Prasugrel Single Antiplatelet Therapy versus Aspirin and Clopidogrel Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Flow Diverter Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The optimal antiplatelet regimen after flow diverter treatment of cerebral aneurysms is still a matter of debate. A single antiplatelet therapy might be advantageous in determined clinical scenarios. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy versus aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of 4 retrospective multicenter studies including ruptured and unruptured aneurysms treated with flow diversion using either prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy or dual antiplatelet therapy. Primary end points were the occurrence of any kind of procedure- or device-related thromboembolic complications and complete aneurysm occlusion at the latest radiologic follow-up (mean, 18 months). Dichotomized comparisons of outcomes were performed between single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy. Additionally, the influence of various patient- and aneurysm-related variables on the occurrence of thromboembolic complications was investigated using multivariable backward logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 222 patients with 251 aneurysms were included, 90 (40.5%) in the single antiplatelet therapy and 132 (59.5%) in the dual antiplatelet therapy group. The primary outcome-procedure- or device-related thromboembolic complications-occurred in 6 patients (6.6%) of the single antiplatelet therapy and in 12 patients (9.0%) of the dual antiplatelet therapy group (P = .62; OR, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.260-1.930). The primary treatment efficacy end point was reached in 82 patients (80.4%) of the single antiplatelet therapy and in 115 patients (78.2%) of the dual antiplatelet therapy group (P = .752; OR, 1.141; 95% CI, 0.599-2.101). Logistic regression showed that non-surface-modified flow diverters (P = .014) and fusiform aneurysm morphology (P = .004) significantly increased the probability of thromboembolic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy after flow diverter treatment may be as safe and effective as dual antiplatelet therapy and could, therefore, be a valid alternative in selected patients. Further prospective comparative studies are required to validate our findings.

CLinical EValuation of WEB 17 device in intracranial aneuRysms (CLEVER): procedural, 30-day and 1-year safety results for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Intrasaccular flow disruption is an endovascular approach for the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms and, more specifically, wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms, which are challenging to treat with previously developed technologies. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device has demonstrated its efficacy and safety, for both unruptured and ruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

The CLEVER study was an observational, multicenter, prospective study conducted in 17 European investigational sites using the WEB 17 device, for the treatment of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. The study objective was to provide safety and efficacy data on the WEB 17 device in the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. Imaging results were assessed independently by a Corelab and adverse events adjudicated by a Clinical Event Adjudicator. This analysis reports procedural results and safety at 30 days and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients (mean age 58.1 years; 68.1% women) with 103 unruptured aneurysms and 60 ruptured aneurysms were enrolled. Most aneurysms were located on the anterior communicating artery (ACom) (37.4%) or the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation (30.1%). Aneurysm widths ranged from 2.0-9.2 mm, and the mean sac width was 5.0 mm. The WEB procedure was successfully completed in 163 patients (100%). At the 12-month follow-up, major stroke events occurred in 3 of 163 patients (1.8%), and no device-related mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of ruptured and unruptured wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms using WEB 17 is safe, with a low complication rate and no device-related mortality. In particular, none of the ruptured aneurysms bled again up to 1 year of follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03844334.

Incidence and outcome of perforations during medium vessel occlusion compared with large vessel occlusion thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Vessel perforation during thrombectomy is a severe complication and is hypothesized to be more frequent during medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) thrombectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and outcome of patients with perforation during MeVO and large vessel occlusion (LVO) thrombectomy and to report on the procedural steps that led to perforation.

METHODS

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, data of consecutive patients with vessel perforation during thrombectomy between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2022 were collected. The primary outcomes were independent functional outcome (ie, modified Rankin Scale 0-2) and all-cause mortality at 90 days. Binomial test, chi-squared test and t-test for unpaired samples were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

During 25 769 thrombectomies (5124 MeVO, 20 645 LVO) in 25 stroke centers, perforation occurred in 335 patients (1.3%; mean age 72 years, 62% female). Perforation occurred more often in MeVO thrombectomy (2.4%) than in LVO thrombectomy (1.0%, p<0.001). More MeVO than LVO patients with perforation achieved functional independence at 3 months (25.7% vs 10.9%, p=0.001). All-cause mortality did not differ between groups (overall 51.6%). Navigation beyond the occlusion and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter were the two most common procedural steps that led to perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, perforation was approximately twice as frequent in MeVO than in LVO thrombectomy. Efforts to optimize the procedure may focus on navigation beyond the occlusion site and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter. Further research is necessary in order to identify thrombectomy candidates at high risk of intraprocedural perforation and to provide data on the effectiveness of endovascular countermeasures.

High variability in physician estimations of flow-diverting stent deployment versus PreSize Neurovascular software simulation: a comparison study

BACKGROUND

Physician variablity in preoperative planning of endovascular implant deployment and associated inaccuracies have not been documented. This study aimed to quantify the variability in accuracy of physician flow diverter (FD) planning and directly compares it with PreSize Neurovascular (Oxford Heartbeat Ltd) software simulations.

METHODS

Eight experienced neurointerventionalists (NIs), blinded to procedural details, were provided with preoperative 3D rotational angiography (3D-RA) volumetric data along with images annotated with the distal landing location of a deployed Surpass Evolve (Stryker Neurovascular) FD from 51 patient cases. NIs were asked to perform a planning routine reflecting their normal practice and estimate the stent's proximal landing using volumetric data and the labeled dimensions of the FD used. Equivalent deployed length estimation was performed using PreSize software. NI- and software-estimated lengths were compared with postprocedural observed deployed stent length (control) using Bland-Altman plots. NI assessment agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

The mean accuracy of NI-estimated deployed FD length was 81% (±15%) versus PreSize's accuracy of 95% (±4%), demonstrating significantly higher accuracy for the software (p<0.001). The mean absolute error between estimated and control lengths was 4 mm (±3.5 mm, range 0.03-30.2 mm) for NIs and 1 mm (±0.9 mm, range 0.01-3.9 mm) for PreSize. No discernable trends in accuracy among NIs or across vasculature and aneurysm morphology (size, vessel diameter, tortuousity) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The study quantified experienced physicians' significant variablity in predicting an FD deployment with current planning approaches. In comparison, PreSize-simulated FD deployment was consistently more accurate and reliable, demonstrating its potential to improve standard of practice.

Outcomes with Endovascular Treatment of Patients with M2 Segment MCA Occlusion in the Late Time Window

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Randomized trials in the late window have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusions. Patients with M2-segment MCA occlusions were excluded from these trials. We compared outcomes with endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions presenting 6-24 hours after symptom onset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyses were on pooled data from studies enrolling patients with stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy 6-24 hours after symptom onset. We compared 90-day functional independence (mRS ≤ 2), mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and successful reperfusion (expanded TICI = 2b-3) between patients with M2 and M1 occlusions. The benefit of successful reperfusion was then assessed among patients with M2 occlusion.

RESULTS

Of 461 patients, 367 (79.6%) had M1 occlusions and 94 (20.4%) had M2 occlusions. Patients with M2 occlusions were older and had lower median baseline NIHSS scores. Patients with M2 occlusion were more likely to achieve 90-day functional independence than those with M1 occlusion (adjusted OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.25-3.65). There were no significant differences in the proportion of successful reperfusion (82.9% versus 81.1%) or mortality (11.2% versus 17.2%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk was lower in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions (4.3% versus 12.2%, P = .03). Successful reperfusion was independently associated with functional independence among patients with M2 occlusions (adjusted OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.11-7.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In the late time window, patients with M2 occlusions treated with endovascular thrombectomy achieved better clinical outcomes, similar reperfusion, and lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates compared with patients with M1 occlusion. These results support the safety and benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2 occlusions in the late window.

The FRESH Study: Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with the New FRED X Flow Diverter with Antithrombotic Surface Treatment Technology-First Multicenter Experience in 161 Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Flow diverters with antithrombotic coatings are increasingly used to improve the safety of flow diverter treatments of intracranial aneurysms. This study aimed to investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of the new FRED X flow diverter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical charts and procedural and imaging data of a consecutive series of patients with intracranial aneurysms who were treated with the FRED X at 9 international neurovascular centers were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one patients (77.6% women; mean age, 55 years) with 184 aneurysms (11.2% acutely ruptured) were included in this study. Most aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation (77.0%), most frequently at the ICA (72.7%). The FRED X was successfully implanted in all procedures. Additional coiling was performed in 29.8%. In-stent balloon angioplasty was necessary in 2.5%. The rate of major adverse events was 3.1%. Thrombotic events occurred in 7 patients (4.3%) with 4 intra- and 4 postprocedural in-stent thromboses, respectively (1 patient had both peri- and postprocedural thrombosis). Of these thrombotic events, only 2 (1.2%) led to major adverse events (ischemic strokes). Postinterventional neurologic morbidity and mortality were observed in 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion after a mean follow-up of 7.0 months was 66.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The new FRED X is a safe and feasible device for aneurysm treatment. In this retrospective multicenter study, the rate of thrombotic complications was low, and the short-term occlusion rates are satisfactory.

The Woven EndoBridge for intracranial aneurysms: Radiological outcomes and factors influencing occlusions at 6 and 24 months

PURPOSE

To identify factors influencing short- and mid-term radiological outcomes of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB).

METHODS

A total of 112 patients were treated for IAs with the WEB in at our institution between 2013 and 2020. Patients with 6- and/or 24-months follow-up data were included in the study. Aneurysm occlusion was evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RR). RR 1 and RR 2 were considered as adequate outcomes, while RR 3 inadequate.

RESULTS

Data were available for 91 patients (56 females, 62%) at 6 months and 62 of those patients (39 females, 58%) at 24 months. The adequate occlusion (RR 1/RR 2) rate was 89% (n = 81/91) at the 6-months follow-up and 91% (n = 56/62) at the 24-months follow-up. The treatment-related morbidity rate was 4% (n = 4/91), and mortality rate was 1% (n = 1/91). The predictor for inadequate occlusion at the 6-months follow-up was the lobular shape of an aneurysm (p = .01). The aneurysm's height (p = .02), maximal diameter (p = .001), width (p = .002), aspect ratio (p = .03), dome-to-neck ratio (p = .04), and lobular shape (p= .03) were predictive factors for inadequate occlusion at 24 months. All the thrombosed aneurysms (n = 3) showed unfavorable radiological outcomes and required re-treatment within 24 months. None of the patient-related factors were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The WEB provides favorable occlusion rates and low complications for both ruptured and unruptured wide-necked IAs. Unfavorable radiological outcomes after WEB treatment may be related to aneurysm morphology and size.

First clinical multicenter experience with the new Pipeline Vantage flow diverter

BACKGROUND

Flow diversion is an innovative and increasingly used technique for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. New flow diverters (FDs) are being introduced to improve the safety and efficacy of this treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the new Pipeline Vantage (PV) FD.

METHODS

Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the PV at 10 international neurovascular centers were retrospectively analyzed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, complications, and the grade of occlusion were assessed.

RESULTS

60 patients with 70 aneurysms (5.0% with acute hemorrhage, 90.0% located in the anterior circulation) were included. 82 PVs were implanted in 61 treatment sessions. The PV could be successfully implanted in all treatments. Additional coiling was performed in 18.6%, and in-stent balloon angioplasty (to enhance the vessel wall apposition) in 24.6%. Periprocedural technical complications occurred in 24.6% of the treatments, were predominantly FD deployment problems, and were all asymptomatic. The overall symptomatic complication rate was 8.2% and the neurological symptomatic complication rate was 3.3%. Only one symptomatic complication was device-related (perforator artery infarctions leading to stroke). After a mean follow-up of 7.1 months, the rate of complete aneurysm occlusion was 77.9%. One patient (1.7%) died due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage which occurred before treatment, unrelated to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The new PV FD is safe and feasible for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The short-term occlusion rates are promising but need further assessment in prospective long-term follow-up studies.

Long term WEB results - still going strong at 5 years?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our multi-center study is to examine 5-year radiological outcomes of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB).

METHODS

All patients treated with WEB between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. Patient and aneurysm characteristic data was collected from the electronic patient record. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed using a 3-grade scale: complete occlusion, neck remnant, and aneurysm remnant. Complete occlusion and neck remnant were considered as adequate occlusion, whereas aneurysm remnant was assessed as an inadequate occlusion.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients (72.7% female) with 66 IAs (n = 25 acutely ruptured) were treated with WEB. The mean age of patients was 55.6 years (range: 36-71 years). The mean width of the aneurysm neck was 4.5 mm (range: 2-9 mm). 5-year imaging follow-up data was not available for 16.6% patients (n = 11). During the follow up period, 14.5% of IAs (n = 8/55) required retreatment within 24 months of initial treatment with the WEB. A total of 55 IAs were analyzed for 5-year radiological outcome. Of these, including IAs required retreatment, 47.3% of IAs (n = 26/55) were occluded completely, 36.4% (n = 20/55) had neck remnant and 16.3% (n = 9/55) had recanalized. 83.7% of IAs were occluded adequately. None of the IAs rebled after initial treatment with WEB.

CONCLUSION

WEB can provide acceptable adequate occlusion rates at 5 years. Furthermore, recanalization appears to be unlikely after the first two years post-treatment. The results of large studies are needed to confirm these promising long term radiological outcomes.

Physical exertion as a risk factor for perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Perimesencephalic and nonperimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PM-naSAH and NPM-naSAH) have a different bleeding pattern and clinical course. The etiology and risk factors for PM-naSAH and NPM-naSAH are unclear. The objective of this study was to compare risk factors and triggering events between PM-naSAH and NPM-naSAH.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively all patients (n = 3475) who had undergone cerebral digital subtraction angiography between 2003 and 2020 at our tertiary hospital. Of these, 119 patients had 6-vessel angiography negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (47 (39%) PM-naSAH and 72 (61%) NPM-naSAH) and accurate information about the triggering event was available in 42 (89%) PM-NASAH and 64 (89%) NPM-naSAH patients.

RESULTS

PM-naSAH were younger compared to NPM-naSAH (mean age [SD]; 55.3 [11.1] years vs. 59.6 [12.2] years, p = .045. PM-naSAH was triggered during the physical exertion in 79% of patients and 16% of patients with NPM-naSAH (relative risk 5.4; 95% CI, 2.9-10.1, p < .0001). There were no significant difference in sex, smoking, alcohol abuse, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or anticoagulation/antithrombotic usage between PM-naSAH and NMP-naSAH, p > .05.

CONCLUSION

Physical exertion was a triggering factor in most of the PM-naSAH cases and the risk was five times greater than in NMP-naSAH. More studies are needed to confirm our results and to study pathophysiology of PM-naSAH and NPM-naSAH.

Compensated and non-compensated patient injury claims in internal carotid artery interventions in Finland, 2004-2017

OBJECTIVES

Analysis of patient injuries offers possibilities for improving quality in patient care. The aim of this study was to identify errors and adverse events leading to patient injuries in the treatment of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from Finnish patient injury claims and patient insurance center decisions in the treatment of ICAS, 2004-2017. Contributing factors to injury were identified and evaluated.

RESULTS

During the 14-year study period, 42 patient injury claims involving ICAS treatment were closed in Finland. One claim involved carotid artery stenting, and the other operations were carotid artery endarterectomies. Nine of the claims were compensated (seven for operations and two for evaluations). Fully trained vascular surgeons had carried out all the operations and evaluations. Stroke was the most common complaint in the claims (n = 12). Six of the compensated patients were symptomatic prior to the interventions. Injuries were related to errors in decision-making and patient selection in two cases. Four patients received compensation for nerve injury and three for stroke. No deaths were compensated as patient injuries. Most negative claim decisions were related to the injury having been unavoidable.

CONCLUSION

Compensated patient injuries involving the treatment of ICAS are rare but often serious and mostly involve open surgery. Patient injury claims provide a valuable source of information for recognizing errors in care and offer possibilities to improve patient safety.

Finnish flow diverter study: 8 years of experience in the treatment of acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Background

Flow diversion of acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is controversial due to high treatment-related complication rates and a lack of supporting evidence. We present clinical and radiological results of the largest series to date.

Methods

This is a nationwide retrospective study of acutely ruptured IAs treated with flow diverters (FDs). The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at the last available follow-up time. Secondary outcomes were treatment-related complications and the aneurysm occlusion rate.

Results

110 patients (64 females; mean age 55.7 years; range 12–82 years) with acutely ruptured IAs were treated with FDs between 2012 and 2020 in five centers. 70 acutely ruptured IAs (64%) were located in anterior circulation, and 47 acutely ruptured IAs (43%) were blister-like. A favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–2) was seen in 73% of patients (74/102). Treatment-related complications were seen in 45% of patients (n=49). Rebleeding was observed in 3 patients (3%). The data from radiological follow-ups were available for 80% of patients (n=88), and complete occlusion was seen in 90% of aneurysms (79/88). The data from clinical follow-ups were available for 93% of patients (n=102). The overall mortality rate was 18% (18/102).

Conclusions

FD treatment yields high occlusion for acutely ruptured IAs but is associated with a high risk of complications. Considering the high mortality rate of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the prevention of rebleeding is crucial. Thus, FD treatment may be justified as a last resort option.

The outcomes of recurrent wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB): A retrospective bicenter study

BACKGROUND

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a device for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. The safety and effectiveness of WEB for intracranial aneurysms have both been evaluated in previous trials. Our aim was to study the outcomes of recurrent intracranial aneurysms (IAs) treated with WEB.

METHODS

Clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with a wide-necked aneurysm recurrence, which was treated with WEB device, were assessed. Imaging follow-up was performed with digital subtraction angiography and/or magnetic resonance angiography. Aneurysm occlusion was determined using by the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC). RROC 1 and RROC 2 were considered as adequate radiological outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with 23 recurrent IAs were treated with WEB. Of which, 17 of recurrent IAs (74%) previously treated by coiling, three (13%) by clipping and three (13%) by WEB. The most common location of the recurrent IA was the middle cerebral artery (n = 10, 43%). Endovascular treatment with WEB alone was suitable for 20 recurrent IAs (87%). Ancillary devices were also used: coils in two (9%), and a stent in one (4%). Radiological follow-up results available for all patients (range: 3-60 months; median 24 months). Adequate occlusion (RROC I and II) was achieved in 20 recurrent IAs (87%). A hemorrhagic complication occurred 2 weeks post treatment in one patient (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

WEB could be an effective treatment with low rates of complications for challenging cases of recurrent wide-necked IAs.

Treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the new Surpass Evolve flow diverter: Safety outcomes and six-month imaging follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several studies have reported good long-term results in the occlusion of intracranial aneurysms with flow diverter treatment. The aim of this study was to report the safety and six-month follow-up outcomes using the new Surpass Evolve flow diverter in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysm treated with Surpass Evolve flow diverter in two high-volume neurovascular centers between May 2019 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Procedure-related complications, aneurysm occlusion (O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale), and clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with 30 aneurysms were included in the study. Favorable aneurysm occlusion (O'Kelly Marotta grading scale C-D) at six-month follow-up was achieved in 21/27 (78%) aneurysms. No clinical procedure related thromboembolic complications were encountered. Twenty-three out of 24 patients with unruptured aneurysms treated with Surpass Evolve remained clinically intact at clinical follow-up. There was one fatal hemorrhagic procedure-related complication (3%). In five patients with ruptured aneurysms, no early or late rebleeds occurred from the aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

Surpass Evolve FD worked technically well with no intraprocedural thromboembolic complications and occlusion rates comparable to other FDs.

Periprocedural Safety and Feasibility of the New LVIS EVO Device for Stent-Assisted Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms: An Observational Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stent-assisted treatment techniques can be an effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periprocedural feasibility and safety of the new LVIS EVO stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the LVIS EVO in 11 European neurovascular centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, immediate grade of occlusion, and technical and clinical complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients with 59 aneurysms were treated with the LVIS EVO device; 57.6% of the aneurysms were incidental; 15.3% were acutely ruptured; 15.3% were recanalized or residual aneurysms; and 11.9% were treated for symptoms other than acute hemorrhage. The most frequent aneurysm locations were the middle cerebral artery (25.4%) and the anterior communicating artery (22.0%). The rate of immediate successful deployment was 93.2%. In 6.8% (n = 4) of cases, additional in-stent angioplasty was needed. The immediate complete occlusion rate was 54.2%, while there was a residual aneurysm in 35.6% and a residual neck in 10.2%. Periprocedural technical complications occurred in 7/59 treatments (11.9%; the most frequent technical complication [n = 3] was thrombus formation), which all resolved completely without clinical sequelae. Postprocedural neurologic complications occurred after 4/59 treatments (6.8%; 2 transient ischemic attacks, 1 minor stroke, 1 major stroke), of which only 1 persistent complication was directly related to the procedure (minor stroke in the vascular territory distal to the stent).

CONCLUSIONS

The LVIS EVO stent is a safe, feasible device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Quality of life and clinical results after endovascular sclerotherapy: A comparison between intra- and extramuscular low-flow venous malformations

BACKGROUND

Based on clinical observations we hypothesized that patients with intramuscular venous malformations (VMs) did worse or needed more sclerotherapy sessions than patients with extramuscular VMs.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the difference in treatment and quality of life (QOL) results after Polidocanol sclerotherapy of intra- and extramuscular low-flow VMs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-one patients with a VM were treated with Polidocanol in two university hospitals. The results were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were compared. All patients completed a self-evaluating form on symptoms as well as a QOL questionnaire. The results were compared between two groups: intra- and extramuscular VM's.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between intra- and extramuscular groups concerning QOL and specific dimensions pain, functional problems or cosmetic appearance were found. Radiological changes in MRI examinations did not correlate with any of the subjective symptoms. 56% of the patients benefitted from the treatment according to patient self-evaluation.

CONCLUSION

In this material intramuscular VM's responded to the treatment comparably to extramuscular malformations. Post-treatment MRI findings do not correlate with subjective symptoms or QOL results and thus, a routine post-treatment examination seems to be unwarranted. Subjective symptoms and QOL results are the most important parameters in evaluating the effectiveness of sclerotherapy.

eCLIPs bifurcation remodeling system for treatment of wide neck bifurcation aneurysms with extremely low dome-to-neck and aspect ratios: a multicenter experience

Background

Wide necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) are among the most difficult aneurysms to treat. Very low dome-to-neck (DTN) and aspect ratios provide an even greater challenge in the management of WNBAs. We present the safety and efficacy profile for endovascular clip system (eCLIPs) device in the treatment of this subset of WNBAs with very unfavorable morphologies.

Methods

In our case series, 24 patients treated at 12 international centers were taken from a larger prospective voluntary post-marketing registry of 65 patients treated with the eCLIPs device and coiling. Those who had WNBAs at either the carotid or basilar terminus with a DTN ratio <1.6 and aspect ratio <1.2 were included. Radiologic and clinical outcomes were assessed immediately after the procedure and at the latest follow-up.

Results

The eCLIPs device was successfully deployed in 23 cases (96%). One patient (4.2%) died due to guidewire perforation distal to the implant site. No other complications were documented. After a mean follow-up of 15.8 months (range 3–40 months), good radiologic outcomes (modified Raymond–Roy classification (MRRC) scores of 1 or 2) were documented in 20 of 21 patients (95%) with follow-up data. The lone patient with an MRRC score of 3 showed coiled compaction after incomplete neck coverage with the device.

Conclusion

Our series of patients with aneurysms having adverse DTN and aspect ratios demonstrated that the eCLIPs device has a safety and efficacy profile comparable with currently available devices in the treatment of WNBAs.

Endovascular treatment of extradural internal carotid artery aneurysm with a flow diverter stent

Extradural internal carotid artery aneurysms are rare and the indications for treatment are not well defined. We report successful management of two high extradural internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with flow diverter stents. The endovascular repair of extradural internal carotid artery aneurysms is effective because with surgical treatment there is always the possibility of cranial nerve injury.

Flow diversion treatment for acutely ruptured aneurysms

Background and purpose

Flow diverters are sometimes used in the setting of acutely ruptured aneurysms. However, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications are feared and evidence regarding safety is limited. Therefore, in this multicenter study we evaluated complications, clinical, and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with a flow diverter for acutely ruptured aneurysms.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 44 consecutive patients who underwent flow diverter treatment within 15 days after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm at six centers. The primary end point was good clinical outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) 0–2. Secondary endpoints were procedure-related complications and complete aneurysm occlusion at follow-up.

Results

At follow-up (median 3.4 months) 20 patients (45%) had a good clinical outcome. In 20 patients (45%), 25 procedure-related complications occurred. These resulted in permanent neurologic deficits in 12 patients (27%). In 5 patients (11%) aneurysm re-rupture occurred. Eight patients died resulting in an all-cause mortality rate of 18%. Procedure-related complications were associated with a poor clinical outcome (mRS 3–6; OR 5.1(95% CI 1.0 to 24.9), p=0.04). Large aneurysms were prone to re-rupture with rebleed rates of 60% (3/5) vs 5% (2/39) (p=0.01) for aneurysms with a size ≥20 mm and <20 mm, respectively. Follow-up angiography in 29 patients (median 9.7 months) showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 27 (93%).

Conclusion

Flow diverter treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms was associated with high rates of procedure-related complications including aneurysm re-ruptures. Complications were associated with poor clinical outcome. In patients with available angiographic follow-up, a high occlusion rate was observed.

Quality of life after endovascular sclerotherapy of low-flow venous malformations: the efficacy of polidocanol compared with ethanol

Background Limited information is available on mid-term results and quality of life (QOL) after endovascular sclerotherapy of venous malformations. Purpose To compare two agents-polidocanol and ethanol-with a focus on the influence on QOL after sclerotherapy. Material and Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with a venous malformation in the head and neck area or in the extremities were treated with polidocanol between 2008 and 2013. Pre- and post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were compared. All patients completed a self-evaluation form on symptoms as well as a QOL questionnaire. The results were compared with previously obtained material during 1991-2001, comprising 44 consecutive, similarly located venous malformation patients subject to ethanol sclerotherapy. Results No significant clinical complications were observed. Subjectively, 19 (46%) of the patients benefitted from the treatment. QOL results showed that 85% of patients had an index < 39 - where 0 represents the highest and 100 the lowest QOL. Patients in the ethanol group had marginally better overall post-treatment QOL results. Post-treatment MRI in 35 patients showed the size of the malformation unchanged in 19 (54%) patients, in ten (29%) there was a decrease (<50%) while in six (17%) the decrease was more significant (>50%). Post-treatment MRI results did not correlate with either subjective symptoms or QOL results. Conclusion Polidocanol sclerotherapy were found to be an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment option for low flow venous malformations. Routine MRI for follow-up appears redundant and may be omitted.

Acute Treatment of Ruptured Fusiform Posterior Circulation Posterior Cerebral, Superior Cerebellar, and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms With FRED Flow Diverter: Report of 5 Cases

BACKGROUND

Flow diverter (FD) treatment of ruptured fusiform posterior cerebral artery (PCA), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are limited to single reports.

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and efficacy of FD treatment for ruptured fusiform aneurysms of the PCA, SCA, and PICA.

METHODS

Five patients with ruptured posterior circulation fusiform aneurysms and treated with a Flow-Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED/FRED Jr; Microvention, Tustin, California) stent in the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage between 2013 and 2016 were included and reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Two aneurysms located on the PICA, 2 on PCA, and 1 on the SCA. Mean treatment time with FD was 5.8 d (range, 0-11 d) from ictus. The technical success rate was 100%. On admission 2 patients were Hunt and Hess grade 1, 2 patients grade 3, and 1 patient grade 4. At discharge, 4 patients (80%) were independent (modified Ranking Scale (mRS) ≤2) and 1 patient had severe disability (mRS 4). None of the patients had aneurysmal rebleeding. All 5 aneurysms were completely occluded on angiographic follow-up (range, 3-22 mo). One patient had permanent intraprocedural in stent thrombosis and brain infarction. One patient had spontaneous nonaneurysmal intracerebral hemorrhage 1 mo after FD treatment. External ventricular drainage was inserted in 3 patients and ventriculoperitoneal shunt in 2 patients without hemorrhagic complications despite dual antiplatelet therapy.

CONCLUSION

FD could be considered as a treatment option for ruptured fusiform aneurysms located on PCA, PICA, or SCA when other treatment options are challenging.

Long-term results and quality of life after endovascular treatment of venous malformations in the face and neck

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results of endovascular sclerotherapy in treating venous and venocapillary malformations of the face and neck region, and to assess the quality of life after treatment.

Material and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with endovascularly treated venous and capillary-venous malformation of the face and neck were invited to attend for clinical control and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. To evaluate the quality of life after treatment, patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire which included 20 multiple-choice questions exploring 4 dimensions: psychological, physical, and social functioning, and pain.

Results: In 14 patients, symptoms and MR findings improved, while in 6 patients there was no improvement. Results concerning quality of life showed that most patients did well after endovascular treatment. Patients with venous malformations of the tongue had a worse outcome. Patients under the age of 16 at the beginning of the treatment and patients clinically followed by physicians specialized in vascular malformations had a better quality of life.

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for venous malformations is effective. Results and quality of life proved to be better when the endovascular treatment was begun before puberty and the patients had regular clinical controls after therapy.

[Diagnostics and interventional radiology of a bleeding trauma patient]

Ultrasonic examination performed for a hemodynamically unstable patient is a reliable means to find whether free fluid indicating bleeding is present in the abdominal cavity, pleura, or pericardium. Ultrasonic imaging is, however, less suitable for diagnosing visceral injuries, and if clinically possible, computed tomography, CT is the primary imaging technique for a trauma patient. In addition to visceral injuries, CT can be used for detecting active arterial bleeding, which has been found to predict the failure of conservative treatment. Embolization is a less invasive choice than surgery for treating bleeding.

Primary treatment of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms with stent-assisted coil embolization: report of two cases

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are among the most hazardous cerebrovascular aneurysms to treat; microsurgical treatment of these small, wide-necked, and exceptionally fragile aneurysms place patients at significant risk of morbidity or mortality. We report two cases of ruptured BBAs attempted to be treated for the first time with stent-assisted coil embolization solely and review the current literature on treatment options. Our patients underwent stent-assisted coil embolization of the aneurysms in the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). One patient was successfully treated without procedure-related complications. The other patient died after surgical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, carried out after intraoperative rerupture of the aneurysm during the endovascular treatment. In the successful case, 8-month and 19-month follow-up angiograms demonstrated incomplete (>90%) occlusion with residual filling of the aneurysm neck, which did not need additional coil embolization. Even though stent-assisted coil embolization of ruptured BBAs in the acute stage appears to be a technically feasible treatment option, the present stent-related endovascular technology has potentially hazardous drawbacks.

Transcatheter embolization of a renal artery aneurysm using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer

Our aim was to treat a clinically silent renal artery aneurysm. The patient was a 76-year-old man with elevated prostate-specific antigen and prostate biopsies with a grade II-III adenocarcinoma who was incidentally found to have an aneurysm in his right renal artery. We performed a successful transcatheter embolization of the aneurysm using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx). To avoid migration of the liquid material into the parent artery, a balloon was inflated in the orifice of the neck of the aneurysm while the liquid was injected. Five-month follow-up computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed total occlusion of the aneurysm.

Inadvertent intra-arterial drug injections: the role of angiographic and clinical findings

PURPOSE

To evaluate the angiographic findings of patients who have inadvertently injected oral formulations of drugs into an upper extremity artery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The radiology files for the previous 4 years were analyzed retrospectively. Seven patients were referred from the Emergency Department for angiography and possible thrombolysis during that time period.

RESULTS

The worst clinical results were found among the patients whose angiographic examinations showed absent flow. Two patients who were treated with local thrombolysis had no better results compared to the other five patients.

CONCLUSION

Findings of delayed flow and absent flow in angiography should lead to intensified conservative treatment, especially among patients who have clinical findings of delayed capillary refilling or/and impaired muscular strength.

Endovascular treatment of venous malformations in extremities: results of sclerotherapy and the quality of life after treatment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term results of endovascular sclerotherapy in treating venous extremity malformations and to assess the quality of life after treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients were included who had completed treatment with ethanol sclerotherapy and a minimum of one year observation period. Nineteen patients attended a clinical control. To evaluate the quality of life after treatment, 23 patients filled in a questionnaire which included 20 multiple-choice questions exploring four dimensions: psychological, physical and social functioning, and pain.

RESULTS

At the clinical control seven patients had no clinical symptoms related to the malformation, six had slight, four moderate, and two severe symptoms. In 16 patients the symptoms had diminished after treatment. No deterioration of the initial situation was observed. The results concerning quality of life showed that most patients did well after endovascular treatment. Pain was the most important injurious factor for state of health among the four different dimensions. The poorest outcome was found in malformations that filled the whole muscle or muscle compartment and in larger lesions. The patients whose malformation at the clinical control caused swelling to the extremity affected had poorer quality indices than others.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment for venous malformations is an effective treatment.

Activity-based cost analysis in catheter-based angiography and interventional radiology

The aim of this study was to analyse the costs of the interventional radiology unit and to identify the cost factors in the different activities of catheter-based angiographies and interventional radiology. In 1999 the number of procedures in the interventional radiological unit at Tampere University Hospital was 2968; 1601 of these were diagnostic angiographies, 526 endovascular and 841 nonvascular interventions. The costs were analysed by using Activity Based Cost (ABC) analysis. The budget of the interventional unit was approximately 1.8 million Euro. Material costs accounted for 67%, personnel costs for 17%, equipment costs for 14% and premises costs for 2% of this. The most expensive products were endografting of aortic aneurysms, with a mean price of 5291 Euro and embolizations of cerebral aneurysms (4472 Euro). Endografts formed 87.3% of the total costs in endografting and Guglielmi detachable coils accounted for 63.3% of the total costs in embolizations. The material costs formed the majority of the costs, especially in the newest and most complicated endovascular treatments. Despite the high cost of angiography equipment, its share of the costs is minor. In our experience ABC system is suitable for analysing costs in interventional radiology.

Treatment of lymphangiomas with OK-432 (Picibanil)

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of OK-432 sclerotherapy in the treatment of lymphangiomas.

METHODS

The treatment was begun for 14 patients with lymphangioma. The age range of the patients at the time of the first injection was from 10 months to 42 years. Eleven of the lesions involved the head and neck region, two the thorax and one was localized in the extremity. Prior to treatment all patients were investigated with either magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound or a combination of these modalities. The injections were performed with ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Eight patients received OK-432 as first-line treatment; five were treated after surgery and one after medical therapy. On average, 2.2 intracystic injections were performed per patient. Nine of the lesions were macrocystic and five were mixed lesions.

RESULTS

Eleven patients showed complete or marked response to the OK-432 sclerotherapy, two patients had moderate shrinkage of their lesions and only one patient showed no response to therapy. Macrocystic lesions showed the best response to therapy. Those patients who received OK-432 as first-line treatment showed complete or marked response.

CONCLUSION

It was found that treatment of lymphangiomas with OK-432 was safe and effective.

OK-432 (Picibanil) therapy for lymphangiomas in children

Lymphangiomas are benign, soft tumors that most often affect the head and neck area, usually causing marked cosmetic and functional problems. Treatment options include surgery and a large number of different sclerotherapy agents. Surgical treatment is challenging because of the need for complete excision. The risk of damage to surrounding structures or poor cosmetic results is high. Various sclerotherapy agents have been shown to have minimal effects on lymphangiomas. Their use has been associated with severe systemic, local and cosmetic side effects. OK-432 (Picibanil) is a new and promising form of sclerotherapy. An intracystic injection of OK-432 produces a local inflammatory reaction, which leads to resolution of the lesion. We have treated 11 pediatric lymphangioma patients with OK-432 with excellent results: complete regression in six, marked regression in four and no response in one case. Local swelling should be anticipated, especially when treating lesions near the upper airway. We found OK-432 injections to be safe and effective as a first line of treatment for lymphangiomas.