Transarterial Onyx Embolization of Bilateral Transverse-Sigmoid Dural Arteriovenous Malformation with Transvenous Balloon Assist-Initial U.S. Experience with Copernic RC Venous Remodeling Balloon

Transvenous Onyx embolization for dural arteriovenous fistula with concomitant transvenous balloon protection of the venous sinus

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficacy and safety of transvenous Onyx embolization for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with concomitant transvenous balloon protection of the venous sinus when transarterial route failed or was not feasible.

METHODS

Between September 2010 and December 2016, thirty-six patients presenting with intracranial DAVFs underwent transvenous balloon-assisted Onyx embolization. The technical efficacy, treatment-related complications, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were reviewed from our prospectively maintained DAVF database.

RESULTS

According to the Cognard Classification, 11 patients presented with clinically symptomatic Cognard type I; 11 cases with Cognard type IIa; 10 cases with Cognard type IIb; and 4 cases with Cognard type IIa+b. Complete angiographic occlusion of the DAVFs at the latest follow-up (mean 18 months after transvenous embolization) was achieved in 28 patients (77.8%), near-complete angiographic occlusion with minimal residual fistula in 5 patients (13.9%) and significant flow reduction of the DAVF in 2 patients (5.6%) and residual fistula for further treatment in 1 (2.8%) patient. Total clinical cure or remission of the pretreatment symptoms was achieved in 31 patients (31/36, 86.1%; 26 and 5 cases respectively). Affected venous sinus was preserved in 28 patients, intentionally occluded in 7 patients and gradually occluded in 1 patient. There were no immediate or long-term persistent complications after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvenous Onyx embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas with combined transvenous balloon protection of the venous sinus is safe and effective in achieving high occlusion rate, low embolization-related complications and satisfactory clinical outcomes.

The Advantages of Non-Adhesive Gel-like Embolic Materials in the Endovascular Treatment of Benign Hypervascularized Lesions of the Head and Neck

OBJECTIVES

The use of non-adhesive gel-like embolic materials (NAGLEMs) in the endovascular treatment of hypervascularized formations in the head and neck is gaining in popularity because of a number of important characteristics involved. Their primary benefits are their capacity to penetrate diseased vasculature, effectively distribute, and, most importantly, remain controllable during the process. We reviewed the literature and evaluated the results of using NAGLEMs in comparison to other embolizing substances (namely, coils, glue, and particles) as alternative embolizing agents for patients receiving care at our clinic. The process comprised evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and technological elements of endovascular therapy used to treat two categories of hypervascular pathological abnormalities that were surgically corrected between 2015 and 2023. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located in the head, neck, and paragangliomas with jugular/carotid body localization are combined by intense shunting blood flow and shared requirements for the embolic agent used in endovascular treatment (such as penetration, distribution, delayed polymerization, and controllability). An analysis of the literature was also conducted. Results showed 18 patients diagnosed with neck paragangliomas of the carotid body and jugular type. Five patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the face and neck were included, consisting of sixteen females and seven males with an average age of 55 ± 13 years. Endovascular procedures were performed using NAGLEMs (ONYX (Medtronic, Irvine, CA, USA), SQUID (Balt, Montmorency, France), and PHIL (Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA)) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-compatible balloon catheters. All patients achieved complete or partial embolization of hypervascularized formations using one or more stages of endovascular treatment. Additionally, three AVMs of the face and two paragangliomas of the neck were surgically excised following embolization. In other instances, formations were not deemed necessary to be removed. The patients' condition upon discharge was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRs) and rated between 0 and 2.

CONCLUSION

Currently, NAGLEMs are predominantly used to treat hypervascularized formations in the neck and head due to their fundamental properties. These properties include a lack of adhesion and a delay in predictable polymerization (after 30-40 min). NAGLEMs also exhibit excellent distribution and penetration throughout the vascular bed of the formation. Adequate controllability of the process is largely achieved through the presence of embolism forms of different viscosity, as well as excellent X-ray visualization.

Torcular dural AVF: Transvenous onyx embolisation with sinus reconstruction

Transvenous onyx (Microtherapeutics, Irvine, CA, USA) embolization with sinus reconstruction using a venous balloon is a novel technique to embolise dural arterial venous fistula while preserving the sinus. We elucidate the technical tips and tricks that were employed to treat this torcular dural AVF in an elderly male with visual disturbances secondary to papilledema. Right external carotid artery injection revealed a type 2c fistula along the torcula with feeders from the right parietal & petrosal branches of the middle meningeal artery and dural branches of the posterior auricular and the occipital artery. The right distal transverse and the sigmoid were occluded with retrograde flow into the superior sagittal sinus and the cortical veins. XPER CTA analysis revealed the fistula point to be along the wall of the torcula. Through right femoral artery access, a neuron max (Penumbra inc.USA) was placed in the right common carotid artery. An eclipse (Balt Extrusion, France) 6 × 12 mm single lumen balloon was placed in the proximal ECA to achieve flow reduction. Thereafter, through bilateral femoral venous approach, two neuron max 8 F (Penumbra inc.USA) were placed into the left jugular vein. A Copernic RC balloon 10×80 mm (Balt Extrusion, France) was placed from the left to the right transverse sinus. Further, two microcatheters, 1.5 F Marathon (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MI, USA) were navigated into the feeding arteries from the venous end. Microcatheter injections were taken with inflation of the venous balloon to determine the point at which sinus and cortical vein reflux is absent. Following that onyx 18 was injected under biplane fluoroscopy with an adequately inflated arterial and venous balloon. We could achieve retrograde permeation of the onyx into the fistula and the arterial feeders resulting in complete occlusion while preserving the sinus. Careful analysis of the angioarchitecture of the fistula and evaluating for delayed cerebral venous drainage is the key to determining the right strategy to achieve complete occlusion of the fistula.

Efficacy and Safety of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Copolymer-Based Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agents (NALEAs) in Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) of Acute Non-Neurovascular Bleeding: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is part of the daily practice of most interventional radiologists worldwide. The ideal liquid embolic agent is far from being identified. Non-adhesive liquid embolic agents (NALEA) harden from the outside to the inside, resulting in deep penetration, known as "magma-like" progression, which permits a more distal embolization with good control of the embolic material. This multicenter retrospective cohort study aims to assess the efficacy, feasibility and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-based NALEAs (Onyx and Squid) in acute bleeding outside of the neurovascular area. Materials and Methods: This study is a multicenter analysis of retrospectively collected data of consecutive patients who had undergone, from January 2015 to December 2022, transcatheter arterial embolization with non-adhesive EVOH-based agents in the setting of acute non-neurovascular bleeding. Results: Fifty-three patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for acute non-neurovascular bleeding. Eight (15.1%) procedures were performed in patients with coagulopathy. The most used concentration of EVOH-based NALEAs was 34 (i.e., 8%), with a mean dose of 0.5 (±0.3) mL. The mean CT-to-groin time, the mean procedure time, the mean CT-to-embolization time and the mean fluoroscopy time were 22.9 (±12.4) min, 27.5 (±7) min, 50.3 (±13.1) min and 7.5 (±2.8) min, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all cases with a 96.2% clinical success rate. Complications were recorded in six (11.3%) patients. No statistically significant differences were observed between the group of patients with coagulopathy and the group of patients without coagulopathy in terms of efficacy and safety endpoints. Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) performed with non-adhesive EVOH-based embolic agents is an effective, feasible and safe strategy for the management of acute non-neurovascular bleeding, even in the subgroup of patients with coagulopathy.

Endovascular Management of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Transarterial Approach

In this second of 3 review articles on the endovascular management of intracranial dural AVFs, we discuss transarterial treatment approaches. The treatment goal is to occlude the fistulous point, including the most distal portion of the arterial supply together with the most proximal portion of the draining vein (ie, the "foot" of the vein), which can be accomplished with liquid embolic agents via transarterial access. Anatomic factors to consider when assessing the safety and efficacy of a transarterial approach using liquid embolic agents include location, angioarchitecture, and proximity of arterial feeders to both the vasa nervosum of adjacent cranial nerves and the external carotid-internal carotid/vertebral artery anastomoses. Anatomic locations typically favorable for transarterial approaches include but are not limited to the transverse/sigmoid sinus, cerebral convexity, and superior sagittal sinus. In this review article, we discuss the technical approaches, outcomes, potential complications, and complication avoidance strategies for transarterial embolization.

Transarterial Embolization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Fistulas with Large Venous Pouches in the Form of Venous Outlet Ectasia and Large Venous Varix or Aneurysm : Two Centers Experience

Objective

There are different types of cerebral vascular malformations. Pial arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are two entities; they consist of one or more arterial connections to a single venous outlet without a true intervening nidus. The high turbulent flow of PAVFs and aggressive DAVFs with cortical venous reflux can result in venous outflow varix and aneurysmal dilatation. They pose a significant challenge to transvenous embolization (TVE), stereotactic radiosurgery, and surgical treatment. We aim to share our centers' experience with the transarterial embolization (TAE) for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with large venous pouches and to report the outcome.

Methods

The authors' two institutions' databases were retrospectively reviewed from February 2017 to February 2021. All patients with intracranial high flow PAVFs and aggressive DAVFs with venous outlet ectasia and large venous varix and were treated by TAE were included.

Results

Fifteen patients harboring 11 DAVFs and four PAVFs met our inclusion criteria. All patients underwent TAE in 17 sessions. Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved after 14 sessions in 12 patients (80%). Four patients (25%) had residual after one TAE session. Technical failure was documented in one patient (6.7%). Fourteen patients (93.3%) had favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin score 0-2).

Conclusions

TAE for high flow or aggressive intracranial AVFs is a safe and considerable treatment option, especially for those associated with large venous pouches that are challenging and relatively high-risk for TVE.

Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agents in Extra-Cranial District: State of the Art and Review of the Literature

This review focuses on the use of “new” generation of non-adhesive liquid embolic agents (NALEA). In literature, non-adhesive liquid embolic agents have mainly been used in the cerebral district; however, multiple papers describing the use of NALEA in the extracranial district have been published recently and the aim of this review is to explore and analyze this field of application. There are a few NALEA liquids such as Onyx, Squid, and Phil currently available in the market, and they are used in the following applications: mainly arteriovenous malformations, endoleaks, visceral aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, presurgical and hypervascular lesions embolization, and a niche of percutaneous approaches. These types of embolizing fluids can be used alone or in combination with other embolizing agents (such as coils or particles) so as to enhance its embolizing effect or improve its possible defects. The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of NALEAs, predominantly used alone, in elective embolization procedures. We did not attempt a meta-analysis due to the data heterogeneity, high number of case reports, and the lack of a consistent follow-up time period.

Balloon-backstop technique: Preserving physiologic venous drainage during transvenous coil embolization of sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas can lead to catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage if left untreated. Transvenous embolization can cure arteriovenous fistulas, but preserving normal venous structures can be challenging. Inadvertent embolization of a functioning vein can result in catastrophic venous infarction or hemorrhage. Here, we report a case using balloon-assistance to facilitate preservation of the superior petrosal sinus during transvenous embolization of a sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula.

Target Coil Embolization Using the Combined Transarterial and Transvenous Balloon-assisted Technique for Traumatic Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Herein, we describe a case of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula (DCCF) treated with target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who had been involved in a vehicular accident. She was admitted to the hospital due to chemosis and exophthalmos. Cerebral angiography revealed a shunt from the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the cavernous sinus (CS), which indicated DCCF. Thus, target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique was performed. Angiography was performed 1 week after surgery to confirm the disappearance of DCCF. No recurrence was observed during the 1-year follow-up after treatment. Thus, target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique is safe and effective for the treatment of traumatic DCCF.

Endovascular treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas in the petroclival region

Petroclival region dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare and difficult lesions to manage. They often have very complex anatomical structures and can be further divided into the superior petrosal sinus, petrous apex, inferior petrosal sinus, upper clival, and upper clival epidural-osseous DAVFs. Most petroclival region DAVFs should be treated due to their high Cognard grades. Currently, endovascular treatment (EVT) has become the first-line therapeutic option for petroclival region DAVFs. But not all the petroclival region DAVFs could be cured with EVT. When the arterial feeders are large or the DAVF is adjacent to the venous sinus, the success rate may be higher. In petroclival region DAVFs, if EVT can be performed successfully, satisfactory outcome can be anticipated. However, there are some inadvertent complications, which include cranial nerve palsy, subsequent sinus thrombosis, and migration embolization of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. Currently, a review of the EVT of petroclival region DAVFs is lacking. In this article, we performed a review of the relevant literature on this issue. In addition, some illustrative cases would be provided to elaborate these specific entities.

The variant with the absence of the superior petrosal venous and sinus: A potential pitfall of transvenous balloon-assisted embolisation of Borden type II transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula

We describe a patient with Borden type II transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula. On the venous phase of the left vertebral artery injection, there was no superior petrosal veins and sinus on the side of lesion. After transvenous balloon-assisted Onyx embolisation, the patient developed extensive venous infarction from venous occlusion. This report calls attention to a highly unusual variant in which the superior petrosal veins and sinus are absent, and the cerebellar veins will be drained by tributaries of the bridging veins in this circumstance. In such circumstances, occlusion of the bridging vein on the tentorial cerebellar surface may lead to complications during transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula embolisation.

The Application of Copernic RC Balloon in Endovascular Treatment of Complex Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Transverse Sigmoid Sinus

BACKGROUND

During endovascular treatment of complex intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the transverse sigmoid sinus, it can be difficult to preserve the patency of the dural sinus. We have described the details of the transvenous balloon-assisted technique using Copernic RC balloon as a treatment option for patients with complex DAVFs of the transverse sigmoid sinus.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In these 2 cases, the Copernic RC balloon was navigated into the internal jugular vein and placed at the distal end of the DAVFs in the transverse sinus. After the balloon was fully inflated, a transarterial glue embolization or transvenous Onyx tunnel technique was performed, with complete exclusion of the fistula and patency of the transverse sigmoid sinus. No immediate or delayed postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Transvenous Copernic RC balloon-assisted embolization of DAVFs in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses is safe and can offer complete occlusion of DAVFs and remission of clinical symptoms.

Tips and tricks in the diagnosis of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: A pictorial review

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are complex vascular abnormalities that account for 10-15% of intracranial vascular malformations. DAVFs are typically encountered in middle-aged adults, with a slightly female predominance. The causative factors are still uncertain; however, abnormal local hemodynamics and neoangiogenesis related to dural sinus or venous thrombosis can contribute to DAVF occurrence. The diagnosis is dependent on a high level of clinical suspicion and high-resolution imaging techniques. Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging aid in the diagnosis, but conventional angiography remains the most accurate method for the complete characterization and classification of DAVFs. The therapeutic approach can be conservative or more aggressive, based on symptom severity, sequelae risk and patient characteristics. This article is a pictorial review of adult intracranial DAVFs that highlights some tips and tricks for recognizing useful red flags in the suspicion of DAVFs.

Transcatheter embolization with Squid, combined with other embolic agents or alone, in different abdominal diseases: a single-center experience in 30 patients

Background

Squid, as Onyx, is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH)-based liquid embolic agent developed for neuroradiologic interventions with poor application in abdominal district. Our aim was to evaluate safety, complications, and efficacy of transcatheter embolization using the two available formulations Squid-18 and 12, in 30 patients affected by different abdominal diseases.

Results

Transcatheter embolization with Squid, combined with other embolic agents, as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) particles, coils and amplatzer plugs, or alone (type 2 endoleak), was performed in 30 patients, as follows: 10 portal vein embolizations (PVEs), 6 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 5 visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs), 4 type 2 endoleaks, 3 preoperative embolizations, 1 acute arterial bleeding, 1 female varicocele. Squid was always administered using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compatible microcatheters. Technical success, 30-day clinical success and complications were assessed.

Technical success was 90%. 3 patients (2 AVMs, 1 VAA) required re-intervention successfully performed in all cases. Major complications, cases of microcatheter entrapment and DMSO-related poor pain control were not recorded. 30-day clinical success was 93.3%: in 2 patients submitted to PVE a sufficient future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy was not achieved.

Conclusion

Squid was successfully used with low complication rate in many abdominal diseases showing a valid embolic action either combined with other embolic agents or alone in type 2 endoleak. The availability of different formulations (Squid-18 and Squid-12) variable for viscosity makes Squid preferable to Onyx as EVOH-based liquid embolic agent, even though comparable studies in different abdominal districts with a larger cohort of patients will be necessary.

Current status of endovascular treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus: A literature review

Most intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) involve the transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSS), and various types of endovascular treatment (EVT) have been involved in managing TSS DAVFs. A current, comprehensive review of the EVT of TSS DAVFs is lacking. This study used the PubMed database to perform a literature review on TSS DAVFs to increase the current understanding of this condition. For high-grade TSS DAVFs such as Borden type 3, the goal of EVT is curative treatment. However, for low-grade TSS DAVFs such as Borden type 1 and some Borden type 2 TSS DAVFs, symptom relief or elimination of cortical reflux may be sufficient. Currently, EVT has become the first-line treatment for TSS DAVFs, including transarterial embolization (TAE), transvenous embolization (TVE) or both. TAE alone and TSS balloon-assisted TAE are also commonly used. However, TVE for TSS DAVFs is recognized as the most effective treatment, including coil direct packing TSS, Onyx® (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) TVE, and balloon-assisted Onyx® TVE, which are commonly applied. In addition, TSS reconstructive treatment can be an effective procedure to treat TSS DAVFs. EVT is accompanied with complications, including technique- and treatment-related complications. Although complications may occur, TSS DAVFs have an acceptable prognosis after EVT.

Endovascular Treatment of Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Single-Center Experience with Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (TSDAVFs) remains challenging because of their complex anatomic factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment of TSDAVFs.

METHODS

From January 2008 to December 2014, 44 patients with TSDAVFs were treated endovascularly at our institution. The clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively collected, and the occlusion rate, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 44 patients (26 males and 18 females) were identified, with a mean age of 47 years (range, 13-68 years). Of the 44 patients, 5 presented with Cognard type I fistula, 12 with type IIa, 6 with type IIb, 13 with type IIa+IIb, 2 with type III, and 6 with type IV. Complete (n = 29) or near-complete (n = 7) occlusion of the fistula was achieved in 36 patients (82%). Two patients experienced a transient neurological deficit (cranial nerve VII). In 31 patients with angiographic follow-up (range, 2-40 months) data available, the occlusion remained in 25, 2 previously minimal residual fistulas were completely occluded, 3 residual fistulas were unchanged, and 1 fistula recurred. Two patients with cortical venous reflux who had received incomplete treatment died of intracranial hemorrhage during the follow-up period. Of the 37 patients with clinical follow-up (mean, 33.6 months) data available, clinical cure was achieved in 29, residual symptoms remained unchanged in 7, and symptoms had deteriorated in 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable and durable outcomes were achieved with endovascular treatment of TSDAVFs. TSDAVFs with cortical venous reflux carry a high risk of hemorrhage and require curative treatment.