Endovascular treatment of basilar artery trunk aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils: clinical experience with 41 aneurysms in 39 patients

Management and long-term follow-up of basilar trunk artery aneurysms: a single center experience

Basilar trunk artery (BTA) aneurysm is a serious disease, management of which remains controversial and challenging. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 67 patients with 72 BTA aneurysms diagnosed and treated at our institution. Finally, 39 participants underwent conservative treatment and 27 received endovascular surgical treatment, including one patient who underwent external carotid artery-radial artery-second segment of the posterior cerebral artery bypass. Data on patient clinical and aneurysm characteristics were collected and risk factors for unfavorable outcome and death analyzed. 33 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 15 had a poor Hunt-Hess grade. Mean aneurysm diameter was 14.8 ± 12.6 mm and 28 aneurysms were > 15 mm. The total proportions of favorable outcome and mortality at discharge were 64.2% and 17.9%, respectively, while the corresponding proportions in the surgery groups were 53.6% and 17.9%. Moreover, we conducted long-term follow-up from initial diagnosis to 3 years. 57 patients had ≥ 6 months of follow-up and 31 patients reached 3 years. Mean follow-up time was 23.23 ± 21.58 months. The proportions of patients with unfavorable outcome and death increased in the group undergoing conservative treatment during the 3-year follow-up period. Further, the natural rupture rate increased from 43.3% initial diagnosis to 81.8% at 3 years. Poor Hunt-Hess grade was an important risk factor for unfavorable outcome and death. Undergoing surgery was a protective factor against death at six months; however, the complications rate was higher in the surgery group than that in patients receiving conservative treatment. In conclusion, although BTA aneurysm management remains controversial and unsatisfactory, patients with BTA aneurysm in the surgical intervention group appeared to have better outcomes.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured basilar artery trunk aneurysm in the acute period: risk factors for periprocedural complications

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become a popular option for the treatment of basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms because microsurgery of these lesions is difficult due to narrow surgical fields and perforating arteries or cranial nerves in the brainstem. The purpose of this study is to report our experiences using EVT for ruptured BA trunk aneurysms in the acute period and to evaluate the risk factors for periprocedural complications.

METHODS

From October 2004 to December 2020, a total of 27 consecutive patients with ruptured BA trunk aneurysms were treated with EVT. All patients met the following criteria: presence of ruptured BA trunk aneurysms and treatment with EVT for those aneurysms within 72 hours of rupture. The incidence of and risk factors for periprocedural complications were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 27 patients, periprocedural complications occurred in 4 patients (14.8%); mass effect inducing cranial neuropathy due to brainstem compression in 1 (3.7%) and brainstem infarction in 3 (11.1%). Hemorrhagic complications did not occur within 30 days. Subacute or delayed thromboembolic complications were not observed during the follow-up period. Large/giant aneurysm (odds ratio [OR], 6.417; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.732-18.031; P = 0.045) and stent-assisted coiling (OR, 4.145; 95% CI, 1.018-14.212; P = 0.031) remained independent risk factors for periprocedural complications based on multiple logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

When performing stent-assisted coiling for ruptured large/giant BA trunk aneurysms, awareness of and caution regarding periprocedural complications, such as brainstem infarction caused by thromboembolism or brainstem compression due to mass effect, are necessary.

Basilar artery trunk aneurysm: clinical and angiographic outcomes of endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND

Basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms are rare, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and angiographic outcomes of BA trunk aneurysm treated with EVT and to analyze risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.

METHODS

From October 2004 to December 2020, a total of 40 patients with BA trunk aneurysms underwent EVT. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Of the 40 enrolled patients, nine were treated by coiling without stents, 17 were treated by stent-assisted coiling, six by stent only, five by flow diverters, and three by vertebral artery occlusion.

RESULTS

In total, 27 (67.5%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial presentation, and 20 (50.0%) had large/giant aneurysms. Procedure-related complications occurred in five patients (12.5%); favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 27 patients (67.5%); and six patients (15.0%) died. Favorable angiographic outcome was achieved in 26 (83.9%) of 31 patients who underwent follow-up angiography. Poor initial Hunt-and-Hess grade (OR 7.67, 95% CI 1.55 to 37.80; p=0.018) was the only independent risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcome. Large/giant aneurysm (OR 8.14, 95% CI 1.88 to 27.46; p=0.047) and long lesion (OR 14.25, 95% CI 1.48 to 69.80; p=0.013) were independent risk factors for unfavorable angiographic outcomes during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

EVT might be a feasible option for this rare disease entity. Unfavorable angiographic outcome might be expected in a large/giant aneurysm or a long lesion. It can be difficult to treat BA trunk aneurysms by EVT, needing multiple procedures or various techniques due to diverse clinical and angiographic features.

Endovascular embolization versus surgical clipping in a single surgeon series of basilar artery aneurysms: a complementary approach in the endovascular era

Background

Currently, most basilar artery aneurysms (BAAs) are treated endovascularly. Surgery remains an appropriate therapy for a subset of all intracranial aneurysms. Whether open microsurgery would be required or utilized, and to what extent, for BAAs treated by a surgeon who performs both endovascular and open procedures has not been reported.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained, single-surgeon series of BAAs treated with endovascular or open surgery from the first 5 years of practice.

Results

Forty-two procedures were performed in 34 patients to treat BAAs—including aneurysms arising from basilar artery apex, trunk, and perforators. Unruptured BAAs accounted for 35/42 cases (83.3%), and the mean aneurysm diameter was 8.4 ± 5.4 mm. Endovascular coiling—including stent-assisted coiling—accounted for 26/42 (61.9%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 76.9% of cases. Four patients in the endovascular cohort required re-treatment. Surgical clip reconstruction accounted for 16/42 (38.1%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 88.5% of cases. Good neurologic outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 88.5% and 75.0% of patients in endovascular and open surgical cohorts, respectively (p = 0.40). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that advanced age (OR 1.11[95% CI 1.01–1.23]) or peri-procedural adverse event (OR 85.0 [95% CI 6.5–118.9]), but not treatment modality (OR 0.39[95% CI 0.08–2.04]), was the predictor of poor neurologic outcome.

Conclusions

Complementary implementation of both endovascular and open surgery facilitates individualized treatment planning of BAAs. By leveraging strengths of both techniques, equivalent clinical outcomes and technical proficiency may be achieved with both modalities.

Institutional Experience of Microsurgical Management in Posterior Circulation Aneurysm

Introduction:

Posterior circulation aneurysm constitutes 15%–20% of all intracerebral aneurysms. With the advancement of endovascular techniques, the microsurgery for posterior circulation aneurysms has been pushed back a little. Even the International Subarachnoid Aneurysmal Trial gave support to the concepts of endovascular procedures, but microsurgical modality should not be discouraged. We present our institutional experience of microsurgical techniques on posterior circulation aneurysms.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of 37 patients of posterior circulation aneurysm from 2015 to 2019, referred to Bantane Hospital, Japan. We included all posterior circulation aneurysms such as basilar tip, basilar trunk, and vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (VA-PICA) aneurysms, admitted and treated with clipping or bypass and trapping. We assessed the outcome as measured by modified Rankin Score (mRS), complications, and mortality.

Results:

Out of 37 patients, 10 cases were a basilar tip, one case was the basilar trunk, and 26 cases were VA-PICA aneurysm. Intraoperatively, neuromonitoring, indocyanine green dye, dual-image videoangiography (DIVA), and neuro endoscope were used. Two patients of basilar tip aneurysm developed third cranial nerve paresis and six patients of VA-PICA aneurysm developed lower cranial nerve paresis which resolved spontaneously. All the patients were discharged with mRS of 0 or 1. No mortality was recorded in our study.

Conclusion:

Microsurgical clipping of posterior circulation aneurysm is safe in unruptured aneurysm with a very low risk of mortality and morbidity under experienced hands. All postoperative complications in our study were transient and resolved with time with no residual deficits. Preoperative simulation, intraoperative neuromonitoring, DIVA, and neuro endoscope help achieve complete obliteration of aneurysmal sac and avoid complications.

Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms Causing Facial Pain: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by superior cerebellar artery aneurysms (TGN-SCAAs) is a rare event without previous analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the features of TGN-SCAA based on 8 cases (7 from literature +1 illustrative case).

METHODS

All cases were thoroughly studied with gathering of their epidemiological, radiological, clinical, therapeutic, and outcome data.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 61 yr. Gender distribution showed a female predominance (M: F = 2:6). Side distribution had a left dominance (75%). The aneurysms mean size was 15.4 mm (range: 5-27). All 5 proximal SCAAs (SCA-Basilar junction) presented a lateral-posterior projection, while all 3 distal SCAAs (s2 segment) had variable projections but constant direct trigeminal nerve (TN) contact. No hemorrhage occurred. TGN was the clinical onset in all 8 cases. The most frequent pain distribution was V1-2-3 (n = 3), followed by V1-2 (n = 1) and V1 alone (n = 1). Proximal SCAAs caused TGN through direct TN compression (n = 1), third nerve compression (n = 1), cavernous sinus compression (n = 1), or a combination thereof (n = 2). However, all distal SCAAs caused TGN by direct TN compression (n = 3). Two different treatment options were used: clipping (n = 4) and coiling (n = 4). The post-treatment Barrow Neurological Institute score for pain control was I in all cases (100%). The mRS score was 0 in 75% of cases.

CONCLUSION

TGN-SCAAs are infrequent lesions, characterized by large size, variable TGN mechanisms depending on their anatomic location, and mostly affecting the first and second trigeminal divisions. Both SCAA clipping and coiling were used equally, providing good neurological and pain relief results.

Saccular or dissecting aneurysms involving the basilar trunk: Endovascular treatment and clinical outcome

Objectives: Basilar artery trunk aneurysms (BTAs) are a rare pathology and difficult to treat. We present our experience regarding angiographic results and clinical outcomes for 16 BTAs treated by reconstructive endovascular treatment (EVT) using stent or balloon. Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2014, 15 patients (mean age, 58.6 years; 11 males) with 16 BTAs were enrolled. Clinical manifestation, outcomes and procedural complications were evaluated retrospectively, and follow-up angiography was performed 12 and 24 months after procedure. Results: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) developed in seven aneurysms and nine were found incidentally. In one case, SAH followed by acute infarction on pons. The location of the aneurysms was the pure basilar artery (BA) trunk in 13 and the junction of the BA and the superior cerebellar artery in 3. Reconstructive EVT was technically successful in 15 aneurysms (93.8%) and failed in one due to the difficulty of vascular access. Stent/balloon-assisted coiling was performed in 13 aneurysms and sole stent therapy in two aneurysms. One patient had periprocedural complication of acute in-stent thrombosis. All treated patients had no symptoms with the usual activities except three patients, who died from myocardial infarction, aneurysmal rebleeding, and cerebellar infarction. Angiographic follow-up was performed in nine aneurysms; three aneurysms were recanalized (33.3%) and six aneurysms had no interval change (66.7%). There was no significant event during the follow-up period (mean, 23.5 months). Conclusion: In the treatment of BTAs, reconstructive EVT may provide a feasible and safe option to microsurgery.

Intracranial Aneurysms of Neuro-Ophthalmologic Relevance

BACKGROUND

Intracranial saccular aneurysms are acquired lesions that often present with neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and signs. Recent advances in neurosurgical techniques, endovascular treatments, and neurocritical care have improved the optimal management of symptomatic unruptured aneurysms, but whether the chosen treatment has an impact on neuro-ophthalmologic outcomes remains debated.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A review of the literature focused on neuro-ophthalmic manifestations and treatment of intracranial aneurysms with specific relevance to neuro-ophthalmologic outcomes was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Cavernous sinus aneurysms were not included in this review.

RESULTS

Surgical clipping vs endovascular coiling for aneurysms causing third nerve palsies was compared in 13 retrospective studies representing 447 patients. Complete recovery was achieved in 78% of surgical patients compared with 44% of patients treated with endovascular coiling. However, the complication rate, hospital costs, and days spent in intensive care were reported as higher in surgically treated patients. Retrospective reviews of surgical clipping and endovascular coiling for all ocular motor nerve palsies (third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerves) revealed similar results of complete resolution in 76% and 49%, respectively. Improvement in visual deficits related to aneurysmal compression of the anterior visual pathways was also better among patients treated with clipping than with coiling. The time to treatment from onset of visual symptoms was a predictive factor of visual recovery in several studies. Few reports have specifically assessed the improvement of visual deficits after treatment with flow diverters.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions regarding the choice of therapy for intracranial aneurysms causing neuro-ophthalmologic signs ideally should be made at high-volume centers with access to both surgical and endovascular treatments. The status of the patient, location of the aneurysm, and experience of the treating physicians are important factors to consider. Although a higher rate of visual recovery was reported with neurosurgical clipping, this must be weighed against the potentially longer intensive care stays and increased early morbidity.

Endovascular management of fusiform aneurysms in the posterior circulation: the era of flow diversion

Fusiform aneurysms are uncommon compared with their saccular counterparts, yet they remain very challenging to treat and are associated with high rates of rebleeding and morbidity. Lack of a true aneurysm neck renders simple clip reconstruction or coil embolization usually impossible, and more advanced techniques are required, including bypass, stent-assisted coiling, and, more recently, flow diversion. In this article, the authors review posterior circulation fusiform aneurysms, including pathogenesis, natural history, and endovascular treatment, including the role of flow diversion. In addition, the authors propose an algorithm for treatment based on their practice.

Blood blister-like aneurysms in Tibetans: A retrospective observational study

OBJECT

Although research on blood blister-like aneurysms (BLAs) in different population is well documented, studies of that in the plateau area remain elusive. This study aimed to develop a better understanding of BLAs in Tibetan population, which is a typical representation of people in plateau area.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, the hospital information system (HIS) was used to search for consecutive patients with BLAs by using the discharge diagnoses. A total of 19 Tibetan patients and 34 Han patients were recruited from January 2012 to January 2016. Intra-hospital and follow-up data were collected and compared between two races.

RESULTS

Compared with Han group, Tibetan group got significantly higher ratio of BLAs among aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAHs) (19.6% (19/97) vs 3.2% (34/1071), p<0.001), higher Incidence of atypical located BLAs (26.3% vs 2.9%, p=0.034), higher risk of cerebral infarction (63.2% vs 11.8%, p<0.001), and greater number of patients with unfavorable outcomes at 6 months after ictus (57.9% vs 23.5%, p=0.028). In Tibetan group, patients underwent endovascular treatment presented with significantly lower cerebral infarction rate (p=0.019) and better neurological functional recovery outcome (p=0.048) compared with surgical group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with Han patients, Tibetan BLA patients presented with high risk of occurrence with atypical locations and high incidence of cerebral infarctions with poor prognoses. Endovascular treatment benefits more for Tibetan BLA patients in reducing cerebral infarctions and improving neurological functional recovery prognosis.

Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms, the "Sui Generis" in Posterior Circulation: The Role of Microsurgery in the Endovascular Era

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment in the present form has almost taken over the management of posterior circulation aneurysms. However, superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are among the few that are said to be surgeon friendly with comparable outcome with microsurgery. This study includes a comparative analysis of the SCA aneurysms treated with microsurgery and endovascular techniques at our institute along with a pooled analysis of available literature on overall outcomes in these 2 forms of treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included our patients with SCA aneurysms from 2000 to 2015. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at follow-up. A literature review was performed for clinical series on SCA aneurysms from 1991 to 2015 describing more than 10 patients for pooled analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 20 patients (microsurgery, 12; endovascular, 8), 66% from microsurgery and 75% from the endovascular arm had good outcomes (GOS score >3 and mRS score <3) (P = 0.54). Microsurgery had an 88.8% complete occlusion rate compared with 75% in endovascular treatment (P = 0.45). Pooled analysis of 12 studies showed that endovascular coiling is significantly associated with good clinical outcome (88.1% vs. 76.9%; P = 0.003). Microsurgery provides better radiologic outcome in terms of complete occlusion rate (90.1% vs. 67.4%; P = 0.0001) and lower recurrence rate (0% vs. 11.8%; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Individual series on SCA aneurysms have not proved any outcome benefit of either treatment modality over the other. However, pooled analysis suggests that microsurgery provides complete and sustainable aneurysm occlusion, although with an inferior clinical outcome.

Outcome of Surgical or Endovascular Treatment of Giant Intracranial Aneurysms, with Emphasis on Age, Aneurysm Location, and Unruptured Aneuryms - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Designing treatment strategies for unruptured giant intracranial aneurysms (GIA) is difficult as evidence of large clinical trials is lacking. We examined the outcome following surgical or endovascular GIA treatment focusing on patient age, GIA location and unruptured GIA. Methods: Medline and Embase were searched for studies reporting on GIA treatment outcome published after January 2000. We calculated the proportion of good outcome (PGO) for all included GIA and for unruptured GIA by meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results: We included 54 studies containing 64 study populations with 1,269 GIA at a median follow-up time (FU-T) of 26.4 months (95% CI 10.8-42.0). PGO was 80.9% (77.4-84.4) in the analysis of all GIA compared to 81.2% (75.3-86.1) in the separate analysis of unruptured GIA. For each year added to patient age, PGO decreased by 0.8%, both for all GIA and unruptured GIA. For all GIA, surgical treatment resulted in a PGO of 80.3% (95% CI 76.0-84.6) compared to 84.2% (78.5-89.8, p = 0.27) after endovascular treatment. In unruptured GIA, PGO was 79.7% (95% CI 71.5-87.8) after surgical treatment and 84.9% (79.1-90.7, p = 0.54) after endovascular treatment. PGO was lower in high quality studies and in studies presenting aggregate instead of individual patient data. In unruptured GIA, the OR for good treatment outcome was 5.2 (95% CI 2.0-13.0) at the internal carotid artery compared to 0.1 (0.1-0.3, p < 0.1) in the posterior circulation. Patient sex, FU-T and prevalence of ruptured GIA were not associated with PGO. Conclusions: We found that the chances of good outcome after surgical or endovascular GIA treatment mainly depend on patient age and aneurysm location rather than on the type of treatment conducted. Our analysis may inform future research on GIA.

A New Window for the Treatment of Posterior Cerebral Artery, Superior Cerebellar Artery, and Basilar Apex Aneurysm: The Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Approach

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of an endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to treat aneurysms arising in the basilar apex, posterior cerebral arteries, and superior cerebellar arteries.

STUDY DESIGN

Cadaveric anatomical study.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen cadaveric specimens.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Degree of surgical exposure of each artery attained, distance from the nasal vestibule to these three arteries, and feasibility of clipping these vessels using standard vascular clip applicators.

RESULTS

Both posterior cerebral arteries were exposed, 0.67 cm (standard deviation [SD]: 0.2) on the right side and 0.59 cm (SD: 0.2) on the left side. Both right and left superior cerebral arteries were exposed, 0.6 cm (SD: 0.2) and 0.7 cm (SD: 0.3), respectively. The length of the basilar artery exposed was 2.6 cm (SD: 0.3). The distance from the nasal vestibule to the posterior cerebral artery, superior cerebellar artery, and basilar apex was 10 cm with an SD of ± 0.7, 0.6, and 0.8 cm, respectively. We were able to apply clips on each of these three vessels with a minimal alteration of surrounding normal tissue.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach represents a potentially feasible surgical corridor to treat aneurysms arising from these vessels.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the working area obtained by endoscope and microscope in pterional and orbitozigomatic approach to the basilar artery bifurcation using computed tomography based frameless stereotaxy: A cadaver study

OBJECTIVE

Basilar aneurisms are one of the most complex and challenging pathologies for neurosurgeons to treat. Endoscopy is a recently rediscovered neurosurgical technique that could lend itself well to overcome some of the vascular visualization challenges associated with this pathology. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation (tip of the basilar) working area afforded by the microscope and the endoscope using different approaches and image guidance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a total of 9 dissections, including pterional (PT) and orbitozygomatic (OZ) approaches bilaterally in five whole, fresh cadaver heads. We used computed tomography based image guidance for intraoperative navigation as well as for quantitative measurements. We estimated the working area of the tip of the basilar, using both a rigid endoscope and an operating microscope. Operability was qualitatively assessed by the senior authors.

RESULTS

In microscopic exposure, the OZ approach provided greater working area (160 ± 34.3 mm(2)) compared to the PT approach (129.8 ± 37.6 mm(2)) (P > 0.05). The working area in both PT and OZ approaches using 0° and 30° endoscopes was larger than the one available using the microscope alone (P < 0.05). In the PT approach, both 0° and 30° endoscopes provided a working area greater than a microscopic OZ approach (P < 0.05) and an area comparable to the OZ endoscopic approach (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Integration of endoscope and microscope in both PT and OZ approaches can provide significantly greater surgical exposure of the BA bifurcation compared to that afforded by the conventional approaches alone.

The Endovascular Management of Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms

Background:

Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms are rare. We present a clinical series of twelve of these aneurysms that were treated exclusively with endovascular coils.

Method:

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of cerebral aneurysms treated with coil embolization was performed. Clinical notes and radiological images were reviewed.

Results:

Twelve superior cerebellar artery aneurysms were treated in eleven patients between 1992 and 2001. Seven patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, two with neurologic deficit, and two had asymptomatic aneurysms. Coiling resulted in complete aneurysm obliteration in six patients and incomplete obliteration in the other six. No subsequent hemorrhage occurred with follow-up between 6 and 119 months (mean follow-up 50 months). Procedural morbidity was one superior cerebellar artery infarct with good recovery. Management morbidity was one middle cerebral artery embolus during a follow-up angiogram that required thrombolysis with a good clinical result. Nine out of 11 patients on follow-up were performing at Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 5. One patient with GOS 3 presented with a poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other patient with GOS 4 presented with a parenchymal hemorrhage due to an arteriovenous malformation.

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment of superior cerebellar artery aneurysms is an effective treatment strategy with low morbidity.

Factors Predicting the Oculomotor Nerve Palsy following Surgical Clipping of Distal Vertebrobasilar Aneurysms: A Single-Institution Experience

Background The aim of our study was to identify various clinical and radiologic factors that correlate with the oculomotor nerve palsy following clipping of distal vertebrobasilar aneurysms. Methods A total of 48 patients with 51 aneurysms were included in this retrospective study . Patient's age, gender, size, location, and projection of the aneurysm, preoperative Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), temporary clipping, preoperative third nerve palsy, and Glasgow Outcome Scale were included in the model for analysis. Results A total of 15 patients (31.25%) developed oculomotor nerve palsy following clipping of basilar apex aneurysms. 38 patients (79.2%) presented with SAH and 35 patients (72.9%) had poor H&H grades at presentation. The size of the aneurysm (p = 0.03), preoperative H&H grade (p = 0.04), preoperative oculomotor nerve dysfunction (p = 0.007), and projection of an aneurysm (p = 0.004) had shown a significant correlation with the oculomotor nerve palsy. The size of the aneurysm (p = 0.030, odds ratio: 0.381; 95% confidence interval, 0.175-0.827] was an independent predictor of postoperative nerve dysfunction. Conclusion The size of the aneurysm, clinical grade at presentation, and projection of the aneurysm correlated with the oculomotor nerve dysfunction following clipping. These clinical and radiologic parameters can be used to predict the oculomotor nerve outcome.

Treatment of wide-neck basilar tip aneurysms using the Web II device

Endovascular treatment has assumed a major role in the management of intracranial aneurysms. Although current techniques have proven extremely effective in the embolization of a large number of intracranial aneurysms, wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms represent a subset that continues to pose technical challenges in treatment. This study reports our experience with WEB II, a new embolization device employed in four patients with this type of aneurysm.

Fusiform aneurysm on the basilar artery trunk treated with intra-aneurysmal embolization with parent vessel occlusion after complete preoperative occlusion test

Fusiform aneurysms on the basilar artery (BA) trunk are rare. The microsurgical management of these aneurysms is difficult because of their deep location, dense collection of vital cranial nerves, and perforating arteries to the brain stem. Endovascular treatment is relatively easier and safer compared with microsurgical treatment. Selective occlusion of the aneurysmal sac with preservation of the parent artery is the endovascular treatment of choice. But, some cases, particularly giant or fusiform aneurysms, are unsuitable for selective sac occlusion. Therefore, endovascular coiling of the aneurysm with parent vessel occlusion is an alternative treatment option. In this situation, it is important to determine whether a patient can tolerate parent vessel occlusion without developing neurological deficits. We report a rare case of fusiform aneurysms in the BA trunk. An 18-year-old female suffered a headache for 2 weeks. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance image revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the lower basilar artery trunk. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a 7.1×11.0 mm-sized fusiform aneurysm located between vertebrovasilar junction and the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries. We had good clinical result using endovascular coiling of unruptured fusiform aneurysm on the lower BA trunk with parent vessel occlusion after confirming the tolerance of the patient by balloon test occlusion with induced hypotension and accompanied by neurophysiologic monitoring, transcranial Doppler and single photon emission computed tomography. In this study, we discuss the importance of preoperative meticulous studies for avoidance of delayed neurological deficit in the patient with fusiform aneurysm on lower basilar trunk.

Surgical treatment for vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: special reference to the importance of the cerebellomedullary fissure dissection

OBJECT

The cerebellomedullary fissure (CMF) is a space between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata, which often adhere to each other. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the importance of the unilateral CMF dissection for clipping vertebral artery (VA)-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms.

METHODS

Five adult cadaveric specimens were studied after colored silicone was infused into the arteries and veins. The microsurgical anatomy of the CMF and the trans-CMF approach for VA-PICA aneurysm surgery were examined in stepwise dissections. In addition, 6 patients underwent surgery for VA-PICA saccular aneurysms (2 ruptured and 4 unruptured aneurysms) via posterolateral approaches, with wide opening of the unilateral CMF to obtain good visualization and a wide working space in the lateral part of the cerebellomedullary cistern. Clinical data including neurological and radiological findings and patient outcomes were analyzed in all 6 cases.

RESULTS

In all cases, the aneurysm was successfully clipped and no permanent neurological deficits remained. The wide opening of the unilateral CMF on the lesion side made it possible to retract the inferolateral part of the cerebellum easily, provided a wide operative field in the cerebellomedullary cistern, and enabled successful clip placement without difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS

For safe and effective VA-PICA aneurysm surgery, it is very important to dissect the CMF on the lesion side as well as to remove the lateral part of the foramen magnum. Direct clip placement is very safe and useful in cases involving VA-PICA aneurysms.

Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/american Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.

Endovascular and microsurgical treatment of superior cerebellar artery aneurysms

Objective

Superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are regarded as being as difficult to treat surgically as posterior circulation aneurysms. We describe here a series of 33 of these aneurysms treated with microsurgery or embolization.

Methods

Between June 1997 and August 2007, 33 patients (9 men, 24 women; age, 29 to 76 years) with SCA aneurysms underwent microsurgical (n = 12) or endovascular (n = 21) treatment. Twenty two patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thirty aneurysms were located in the junction between the SCA and the basilar artery (BA), two in the proximal SCA (S1) and one in the distal SCA (S2-3).

Results

Of the 29 SCA aneurysms, located in the junction between the SCA and BA, which were available on conventional angiography, 20 were lateral-superior, six lateral-horizontal, two lateral inferior, and one posterior type. Of the 12 patients treated microsurgically, eight had clinically excellent or good outcomes. Causes of poor outcomes included initial poor clinical status (n = 2), infarction due to parent artery compromise (n = 1), and artery of Heubner injury due to surgery for a coexisting anterior communicating artery aneurysm (n = 1). Of the 21 patients treated endovascularly, 17 had clinical good or excellent outcomes. Causes of clinically poor outcomes included initial poor clinical status (n = 2) and infarction due to thrombosis of exposed coil mesh (n = 1). One patient underwent embolization resulted in death due to vasospasm. Three patients required additional embolization for coil compaction.

Conclusion

There was no morbidity related to perforator injury, regardless of the treatment modality. Embolization or microsurgery is an effective modality, with relatively low procedural morbidity and mortality rates.

Endovascular treatment of basilar artery trunk aneurysms

BACKGROUND

There has been little reported on the endovascular experience of basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms due to its low incidence. The purpose of this study is to report the results of endovascular treatment (EVT) of BA trunk aneurysms.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2008, eight BA trunk aneurysms were treated by EVT. Five patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, one had intracranial mass effect, and in two of the patients the aneurysms were found incidentally. Four lesions were saccular aneurysms, three of them were found with BA fenestration. Three lesions were dissecting aneurysms and one was a giant fusiform aneurysm. The mean follow-up period of clinical outcome was 17.1 months (range, 6-32 months). Angiographic follow-up data was obtained in six patients for period of a mean of 15.6 months (range, 6-25 months).

RESULTS

Four patients with saccular aneurysms were treated by stent-assisted coil embolization except for one patient that was treated without a stent. Three patients with dissecting aneurysms were treated by a single stent placement. One of these dissecting aneurysms rebled in 4 days after stent placement and was secured by BA occlusion. One giant fusiform aneurysm was treated by bilateral vertebral artery (VA) occlusion after balloon test occlusion. Six patients (75.0%) had excellent or good clinical outcomes, one patient whose aneurysm rebled became vegetative, and one patient with bilateral VA occlusion died. Follow-up angiograms showed that four lesions had complete occlusion and two had neck remnant.

CONCLUSIONS

The endovascular catheterization of these lesions tends to be relatively simple compared to more complex neurosurgical approaches. EVT, especially using a stent, could be a valuable therapeutic method in treating BA trunk aneurysms.

Endovascular Treatment of Basilar Trunk Saccular Aneurysms

Basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms are rare and still remain a formidable surgical challenge. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the clinical entities and results of endovascular surgery of BA trunk saccular aneurysms. Between 1995 and 2009, 14 patients with 14 BA trunk saccular aneurysms underwent endovascular surgery. Six patients presented subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), three patients had another associated aneurysm which developed SAH, one patient presented with mass effect to the brain stem, and four patients were incidentally discovered. Five ruptured and seven unruptured aneurysms were successfully treated by endovascular surgery. Another one incompletely embolized aneurysm had grown to huge size five years later and the patient underwent a Hunterian ligation with a radial artery graft between the extracranial vertebral artery and the posterior cerebral artery. In one ruptured case, we attempted neck clipping, but this was abandoned because of concern for neck tearing by clipping. The aneurysm was embolized using detachable coils later. BA trunk aneurysms showed characteristic features such as so-called lateral aneurysm (43%), multiple aneurysms (43%) and four BA fenestrations (36%). The unusual high incidence of associated various vascular anomalies suggests that focal wall weakness must be based on the mechanism of aneurysm initiation on the BA trunk. Most patients presented with SAH. Pre-treatment neurological state was predictive for clinical outcome. Endovascular surgery is an effective therapeutic alternative that is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates, and should be considered the first choice treatment.

Endovascular treatment of aneurysms arising from the basilar artery trunk and branches

This study reports our experience with the endovascular treatment of basilar artery (BA) trunk and branch aneurysms. Subjects included 16 patients with BA trunk and branch aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment in our hospital from October 2000 to October 2009, including four patients with associated arteriovenous malformation (AVM), two with associated moyamoya disease, one with multiple aneurysms at adjacent sites, and one with a distant aneurysm. Endovascular coil embolization, together with stent or balloon assistance when necessary, or while occluding the parent artery was performed. Associated diseases were managed intraoperatively or in the second stage, or treated with gamma knife radiotherapy, or followed up. Two patients with unsuccessful embolization died of re-rupture at the fourth month and fifth month follow-up. The remaining 14 patients reported good outcomes and experienced no re-rupture of either the aneurysm or associated disease. Angiographic follow-ups were conducted for the 14 patients for six to 12 months. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination at the last follow-up showed no recurrence of the BA trunk and branch aneurysms. Together, BA trunk and branch aneurysms should be actively managed via endovascular techniques to prevent serious consequences due to aneurysm rupture and bleeding. Favorable outcomes can be obtained by the proper selection of endovascular treatment regimens.

Endovascular treatment of a large aneurysm arising from a basilar trunk fenestration using the waffle-cone technique

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular treatment of large intracranial aneurysms arising from a fenestrated parent vessel may prove particularly difficult. We present a case of a large, broad-based aneurysm arising from a proximal basilar artery (BA) fenestration treated with the waffle-cone technique. Technical nuances and indications for this treatment option are reviewed.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 38-year-old man presented with headache, blurred vision, and dizziness. Angiography demonstrated an 11 x 14-mm BA aneurysm associated with the proximal portion of a BA fenestration.

TECHNIQUE

A 28 x 4.5-mm Enterprise stent was placed from the right vertebral artery directly into the aneurysm. The stent tines were allowed to flare out in the aneurysm neck creating the "waffle cone." The aneurysm was then coiled with a series of Presidio coils.

CONCLUSION

Use of the waffle-cone technique for stent placement resulted in nearly complete embolization of the aneurysm, retention of the entire coil mass in the dome, and preservation of flow through both vertebral arteries and both limbs of the fenestration.

The combined approach to intracranial aneurysm treatment

BACKGROUND

A consecutive series of patients with intracranial aneurysms in the practice of one neurovascular surgeon was retrospectively reviewed to illustrate that one physician can become proficient in microneurosurgery as well as endovascular surgery and achieve favorable outcomes in both disciplines. This supports one model of training for cerebrovascular surgeons that includes the complimentary practice of open microneurovascular surgery with endovascular surgery.

METHODS

The senior author (HAR) treated 351 patients with 413 aneurysms between July 2001 and March 2007. Of these, 172 patients (216 aneurysms) were treated with open microneurosurgical techniques and 179 patients (197 aneurysms) were treated using endovascular techniques.

RESULTS

Complete obliteration was attained in 94.3% of clipped aneurysms, and 61.9% and 65.9% of coiled aneurysms immediately and after at least 6 months of follow-up, respectively. At latest evaluation, 93% of endovascular patients and 90% of microneurosurgical patients had good clinical outcomes (GOS, 4 or 5; mean follow-up, 23 months; combines ruptured and unruptured cohorts). Procedure-related mortality included 1 surgical patient and 2 endovascular patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the fields of microvascular and endovascular surgeries are both technically complex, there has been concern that hybrid cerebrovascular surgeons cannot perform each technique with the skill necessary to achieve good outcomes. When compared to clipping and coiling reviews in the neurosurgical literature, we illustrate that one hybrid neurovascular surgeon is capable of attaining great facility in both techniques and that this type of physician will represent one practice model of cerebrovascular specialist in the future. This has potential implications for the training of hybrid cerebrovascular surgeons.

Rate of Recanalization and Safety of Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms Framed with GDC 360 Coils

SUMMARY

Coil compaction and recanalization of cerebral aneurysms treated with coil embolization continue to be of great concern, especially in patients that presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The incidence of recanalization reported by previous studies ranges from 12 to 40 percent in experienced centers. We reviewed the incidence of recanalization requiring retreatment in patients treated with GDC 360 framing coils. A retrospective review of every patient who underwent coil embolization with GDC 360 coils for saccular aneurysms at our institution from December 2004 to March 2008 was performed. We studied the patients' demographics, clinical presentation, aneurysm size and configuration, type of coils used to embolize the aneurysm, the percentage of coils that were GDC 360 in any given aneurysm, the need for remodeling techniques like stent and/or balloon for embolization, immediate complications, cases in which we were unable to frame with the GDC 360 coil, and rate of recanalization on follow- up. A total of 110 patients (33 men, 77 women) and 114 aneurysms were treated with GDC 360 coils. Ninety-eight aneurysms were framed with the GDC 360 coils. There were two patients in whom the initial GDC 360 coil intended for framing had to be pulled out and exchanged for another type of coil. There were five procedure related complications (4.4%). Four patients required intra-arterial abciximab due to thrombus formation. One patient that presented with a grade III subarachnoid hemorrhage had aneurysm rupture while the coil was being advanced. A total of 50 patients (15 men and 35 women) underwent follow-up femoral cerebral angiograms at least six months after coiling (mean follow-up was 15 months). Forty-four of the patients with follow-up had the GDC 360 coil used as a framing coil. Three patients (6%) required retreatment due to recanalization. Every patient with recanalization requiring treatment had aneurysms of the anterior communicating complex that presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The rate of recanalization of cerebral aneurysms embolized with GDC 360 framing coils was lower in our case series compared to the existing literature reports. Patients with aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery were at increased incidence of recanalization in our patient cohort.

Safety and efficacy of adjunctive balloon remodeling during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a literature review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concurrent temporary inflation of a nondetachable balloon in the parent artery has been reported to be useful during endovascular coiling of complex, wide-neck aneurysms, facilitating truer coil reconstruction of the native vessel. Nevertheless, there exists concern that adjunctive use of balloon assistance may lead to increased adverse events during aneurysm coiling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search of all of the unassisted and balloon-remodeling studies published between 1997 and 2006 was conducted with application of strict selection criteria based on the reporting of complication incidence and outcome. The final cohort was analyzed to determine rates and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic aneurysm rupture and thromboembolism. Additional data were collected on the degree of initial and follow-up aneurysm occlusion rates.

RESULTS

A total of 83 potential studies (4973 patients) were identified, from which 23 articles reporting results for 867 traditional-unassisted and 273 balloon-assisted coiled aneurysms met inclusion criteria for the analysis of thromboembolic complications, and 21 articles with 993 routinely coiled and 170 balloon-remodeled aneurysms were eligible for iatrogenic perforation analysis. No statistically significant difference was found in the rates of thromboembolism. Iatrogenic perforation rates were also comparable, though the overall numbers were too few for meaningful statistical analysis. Both initial and follow-up aneurysm occlusion rates were higher in balloon-assisted cases.

CONCLUSION

This largest-to-date literature review and meta-analysis did not demonstrate a higher incidence of thromboembolic events or iatrogenic rupture with the use of adjunctive balloon remodeling compared with unassisted coiling. Balloon remodeling appears to result in higher initial and follow-up aneurysm occlusion rates.

Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for recurrence of aneurysms treated by endosaccular occlusion

Object

Aneurysms treated by endovascular coil embolization have been associated with coil compaction, and the rate of recanalization has been reported to be as high as 40%. The authors report the first published evidence of a correlation between aneurysm recanalization correlated with a history of cigarette smoking.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of all cases involving patients admitted to their institution from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2003, for treatment of a cerebral aneurysm. Cases in which patients were treated with coil embolization were reviewed for inclusion. Coil compaction was defined as change in the shape of the coil mass. Aneurysm recanalization was defined as an increase in inflow to the aneurysm in comparison with baseline. The incidence of coil compaction and the relationship with cigarette smoking history were compared in patients with and without recurrence.

Results

A total of 110 patients qualified for inclusion. The odds ratio (OR) for aneurysm recanalization after endosaccular occlusion with respect to history of cigarette smoking was significant for the entire cohort (OR 4.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–10.52) and especially for the female cohort (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.45–9.54). The male cohort demonstrated a trend toward a direct correlation, but the sample size was not large enough for statistical significance (OR 7.50, 95% CI 1.02–55.00).

Conclusions

There was an increased risk of recanalization especially in patients with low-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage who had a history of cigarette smoking. These data suggest a correlation between cigarette smoking and aneurysm recurrence.

Re-treatment of patients with embolized ruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Although one third of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated by GDC embolization manifest recanalization, a strategy for their subsequent treatment remains to be established. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of additional treatments performed after the first coil embolization.

METHODS

We treated 168 patients with acute ruptured intracranial aneurysms by GDC embolization, which was stopped when angiography confirmed complete obliteration. We recorded the type and number of all GDCs introduced for aneurysm occlusion and obtained follow-up cerebral angiograms at 6 months and 1 and 2 years postembolization. Patients with major coil compaction that had not disappeared at 2 years after the first embolization underwent re-treatment.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 18 (10.7%) of the 168 patients underwent additional therapy. In 16, we performed second (n = 14) or more than 2 repeated (n = 2) coil placement procedures for the same aneurysm. One patient died after the fourth coil embolization. Two patients underwent surgery; their aneurysms showed no change in the degree of occlusion on follow-up angiograms.

CONCLUSION

The additional treatment of previously coil-embolized aneurysms is safe, and the strategy of regular follow-ups is effective.

Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction: incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study was to report the incidence, clinical presentation, and midterm clinical and imaging results of endovascular treatment of 10 aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1995 and January 2007, 2112 aneurysms were treated in our institution. Ten aneurysms in 10 patients were located on the vertebrobasilar junction and 7 aneurysms (70%) were associated with proximal basilar fenestration. There were 5 men and 5 women, ranging from 29 to 75 years of age. Nine aneurysms presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one was a giant partially thrombosed aneurysm with mass effect on the brain stem.

RESULTS

Nine ruptured aneurysms were treated by primary coil occlusion. One giant unruptured aneurysm was initially treated with bilateral vertebral artery occlusion, 2 months later followed by selective coil occlusion of the remaining aneurysm lumen via the posterior communicating artery. At imaging follow-up of 6-30 months in 7 patients, all aneurysms were adequately occluded. In 2 patients, the vertebrobasilar junction and distal vertebral arteries (including the aneurysm) thrombosed completely on follow-up without clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are rare, with an incidence of 0.5% of treated aneurysms at our institution. Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are frequently associated with proximal basilar fenestration. Most patients present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in excluding the aneurysms from the circulation.

Basilar trunk aneurysms with associated fenestration treated by using Guglielmi detachable coils: two cases reports

Basilar trunk saccular aneurysms associated with fenestration are infrequent. Surgical treatment of a basilar trunk aneurysm is difficult because of its anatomic environment and complicated surgical exposure. We experienced two cases of basilar fenestration aneurysm, and the patients were treated using Guglielmi detachable coils. The usefulness of 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiography and efficacy of endovascular treatment for basilar trunk aneurysms with associated fenestration is discussed in this article, and the relevant literature is reviewed.

Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms: incidence, clinical presentation and midterm outcome of endovascular treatment

Introduction

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence, clinical presentation and midterm clinical and imaging outcome of endovascular treatment of 34 superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms in 33 patients.

Methods

Between January 1995 and January 2007, 2,112 aneurysms were treated in our institution, and 36 aneurysms in 35 patients were located on the SCA (incidence 1.7%). Two of three distal SCA aneurysms were excluded. All the remaining 34 SCA aneurysms, of which 22 (65%) were ruptured and 12 (35%) were unruptured, in 33 patients were treated by endovascular techniques. There were 6 men and 27 women ranging from 29–72 years. In 14 patients (42%) multiple aneurysms were present.

Results

Initial angiographic occlusion was (near) complete in 32 aneurysms (94%) and incomplete in 2 aneurysms (6%). Complications leading to permanent morbidity or death occurred in two patients (6.1%, 95% CI 0.6 to 20.60%). Outcome at 6 months follow-up in 31 surviving patients was GOS5 in 26 (84%), GOS4 in 4 (13%) and GOS3 in 1 patient (3%). There were no episodes of (re)bleeding during 118 patient-years of follow-up. The 6-month angiographic follow up in 28 SCA aneurysms and extended angiographic follow-up in 19 showed stable occlusion in 27 aneurysms. No additional treatments were performed.

Conclusion

SCA aneurysms are rare with an incidence of 1.7% of treated aneurysms at our institution. They are frequently associated with other aneurysms. Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in excluding the aneurysms from the circulation.

The Current Status of Treatment Strategies for Cerebral Aneurysms in Nagoya University and Affiliated Hospitals Based on a Questionnaire Survey

We investigated differences in the treatment strategies for ruptured aneurysms among 26 hospitals affiliated with Nagoya University and any changes in those strategies based on responses to a questionnaire. We also surveyed the data concerning patients with a ruptured aneurysm collected from our affiliated hospitals between 2001 and 2002. In half of the institutes, angiography is performed immediately after an urgent medical examination, there are only five hospitals (20%) which have a basic policy of terminating the angiography within three to six hours after onset. In half of the institutes, the timing of the treatment also depends on the location of the aneurysm. In particular, the treatment for vertebro-basilar aneurysms tends to be done the next day or later. Low-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients with mild symptoms tended not to be given any sedative drugs (46%), while patients with SAH in some institutes were sedated without informed consent regardless of the severity. The main treatment method for most anterior circulation aneurysms was clipping. Concerning aneurysms located in the posterior circulation and the origin of the ophthalmic artery, clipping and coiling were equally selected. Almost all the hospitals (92%) responded that their treatment strategy had not changed even after the report of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT). There is a great deal of difference in treatment strategies and indications among institutions. In particular, institutions without neuroendovascular interventionists (NETists) frequently persist in the conventional policy, making it urgently necessary to bring NETists up-to-date on the latest advance in endovascular treatment.

Initial clinical experience with matrix detachable coils for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

OBJECT

The Matrix detachable coil is a new bioactive, bioabsorbable coil used in the endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms. It has a platinum core covered with a bioactive, bioabsorbable polymer (polyglycolic acid/lactide). The authors report on their initial midterm clinical experience with the first-generation Matrix detachable coil.

METHODS

One hundred twelve patients harboring 118 aneurysms were treated using Matrix coils. Forty-nine aneurysms (41.5%) were associated with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Twenty-four lesions (49%) were harbored by patients with Hunt and Hess Grade I, 11 (23.4%) by patients with Grade II, eight (16.3%) by those with Grade III, and six (12.2%) by those with Grade IV. Four aneurysms (3.4%) were harbored by patients who had presented with nonacute SAH. Sixty-five aneurysms (55%) were unruptured. Fifty-seven lesions (48.3%) were small with a small neck, 29 (24.6%) were small with a wide neck, 30 (25.4%) were large, and two (1.7%) were giant. All patients were followed up to obtain angiography and clinical outcome data. Technical complications occurred in six patients: two thromboembolic complications and four aneurysm perforations. Of these six patients, the status of two deteriorated because of aneurysm perforation and another two because of thrombus formation (morbidity 3.6%). There were five deaths--one due to rerupture after embolization. Angiography follow-up studies of 87 aneurysms were obtained. Seventy aneurysms demonstrated progressive occlusion or a stable neck (80.5%), and 17 had some degree of recanalization (19.5%). The aneurysms originally diagnosed as a neck remnant showed a 15% rate of recanalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Matrix coils can be delivered into aneurysms with technical complications similar to those encountered using GDCs. Midterm anatomical outcomes to date have shown moderate improvement in the recanalization rate when compared with those realized using the GDC system. Because of the increased friction associated with the first-generation Matrix coil, the packing density in most aneurysms was less than that achieved with GDCs. Prolonged angiography follow-up evaluations are needed to document long-term efficacy.

TREATMENT OF RUPTURED INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS

OBJECTIVE

The outcomes reported in the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT), a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial to directly compare surgical clipping with endovascular coiling as treatments for ruptured intracranial aneurysms, have been misinterpreted by many to indicate the superiority of coiling to surgical clipping in all instances. To better understand the results of ISAT and their implications for practice patterns, we compared the ISAT results with the results of other published studies regarding the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Data from 19 published studies were compared with each other and with ISAT results. Outcomes examined were overall rates of mortality, rebleeding, poor outcome (disability and death), procedural complication rates, and rates of reoperation and nontotal occlusion.

RESULTS

In the 19 published studies, mean procedural complication rates were similar (surgical clipping, 11%; endovascular coiling, 9%); ISAT did not report procedural complications. ISAT rates were within the range of the other studies for overall mortality, total rebleeding, and poor outcome. Reoperation rates in the other studies were similar to those of ISAT (endovascular coiling, 12.5%; surgical clipping, 3.4%). The ISAT rate for less than 100% occlusion for endovascular coiling (6%) was below the range in the other studies (8.3–70.4%).

CONCLUSION

Discrepancies with the results of other published studies, procedural limitations in study design, and lack of some data endpoints and subgroup analysis raise concerns regarding extracting generalizations from the conclusions of ISAT. We think that the creation of a national registry would further the study of treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Giant Intracranial Aneurysms: Endovascular Challenges

THE TREATMENT OF giant aneurysms remains a formidable challenge for endovascular and surgical strategies. The use of endovascular techniques in a deconstructive (e.g., parent vessel occlusion) and reconstructive (e.g., stent coiling) methodology is reviewed. The results of endovascular coiling as a primary therapy for giant aneurysm occlusion have been disappointing. Hunterian strategies have had more success in published series, but recent developments in coil, glue, and stent technology show great promise in allowing parent vessel reconstruction as a primary endovascular target, with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and durability. A literature review of giant aneurysm endovascular treatment strategies was undertaken after 1994, when Guglielmi detachable coils were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Where possible, follow-up, durability, and occlusion rates are also reviewed.

[Terminovertebral aneurysm arising from basilar artery fenestration]

A case of ruptured middle saccular aneurysm arising from basilar artery fenestration is reported. Defects of the medial wall at the junctures of the fenestrated segments explain the association between vertebrobasilar aneurysms and basilar artery fenestration. A 47 year-old woman had a perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Immediate angiography revealed a ventral vertebrobasilar aneurysm and an endovascular coil occlusion was performed. Embryological development, pathogenesis and therapeutic difficulties are discussed.