Aneurysm Embolization Procedures Research Articles

Safety and feasibility of the Wahoo Hybrid Access System, a dual-mode guide catheter, in a range of neuroendovascular procedures.

There is a clinical need for a guide catheter with combined stability and navigability, which can be used in a biaxial system for neuroendovascular procedures in place of triaxial systems. To assess the safety and feasibility of the Q'Apel Medical Wahoo Hybrid Access System, a dual-mode 0.072″ internal diameter guide catheter, in a range of neuroendovascular procedures. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases from a high-volume tertiary center in which the Wahoo Hybrid Access System was used as the guide catheter. Characteristics of the patients, vascular lesions, procedure, and procedural complications were assessed. A total of 102 patients were included for analysis. Vascular lesions were in the anterior circulation in 90 of 102 (88%), and posterior circulation in 12 of 102 (12%). Eighty-four cases were ruptured or unruptured aneurysm embolization procedures, the majority being balloon-assisted coiling (42%) and flow diversion (42%). All cases, including flow diversion, were performed as a biaxial system. There were no instances of prolapse of the catheter beyond the arterial segment in which it was initially placed. The procedure was able to be performed to completion in 101 of 102 (99%) cases. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 5 of 102 (5%); causality in two cases was unrelated to the guide catheter, and three were indeterminate. The Wahoo guide catheter is safe and feasible when used in a variety of neuroendovascular procedures. It can accommodate a range of devices, can be safely navigated into distal vasculature, and provides support for a range of procedures, including those which traditionally require triaxial support.

Use of Monte Carlo simulation software for calculating thyroid radiation doses from intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures

Use of Monte Carlo simulation software for calculating thyroid radiation doses from intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures

Feasibility and Safety of Transradial Aneurysm Embolization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Use of the transradial access (TRA) approach for neuroendovascular procedures has been increasing in recent years. Our aim is to assess the feasibility, success rate, and complications associated with TRA for intracranial aneurysm embolization. PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched for studies using TRA for intracranial aneurysm embolization. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled rates of procedural success and complications. Twenty-four studies comprising 1283 (85.9%) TRA and 122 (8.2%) distal TRA aneurysm embolization procedures were included. The pooled success rate of the 18 studies in the meta-analysis was 93.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.1%-95.8%). The pooled thromboembolic complication rate was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%), the hemorrhagic complication rate was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%), and the access site complication rate was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.3%). One study (4.3%) used exclusively a 7-French guide catheter, and most used a 6-French guide catheter (22 of 23 studies, 95.7%), which was further incorporated as part of a triaxial configuration through a sheathless 8-French system in 4 studies (17.4%), 7-French guide catheter in 2 studies (8.7%), and 8-French sheath in 1 study (4.3%). The embolization techniques used were flow diverter placement in 451 cases (39.1%), coiling in 376 (32.6%), stent-assisted coiling in 127 (11.0%), balloon-assisted coiling in 104 (9.0%), Woven EndoBridge system in 50 (4.3%), and flow diverter placement plus coiling in 42 (3.6%). Treating intracranial aneurysms using various embolization techniques through TRA is feasible and associated with low access site and intraoperative complications.

Transradial access for embolization of cerebral aneurysms with the woven EndoBridge device: Case series and review of the literature.

Transradial access is an increasingly utilized route for neurointerventions with benefits of lower rates of access site complications, earlier patient mobilization and increased patient satisfaction over transfemoral interventions. There is limited data on deployment of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) via transradial access. We report a case series of consecutive patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm embolization with the WEB device via transradial biaxial access. A database of neuroendovascular procedures was queried for consecutive aneurysm embolization procedures involving the WEB device and intended via the transradial approach between August 2019 and July 2020. Patient demographics, radiological aneurysm characteristics and procedure details were recorded and statistically evaluated. Google Scholar and Pubmed were searched for previous reports of transradial WEB embolization. Ten aneurysms were treated in ten patients. All aneurysms were treated with successful WEB deployment. Nine of the ten aneurysms were successfully treated via transradial biaxial access. One aneurysm required conversion to transfemoral access. There were no clinical complications and no morbidity or mortality. Transradial embolization of cerebral aneurysms with the WEB device is safe and feasible with low rates of access failure or complications.

Heparin Flush Use in Transfemoral Cerebral Angiography Survey

The drug concentration of heparinized saline used for transfemoral catheter angiography flush during different types of cerebral angiogram procedures varies among providers and centers worldwide. Although heparin is recommended for use during cerebral angiograms to minimize the risk of thromboembolic events associated with the utilization of multiple endovascular devices and lengthy procedures, there is a paucity of information available regarding protocols for administration of heparin and heparinized saline. Higher concentrations of heparinized saline flush may benefit patients undergoing elective nonruptured intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures by decreasing the risk of thromboembolism. However, it could potentially place patients undergoing revascularization procedures for acute ischemic stroke at higher risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly if they received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator immediately before endovascular thrombectomy. After obtaining permission from the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) Board of Directors, a survey was presented in English and electronically distributed by the ARIN to all current and past ARIN members with valid e-mail addresses. The survey was preceded by an introductory letter explaining the study purpose and its voluntary nature. Response to the survey was identified as consent to participate. Subjects were asked to participate if they were currently involved in the management of patients undergoing cerebral angiography with a variety of interventions including management of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There is a paucity of evidence supporting use of a specific concentration of heparinized saline solution. It ranges from no heparin added to concentrations exceeding 5 units/mL for transfemoral flush. The most frequently used concentration is 2 units/mL (32.8–34.8% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention), and the least frequently utilized concentrations are 3 units/mL and higher than 5 units/mL (4.3–5.7% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention). Mixing and labeling bags with heparinized saline flush was noted to be the responsibility of interventional radiology registered nurse (39%, n = 46), pharmacy (26.3%, n = 31), or the angiography technologist (8.5%, n = 10). More than quarter (26.5%) of respondents noted not having readily available premixed heparinized saline flush. Twenty-four (20.3%) of survey participants claimed using only premixed bags of heparinized saline solution. Despite the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Institute for Safe Medication Practices and Joint Commission recommendations, there are no standard protocols across stroke centers identifying optimal heparinized saline flush solution concentration, preparation, and documentation. Replication of this survey among members of the American Society of Neuroradiology is recommended to validate the findings from the present study. If confirmed, a consensus on safety of heparinized saline flush use during neuroradiology interventions is strongly advised.

Call for Editorial Board Members

The drug concentration of heparinized saline used for transfemoral catheter angiography flush during different types of cerebral angiogram procedures varies among providers and centers worldwide. Although heparin is recommended for use during cerebral angiograms to minimize the risk of thromboembolic events associated with the utilization of multiple endovascular devices and lengthy procedures, there is a paucity of information available regarding protocols for administration of heparin and heparinized saline. Higher concentrations of heparinized saline flush may benefit patients undergoing elective nonruptured intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures by decreasing the risk of thromboembolism. However, it could potentially place patients undergoing revascularization procedures for acute ischemic stroke at higher risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly if they received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator immediately before endovascular thrombectomy. After obtaining permission from the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) Board of Directors, a survey was presented in English and electronically distributed by the ARIN to all current and past ARIN members with valid e-mail addresses. The survey was preceded by an introductory letter explaining the study purpose and its voluntary nature. Response to the survey was identified as consent to participate. Subjects were asked to participate if they were currently involved in the management of patients undergoing cerebral angiography with a variety of interventions including management of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There is a paucity of evidence supporting use of a specific concentration of heparinized saline solution. It ranges from no heparin added to concentrations exceeding 5 units/mL for transfemoral flush. The most frequently used concentration is 2 units/mL (32.8–34.8% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention), and the least frequently utilized concentrations are 3 units/mL and higher than 5 units/mL (4.3–5.7% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention). Mixing and labeling bags with heparinized saline flush was noted to be the responsibility of interventional radiology registered nurse (39%, n = 46), pharmacy (26.3%, n = 31), or the angiography technologist (8.5%, n = 10). More than quarter (26.5%) of respondents noted not having readily available premixed heparinized saline flush. Twenty-four (20.3%) of survey participants claimed using only premixed bags of heparinized saline solution. Despite the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Institute for Safe Medication Practices and Joint Commission recommendations, there are no standard protocols across stroke centers identifying optimal heparinized saline flush solution concentration, preparation, and documentation. Replication of this survey among members of the American Society of Neuroradiology is recommended to validate the findings from the present study. If confirmed, a consensus on safety of heparinized saline flush use during neuroradiology interventions is strongly advised.

Impact of coil price knowledge by the operator on the cost of aneurysm coiling. A single center study

BackgroundEndovascular treatment of aneurysms with coils is among the most frequent treatments in interventional neuroradiology, and represents an important expense. Each manufacturer has created several types of coils, with prices...

Retrieval of a migrated coil with a handmade microwire-snare device.

Intraprocedural coil migration during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is associated with potential vessel occlusion and thromboembolic complications. There is no standard management strategy for coil migration. Here, we describe our experience with using a handmade microwire-snare device (HMD) to retrieve a migrated coil. The HMD consists of a 0.017-inch microcatheter, a 0.014-inch microwire, and a 4-0 silk thread. The ring of the microwire-snare device can open, close, and twist in a figure eight pattern for coil entwinement. In addition, the ring can be shaped as needed to navigate tortuous vessels or capture the migrated coil. The HMD was successfully used to retrieve two migrated coils. In the first case, the coil was displaced in the M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery. In the second case, the coil loop prolapsed into the parent artery. In both cases, control cerebral angiograms performed after retrieval confirmed the patency of the vessels and a lack of thromboembolic complications. At the 3-month follow-up, magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated stable patency of the affected vessels. The HMD is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, safe, and universally available device for retrieving migrated coil(s) during intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures.

Periprocedural complications associated with endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in 1764 cases

BackgroundIntracranial aneurysms are increasingly treated with endovascular treatment. Based on our observation that cerebral complications are associated with this treatment, we predict that the number of intraprocedural complications will rise...

P-012 Rates of complications of embolising intracranial aneurysms over time: Do we continue to improve with experience?

IntroductionIn this study our aim was to assess the change in complication rates for endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms over the course of our interventional neuroradiologists' careers.MethodsData was collected...

Frequency and Factors Associated With Unsuccessful Lead (First) Coil Placement in Patients Undergoing Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms

There is limited knowledge about associated rates, aneurysm characteristics, technical factors, and immediate impact of unsuccessful placement of the lead (first) coil during endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms. To determine the rates, associated risk factors, and consequences of lead coil placement failure in consecutive embolization procedures. We reviewed clinical and procedural aspects of all endovascular coil embolizations performed at our 2 academic centers over a period of 3.5 years (2006-2010). Morphologic characteristics of the aneurysm and technical aspects of the treatment were recorded. We also performed a flow model analysis to assess the relationship between aneurysm dimensions, length of coil, packing density with first coil, and occurrence of lead coil placement failure. There were 24 (14%) lead coil placement failure procedures in 172 aneurysm embolization procedures; in 23 of 24 (96%) patients with lead coil placement failure, the failure occurred in aneurysms less than 10 mm in size. The main technical factors associated with lead coil placement failure were related to the coil (length, diameter, and type) followed by microcatheter support failure. Among these patients, 21 (87.5%) required change in the coil length, 17 (70.8%) change in coil diameter, and 10 (41.7%) change in coil type (brand and/or configuration) for successful placement of the lead coil. A total of 4 (16.7%) patients required change in microcatheter, and 6 (24.9%) patients had balloon/stent assistance for successful lead coil placement. Two of 24 (8.3%) patients had rupture of their aneurysms during the attempt to reposition the lead coil. In our flow model, these clinical observations were reproduced with higher risk of lead coil failure in smaller aneurysms. Lead coil placement failure is not infrequent during embolization of intracranial aneurysms and may increase the risk of complications. Appropriate coil selection, particularly coil length in small aneurysms, may reduce the rate of lead coil placement failure and associated complications.

O-026 Balloon assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms: complication comparison between non-assisted and balloon assisted procedures

Background and purposeThere is still a question in the current literature as to whether the addition of balloon assistance in intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures increases thromboembolic and intraoperative perforation complications....

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Creation of Elastase-Induced Saccular Aneurysms in a Rabbit Model

Elastase-induced aneurysms in rabbits have been proposed as a useful preclinical tool for device development. The object of this study was to report rates of morbidity and mortality associated with the creation and embolization of elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms and to assess the impact of operator experience on these rates. Elastase-induced model aneurysms were created in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 700). One neuroradiologist/investigator, naive to the aneurysm-creation procedure at the outset of the experiments, performed all surgeries. All morbidity and deaths related to aneurysm creation (n = 700) and embolization procedures (n = 529) were categorized into acute and chronic deaths. Data were analyzed with single-regression analysis and analysis of variance. To assess the impact of increasing operator experience, we broke the number of animals into 50-animal increments. There were 121 (17%) deaths among 700 subjects. Among 700 aneurysm-creation procedures, 59 deaths (8.4%) were noted. Among 529 aneurysm-embolization procedures, 43 deaths (8.1%) were noted. Nineteen additional deaths (2.7% of 700 subjects) were unrelated to the procedures. Simple regression-indicated mortality associated with procedures diminished with increasing operator experience (R(2) = 0.38, P = .0180), and that for each 50-rabbit increment mortality was reduced, on average, by 0.6%. Mortality rates of approximately 8% are associated with both experimental aneurysm creation and with embolization in the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model. Increasing operator experience is inversely correlated with mortality, and the age of the rabbit is positively associated with morbidity.

Local Intra-Arterial Eptifibatide for Intraoperative Vessel Thrombosis during Aneurysm Coiling

We report on our experience with the intra-arterial administration of eptifibatide for thrombolysis during aneurysm-embolization procedures. In 4 cases (3 stent-assisted coiling procedures and 1 with posthemorrhagic vasospasm), we noted the formation of thrombus occluding a vessel. We administered eptifibatide (10-15 mg) through a microcatheter proximal to the thrombus. The thrombus rapidly dissolved, resulting in the recanalization of the occluded vessels with no rethrombosis or hemorrhagic complications.