Atherosclerotic Internal Carotid Artery Research Articles

Flow-related posterior cerebral artery aneurysms with internal carotid artery occlusions: An institutional series.

Aneurysm formation after internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has been described in animal models and human case series with alteration of cerebral blood flow dynamics considered an aetiological risk factor. Such de novo aneurysms have seldom been described in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) with the majority observed in the anterior circulation collateral pathways. We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database of posterior circulation aneurysms in patients with iatrogenic, atherosclerotic or congenital ICA occlusions. A comprehensive review of the online literature using the PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify previous cases of PCA aneurysms that were considered 'flow-related'. We present five patients with symptomatic or ruptured PCA aneurysms with ICA occlusions. Age at presentation ranged from 21-58 and aneurysm size from 3-12 mm. All cases had angiographic evidence of posterior-anterior flow via the ipsilateral posterior communicating artery (PComA). The clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging and management strategies are further discussed. A literature review identified only two previous reported cases. To our knowledge this is the first single centre series of posterior circulation aneurysms in patients with ICA occlusions that are considered to be 'flow-related.' The natural history of these rare lesions is unclear and the best management and surveillance strategy requires a patient-tailored approach by an experienced neurovascular team.

Transposition of internal carotid artery over hypoglossal nerve in eversion carotid endarterectomy

To analyze in-hospital and long-term results of eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEE) with transposition of internal carotid artery (ICA) over hypoglossal nerve. A cohort prospective open-label study included 919 patients with severe ICA stenosis for the period from January 2017 to April 2020. The 1st group (n=172) included patients who underwent eversion CEE with ICA transposition over hypoglossal nerve; the 2nd group (n=747) - who underwent conventional eversion CEE. ICA transposition technique included standard mobilization of the carotid arteries, cross-clamping, arterial wall incision, removal of atherosclerotic plaque and ICA translocation above the hypoglossal nerve for subsequent anastomosis. All patients were examined every 6 months. Mean follow-up period was 17.5±6.9 months. There were no significant between-group differences in cardiovascular morbidity. However, all complications occurred in the 2nd group (traditional eversion CEE). Nevertheless, incidence of adverse events was minimal and combined endpoint did not exceed 0.6% (n=5). Both groups were also comparable by overall incidence of cardiovascular events in long-term period. All ICA restenoses (over 70%) were symptomatic with similar incidence (4 (2.3%) vs. 18 (2.4%), respectively, p=0.83; OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.32-2.88). Mean restenosis-free period was 7.2±2.6 months. In case of significant restenosis, redo CEE with patch repair was performed. There were no cardiovascular complications. All cases of hypoglossal nerve injury occurred in the 2nd group (0 vs. 18 (100%), respectively; p=0.0001; OR 0.003; 95% CI=5.21-0.17) without ICA transposition over the hypoglossal nerve. Eversion CEE with ICA transposition over the hypoglossal nerve ensures optimal conditions for successful redo CEE in case of restenosis. This technique facilitates ICA mobilization without hypoglossal nerve injury. This aspect is valuable for successful postoperative outcome and adequate quality of life. ICA transposition is not difficult and does not require additional experience. Transposition per se is not a risk factor of ICA restenosis. Thus, ICA transposition may be routinely recommended in patients eligible for eversion CEE.

Carotid ultrasound findings among patients successfully treated with endovascular thrombectomy for atherosclerotic internal carotid artery origin occlusion

Carotid ultrasound findings among patients successfully treated with endovascular thrombectomy for atherosclerotic internal carotid artery origin occlusion

Atherosclerotic plaque locations may be related to different ischemic lesion patterns

BackgroundAtherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Artery-to-artery embolism is the major stroke mechanism in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. This study hypothesized that the atherosclerotic ICA geometry and plaque location would be associated with lesion pattern in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIschemic stroke patients with symptomatic proximal ICA disease (> 50% diameter stenosis) were enrolled. The carotid plaque location was divided into high-apical and low-body types. The geometric parameters of the ICA (angles between arteries) were measured, and ischemic lesion patterns were classified according to the number, location, and size of the lesions. Factors associated with plaque location and lesion pattern, dichotomized by size, were investigated.ResultsOf the 93 acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled, 31 had high-apical and 62 had low-body plaques. Hyperlipidemia was more prevalent and the common carotid artery (CCA)-ICA angle was wider (167.7 ± 10.4° vs 162.3 ± 9.8°, p = 0.019) in patients with low-body than high-apical plaques. Low-body plaques were more frequently associated with small scattered or cortical lesions (54.8% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.040), whereas high-apical plaques were more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions (38.7% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.002). The presence of low-body plaques (odds ratio: 3.106, 95% confidence interval: 1.105–8.728, p = 0.032) was independently associated with the small lesion-only pattern.ConclusionsLow-body plaques are more frequently associated with small scattered lesions, whereas high-apical plaques are more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions. A wide CCA-ICA angle is associated with low-body plaque of the carotid artery.

Recurrent Hemispheric Stroke Syndromes in Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions: The Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study Randomized Trial.

There are limited data on outcomes of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass in patients with recurrent hemispheric syndromes due to atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion (AICAO). To compare clinical outcomes and efficacy of EC-IC bypass surgery in patients with and without recurrent hemispheric syndromes associated with AICAO in the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study (COSS). In patients enrolled in the COSS trial, we compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes for participants with (rHEMI+) and without recurrent hemispheric ischemia (rHEMI-) prior to randomization into surgical vs medical groups. The primary outcome was all stroke and death from randomization through 30 d and ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 2 yr. Of 195 randomized participants, 100 were rHEMI+ (50 in each group). Baseline characteristics between rHEMI+ and rHEMI- participants were similar except rHEMI+ were more likely to have had previous stroke prior to randomization (61% vs 20%, P<.01) and to have TIA as the entry event (59% vs 21%, P<.01). All primary endpoints were ipsilateral ischemic strokes. There were no significant differences in occurrence of the primary endpoint between nonsurgical and surgical participants in rHEMI+ (26.3% vs 22.4%, P=.660) and rHEMI- (18.9% vs 19.5%, P=.943). For nonsurgical participants, there was no significant difference in the primary endpoint for rHEMI+ vs rHEMI- patients (P=.410). Patients with recurrent hemispheric stroke syndromes enrolled in the COSS trial did not show benefit from EC-IC bypass compared to medical treatment. Early aggressive risk factor measures should be prioritized to reduce recurrent strokes in these patients.

Effects of Cervical Rotation Angle on Atherosclerotic Internal Carotid Artery Blood Flow: A Safety Study Using an Animal Model of Internal Carotid Atherosclerosis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the cervical rotation angle (CRA) on atherosclerotic internal carotid artery blood flow (ICA-BF) in an animal model. MethodsThirty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were included in the study. Twenty of the 30 rabbits were chosen randomly to be the model rabbits, and the remaining 10 were chosen to be the normal rabbits. The model rabbits’ left ICAs were treated by atherosclerosis modeling. The left ICAs of the model rabbits with atherosclerotic stenosis were chosen as the experimental group, and the right ICAs of the model rabbits without atherosclerotic stenosis were chosen as the control group. The left ICAs of the normal rabbits were chosen as the blank group. Using color duplex ultrasound, ICA-BF was measured in the artery contralateral to the direction of rotation in the positions of neutral (Pre-0°), 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, and subsequent neutral (Post-0°). ResultsStatistically significant decreases were seen in ICA-BF after cervical spine rotation (from Pre-0° to 90°) in the control group only (P < .05). All the values of end-diastolic velocity in the experimental group were lower than those in the blank group at the same CRAs. The resistance index and pulsatility index of the experimental group were higher than those of the blank group except at 45° rotation. ConclusionIn our animal model, in the rabbits with hyperlipidemia but without atherosclerotic stenosis, CRA had the greatest impact on ICA-BF. Furthermore, at some of the same CRAs (especially neutral, 30°, and 60°), there were statistical differences in ICA-BF among the 3 groups.

Basal and Acetazolamide Brain Perfusion SPECT in Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis including Moyamoya disease needs revascularization when hemodynamic insufficiency is validated. Vascular reserve impairment was the key to find the indication for endarterectomy/bypass surgery in the atherosclerotic ICA stenosis and to determine the indication, treatment effect, and prognosis in Moyamoya diseases. Vascular reserve was quantitatively assessed by 1-day split-dose I-123 IMP basal/acetazolamide SPECT in Japan or by Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT in other countries using qualitative or semi-quantitative method. We summarized the development of 1-day basal/ acetazolamide brain perfusion SPECT for ICA stenosis, both quantitative and qualitative methods, and their methodological issues regarding (1) acquisition protocol; (2) qualitative assessment, either visual or deep learning-based; (3) clinical use for atherosclerotic ICA steno-occlusive diseases and mostly Moyamoya diseases; and (4) their impact on the choice of treatment options. Trials to use CT perfusion or perfusion MRI using contrast materials or arterial spin labeling were briefly discussed in their endeavor to use basal studies alone to replace acetazolamide-challenge SPECT. Theoretical and practical issues imply that basal perfusion evaluation, no matter how much sophisticated, will not disclose vascular reserve. Acetazolamide rarely causes serious adverse reactions but included fatality, and now, we need to monitor patients closely in acetazolamide-challenge studies.

Computed Angiography in Assessment of Critical Occlusive Carotid Disease – Ability to Observe Different Types of Pathology: Critical Stenosis, Near-occlusion and Local Occlusion with Distal Collateral Supply Through Atypical Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

Introduction: The pathologies that correspond to almost terminal occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA) can vary a lot. Several types were described - critical stenosis, near-occlusion and local occlusion of the artery. Differential diagnosis between them could be achieved with assessment of upper artery segments. Thus aim of our study was to assess computed angiography (CTA) abilities in analysis of internal carotid artery critical atherosclerotic changes. Methods: During 2016-2018 years 323 patients underwent examination (ultrasound and CTA of brachiocephalic arteries) prior to surgical treatment of ICA occlusive disease. CTA was made on Philips iCT 256 slices (noncontrast, arterial and venous phases) with 50 ml on nonionic contrast media injected at rate of 4-4,5 ml/sec. We distinguished several types of ICA changes: stenosis more than 60% and 70%, critical stenosis, near-occlusion (also with distal collapse), local occlusion. Results: From all patients ICA stenosis up to critical level was observed in 104 patients. Cases with only critical narrowing of ICA at atherosclerotic lesion level and normal distal portion were described as critical stenosis (Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a) - 84 patients (26% of all observed cases). Cases with critical narrowing at atherosclerotic plague level and diffuse decrease of upper segments were detected as near-occlusion (Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b) - in 18 cases (5,6% of cases). In 2 patients we were able to observe local occlusion of ICA in the bulbus with distal circulation through atypical ascending pharyngeal artery (Fig. 1c, Fig. 2c). No cases with congenital hypoplasia were detected. In patients with diffuse decrease of upper ICA segments all elements of the circle of Wills were detected in 70% of cases. During surgery CTA results were confirmed, but atherosclerotic plague extension was higher than observed at CT approximately at 10 mm. Conclusion: We can refer critical stenosis, near-occlusion and local occlusion to critical atherosclerotic ICA changes. The one should consider CTA limitations in differentiation of upper part of atherosclerotic plague. In majority of cases decrease in ICA diameter was associated with severe atherosclerotic involvement and not with congenital condition of the circle of Wills. CTA is necessary for preoperative assessment of carotid occlusive disease, especially in critical ICA changes.Figure 2CTA of critical stenosis (a), near-occlusion (b), local occlusion (c) of ICA.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

Acute ischemic stroke with contralateral convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage: two cases report

BackgroundConvexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) is characterized by isolated bleeding in one or a few adjacent sulci and has diverse etiologies and symptoms. Acute ischemic stroke co-occurring with cSAH has been infrequently reported. Nearly all cases of cSAH have been described to occur on the side with acute ischemic stroke, and it is unusual for cSAH to occur on the opposite side of the infarct territory.Case presentationOur report presents two cases of acute ischemic stroke associated with contralateral cSAH. The first patient had left atherosclerotic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with developing right parietal cSAH. The other patient developed left parietal cSAH in the setting of right ICA occlusion caused by cardiogenic embolism with acute right cerebral hemisphere infarction. Both patients remained clinically stable with good prognosis after antithrombotic treatment.ConclusionsOur report suggest that cSAH may simultaneously occur on the opposite side of an infarction. Although there is no consensus on the etiology and treatment of this rare phenomenon, cSAH did not lead to a poor outcome in our patients.

Selective neuronal damage and blood pressure in atherosclerotic major cerebral artery disease

ObjectiveIn patients with atherosclerotic major cerebral artery disease, low blood pressure might impair cerebral perfusion, thereby exacerbate the risk of selective neuronal damage. The purpose of this retrospective study was...

Abstract TP23: The Impact of Procedure Time on Clinical Outcome in Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Time from onset to reperfusion is highly associated with better clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke, however, optimal endovascular-procedural time limit is uncertain. We performed this study to determine the relationship among procedure time and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. Methods: We analyzed the data from the Recovery by the Endovascular Salvage for Cerebral Ultra-acute Embolism (RESCUE) - Japan Registry 2, a prospective multicenter registry in Japan between 0ct 2014 and Jan 2017. Among the patients undergoing endovascular treatment, 1249 patients whose procedure time was clear were included for this analysis and classified into 2 groups based on time from puncture to reperfusion (extended group; &amp;gt120minutes [n=120], normal group; &amp;lt120 minutes [n=1129]). Results: The median procedure time was 160 minutes in extended group and 50 minutes in normal group. Extended group had more atherosclerotic etiology (27.5% vs. 12.6%, p&amp;lt.01) and internal carotid artery occlusion (45% vs. 31%, p&amp;lt.01) compared with shorter group. The rates of successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3; 74% vs. 89%, p&amp;lt.05) and favorable outcome (mRS 0-2 at 90days ; 23 % vs. 44%, p&amp;lt.05) were lower in extended group. Conclusions: Long procedure time did not contribute to the improvement of clinical outcome. This study emphasized the need for procedure time guidelines for endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

Atherosclerotic intracranial internal carotid artery calcification and intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke

Background and aimsIntracranial internal carotid artery calcification (IICAC) is a frequent and readily available finding in acute stroke patients treated with intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We aimed to investigate the effects of IICAC subtype (medial and intimal) on the response to IV tPA. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 91 (57% female, age 69 ± 13 years) consecutive acute anterior circulation stroke patients treated with IV tPA were included. IICAC were diagnosed and classified according to Kockelkoren's methods. ResultsIV tPA was effective at 24 h in 48% of patients with no IICAC (n = 27), 60% of intimal IICAC (n = 50) and 43% of medial IICAC (n = 14) (p=0.408). Presence of medial IICAC tended to be linked negatively to early dramatic response to IV tPA (p=0.052). IICAC status had no significant effect on the third month good (mRS≤2; 48% in no IICAC, 36% in intimal IICAC and 29% in medial IICAC; p=0.189) and favorable outcome (mRS≤1; 56% in no IICAC, 48% in intimal IICAC, 43% in medial IICAC, p=0.411). Frequency of symptomatic post-tPA cerebral hemorrhage was marginally higher in patients with non-intimal IICAC (21% vs. 4% in no-IICAC, 4% in intimal-IICAC, p=0.052). Exploratory multivariate analysis documented that this effect was stable (p=0.004) after adjustment for age, admission NIHSS and door-to-needle time. ConclusionsMedial type IICAC has been associated with numerical increase of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and decrease of early dramatic response in stroke patients receiving IV tPA. Acknowledging that these preliminary observations should be replicated in larger cohorts, it is currently reasonable to say that “the treatment” is still useful in these patients and the presence of medial IICAC does not justify withholding IV tPA.

Abstract TP130: Recurrent Hemispheric Stroke Syndromes in Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions: The COSS Trial

Background: There are limited data on the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients who have recurrent hemispheric syndromes in the territory of symptomatic atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion (AICAO). Methods: Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with (rHEM+) and without (rHEM-) recurrent ipsilateral hemispheric syndromes at the time of randomization into the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study (COSS) based on local investigator clinical impression. Results: Of 195 participants who were randomized, 100 (51%) were rHEM+ (50 in each study arm) and 95 were rHEM-(48 nonsurgical, 47 surgical). Baseline characteristics between rHEM+ and rHEM- participants were similar except that rHEM+ participants were more likely to have had a previous stroke prior to entry event (59% vs 22%, p &lt; 0.001) and to have had TIA vs stroke as the entry event (61% vs 20%, p&lt;0.001). All primary endpoints were ipsilateral ischemic strokes. There were no statistically significant differences in the primary endpoint between nonsurgical and surgical participants with rHEM+ (26.3% vs 22.4%, p=0.660) or rHEM- (18.9% vs 19.5%%, p=0.943). For secondary endpoints based on stroke severity and/or death, no important differences were noted between nonsurgical and surgical participants for the rHEMI+ and rHEMI- subgroups (all p &gt; 0.10). For the nonsurgical participants, there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint for those rHEM+ vs rHEM- (26.3% vs 18.9%, p=.410) Conclusion: Patients with recurrent hemispheric stroke syndromes enrolled in the COSS trial were more likely to have had previous stroke and to have TIAs as the entry event to randomization. Given the lack of surgical treatment benefit seen in these patients, early aggressive risk factor measures should be prioritized to reduce recurrent strokes, including blood pressure control which was associated with a 70% reduction in stroke in the nonsurgical group in COSS ( Neurology 2014; 82:1027-1032).

Long-term hemodynamic changes and blood pressure in atherosclerotic major cerebral artery disease

In patients with major cerebral artery disease, lower blood pressure might reduce blood flow in the collateral pathways, thereby impairing the growth of cerebral collaterals, inhibiting hemodynamic improvement. We evaluated the hemodynamic status twice using positron emission tomography and 15O-gas, over time, in 89 medically treated patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease that had no ischemic episodes during follow-up (mean, 28 ± 23 months). Changes in the mean hemispheric values of hemodynamic parameters in the territory of the diseased artery at follow-up were correlated with the mean blood pressure values at the baseline and follow-up examinations. There was a positive linear relationship between the degree of hemodynamic improvement and systolic blood pressure. Patients with low systolic blood pressure (<130 mmHg) (n = 18) showed hemodynamic deterioration as indicated by significant decreases in cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood flow/cerebral blood volume ratio, and increases in oxygen extraction fraction during follow-up. In contrast, there were no significant changes in patients without low systolic blood pressure. In patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease and no ischemic episodes of stroke during follow-up, lower systolic blood pressure was associated with lesser hemodynamic improvement.

Enterprise stent in recanalizing non-acute atherosclerotic intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of recanalization in non-acute occlusion of intracranial internal carotid arteries using the flexible Enterprise self-expanding stent. Patients and methodsFrom June 2014 to June 2016, 12 consecutive patients with non-acute occlusion of intracranial internal carotid arteries received endovascular recanalization with Enterprise stenting. All patients received medication for anti-platelet aggregation therapy before and after the operation. The perioperative complications and recanalization efficacy were evaluated with the modified Rankin scoring system and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up, respectively. ResultsEndovascular recanalization was successfully performed in 10 out of 12 patients with Enterprise stenting. Stent implantation following balloon dilatation failed in one patient because the lumen diameter was too small. Another recanalization failed because the guide wire could not pass through the occlusion. No perioperative mortality was observed. One case of acute thrombosis and one case of intraoperative carotid spasm occurred, but these were resolved with thrombolytic therapy by microcatheter exposure treatment and antispasmodic medications, respectively. DSA follow-up in seven patients revealed no re-occlusion. One stroke event occurred in the 10 patients who completed the follow-up. A meaningful improvement in the modified Rankin score during follow-up was suggested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test results. ConclusionThe Enterprise stent was shown to be safe and efficient in recanalizing non-acute atherosclerotic intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion. However, the long-term outcomes need to be further investigated.

Recognizing subtle near-occlusion in carotid stenosis patients: a computed tomography angiographic study.

Near-occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a significant luminal diameter (LD) reduction beyond a tight atherosclerotic carotid stenosis (CS). Recognition of even subtle near-occlusions is essential to prevent underestimation of the stenosis degree. Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of near-occlusion among CS patients using a single standard criterion to facilitate its recognition, even when distal ICA LD reduction is not visually evident in computed tomography angiography (CTA). We analysed carotid artery CTAs of 467 patients with moderate-to-severe CS scheduled for endarterectomy. We performed measurements of the bilateral distal ICA LDs from thin axial source images and utilized a 1.0 mm intra-individual side-to-side distal ICA LD difference to distinguish near-occlusions, based on a previous study, aware of the vagaries of measurement. For analysis stratification, we excluded cases with significant carotid pathology affecting LD measurements. We discovered 126 near-occlusions fulfilling our criterion of ipsilateral near-occlusion: the mean LD side-to-side difference (mm) with 95% confidence interval being 1.8 (1.6, 1.9) and a standard deviation of 0.8mm. Among the 233 cases not meeting our near-occlusion criterion, we found 140 moderate (50-69%) and 93 severe (70-99%) ipsilateral stenoses. The utilization of 1.0 mm cut-off value for the intra-individual distal ICA LD side-to-side difference to distinguish atherosclerotic ICA near-occlusion leads to a relatively high incidence of near-occlusion. In CTA, recently suggested to be used for near-occlusion diagnosis, a discriminatory 1.0 mm cut-off value could function as a pragmatic tool to enhance the detection of even subtle near-occlusions.

頭蓋内血行再建を安全確実に行うための原則と工夫

Introduction: Although improvements in endovascular treatment have decreased the frequency of bypass surgery, cerebral vascular reconstructions are still important. Many critical points are required to achieve a reliable bypass patency. We describe our experience and techniques for bypass surgery, especially focusing on the superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass.Materials and methods: Over a period of 5 years, STA-MCA bypass was performed for 42 patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion, or hemodynamic ischemia; 35 patients with moyamoya disease; and 97 patients with complex cerebral aneurysms. Mean occlusion time, bypass patency, hyperperfusion, ischemic complication, and postoperative delayed wound healing were assessed.Results: Within 42 ischemic cases, the mean occlusion time of the STA-MCA procedure was 20 minutes 16 seconds. No ischemic complications due to temporal occlusion occurred. Acute bypass occlusion (occlusion within 2 weeks after operation) occurred in 1 case of STA-MCA for moyamoya disease and 1 case of STA-MCA bypass for a patient with ischemic occlusion. Perioperative ischemic stroke was observed in 4 patients with ischemic occlusion and 1 patient with moyamoya disease.Conclusion: To perform a safe and reliable vascular reconstruction, off-the-job training, a bloodless operative field, selection of an appropriate donor and recipient artery, use of the “fish mouth” method for trimming the donor artery, and an intima-to-intima everting suture are necessary.

Cervical Rotatory Manipulation Decreases Uniaxial Tensile Properties of Rabbit Atherosclerotic Internal Carotid Artery

Objective. To investigate the effects of one of the Chinese massage therapies, cervical rotatory manipulation (CRM), on uniaxial tensile properties of rabbit atherosclerotic internal carotid artery (ICA). Methods. 40 male purebred New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into CRM-Model group, Non-CRM-Model group, CRM-Normal group, and Non-CRM-Normal group. After modeling (atherosclerotic model) and intervention (CRM or Non-CRM), uniaxial tensile tests were performed on the ICAs to assess the differences in tensile mechanical properties between the four groups. Results. Both CRM and modeling were the main effects affecting physiological elastic modulus (PEM) of ICA. PEM in CRM-Model group was 1.81 times as much as Non-CRM-Model group, while the value in CRM-Model group was 1.34 times as much as CRM-Normal group. Maximum elastic modulus in CRM-Model group was 1.80 times as much as CRM-Normal group. Max strains in CRM-Model group and Non-CRM-Model group were 30.98% and 28.71% lower than CRM-Normal group and Non-CRM-Normal group, respectively. However, whether treated with CRM or not, the uniaxial tensile properties of healthy ICAs were not statistically different. Conclusion. CRM may decrease the uniaxial tensile properties of rabbit arteriosclerotic ICA, but with no effect on normal group. The study will aid in the meaningful explanation of the controversy about the harmfulness of CRM and the suitable population of CRM.

Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass with interposed saphenous vein graft in patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusive disease and impaired cerebral hemodynamics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of interposed saphenous vein graft (SVG) usage during extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery in patients with cerebral ischemia and appropriate donor artery absence. Since October 2010 till January 2014, 62 EC-IC bypass surgeries were applied in 60 patients. In nineteen patients SVG was used to create low-flow bypasses between superficial temporal artery trunk and cortical segment of middle cerebral artery. SVG was used due to inappropriate diameter of scalp artery in 12 cases, inadequate flow in intended donor artery in 5 patients and in 2 cases for other reasons. Indications for revascularization were based on clinical symptoms of cerebral hemodynamics impairment, confirmed with transcranial duplex ultrasonography (DUS) and brain perfusion computed tomography (CT). Early bypass patency was confirmed with DUS up to 9 postoperative day in 16 patients. In 3 (15.8%) patients blood flow was not visualized. Bypass patency in these patients was confirmed with repeated DUS up to 42 months period. At mean clinical follow-up of 22.3 months 14 patients (73.7%) reported an improvement of their condition, 4 patients (21%) didn't observe any changes in well-being and 1 patient (5.3%) got worse. Late bypass patency assessment was available and confirmed in 16 patients at mean follow-up of 15.6 months postoperation. Repeated brain perfusion CT was performed in 10 patients at mean follow-up of 5.2 months. Average growth of regional cerebral blood flow was 24.1%. The use of interposed SVG bypass for EC-IC revascularization is an effective method, that could be applied in patients with cerebral ischemia caused by internal carotid artery occlusive disease and absence of appropriate donor artery.

The masaryk hospital extracranial-intracranial bypass study.

Patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with haemodynamic impairment are at higher risk of ischaemic stroke, and they require treatment. There are two main options: the best medical treatment and an extracranial-intracranial bypass. The aims of this study are to analyse the 30-day and 2-year risk of stroke and death in patients with extracranial-intracranial bypass performed by our department and to compare our results with major published studies. This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgery from 1998 to 2012. Inclusion criteria were the following: (1) radiological diagnosis of symptomatic atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion (AICAO), (2) less than 50% stenosis of a contralateral ICA, (3) transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic stroke in the hemispheric territory on an occluded side within 120days and (4) haemodynamic impairment of at least stage I according to transcranial Doppler sonography (TCDS), perfusion CT and SPECT. Patients were followed up in the outpatient department with TCDS and sonography of the contralateral ICA and the anastomosis after 6weeks and every 12months after that. All risks of stroke and death from surgery were recorded throughout the 30days and the following 2years post surgery. From September 1998 to November 2012, 93 patients were selected for bypass surgery. There were 72 men and 21 women in an age range of 33 to 79years (mean 58.9years) and a follow-up range of 13 to 187months (mean 108months). The 30-day risk of stroke and death was 7.5%. It consists of one death, one major ischaemic stroke, two reversible neurological deficits and three TIAs. The 2-year risk of stroke and death was 9.7%. Extracranial-intracranial bypass is an effective treatment of haemodynamic impairment in patients with internal carotid occlusion. Maintaining low-level morbidity and mortality is possible with a dedicated neurovascular team. This is the only way in which we can reduce the risk of stroke and death in patients with bypass compared to patients treated medically.