Successful Cross-circulation Stent-Retriever Embolectomy Through Posterior Communicating Artery for Acute MCA Occlusion by Using Trevo XP ProVue

A comparative study on the efficacy of two different types of intracranial stent retrievers based on finite element simulation

This study investigates the thrombectomy performance of open (Solitaire FR 6 × 30) and closed (Trevo XP ProVue 6 × 25) stent retrievers in patient-specific vasculature using finite element analysis (FEA). The aim is to inform stent design optimization and improve surgical strategies. Patient-specific vascular models, thrombus models, and stent retriever models were constructed using CAD software. FEA simulated the thrombectomy procedure, and the simulation results were validated through in vitro experiments. The FEA predicted successful thrombus retrieval with the Solitaire FR 6 × 30, consistent with in vitro findings. Conversely, the Trevo XP ProVue 6 × 25 failed to retrieve the thrombus in the simulation. During Solitaire FR 6 × 30 thrombectomy, maximum thrombus stress (48.733 MPa), strain (2.257) and contact pressure on the vessel wall (7.177 MPa) were substantially higher than those observed during Trevo XP ProVue 6 × 25 thrombectomy (15.824 MPa, 1.554, and 1.872 MPa, respectively). Specifically, the Solitaire FR 6 × 30 induced 3.19 times greater maximum thrombus stress, 1.45 times greater maximum thrombus strain, and 2.83 times greater maximum vessel wall contact pressure. These findings suggest that the Solitaire FR stent retriever demonstrates superior thrombectomy efficacy compared to the Trevo XP stent retriever, likely attributable to its higher radial support force. However, the increased force exerted on the thrombus and vessel wall by the Solitaire FR raises the potential risk of thrombus fragmentation and vascular injury.

Intraoperative decision-making in thrombectomy for bilateral cerebral embolism: a mimic of thrombus migration

This study thoroughly examines the challenges in managing bilateral embolization, emphasizing intraoperative judgment. It aims to underscore the necessity of accurate etiological judgments and the limitations of cross-circulation thrombectomy. A 59-year-old male with hypertension and atrial fibrillation developed sudden limb twitching, progressing to limb paralysis and speech impairment. Neurological assessments identified multiple symptoms, while a head CT scan excluded intracranial hemorrhage. A mechanical thrombectomy revealed occlusions in the right internal cerebral artery (ICA) and left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Thrombus migration from the ICA terminus was misinterpreted as an escape from the anterior communicating artery, leading to unsuccessful thrombus retrieval. This study highlights the infrequency of bilateral embolic infarctions and intraoperative misjudgments arising from thrombus migration during thrombectomy. It underscores the limitations of cross-circulation thrombectomy and emphasizes a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis. The insights provided deepen the comprehension of thrombus migration patterns and inform strategies for bilateral embolism, focusing on optimal revascularization techniques.

Cross-Circulation Thrombectomy for Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion from Dislodged Thrombus of a Giant Internal Carotid Aneurysm: A Case Report

Objective

Giant aneurysms of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery presenting as acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are rare and often misdiagnosed. Limited treatment experience further complicates management.

Case Presentation

A 70-year-old female presented with acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion due to a dislodged thrombus from a giant internal carotid aneurysm. Emergency multimodal brain imaging techniques, including CT, CTA, and DSA, were used to clarify the diagnosis. Given the giant aneurysm's interference, cross-circulation thrombectomy via the anterior communicating artery was performed to revascularize the occluded artery. The patient achieved a relatively good outcome due to timely reperfusion.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging and innovative surgical techniques in managing complex cerebrovascular conditions, offering insights for future treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms with cerebral embolization.

Cross-circulation thrombectomy for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion through a posterior communicating artery: a case report

BACKGROUND

Two concurrent instances of acute large vessel occlusion identified in two circulation systems is rare and associated with poor clinical outcomes. The complex vascular anatomy and chronic lesions involving extracranial or intracranial vessels may make classical anterograde approaches through parent vessels quite challenging. Besides, the effective treatment is required complicated and risky endovascular techniques. The cross-circulation approach, which consists of primary catheterization of the target artery from the contralateral side or the opposite cerebral circulation system, provides an alternative endovascular route when anterograde intervention is not feasible. This approach helps to save time, enhance the efficiency, and improve the clinical prognosis of the patient. However, cross-circulation approaches are also associated with potential risks, such as long procedure times (puncture to recanalization), hemorrhagic complications, and thromboembolic events in unaffected arterial territories. We report the rare clinical case resolved by applying a posterior-to-anterior mechanical thrombectomy technique with intermediate catheter assistance.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 67-year-old woman presented with basilar artery and right middle cerebral artery occlusion and underwent simultaneous mechanical thrombectomy of both occluded intracranial arteries. Antegrade access to the right middle cerebral artery thrombus was prevented by the discovery of a chronic occlusion in the right carotid artery. Cross-circulation thrombectomy via the right posterior communicating artery was performed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that cross-circulation stroke treatment may be beneficial in cases with chronic occlusion or complex vascular anatomies.

The Rationale Behind Transcirculation Neuroendovascular Interventions: Literature Review Through a Case-Series Approach

BACKGROUND

With the development of advanced endovascular techniques and materials, neurointerventionalists can perform challenging and complex cases that were previously difficult to perform. Transcirculation approaches could be a useful tool used in complicated cases, providing access to the target vessel, through the contralateral or opposite circulation, when anterograde access is difficult or nonachievable.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively review cerebrovascular interventions performed through a transcirculation approach performed by staff at our Institution.

METHODS

English-language studies, published until August 2022, reporting transcirculation interventions in the cerebrovascular circulation were retrospectively collected. Type of intervention, number of cases, rationale, and complications were analyzed. Furthermore, similar cases performed by staff currently at our institution were also reviewed and described.

RESULTS

Including our cases, a total of 273 transcirculation treatment approaches have been reported. Intracranial aneurysm embolization, stroke thrombectomies, intra-arterial ophthalmic chemotherapy, arteriovenous malformationss, arteriovenous fistulas embolizations, and intracranial angioplasty and stenting are common indications. Reason for using a retrograde approach were stent/balloon-assisted coiling of wide neck aneurysm in 116 cases, difficult angulation of branch in 91 cases, occlusion of parent vessel in 55 cases, and bailout/other in 11 cases.

CONCLUSION

Transcirculation approaches can be considered for cases where conventional anterograde treatment options are not feasible or as a bailout strategy in failed or complicated treatment attempts. They represent a strategy to consider when facing challenging cases, and if performed by experienced and dedicated neurointerventionalists, they can represent a safe alternative.

Transcirculation Approach for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter Study and Review of the Literature

Background: Transcirculation approaches, which consist of primary catheterization of a target artery from the contralateral side or opposite cerebral circulation, provide alternate endovascular routes when anterograde interventions are not feasible. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) through a transcirculation route.

Methods: Six centers provided retrospective data on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who underwent MT via transcirculation approaches. Demographics and technical details of the endovascular intervention were collected. Recanalization rates, peri-procedural complications and clinical/angiographic outcomes immediately after the procedure and at last available follow-up were assessed. A review of the literature reporting on AIS patients whom underwent transcirculation MT was also performed.

Results: Our multicenter study included 14 AIS patients treated through transcirculation routes. Mean age was 57.8 ± 11.9 years, and 10 (71.4%) were men. Mean NIHSS at admission was 18.4 (range 8–27). TICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 10/14 (71.4%) patients. Three patients died after intervention: one due to late recanalization, one due to acute in-stent thrombosis, and one due to a procedure-related thromboembolic brainstem infarct. Of 11 surviving patients with follow-up available (mean 9.7 months), mRS 0–2 was achieved in 6 (54.5%) cases. Our review of the literature pooled a total of 37 transcirculation MT cases. Most common occlusions were tandem lesions (ICA + MCA = 64.9%) and BA + bilateral VA (18.9%). ACOM and PCOM were crossed in 18 (48.6%) cases each; one patient required a combined ACOM-PCOM approach. Primary recanalization technique included intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytics alone in 10 (27%), angioplasty ± stenting in 6 (16.2%), stent-retriever in 8 (21.6%), contact aspiration in 6, and combined (MT ± IA-thrombolytics) in 6 cases. Twenty-eight (75.7%) AIS patients achieved successful TIMI 2-3/TICI 2b-3 recanalization. After a mean follow-up of 6.7 months, 23/31 (74.2%) patients achieved a favorable functional outcome.

Conclusions: Transcirculation approaches may be used to access the target lesion when the parent artery cannot be crossed through conventional antegrade routes. These techniques are feasible but should be reserved as a bailout maneuver when anterograde MT is not possible. Newer endovascular devices have improved neurological and angiographic outcomes in transcirculation cases.

Emergency embolectomy for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with chronic common carotid artery occlusion

Occurrence of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with common carotid artery occlusion is rare, and its treatment may be complicated. If the approach route cannot be secured because of carotid artery occlusion, endovascular embolectomy may not be indicated. The best treatment approach for such cases remains controversial. A woman in her 70s was transferred to our hospital in ambulance following a sudden onset of dysarthria and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ischemic lesion in the right basal ganglia and occlusion of the right common carotid and intracranial middle cerebral arteries. Emergency embolectomy was performed for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete recovery of the right middle cerebral artery blood flow. Emergency embolectomy can effectively treat acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with common carotid artery occlusion.

Reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke: dawn of a new era?

Following the success of recent endovascular trials, endovascular therapy has emerged as an exciting addition to the arsenal of clinical management of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this paper, we present an extensive overview of intravenous and endovascular reperfusion strategies, recent advances in AIS neurointervention, limitations of various treatment paradigms, and provide insights on imaging-guided reperfusion therapies. A roadmap for imaging guided reperfusion treatment workflow in AIS is also proposed. Both systemic thrombolysis and endovascular treatment have been incorporated into the standard of care in stroke therapy. Further research on advanced imaging-based approaches to select appropriate patients, may widen the time-window for patient selection and would contribute immensely to early thrombolytic strategies, better recanalization rates, and improved clinical outcomes.

Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Using Trans-Anterior Communicating Artery Approach

BACKGROUND

A cross-circulation technique involves gaining access to a cerebral vessel through a patent anterior or posterior communicating artery. This technique may be used in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusions and an unfavorable direct route to the occlusion. While few previous reports have demonstrated a successful cross-circulation technique for treatment of emergent large-vessel occlusions, we present the first 2 cases of transanterior communicating artery stent retriever thrombectomy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Case #1: A 64-year-old female presented with acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. She demonstrated a "triple-tandem" brachiocephalic-internal carotid artery-middle cerebral artery occlusion, thus precluding direct access to the right MCA. Successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy was performed across the anterior communicating artery, using a left internal carotid artery approach. Case #2: A 70-year old female presented with acute occlusion of the left MCA and tandem occlusion of the cervical left internal carotid artery. Multiple attempts to catheterize the left common carotid artery were unsuccessful. She underwent successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy across a patent anterior communicating artery, using a right internal carotid artery approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Timely recanalization of an occluded artery plays a critical role in the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy of an occluded MCA is possible using a transanterior communicating artery approach in patients without a direct access route to the occluded intracranial vessel. We review the pathophysiology of tandem lesions, access routes to intracranial occlusions, and the literature on cross-circulation techniques to treat emergent large-vessel occlusions.

Cross-circulation thrombectomy with use of a stent retriever: A case report

Introduction The efficacy of the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke has been substantiated by several recent randomized clinical trials. While intra-arterial therapy has significantly evolved in recent years, anatomic cerebrovascular variants and disease burden can present challenges to timely recanalization. We present the first reported case of anterior-to-posterior mechanical clot retrieval with use of a stent retriever. Case description A 53-year-old man presented with basilar artery thrombosis. Endovascular mechanical clot retrieval was performed. The typical, antegrade, access to the basilar artery thrombus was precluded by the findings of a hypoplastic left vertebral artery and an occluded proximal right vertebral artery. Given a number of factors including the patient's worsening symptoms and the high morbidity and mortality associated with basilar stroke, cross-circulation-anterior-to-posterior-intra-arterial therapy was performed. Thrombectomy of the basilar thrombus was achieved via the right internal carotid artery and right posterior communicating artery. Conclusion To our knowledge, we report the first case of cross-circulation, anterior-to-posterior thrombectomy, with the use of a stent-retriever device. Cross-circulation stroke treatment may be beneficial in cases of proximal vessel occlusion or anatomical constraints. Larger studies will need to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these approaches.