Embolectomy for acute embolic occlusion of the internal carotid artery bifurcation

Correspondence: Microsurgical thrombectomy: Where the ancient art meets the new era

Surgical thrombectomy remains a feasible technique in an accurately selected patient population with large vessel occlusion, even though endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is the gold standard. It especially warrants consideration in cases where the endovascular approach is unfeasible or fails. The current extension in the therapeutic window of time in mechanical thrombectomy also provides opportunities to open thrombectomy. To support our view, we present a case of a patient who suffered an ischemic stroke. Intravenous thrombolysis proved ineffective and mechanical thrombectomy was impossible due to extreme tortuosity of the internal carotid artery. Therefore, surgical thrombectomy was performed. The patient underwent successful recovery and states a great satisfaction. To improve efficiency and outcomes, a properly organised and trained surgical team with plentiful neurovascular experience is necessary. Finally, open thrombectomy is the most effective approach to completely restore luminal patency compared to the endovascular approaches yet risks due to the operation should be taken into account.

2-1-2 Stroke microsurgical thrombectomy technique as a tertiary/salvage treatment option

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical thrombectomy (MST) has been used for many years in few stroke cases without any prospective randomized study, nor detailed systemized technique description. As many centers worldwide are recruited for stroke thrombectomy availability, MST might increase in the near future either as a tertiary or salvage treatment option. A straightforward surgical plan is mandatory empowering a safe, efficient, and rapid neurosurgical operation, so our aim is to describe the 2-1-2 microsurgical technique.

METHODS

Three patients presented at emergency department with large stroke not suitable to venous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy due to late arrival time and endovascular suite technical problems. They were referred to 2-1-2 MST after imaging showed brain collaterals on head angio-CT scan and ASPECTS greater than 6 points. The procedure comprised 2 insulin needle punctures in the target artery, 1mm micro-scissor transverse arteriotomy, milk thrombus removal and 2 simple sutures micro stitches. Sixty days clinical follow-up and brain imaging control provided data results.

RESULTS

All patients treated with 2-1-2 MST technique had complete thrombus removal by precise surgical maneuvers avoiding surgeons unplanned and insecure movements to reduced operation time. Head angio-CT scan evidenced complete cerebrovascular circulation re-flow with clinical improvements in 60 days follow-up without complications or hospital readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

2-1-2 MST technique can be rapidly and efficaciously performed in a systemized manner offering a tertiary or salvage technique for acute stroke treatment. Specific microsurgical training is mandatory to accomplish this treatment and larger studies are necessary to confirm our hypothesis.

Open Microvascular Thrombectomy for Acute Intracranial Large Vessel Occlusion: Microsurgery in the Endovascular Thrombectomy Era

BACKGROUND

Open microsurgical thrombectomy for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) has been the subject of dozens of case reports and series. However, no clear indications exist to define its role in the management of acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to review all the available data on open microsurgical thrombectomy, for both spontaneous as well as iatrogenic intracranial vessel occlusion, in terms of indication and results.

METHODS

Of the 390 articles screened, 33 were included after full text screening.

RESULTS

A total of 232 patients were reported, of whom 208 received microsurgical thrombectomy and 24 received bypass for large vessel occlusion. Patients were divided into a historic cohort (before 2002) and a recent cohort (articles published after 2002). Patients from the historic cohort were younger: median age, 55 years (interquartile range, 34-57 years) versus 69 years (interquartile range, 63-75 years) in the recent cohort (P < 0.01). The procedure was successful more often in the recent cohort (65% of patients in the historic cohort vs. 98% of patients in the recent cohort) and more patients experienced neurologic improvement (56% of patients in the historic cohort vs. 69% in the recent cohort).

CONCLUSIONS

In the era of endovascular thrombectomy, open microsurgical techniques might still play a role in highly selected patients. The reported patients show that microsurgical thrombectomy seems efficient and effective in improving patient outcome. Ideally, a multidisciplinary approach with vascular neurosurgeons trained and skilled in microvascular techniques is recommended.

Direct Microsurgical Embolectomy for Acute Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery

BACKGROUND

Surgical embolectomy is the most promising therapy for physically removing emboli from major cerebral arteries. However, it requires an experienced surgical team, time-consuming steps, and is not incorporated into acute stroke therapy.

METHODS

We established seamless collaboration between services, refined surgical techniques, and conducted a prospective trial of emergency surgical embolectomy. Surgical indications included the presence of acute hemispheric symptoms, absence of low-density area on computed tomography, evidence of internal carotid artery terminus or proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion, and availability of resources to start surgery within 3 hours of symptom onset. The indications were confirmed by an interdisciplinary team. We assessed revascularization rates, time from admission to surgery and from surgery to recanalization, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2014, 14 consecutive patients with acute proximal middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery terminus occlusion underwent emergency surgical embolectomy. All patients showed complete recanalization. Twelve patients survived and 7 had fair functional outcome (Rankin Scale score, ≤3). No significant procedural adverse events occurred. The mean times from admission to start of surgery, from surgery to recanalization, and from onset to recanalization were 14 minutes, 79 minutes, and 223 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that microsurgical embolectomy can rapidly, safely, and effectively retrieve clots and deserves reappraisal, although the choice largely depends on local institutional expertise.

Complex interventional treatment in a patient with atrial fibrillation and stroke caused by large carotid artery thrombus: a case report

Background

The treatment option for acute ischaemic stroke depends on the duration of symptoms, the dynamics of neurological condition changes, the aetiology, type of stroke, as well as the results of angiographic and neuroimaging tests.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old male patient presented with progressive left hemisphere stroke caused by extensive cardiogenic embolism of the common carotid artery and a thrombus closing the internal carotid artery from its ostium to the level of its intracranial division. The complex revascularisation therapy involving surgical embolectomy of the common carotid artery, thrombectomy of the internal carotid artery and intra-arterial thrombolysis has led to the improvement of arterial patency and has countered the progression of acute cerebral ischaemia.

Conclusion

Emergency carotid embolectomy together with thrombectomy and local thrombolytic rt-PA treatment may be a reasonable rescue therapy for carefully selected patients with large-vessel acute stroke. Further research is needed to establish the advantages and safety of surgical thrombectomy in patients with acute embolic occlusion of the carotid artery and ineffectiveness of or contraindications for systemic thrombolytic treatment.

The Anterior Temporal Approach for Microsurgical Thromboembolectomy of an Acute Proximal Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND:

In a short window of time, intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis is the first treatment option for patients with an acute ischemic stroke caused by the occlusion of one of the major brain vessels. Endovascular treatment techniques provide additional treatment options. In selected cases, high revascularization rates following microsurgical thromboembolectomy in the anterior circulation were reported. A technical note on successful thromboembolectomy of the proximal posterior cerebral artery has not yet been published.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the technique of microsurgical thromboembolectomy of an acute proximal posterior cerebral artery occlusion and the brainstem perforators via the anterior temporal approach.

METHODS:

The authors present a technical report of a successful thromboembolectomy in the proximal posterior cerebral artery. The 64-year-old male patient had an acute partial P1 thromboembolic occlusion, with contraindications for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The patient underwent an urgent microsurgical thromboembolectomy after a frontotemporal craniotomy.

RESULTS:

The postoperative computerized tomography angiography showed complete recanalization of the P1 segment and its perforators, which were previously occluded. The early outcome after 1 month and 1 year follow-ups showed improvement from modified Rankin scale 4 to modified Rankin scale 1.

CONCLUSION:

Microsurgical thromboembolectomy can be an effective treatment option for proximal occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery in selected cases and experienced hands. Compared with endovascular treatment, direct visual control of brainstem perforators is possible.

Emergency microsurgical embolectomy for the treatment of acute intracranial artery occlusion: report of two cases

Background

The main treatment for acute arterial ischemic stroke is intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis within a particular time window. Endovascular mechanical embolectomy is another treatment option in the case of major artery occlusion. Endovascular mechanical embolectomy is a useful technique for restoring blood flow in patients with large-vessel occlusion, and especially in those who are contraindicated for thrombolytics or in whom thrombolytic therapy has failed.

Case Report

We report herein two cases of emergency microsurgical embolectomy for the treatment of acute middle cerebral artery and internal carotid artery occlusion as an alternative treatment for major artery occlusion.

Conclusions

Emergency microsurgical mechanical embolectomy may be an alternative treatment option for restoring blood flow in selected patients with large-vessel acute ischemic stroke.

Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Stroke in Progress

BACKGROUND:

Surgical reperfusion may be beneficial in patients with acute ischemic stroke who are ineligible for thrombolysis.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the outcome of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass in acute stroke and stroke in progress.

METHODS:

The clinical and radiological data of 9 patients treated by STA-MCA bypass requiring urgent reperfusion but ineligible for intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) were reviewed. Pooled analysis was performed of published literature concerning STA-MCA bypass in acute stroke (21 cases in 2 articles).

RESULTS:

Of the 9 patients enrolled, symptom aggravation occurred during medical treatment in 4 patients and after IAT in 2. Three patients were ineligible for IAT despite being within 8 hours of symptom onset. Bypass significantly improved National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (preoperatively, 12.4 ± 4.88; 3 days postoperatively, 8.6 ± 6.39, P = .046; discharge, 5.4 ± 5.15, P = .008; 3 mo postoperatively 3.7 ± 4.82, P = .008) without significant infarction growth by diffusion weighted imaging (preoperatively, 15.0 ± 8.87 mL; 7 days postoperatively, 15.2 ± 8.28 mL; P = .110). Abnormal perfusion regions (mean transit time &gt;145% of contralateral side value) were reduced in all cases (2.63 ± 0.93 mL). Good outcomes (modified Rankin scale ≤2) were achieved by 6 patients. Pooled analysis with our patients showed a significant neurological improvement (P &lt; .001) and a good outcome in 25 (83.3%) patients without hemorrhage or complication.

CONCLUSION:

STA-MCA bypass may be beneficial to patients with acute stroke or stroke in progress who are ineligible for IAT. Furthermore, it appears safe when the infarction is small. These findings indicate that STA-MCA bypass could be considered as a treatment option in selected patients with acute stroke or stroke in progress.

Emergency embolectomy for embolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery-review of the literature and two illustrative cases

With the increasing number of endovascular interventions during the last years, the number of procedure-related complications has risen accordingly. Despite sophisticated and effective endovascular treatments for acute thromboembolic events during intervention, vessel occlusion can remain refractory to medical and endovascular treatment. In case of failure of the endovascular revascularisation, microsurgical embolectomy in the anterior circulation can be a last therapeutic option, if case selection is adequate. To date, this rather aggressive form of treatment is still controversial, and there are only few series of reported surgical embolectomy. In the present review, we conducted a Medline (www.pubmed.org) search for reports or studies of microsurgical embolectomies using the keywords (1) middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and (2) embolectomy. The most relevant factors for positive outcome were concluded as such: (1) vessel occlusion time, (2) collateral flow, (3) occlusion site and (4) thromboembolic origin. Additionally, we report on two illustrative cases from our department with acute MCA occlusion treated by emergency microsurgical embolectomy but with very contrary outcomes. Hence, emergency embolectomy in patients with MCA occlusion following endovascular treatment can be quite effective, if endovascular recanalisation options fail. Nevertheless, the decision-making process must be made critically, fast and based on factors such as vessel occlusion time, sufficient collateral flow, occlusion site and thrombus origin.

Free-floating thrombus of the carotid artery: Literature review and case reports

BACKGROUND

Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the carotid artery is an uncommon entity that usually presents as an acute emergency. Management is based on case reports and series because the natural history and optimal treatment are unknown. This study was conducted to systematically review the world literature in an attempt to better understand FFT, its presentation, distribution, management, and outcome.

METHOD

A literature search in all languages was performed of the PubMed database (> or =1950s) and Medline database (1966-November 2004). All relevant articles were reviewed and their references analyzed in a similar manner for further literature. Cases from the authors' institutions were reviewed as well. All cases within the reports were individually assessed for inclusion or exclusion. Inclusion required that the FFT originate or anchor within the carotid artery (ie, excluding emboli, arch thrombi with extensions into the carotid artery), be partially occluding (ie, excluding occlusions, "string-sign," microscopic thrombus), and ideally have an elongated or protrusive morphology, circumferential flow around the distal portion, and cyclical motion with the cardiac cycles.

RESULTS

There were 61 reports reviewed, of which 43 contained FFT cases. These reports had 342 cases (including the current series) that were reviewed, of which 145 met our inclusion criteria. A database was created for qualitative and quantitative assessment of all cases. When data were pooled, appropriate statistical analysis was performed. A limitation of the study is that FFT is under-reported and ill defined, which limited the analysis in quantity and quality. In addition, reporting is not uniform, and therefore, significant data were not always present. In attempting to define FFT and include or exclude cases, subjectivity is inherent.

CONCLUSIONS

FFT is more frequently reported in men than women, with a ratio of nearly 2:1 (P < .0001), and at a younger age than in most patients with carotid disease (P < .0001 when compared with North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial, European Carotid Surgery Trial, and Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial). Symptoms are present in 92% of patients. There was a trend for patients with FFT to be hypercoagulable (47% of those serologically tested). The internal carotid artery was the most commonly affected (75%), with atherosclerosis being the most common associated pathology. Medical and surgical management have both been used, with neither clearly superior to the other. Medical management for stabilizing neurologic deficits has less risk and less benefit than surgical intervention.

Acute Carotid Artery Thrombosis: Description of 12 Surgically Treated Cases

The morbidity and mortality of stroke secondary to acute internal carotid artery thrombosis range from 40 to 69% and from 15 to 55%, respectively, after purely medical treatment. This report describes a series of 12 patients who underwent urgent surgical treatment for primary acute carotid artery thrombosis between January 1999 and December 2002. Upon admission, all patients had severe neurologic deficits contralateral to carotid artery thrombosis. One patient experienced ongoing changes in the level of consciousness. The interval between the onset of symptoms and admission was less than 6 hr in all cases. Initial work-up in all patients included a brain computed tomographic scan with contrast injection and carotid duplex scan. The operative procedure consisted of carotid thomboemdarterectomy after shunt placement with prosthetic patch closure. Intraoperative angiography was performed in all cases. Following treatment, we observed deterioration of neurologic status leading to death in one case; improvement with partial regression of initial neurologic deficit in two cases, including one patient who died from causes unrelated to carotid artery disease; and full neurologic recovery in nine cases. The delay to revascularization was longer than 6 hr in both patients who died. These data support surgical intervention for carotid artery thrombosis in selected patients without major disturbances of consciousness or hemorrhagic infarction, provided that the delay to revascularization is less than 6 hr.