrasounds evidenced MFV of 348 cm/s, with progressive MFV reduction until 15 days post-treatment, with MFV of 177 cm/s. In Case 2, 24 h after angioplasty had an MFV of 258 cm/s, decreasing to 103 cm/s at 30 days. Case 3 had an MFV of 436 cm/s before angioplasty that immediately decreased after the procedure to 364 cm/s, with a final MFV of 260 cm/s at 30 days. We have recorded a progressive MFV reduction in intracranial arterial stenosis, with better outcomes in patients treated during MT. In our experience, the use of ELUTAX "3" for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis achieves a progressive improvement of stenosis, evident in the first weeks, to a higher extent in cases of occlusive thrombosis. More studies are needed to provide more information about this device.

Hemodynamic effects of proximal supra-aortic artery stenosis on anterior cerebral artery.

Alternating flow in the anterior cerebral artery is a rare finding, associated with innominate artery stenosis. We present a series of four patients with this finding on transcranial color coded sonography, under basal conditions. In all of these patients, vascular studies detected an ipsilateral proximal stenosis, three in the innominate artery and, for the first time, one at the left common carotid artery origin. Successful angioplasties with stenting were performed, resulting for the first time in the normalization of orthograde flow in all cases. We conclude that an early systolic hemodynamic compromise in the first segment of the anterior cerebral artery, in the form of alternating flow, is an indirect indicator of ipsilateral proximal stenosis in the supra-aortic arteries, either in the innominate artery or at the origin of the left common carotid artery.

Aracnoiditis osificante: una causa infrecuente de compresión medular / Arachnoiditis ossificans: an uncommon cause of medular compression

Aportamos un nuevo caso de aracnoiditis osificante, sugerido a partir de los hallazgos en resonancia magnética y confirmado histopatológicamente después de la cirugía descompresiva. Revisamos la bibliografía sobre esta patología, haciendo hincapié en su diagnóstico radiológico por resonancia magnética, así como en los aspectos clínicos y en la actitud terapéutica.