Additional Endovascular Therapy Research Articles

Spontaneous complete regression of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms with celiac artery occlusion after aorto-splenic bypass without additional treatment: a case report

BackgroundPancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm (PDAA) is a rare, but fatal disease. However, the association between aneurysm size and the risk of rupture remains unclear. There are many options for therapeutic strategies that should be discussed well because the treatment options are often complicated and highly invasive. However, it remains unclear whether additional endovascular therapy is essential for all patients undergoing bypass surgery. Here, we present a case of triple PDAAs with celiac axis occlusion and spontaneous complete regression of inferior PDAAs (IPDAA) after aneurysmectomy of superior PDAA (SPDAA) and aorto-splenic bypass.Case presentationA 68-year-old woman presented with one SPDAA and two IPDAAs caused by celiac axis occlusion. Aneurysmectomy for IPDAAs was difficult because of their anatomical location and shape. Therefore, we planned a two-stage hybrid therapy. The patient underwent aorto-splenic bypass and resection of the SPDAA. Follow-up CT was performed to evaluate the IPDAAs before planned endovascular embolization. Spontaneous regression of the IPDAAs and normalized PDA arcade decreased the blood flow in the PDA arcade. The patient is doing well without graft occlusion, and the IPDAAs have completely regressed 7 years after surgery.ConclusionNormalization of hyperinflow to the PDA arcade can lead to the regression of PDAA. Potentially, additional endovascular therapy may not be required in all cases when dilation of the PDA improves. However, more cases must be accumulated to establish criteria for predicting the risks of short- and long-term PDAA ruptures.

Hemorrhagic complications after stroke treatment with intravenous thrombolysis despite use of direct oral anticoagulants: an observational study.

For patients experiencing ischemic stroke despite receiving therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and without endovascular treatment options, therapeutic prospects are currently dismal. Current guidelines recommend intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) only for patients who have received DOAC in very restricted settings, as an increased risk of bleeding is suspected. However, recent retrospective observational studies suggest that IVT is safe despite DOAC pretreatment. To provide further evidence that IVT despite previous DOAC treatment is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Observational retrospective study. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data of patients who received IVT (+/- endovascular thrombectomy) despite DOAC pretreatment between June 2021 and January 2024 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including DOAC plasma concentration at admission. Secondary intracranial hemorrhages and functional outcomes at 3 months were assessed. Since 2023, patients have been treated according to a modified local standard operating procedure at our hospital, allowing for IVT despite DOAC pretreatment regardless of DOAC plasma levels or the use of reversal agents. Of 1821 patients treated with acute recanalization procedures during the study period, N = 35 had received IVT with (18) or without (17) additional endovascular therapy. Among these patients with a wide age range (42-97 years) and DOAC plasma concentrations up to 369 ng/ml, only one developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. A favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) after 3 months was observed in 57% (20) of the patients. IVT despite direct oral anticoagulation seems to be safe, even at advanced age and high DOAC plasma levels.

Clinical Outcomes of Common Femoral Thromboendarterectomy with Bovine Pericardium Patch Angioplasty

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of thromboendarterectomy (TEA) for common femoral occlusive disease using bovine pericardium patch angioplasty. The subjects were patients who underwent TEA for common femoral occlusive disease with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty from October 2020 to August 2021. The study had a prospective, multicenter, and observational design. The primary endpoint was primary patency (freedom from restenosis). The secondary endpoints were secondary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), postoperative wound complication, hospital death within 30 days, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days. Forty-seven TEA procedures with a bovine patch were performed in 42 patients (34 males; median age, 78 years; diabetes mellitus, 57%; end-stage renal disease with hemodialysis, 19%). Clinical presentations were intermittent claudication (68%) and critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) (32%). Sixteen (34%) limbs underwent TEA alone and 31 (66%) underwent a combined procedure. Surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in 4 limbs (9%) and lymphatic fistulas in 3 limbs (6%). One limb with SSI required surgical debridement 19 days after the procedure, and one limb (2%) without postoperative wound complications required additional treatment due to acute bleeding. Hospital death within 30 days occurred in one case due to panperitonitis. There were no MACE within 30 days. Claudication was improved in all cases. Postoperative ABI of 0.92 [0.72-1.00] was significantly higher than the preoperative value (P < 0.001). The median follow-up period was 10 months [9-13 months]. One limb (2%) required additional endovascular therapy due to stenosis at the endarterectomy site at 5 months postoperatively. Primary and secondary patencies were 98% and 100% at 12 months, respectively, and the AFS rate was 90% at 12 months. Common femoral TEA with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty has satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Extracranial Internal Carotid and Vertebral Dissecting Pseudoaneurysms: Clinical Features and Long‐Term Outcomes

Background The formation of dissecting pseudoaneurysms (dPSAs) is a common sequela of cervical artery dissection, which has been suggested to increase thrombotic risk in previous studies. This study reported clinical features and long‐term outcomes of cervical internal carotid (cICA) and vertebral artery (cVA) dPSAs. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review over a 10‐year period (January 2012–December 2021). Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, medical and endovascular treatments, and long‐term outcomes were reported for cICA and cVA dPSA groups separately. Nonparametric tests were used to compare group differences. Results In our cohort, 120 (12%) of 999 cervical artery dissection patients had dPSA, with 85% occurring in the cICA and 15% in the cVA. Most dPSAs occurred spontaneously or in association with minor trauma. Compared with cICA dPSA, patients with cVA dPSA were younger (median age [range]=34.5 [24–70] versus 52 [30–77]; P &lt;0.01), had a smaller dPSA size (median size [range]=4.5 mm [2–17] versus 8 mm [1.2–32]; P &lt;0.01), and were more likely to reduce in size at follow‐up (median size change [range]=−2.8 mm [−17;0] versus 0 [−24;10.8]). Antithrombotic therapy was predominately aspirin monotherapy. No patients with cVA dPSA experienced recurrent strokes and only 3% of patients with cICA dPSA developed new/recurrent stroke in the territory of dPSA while on an antithrombotic regimen requiring endovascular intervention, and none of the dPSAs ruptured. A total of 98% of the patients had an excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–2 at final follow‐up). Conclusion Most cICA and cVA dPSAs have a benign prognosis with medical therapy alone. Further prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to provide high quality evidence on the necessity of additional endovascular therapy at diagnosis in addition to medical therapy alone.

Abstract WP166: Endovascular Stroke Therapy For Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Has Diminishing Benefits With Number Of Retrieval Attempts

Introduction: The relationship between pass number during endovascular therapy (EVT) and outcomes in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been well studied. However, the association between number of thrombectomy attempts and outcomes for patients with posterior circulation LVO remains undetermined. Methods: From our prospective multi-institutional registry including 4 comprehensive stroke centers in the Houston area, we identified consecutive LVO AIS patients who underwent EVT (01/2018-06/2021). The number of thrombectomy passes and per-pass reperfusion grades (TICI) were recorded at time of the EVT procedure. The primary outcome was the effect of number of passes on functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included likelihood of attaining substantial reperfusion (TICI ≥2b). Results: Among 894 LVO AIS patients who underwent EVT, median age was 68 [IQR 58-78], 49% were female, and median NIHSS was 16 [IQR 11-21]. Of this cohort, 86 had posterior circulation LVO including 65 with basilar artery occlusion and 9 vertebral artery. The diminishing benefit on reperfusion and functional outcome after additional EVT passes was similar for anterior and posterior circulation AIS (Figure 1). Among patients with posterior circulation LVO, successful reperfusion with fewer passes was associated with greater likelihood of good outcomes (41.9% vs 6.7% mRS 0-2 with 1-2 vs ≥3, p=0.012). The likelihood of good outcomes with 1-2 passes for patients with posterior circulation LVO was comparable to patients with anterior circulation LVO (41.9% vs 40.2%, p=0.164). Conclusions: Similar to patients with anterior circulation LVO, patients with posterior circulation LVO undergoing EVT are more likely to achieve functional independence with successful reperfusion in fewer EVT attempts. Overall clinical outcomes are significantly better with fewer passes regardless of occlusion location.

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in acute and subacute lower-extremity ischemia: impact of adjunctive, solely nonthrombolytic endovascular procedures

We aimed to evaluate the role of adjunctive, solely nonthrombolytic endovascular therapy in treatment of acute lower-extremity ischemia by rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. A retrospective, single-center evaluation of 165 patients (167 limbs) that underwent rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy between 2009 and 2016 was performed. Rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy was used as a single therapy in 9.0% (15 limbs), followed by percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy in 6.0% (10 limbs), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 19.8% (33 limbs) and stenting in 25.7% (43 limbs). Rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy was followed by any combination of these three interventions in 39.5%. Clinical and technical success was documented in 92.2%, complications in 10.3% (n=17). No significant difference in clinical and technical success was observed using rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy alone or with additional endovascular therapy. On a long-term basis, the re-ischemia-free survival was nearly twice as high as in previous studies that reported more cases treated by rotational percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy alone. To assure a long-lasting primary patency after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, concomitant treatment of underlying lesions with adjunctive, nonthrombolytic endovascular methods should be considered.

Endovascular treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis – a single center study

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder. The majority of these patients respond favorably to systemic anticoagulation. However, a subset of patients will deteriorate clinically, despite optimal medical therapy. Methods Retrospective single center study of 28 consecutive CVST patients treated with systemic anticoagulation and additional endovascular therapy. Results Median age was 37.5 years (range 15–76 years), there were 21 (75%) women, and 20 (71%) had thrombosis involving ≥2 venous sinuses. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was present at admission in 18 patients (64%). Endovascular therapy consisted of local thrombolysis in 26 (93%) patients; 9 patients (32%) had additional mechanical thrombectomy, and in 2 (7%) patients thrombectomy alone was performed. Complete recanalization at end of the final intervention was achieved in 15 patients (54%), partial recanalization in 11 patients (39%), whereas there was no recanalization in 2 patients (7%). On follow-up imaging, conducted between 3 and 6 months, recanalization further improved to 76%, 19% and 5%, respectively. A favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 63% of patients at 3 months, which improved to 79% at 6 months. Post-procedural ICH or volume expansion of preexisting ICH was seen in 9 patients (32%). In total 5 patients died (18%). Conclusions Systemic anticoagulation with the addition of endovascular therapy with local thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy is a potential strategy to obtain recanalization in patients with CVST who deteriorate clinically despite medical therapy or are comatose. Endovascular therapy may increase the risk of ICH.

Abstract 101: Predictors of Early Neurological Deterioration in Minor Strokes With Large Vessel Occlusion Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis. A French Multicentric Observational Study (MINOR-STROKE)

Introduction: Whether thrombectomy added on intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), as compared to IVT alone, is beneficial in minor strokes with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. To identify predictors of early neurological deterioration (END) following IVT alone may help to select the best candidates for additional thrombectomy. Methods: MINOR-STROKE was a multicentric retrospective registry collecting data of IVT-treated minor strokes (NIHSS≤5) with LVO (internal carotid artery [ICA], M1, M2 or basilar artery; with central reading) treated with or without additional thrombectomy in 45 French stroke units. The patients initially intended for IVT alone, including those who eventually received thrombectomy due to END, were included in the present analysis. END was defined as a ≥4 points on NIHSS within 24hrs following admission. Thrombus length was measured centrally either on T2*-MRI, CT (hyperdense middle cerebral artery) or CT-angiography. Results: Overall, 799 patients were included: mean age 69 years, median NIHSS 3, occlusion located in ICA±M1/M2, proximal M1, distal M1, M2, or basilar artery in 20%, 7%, 19%, 50% and 4% of patients, respectively. Thrombus was visible in 78% of patients (median length 9mm, IQR 6-12mm). END occurred in 15% of patients and was associated with poor 3-month functional outcome (mRS&gt;2: 55% vs. 12% of patients with and without END, respectively). Only 15% of ENDs were due to intracranial haemorrhage. In multivariable analysis, a more proximal occlusion site (M2 [reference], distal M1: OR 2.1 [IC95% 1.1-4.1], proximal M1: OR 3.8 [1.6-9.1], ICA±M1/M2: OR 5.0 [2.6-9.6], basilar artery: OR 4.9 [1.1-4.1]; P &lt;0.001) and a longer thrombus (&lt;6mm [reference], [6-9mm[: OR 1.3 [IC95% 0.6-2.9], [9-12mm[: OR 1.8 [0.8-3.9] and ≥12mm: OR 2.7 [1.3-5.6]; P =0.036) were independently associated with END. END occurred in 33%, 19%, 14%, 7% and 27% of patients with ICA±M1/M2, M1 proximal, M1 distal, M2 and basilar artery, respectively, and in 8%, 10%, 14% et 23% of patients with thrombus length of &lt;6, [6-9[, [9-12[ and ≥12mm, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that thrombus location and length are strong predictors of END in minor strokes with LVO. This may help to select the best candidates for additional endovascular therapy.

The role of vacuum assisted thrombectomy (AngioVac) in treating chronic venous thromboembolic disease. Systematic review and a single center's experience.

Beyond medical therapy, the role of endovascular approach for the management of chronic Venous Thromboembolic (VTE) disease is yet to be defined. To our knowledge, no systematic reviews or guidelines are available that provide information on how to manage this chronic condition. This paper represents the first systematic review of published reports on the use of vacuum-assisted thrombectomy (AngioVac) in treating chronic VTE disease. A systematic review of published case-series, individual case-reports, and review articles in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar was conducted. Keywords used for the search were: "vacuum assisted thrombectomy", "AngioVac", "thrombectomy", and "chronic venous thrombosis". Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of chronic DVT (>28 days) and the use of vacuum-assisted thrombectomy device (AngioVac) with or without additional endovascular therapy. Our selection process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The literature search was conducted through June 2017. The initial search yielded 51 publications of which 18 reported the use of vacuum assisted thrombectomy (AngioVac) in treatment of venous thrombosis but only 7 reports (13 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Similarly, 5 patients representing our center's experience were included in the analysis. Patients' demographics, admission diagnoses, risk factors, and procedural success were individually reported. Procedural success (both partial and complete resolution of thrombus burden) was achieved in 15 of the 18 cases (83%). Failure to re-canalize or significantly improve venous flow was seen in only 3 cases. No procedural mortality was reported. However, in-hospital and long-term mortality rates were not reported. Vacuum-assisted thrombectomy using the AngioVac system is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical thrombectomy for chronic VTE management. The use of this device in iliocaval thrombosis appears to be safe and effective compared to other anatomical locations. Further outcome studies are needed to define long-term benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in treating chronic VTE diseases.

Invited commentary

Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are a clinically diverse group, and “all wounds are not created equal.” As the TNM classification system was developed to stratify and stage the burden of cancer, the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system has been similarly developed to stratify the risk of amputation in the diverse group of patients presenting with limb-threatening CLI. Using WIfI, amputation risk is assessed by a clinical score generated by grading wound characteristics, degree of perfusion, and extent of infection. This grading process is fairly straightforward; however, WIfI can be cumbersome, raising the question as to its utility to accurately obtain clinically useful data at sequential time points in the course of complex cases involving multiple providers. However, WIfI has been clinically validated in select settings. Cull et al retrospectively graded patients using WIfI for comparison with actual outcomes as well as with outcomes predicted by a panel of experts.1Cull D.L. Manos G. Hartley M.C. Taylor S.M. Langan E.M. Eidt J.F. et al.An early validation of the Society for Vascular Surgery lower extremity threatened limb classification system.J Vasc Surg. 2014; 60: 1535-1542Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (81) Google Scholar The severity of the WIfI scores correlated with 1-year limb salvage and, interestingly, wound healing rates. Zhan et al provided clinical validation by correlating score severity with the outcomes of limb salvage and wound healing.2Zhan L.X. Branco B.C. Armstrong D.G. Mills J.L. The Society for Vascular Surgery lower extremity threatened limb classification system based on Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) correlates with risk of major amputation and time to wound healing.J Vasc Surg. 2015; 61: 939-944Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (135) Google Scholar This study also demonstrated the benefit of revascularization to wound healing in patients with a certain score. The current article adds an additional dimension to the WIfI grading process by examining the ability of rescoring during the patient's clinical course to predict outcomes. The authors found that restaging during the clinical course may be indicative of future amputation-free survival. WIfI wound and infection grades, both initially and postoperatively, correlated with limb preservation. Interestingly, the ischemia grade at initial presentation was least important in predicting ultimate outcome, although the postintervention ischemia score at the 1-month follow-up interval seemed helpful to guide the need for further reintervention. Potentially, this observation could have an impact on the need to develop an actual data point to guide the need for additional revascularization, as additional endovascular therapy, or the move to bypass surgery. WIfI was not meant to function as an independent clinical decision-making tool but to allow better stratification of patients for accurate comparisons in clinical trials and evaluation of new strategies for treating CLI. To truly guide clinical algorithms, assessment of patient comorbidity and a more useful scheme to incorporate arterial anatomy would be required. Although this may add an additional layer of complexity to the process, the combination would be a powerful clinical tool in the management of patients in danger of limb loss. The opinions or views expressed in this commentary are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the Journal of Vascular Surgery or the Society for Vascular Surgery. Importance of postprocedural Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) restaging in predicting limb salvageJournal of Vascular SurgeryVol. 67Issue 2PreviewThe Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system was created to encompass demographic changes and expanding techniques of revascularization to perform meaningful analyses of outcomes in the treatment of the threatened limb. The WIfI index is intended to be analogous to the TNM staging system for cancer, with restaging to be done after control of infection and after revascularization. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of WIfI restaging after therapy in the prediction of limb outcomes. Full-Text PDF Open Archive

Predictors for Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Intravenous Thrombolysis in Posterior Circulation Stroke.

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is a standard treatment for anterior (ACS) and posterior circulation stroke (PCS). However, due to the low occurrence of PCS and of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in PCS, the knowledge about ICH predictors following IVT in PCS is sparse. Our aim was to identify predictors for ICH following IVT in PCS. The set consisted of 1281 consecutive ischemic stroke (IS) patients treated with IVT, out of which 158 (103 males; mean age 65.6 ± 12.3years) had PCS. Collected data include baseline characteristics, common stroke risk factors, pre-medication, stroke severity, admission blood glucose level, blood pressure and treatment with intravenous antihypertensive therapy before and during IVT, occlusion of arteries, recanalization rate, time to treatment, and clinical outcome at day 90. Overall, 11 (7%) patients had ICH. Atrial fibrillation (p = 0.004), neurological deficit at time of treatment in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (p = 0.016), decreased level of consciousness (p = 0.003), occlusion of basilar artery (p = 0.007), occlusion of PCA (p = 0.001), and additional endovascular therapy (p = 0.001) were identified by logistic regression analysis as significant predictors for ICH in PCS. Patients with ischemic lesion in the brainstem, occlusion of vertebral artery, or absence of basilar and posterior cerebral artery occlusion might be considered for treatment with IVT even in borderline cases. Those patients seem to have less frequently favorable outcomes without an increase in ICH rate. Time to IVT in PCS seems not to influence ICH risk or chances for favorable outcomes as significantly as it does in ACS.

Minor stroke due to large artery occlusion. When is intravenous thrombolysis not enough? Results from the SITS International Stroke Thrombolysis Register.

Beyond intravenous thrombolysis, evidence is lacking on acute treatment of minor stroke caused by large artery occlusion. To identify candidates for additional endovascular therapy, we aimed to determine the frequency of non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration in patients with intravenous thrombolysis-treated minor stroke caused by occlusion of large proximal and distal cerebral arteries. Secondary aims were to establish risk factors for non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration and report three-month outcomes in patients with and without non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration. We analysed data from the SITS International Stroke Thrombolysis Register on 2553 patients with intravenous thrombolysis-treated minor stroke (NIH Stroke Scale scores 0-5) and available arterial occlusion data. Non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration was defined as an increase in NIH Stroke Scale score ≥4 at 24 h, without parenchymal hematoma on follow-up imaging within 22-36 h. The highest frequency of non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration was seen in 30% of patients with terminal internal carotid artery or tandem occlusions (internal carotid artery + middle cerebral artery) (adjusted odds ratio: 10.3 (95% CI 4.3-24.9), p < 0.001) and 17% in extracranial carotid occlusions (adjusted odds ratio 4.3 (2.5-7.7), p < 0.001) versus 3.1% in those with no occlusion. Proximal middle cerebral artery-M1 occlusions had non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration in 9% (adjusted odds ratio 2.1 (0.97-4.4), p = 0.06). Among patients with any occlusion and non-haemorrhagic early neurological deterioration, 77% were dead or dependent at three months. Patients with minor stroke caused by internal carotid artery occlusion, with or without tandem middle cerebral artery involvement, are at high risk of disabling deterioration, despite intravenous thrombolysis treatment. Acute vessel imaging contributes usefully even in minor stroke to identify and consider endovascular treatment, or intensive monitoring at a comprehensive stroke centre, for patients at high risk of neurological deterioration.

Extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair: a case report.

IntroductionLimb occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a well-known complication. However, extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion are extremely rare.Case descriptionWe report a rare case of extensive ischemic ulcers that developed seven months after EVAR in an 85-year-old Japanese man. He had been taking appropriate anticoagulant therapy because of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Angiography showed a left limb occlusion and superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO), and intravascular ultrasound showed limb kinking. Endovascular therapy (EVT) was performed, and stent placement was used to cover a large amount of thrombi and correct the limb kinking, leading to complete recovery of left limb blood flow. After additional EVT was performed for the SFA CTO, outflow improved and the ulcers healed completely.Discussion and evaluationIt seemed that the combination of poor inflow and poor outflow led to limb thrombosis.ConclusionsHere, we describe an extremely rare case of extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion after EVAR. Patients should undergo careful follow-up after EVAR to monitor blood flow to the lower extremities. Additionally, the early detection and correction of limb kinking and poor outflow are essential to prevent the development of ischemic ulcers.

Abstract WP57: ASL MR Perfusion Imaging Detects Collateral Blood Flow Patterns and Dynamic Changes After Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Vessel-encoded arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI is a new non-invasive method that is able to assess collateral blood flow and the perfusion territories of the brain feeding arteries. Hypothesis: Collateral blood flow imaging with ASL MRI is feasible in acute stroke patients and can be used to study the relationship between infarct location, perfusion territories and collateral patterns, together with dynamic changes after treatment. Method: Consecutive acute stroke patients were imaged within 24 hours of onset. Follow-up imaging was performed at discharge and/or 30 days to assess changes in vascular distribution and final infarct size. The imaging protocol contained a vessel-encoded pseudo-continuous ASL, DWI and MRA sequence. Results: Twenty stroke patients were included (NIHSS, 10; range, 0-23). Twelve patients were treated with tPA and 3 with additional endovascular therapy. Median time from initial imaging to follow-up was 25 days (range, 3-36). 80% of the exams were interpretable. Thirteen subjects (70%) had an ischemic lesion within the expected perfusion territory; 12 within the internal carotid artery (ICA) territory and 3 from basilar artery. In 5 patients (25%), the infarct zone was fed through collateral pathways. Figure A demonstrates a patient with a left ICA occlusion and collateral flow through the anterior and posterior-communicating artery. In 2 of the 5 patients with collaterals there was a shift in the vascular distribution at FU with decline of collateralisation. Figure B shows a patient with a right-sided ICA dissection directly post endovascular therapy with collateral flow from the basilar artery and normalization of the vascular distribution after 30 days. Conclusion: ASL can access perfusion territories and collateral blood flow in acute stroke. It may potentially be used to identify brain tissue without adequate collateral blood flow and stratify patients suitable for appropriate (endovascular) therapy.

Outcomes of Endovascular Management of Acute Thoracic Aorta Emergencies in an Academic Level 1 Trauma Center

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic emergencies account for 10% of thoracic-related admissions in the United States and remain associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Open repair has declined owing to the emergence of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), but data on emergency TEVAR use for acute aortic pathology remain limited. We therefore reviewed our experience. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated emergency descending thoracic aortic endovascular interventions performed at a single academic level 1 trauma center between January 2005 and August 2013 including all cases of traumatic aortic injury, ruptured descending thoracic aneurysm, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, aortoenteric fistula, and acute complicated type B dissection. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were extracted. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for death. RESULTS: During the study period, 51 patients underwent TEVAR; 22 cases (43.1%) were performed emergently (11 patients [50.0%] traumatic aortic injury; 4 [18.2%] ruptured descending thoracic aneurysm; 4 [18.2%] complicated type B dissection; 2 [9.1%] penetrating aortic ulcer; and 1 [4.5%] aortoenteric fistula). Overall, 72.7% (n 5 16) were male with a mean age of 54.8 6 15.9 years. Nineteen patients (86.4%) required only a single TEVAR procedure, whereas 2 (9.1%) required additional endovascular therapy, and 1 (4.5%) open thoracotomy. Four traumatic aortic injury patients required exploratory laparotomy for concomitant intra-abdominal injuries. During a mean hospital length of stay of 18.9 days (range, 1 to 76 days), 3 patients (13.6%) developed major complications. In-hospital mortality was 27.2%, consisting of 6 deaths from traumatic brain injury (1); exsanguination in the operating room before repair could be achieved (2); bowel ischemia (1) and multisystem organ failure (1); and family withdrawal of care (1). A stepwise logistic regression model identified 24-hour packed red blood cell requirements R4 units, admission mean arterial pressure ,60 mm Hg, and

Intra-arterial thrombectomy: does invasive treatment lead to better outcomes than intravenous thrombolysis alone?

Intravenous thrombolysis is considered to be standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients arriving within 3-4.5h of stroke symptom onset. Recently, endovascular therapies have been proposed to extend and enhance stroke outcomes by targeting large vessel occlusions. Different radiologic methods, time windows, and treatment tools have delineated differences between trials. Overall, intravenous thrombolysis remains the treatment of choice for all acute ischemic stroke patients, with a small subset benefiting from additional endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapy remains a viable singular option for patients with large vessel occlusion unable to receive thrombolysis.

Management of recurrent aneurysms following endovascular therapy

The aim of the current study is to describe the complication rates and clinical outcomes in patients who either underwent repeat intervention or conservative management with radiographic surveillance when presenting with aneurysmal recurrence after endovascular treatment. Since publication of the international subarachnoid aneurysm trial (ISAT), an increasing number of patients are treated with endovascular therapy. However, recurrence after endovascular therapy continues to pose a challenge, and there is minimal evidence to guide its management. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent endovascular treatment of an intracranial aneurysm from January 2005 to February 2013. The patients who had an aneurysmal recurrence following the initial endovascular treatment were identified and divided into two groups: those followed with conservative management (n=24), and those who underwent reintervention (n=65). The groups were compared for complications and clinical outcomes. When a reintervention was undertaken, microsurgical clip ligation was associated with a higher rate of occlusion than additional endovascular therapy (p<0.001). When comparing conservative treatment and reintervention, there was no statistically significant difference in complications or clinical outcomes. Reintervention was more common in patients who were younger, had presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, or had a greater degree of recurrence. We conclude that clinical outcomes and repeat subarachnoid hemorrhage are similar in patients who underwent retreatment versus those who had conservative management for their recurrent cerebral aneurysms.

Outcomes of endovascular management of acute thoracic aortic emergencies in an academic level 1 trauma center

BackgroundThoracic aortic emergencies account for 10% of thoracic-related admissions in the United States and remain associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Open repair has declined owing to the emergence of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), but data on emergency TEVAR use for acute aortic pathology remain limited. We therefore reviewed our experience. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated emergency descending thoracic aortic endovascular interventions performed at a single academic level 1 trauma center between January 2005 and August 2013 including all cases of traumatic aortic injury, ruptured descending thoracic aneurysm, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, aortoenteric fistula, and acute complicated type B dissection. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were extracted. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for death. ResultsDuring the study period, 51 patients underwent TEVAR; 22 cases (43.1%) were performed emergently (11 patients [50.0%] traumatic aortic injury; 4 [18.2%] ruptured descending thoracic aneurysm; 4 [18.2%] complicated type B dissection; 2 [9.1%] penetrating aortic ulcer; and 1 [4.5%] aortoenteric fistula). Overall, 72.7% (n = 16) were male with a mean age of 54.8 ± 15.9 years. Nineteen patients (86.4%) required only a single TEVAR procedure, whereas 2 (9.1%) required additional endovascular therapy, and 1 (4.5%) open thoracotomy. Four traumatic aortic injury patients required exploratory laparotomy for concomitant intra-abdominal injuries. During a mean hospital length of stay of 18.9 days (range, 1 to 76 days), 3 patients (13.6%) developed major complications. In-hospital mortality was 27.2%, consisting of 6 deaths from traumatic brain injury (1); exsanguination in the operating room before repair could be achieved (2); bowel ischemia (1) and multisystem organ failure (1); and family withdrawal of care (1). A stepwise logistic regression model identified 24-hour packed red blood cell requirements ≥4 units, admission mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg, and 24-hour fresh frozen plasma to packed red blood cell (pRBC) ratio <1:1.5 as independent risk factors for death in this cohort. During a mean follow-up of 369 days (range, 35 to 957 days), no subsequent major complications or deaths occurred. All patients underwent serial computed tomographic angiography surveillance, and no device-related problems were identified during intermediate follow-up. ConclusionsThoracic aortic emergencies remain challenging. Our experience in a moderate-volume center supports the utilization of TEVAR in the acute setting. Twenty-four-hour pRBC requirements ≥4 units, admission mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg, and 24 hour fresh frozen plasma to pRBC ratio <1:1.5 were independently associated with death.

Thrombocytopenia: an early marker of late mortality in type B aortic dissection

Mid-term and long-term mortality after aortic dissection remain high and due to unknown factors. To determine predicting factors at the acute phase associated with mid- and long-term all-cause mortality, patients with type B aortic dissection including intramural hematoma, treated in one referral university center in an area with a population of 4 million, were analyzed over a period of 12 years (from 1996 to 2008). Based on the total population, 77 patients discharged after type B aortic dissection (including 11 intramural hematoma) were recorded as treated with either medical treatment alone (n = 41) or with additional endovascular therapy (n = 36). The mean follow-up period was 50.8 months, with a survival rate of 78 % (17 deaths). Patient history, symptoms, medical treatment, biological parameters, imaging, and intervention during acute phase (more than 150 parameters) were analyzed to identify any relationship with complications and death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses identified independent predictors of follow-up mortality from any cause. Factors influencing mortality (P < 0.05) were a low systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission, a thrombocytopenia in the acute period, chronic bronchitis, diameter of ascending aorta, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitor intake. Independent predictors of mortality were chronic bronchitis (P = 0.0022, hazard ratio (HR) 17.5), early thrombocytopenia (P = 0.042, HR 3.5), and admission SBP <120 mmHg (P = 0.0048, HR 7.928). Treated (medical ± endovascular) type B aortic dissection held a worse long-term prognosis, which can be correlated with predicting factors, especially in-hospital thrombocytopenia, and should require closer follow-up.

Endovascular Therapy after Intravenous t-PA versus t-PA Alone for Stroke

BackgroundEndovascular therapy is increasingly used after the administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for patients with moderate-to-severe acute ischemic stroke, but whether a combined approach is more effective than intravenous t-PA alone is uncertain.MethodsWe randomly assigned eligible patients who had received intravenous t-PA within 3 hours after symptom onset to receive additional endovascular therapy or intravenous t-PA alone, in a 2:1 ratio. The primary outcome measure was a modified Rankin scale score of 2 or less (indicating functional independence) at 90 days (scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability).ResultsThe study was stopped early because of futility after 656 participants had undergone randomization (434 patients to endovascular therapy and 222 to intravenous t-PA alone). The proportion of participants with a modified Rankin score of 2 or less at 90 days did not differ significantly according to treatment (40.8% with endovascular therapy and 38.7% with intravenous t-PA; absolute adjusted difference, 1.5 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], −6.1 to 9.1, with adjustment for the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score [8–19, indicating moderately severe stroke, or ≥20, indicating severe stroke]), nor were there significant differences for the predefined subgroups of patients with an NIHSS score of 20 or higher (6.8 percentage points; 95% CI, −4.4 to 18.1) and those with a score of 19 or lower (−1.0 percentage point; 95% CI, −10.8 to 8.8). Findings in the endovascular-therapy and intravenous t-PA groups were similar for mortality at 90 days (19.1% and 21.6%, respectively; P=0.52) and the proportion of patients with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 30 hours after initiation of t-PA (6.2% and 5.9%, respectively; P=0.83).ConclusionsThe trial showed similar safety outcomes and no significant difference in functional independence with endovascular therapy after intravenous t-PA, as compared with intravenous t-PA alone. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00359424.)