Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization Research Articles

Embolisation of a high – flow renal arteriovenous fistula with the use of simultaneous transvenous and transarterial approach and balloon-assisted coil embolization

BackgroundRenal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) is a rare vascular malformation, which can be asymptomatic or may cause hemorrhage, hypokalaemic hypertension, heart failure and hematuria. Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive method which can preserve renal parenchyma. In our case, balloon assisted coil embolization with simultaneous transvenous and transarterial approach was used. A remodelling balloon, which is routinely used in neurovascular procedures, was chosen in order to eliminate the risk of coil migration and preserve feeding artery and renal parenchyma.Case presentationWe present a case of successful balloon – assisted coil embolization of a high flow renal arteriovenous fistula in a 25-year-old male patient via simultaneous transarterial and transvenous approach with preservation of the feeding artery.ConclusionEndovascular embolisation is a safe and effective treatment of RAVFs with low risk of complications. Simultaneous transarterial and transvenous coil deployment with the use of a flow control balloon catheter can eliminate the risk of coil migration and coil protrusion into the parent artery with permanent RAVF occlusion and renal parenchyma preservation.

Assessing the efficacy of VerifyNow platelet-function testing in predicting postoperative hemorrhagic complications of neuroendovascular surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis (part 2).

Dual antiplatelet therapy is used to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications in neuroendovascular surgery. However, the predictive utility of preoperative platelet-sensitivity testing for decreasing bleed risk in patients undergoing endovascular neurointervention remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to illustrate the association between platelet response and risk of hemorrhagic complications from neuroendovascular surgery, examine the efficacy of the VerifyNow platelet reactivity unit (PRU) assay in predicting hemorrhagic outcomes, and assess whether a clinically useful threshold for platelet response can be defined to standardize guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Articles were screened for relevance by title and abstract, followed by full text. Of 735 resultant articles, 17 studies of 2084 patients undergoing neuroendovascular intervention were included. Diagnoses included both intracranial and extracranial pathologies, of which 37.8% were treated with flow diversion, 22.4% with stent-assisted coil embolization, 14.3% with intracranial stenting, 12.8% with simple coil embolization, 5.8% with balloon-assisted coil embolization, 2.0% with extracranial stenting, and 4.8% with an alternate method. Precisely, 52.9% (9 out of 17) of studies determined platelet hyperresponse to be an independent predictor of postoperative hemorrhagic complications, with 11.8% (2 out of 17) of studies reporting a similar but non-statistically significant trend. 35.3% (6 out of 17) of studies found no relationship between platelet response and postoperative hemorrhagic complications. The estimated clinical threshold for PRU to prevent hemorrhagic complications varied considerably across studies (range: <46-118 PRU). Meta-analysis found platelet hyperresponse to have more than a 3-fold increased risk of hemorrhagic complications compared to normoresponders (relative risk = 3.2, p = 0.001). Although this meta-analysis shows the predictive utility of the P2Y12 assay for postoperative hemorrhagic complications in neuroendovascular surgery, the optimal therapeutic threshold for minimizing bleeding risk is still uncertain. To better understand the utility of the P2Y12 assay in the perioperative period, further prospective research is needed.

Assessing the efficacy of VerifyNow platelet-function testing in predicting postoperative thromboembolic complications of neuroendovascular surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis (part 1).

Despite the heavily debated use of routine platelet-function testing, the VerifyNow Platelet Reactivity Unit (PRU) assay has been increasingly adopted as standard of care for assessing risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications of neuroendovascular surgery. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between platelet response and risk of ischemic events from neuroendovascular surgery, assess the efficacy of point-of-care platelet-function testing in predicting thromboembolic outcomes, and assess whether a clinically useful threshold for platelet response can be defined in order to standardize guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Following deduplication, articles were first screened for relevance by title and abstract, followed by full text. Of 735 resultant articles, 22 studies consisting of 3266 patients undergoing neuroendovascular intervention were included. Diagnoses included both intracranial and extracranial pathologies, of which 45.8% were treated with flow diversion, 16.4% with stent-assisted coil embolization, 15.8% with intracranial stenting, 12.0% with simple coil embolization, 3.4% with balloon-assisted coil embolization, 3.6% with extracranial stenting, and 3.0% with an alternate method. 54.5% (12/22) of studies determined platelet hyporesponse to be an independent predictor of postoperative thromboembolic complications, with 27.3% (6/22) of studies reporting a similar, but non-statistically significant trend. 18.2% (4/22) of studies found no relationship between platelet response and postoperative thromboembolic complications. The estimated clinical threshold for PRU to prevent thromboembolic complications varied greatly across studies (Range: > 144-295 PRU). Meta-analysis found platelet hyporesponse to have a 2.23-fold increased risk of thromboembolic complications compared to normoresponders (RR = 2.23, P = 0.03). While PRU demonstrates a significant predictive value for postoperative thromboembolic complications of neuroendovascular surgery, the target therapeutic threshold for minimizing ischemic events remains unclear. Further studies, such as large multicenter cohorts of the existing data, are needed to standardize guidelines.

Positional Relationship between Two Microcatheters according to the Navigation Sequence within the Curved Vessel in Neuroendovascular Procedures.

In neuroendovascular treatment, there are many opportunities to guide multiple catheters into the intracranial blood vessels. We report the relationship between two microcatheters according to the guiding order with experimental in vitro studies. We hypothesize that in a bent blood vessel such as a paraclinoid region of the internal carotid artery, the catheter that was first guided tended to pass through the inside, and the catheter that was guided later tended to pass through the outside. The in vitro verification was performed using a microcatheter and a balloon catheter in a silicone vascular aneurysmal model. As a result, it was found that the two catheters were arranged according to our hypothesis. This finding was also observed during the actual operation of balloon-assisted coil embolization. The positional relationship between the two catheters according to the navigation order is very important, in particular during balloon-assisted coiling and stent-assisted coiling via a jailed microcatheter.

Renal Artery Aneurysm Repair With Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization

Renal Artery Aneurysm Repair With Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization

Anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm after distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection successfully treated with balloon-assisted coil embolization

Bleeding is a fatal complication after pancreatectomy. Although coil embolization is a widely accepted treatment option, ischemia of the remaining organs should be prevented. This study reports the successful treatment of intra-abdominal hemorrhage following distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) using balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE). A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The tumor involves the common hepatic artery, splenic artery, and celiac artery. After four cycles of treatment with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, the soft-density masses, surrounding the artery, shrunk. DP-CAR and R0 resections were performed. A minor postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred. Six months postoperatively, the computed tomography showed delayed asymptomatic bleeding from an anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (ASPDA) pseudoaneurysm located near the gastroduodenal artery confluence. BACE was performed by placing a microballoon catheter in the region of confluence of the ASPDA and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PSPDA) to prevent coil migration. After inserting the microballoon catheter, coil embolization was performed in the ASPDA. Hepatic blood flow was maintained from the PSPDA. BACE is a useful technique to preserve blood flow to the remnant organs when performing coil embolization for bleeding following a distal pancreatectomy, especially following a DP-CAR.

Balloon-Assisted Coil Embolization and Balloon Angioplasty for Post Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm: Initial Experience with Scepter Mini Balloon.

The scope of this technical note is to report our experience with balloon remodeling for wideneck aneurysms and balloon angioplasty of post-subarachnoid hemorrhage vasospasm using the novel Scepter Mini balloon (SMB). Five cases were treated with balloon remodeling for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 of which were additionally treated with angioplasty due to post-bleeding vasospasm. All patients had their aneurysm located on parent vessels with a diameter smaller than 2 mm. Complete occlusion was noted in all aneurysms, and the patients had no short-term complications attributed to the catheterization. Additionally, we confirm the previously reported smooth navigation of the balloon through vessels with tortuous anatomy without catheter-induced vasospasm. Based on our experience, the SMB can be a safe and efficient device for applying the balloon remodeling technique for distally located wide-neck aneurysms and distal balloon angioplasty.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device: feasibility, techniques, and outcomes after FDA approval.

Wide-neck bifurcation cerebral aneurysms have historically required either clip ligation or stent- or balloon-assisted coil embolization. This predicament led to the development of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) aneurysm embolization system, a self-expanding mesh device that achieves intrasaccular flow disruption and does not require antithrombotic medications. The authors report their operative experience and 6-month follow-up occlusion outcomes with the first 115 aneurysms they treated via WEB embolization. The authors reviewed the first 115 cerebral aneurysms they treated by WEB embolization after FDA approval of the WEB embolization device (from February 2019 to January 2021). Data were collected on patient demographics and clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, postembolization angiographic contrast stasis, and functional outcomes. A total of 110 patients and 115 aneurysms were included in our study (34 ruptured and 81 unruptured aneurysms). WEB embolization was successful in 106 (92.2%) aneurysms, with a complication occurring in 6 (5.5%) patients. Contrast clearance was seen in the arterial phase in 14 (12.2%) aneurysms, in the capillary phase in 16 (13.9%), in the venous phase in 63 (54.8%), and no contrast was seen in 13 (11.3%) of the aneurysms studied. Follow-up angiography was performed on 60 (52.6%) of the aneurysms, with complete occlusion in 38 (63.3%), neck remnant in 14 (23.3%), and aneurysmal remnant in 8 (13.3%). Six (5.5%) patients required re-treatment for persistent aneurysmal residual on follow-up angiography. The WEB device has been successfully used for the treatment of both unruptured and ruptured wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms by achieving intrasaccular flow diversion. Here, the authors have shared their experience with its unique technical considerations and device size selection, as well as critically reviewed complications and aneurysm occlusion rates.

Fogarty-assisted transcatheter embolization of a large renal high-flow arteriovenous fistula

BackgroundRenal high-flow arteriovenous fistulas and its complications may involve high output heart failure, hematuria, hypertension or lethal hemorrhage.Case presentationThis case report covers the case of a 65-year-old male patient with a large renal high-flow arteriovenous fistula of the right kidney (RAVF), treated with balloon-assisted coil and liquid (n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate) embolization. By use of ballon-occlusion with an over-the-wire Fogarty catheter and advancement of a microcatheter through the lumen distal to the balloon during the transcatheter embolization of a high-flow RAVF, control of arterial blood flow is feasible by temporary occlusion of the afferent artery. This technique of flow modulation facilitates controlled deployment of embolization materials and decreases the risk of inadvertent distal embolization by use of only one 6-French (F) arterial sheath.ConclusionsBalloon-assisted embolization using a Fogarty occlusion catheter represents a feasible, safe and effective treatment option for the treatment of large, high-flow arteriovenous fistulas of the kidney.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms: a 17-year institutional experience with coil embolization

BackgroundRuptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms can be challenging to treat via an endovascular procedure. This study analyzed retreatment rates and neurological outcomes associated with ruptured ACoA aneurysms treated via...

Endovascular interventions in management of renal artery aneurysm.

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare disease. With modern non-invasive imaging modalities, the disease is being increasingly diagnosed. It is a slow-growing aneurysm with high mortality in the event of rupture; especially in pregnant females for in which case patients were treated surgically. With advances in endovascular therapy, numerous techniques have been employed to manage complex RAA in artery bifurcation, branch and segmental arteries with excellent technical and clinical success. The various recent techniques include the use of flow diverter stents, remodelling with stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE), balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE), selective embolization with coils-sac packing, inflow occlusion and coil trapping and selective embolization with liquid embolic agents-hystroacril and onyx. A combination of stent-graft with liquid embolization and liquid with microcoil embolization has been advocated with success. The most common complication encountered is renal infarction. This is mostly without impairment of renal function and secondary to embolization. Endovascular therapy has shorter operative time, less blood loss, shorter intensive care stay, done under conscious sedation and is associated with lesser postoperative morbidity compared to surgery. Reduction in hypertension, improvement of renal function and symptoms has been seen in most studies. Endovascular management of RAA has become the management of choice even with complex anatomy and technically challenging lesions.

Association of Anterior Cerebral Artery Variants and Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Balloon-Assisted Coil Embolization for Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Balloon-assisted coiling (BAC) is an endovascular treatment that may be associated with increased complications and thromboembolic events compared with other coiling techniques. We compared clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment (simple coiling, stent-assisted coiling, and BAC) in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms at the internal carotid artery and assessed risk factors that could cause cerebral infarction in patients who underwent BAC. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 528 patients with 544 aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms between January 2013 and November 2019. Demographic features, clinical information, balloon inflation time, fetal posterior cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery (ACA) variants, and angiographic results were analyzed to determine risk factors for cerebral infarction. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in terms of general characteristics. In the BAC group, 14 of 39 patients showed a significantly higher incidence of cerebral infarction on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging compared with the stent-assisted coiling (37/238) and simple coiling (21/267) groups (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the ACA variants (normal vs. hypoplasia or aplasia) and cerebral infarction in the simple coiling and stent-assisted coiling groups, but the proportion of aplasia or hypoplasia in the BAC group was significantly higher (P=0.001). There is a significant association between anatomic ACA variants and cerebral infarction occurrence after BAC. Identifying the variant of the anatomic ACA using digital subtraction angiography would help to predict cerebral infarction after BAC.

Dual antiplatelet treatment associated with reduced risk of symptomatic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

ObjectiveCerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) are considered complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Several hypotheses involving platelet activation have been asserted in the pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm and DCI. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) on symptomatic vasospasm and DCI in patients with aSAH.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with aSAH from 2009 to 2018. The patients are divided into 2 groups according to the treatment method such as simple or balloon-assisted coil embolization group (SB coiling), and stent-assisted coil embolization group. Patients treated by SB coiling without DAPT were classified as the control group. Patients who required dual antiplatelet treatment due to stent-assisted coil embolization were classified as DAPT group. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm and DCI was compared between the two groups.ResultsOf 743 patients with aSAH, 563 patients were treated with clipping, 115 patients treated with SB coiling, and 65 patients receive stent-assisted coiling. Among 115 patients underwent SB coiling, 14 patients were excluded by the exclusion criteria. Total number of control group (SB coiling) was 101, DAPT group (stent-assisted coiling) was 65. Depending on whether or not taking DAPT, the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was lower in the DAPT group (p=0.010). DCI incidence was also lower in the DAPT group, which was statistically significant (p=0.029).ConclusionsDAPT reduces the frequency of symptomatic vasospasm and DCI in patients with aSAH in our single-center study. To warranting this topic, further, larger prospective and randomized studies should be needed.

Cervical spinal extradural arteriovenous fistula successfully treated using transarterial balloon-assisted coil embolization.

We present the case of a patient who developed compressive radiculopathy that was found to be associated with a spinal extradural arteriovenous fistula. The fistula was successfully obliterated with transarteiral balloon-assisted coiling, after which the patient was symptom-free. Although spinal extradural arteriovenous fistula is rare, this pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal radiculopathy or myelopathy. Endovascular treatment appears to have been successful in resolving the symptoms associated with this pathology.

Balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) of a wide-necked aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery

BackgroundAneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcades are an uncommon pathology, with a prevalence of 2%, and could be congenital or acquired. Treatment of visceral aneurysms is therefore generally recommended when the aneurysmal sac equals or exceeds 2 cm. Wide-necked (> 4 mm) and main artery branch aneurysms represent a challenge for conventional endovascular coil embolization due to the risk of coil migration.Main bodyThis case describes the technical feasibility of balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) in the treatment a wide neck aneurysm of inferior pancreatic duodenal artery due to celiac axis occlusion.Short conclusionIn case of celiac trunk occlusion, BACE is a safe procedure associated with optimal technical success rates, in order to treat the aneurysms and to preserve splanchnic vascularization.

Success Rate of Simple Coil Embolization in Wide-Neck Aneurysm with Aneurysmal Shoulder.

Background and Objective:Wide-necked intracranial aneurysm (WIA) is one of the challenging diseases for neuro-interventionist to treat by simple coiling technique. The purpose of this study is to identify the morphology associated with successful simple coil embolization in wide neck aneurysm patients.Materials and Methods:Between January 2002 and August 2018, 102 patients with total 115 ruptured or unruptured WIA which received endovascular treatment were retrospective reviewed. Data were analyzed including demographics, aneurysm morphology, endovascular technique, angiographic outcome, complication, regrowth, and retreatment rate.Results:The mean age of patients was 61.6 years with female predominant (72.5%). Ruptured WIA was diagnosed in 71 patients (61.7%). Majority of aneurysms were located in an anterior circulation which were 74 cases (64.3%), mainly paraclinoid aneurysm (30/115). Endovascular treatment was successful in 113 cases (98.3%) which can be mainly divided into simple coil embolization 50 cases (43.5%), balloon-assisted coil embolization 26 cases (22.6%), and stent-assisted coil embolization 32 cases (27.8%). Complete, subtotal, and incomplete occlusion of WIA was achieved in 32 cases (27.8%), 62 cases (53.9%), and 18 cases (15.7%), respectively. There was 9.6% complication occurred. Regrowth and retreatment were found 20% and 15.7%, respectively.Conclusion:WIA with two-sided aneurysmal shoulder or neck width <3.6 mm. are significantly associated with successful coil embolization using simple coiling technique.

Endovascular treatment of a small ruptured non-traumatic internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting with repeated massive epistaxis

ObjectiveWe encountered a rare case of massive epistaxis resulting from a small ruptured non-traumatic cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm associated a bony defect in the wall of the posterior lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. We presented successful diagnosis and treatment with a balloon-assisted neck-plasty coil embolization. Case PresentationA 74-year-old Japanese man was admitted following recurrent massive epistaxis. There was no history of trauma, surgery, radiotherapy, infection, or tumor. Radiographic imaging demonstrated a bony defect in the wall of the posterior lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus that allowed the aneurysm to ruptured into the nasal cavity rather than intracranially. After rupture, the patient presented with epistaxis that resulted in systemic hypotension. This aneurysm can be managed rapidly using endovascular techniques of a balloon-assisted neck-plasty coil embolization. ConclusionThe present case report highlights the rarity of a small non-traumatic cavernous ICA aneurysm causing massive epistaxis. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility, as a high index of suspicion is required for proper diagnosis. Internal carotid angiography should be performed, particularly in patients with refractory epistaxis. Aneurysms in this location are usually amenable to endovascular treatment. Coil embolization using a microballoon-assisted neck-plasty technique can result in immediate hemostasis, parent artery preservation, and successful long-term aneurysm occlusion.

Abstract WP33: Early Lessons Learned From the WEB Device: Feasibility, Technique and Complications—A Real Life Experience

Introduction: Wide-neck bifurcation cerebral aneurysms have always posed a treatment challenge and have historically required either clip ligation, or stent vs. balloon-assisted coil embolization. This predicament led to the development of the newly FDA-approved Woven EndoBridge (WEB) aneurysm embolization system (Sequent Medical Inc, Aliso Viejo, CA) Which is a self-expanding mesh that achieves intrasaccular flow disruption and does not require antithrombotic medications. In this study, we report our experience with the first 64 consecutive aneurysms treated via WEB embolization at two high-volume institutions. Methods: We reviewed our first 61 consecutive patients with 64 cerebral aneurysms who underwent WEB embolization from February-August 2019. We collected data on patient demographics and clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, device and procedural details, and functional outcomes. Results: A total of 64 aneurysms were included in our study. Fifteen patients (24.1%) presented with acutely ruptured aneurysm while the rest were unruptured. The majority of patients (82.8%) required only one attempt for successful device deployment, while a stent was necessary as an adjunct treatment in 4 patients (6.3%) due to WEB herniation. Two patients had residual aneurysm that had to undergo additional treatment; one of them underwent second WEB embolization and one underwent clip ligation. One patient with a PICA aneurysm had device dislodgment with injury to the parent vessel—Onyx and coils were used to deconstruct the vertebral artery. Conclusions: The advent of the WEB device has significantly impacted the surgical decision-making for the treatment of bifurcation, wide-neck aneurysms. We discuss in detail the lessons learned from patient selection, device size selection, technique, and complications from two institutions with high-volume endovascular and microsurgical aneurysm treatment experience.

Early Lessons Learned From the WEB Device: Feasibility, Technique and Complications—A Real-Life Experience

Abstract INTRODUCTION Wide-neck bifurcation cerebral aneurysms have always posed a treatment challenge and have historically required either clip ligation, or stent vs balloon-assisted coil embolization. This predicament led to the development of the newly FDA-approved Woven EndoBridge (WEB) Aneurysm Embolization System (Sequent Medical Inc, Aliso Viejo, California), which is a self-expanding mesh that achieves intrasaccular flow disruption and does not require antithrombotic medications. In this study, we report our experience with the first 29 consecutive aneurysms treated via WEB embolization at 2 high-volume institutions. METHODS We reviewed our first 27 consecutive patients with 29 cerebral aneurysms who underwent WEB embolization from February to April 2019. We collected data on patient demographics and clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, device and procedural details, and functional outcomes. RESULTS A total of 29 aneurysms were included in our study. Seven patients (24.1%) presented with acutely ruptured aneurysm while the rest were unruptured. The majority of patients (82.8%) required only 1 attempt for successful device deployment, while a stent was necessary as an adjunct treatment in 4 patients (13.7%) due to WEB herniation. Two patients had residual aneurysm that had to undergo additional treatment; one of them underwent second WEB embolization and one underwent clip ligation. One patient with a PICA aneurysm had device dislodgment with injury to the parent vessel Onyx and coils were used to deconstruct the vertebral artery. CONCLUSION The advent of the WEB device has significantly impacted the surgical decision-making for the treatment of bifurcation, wide-neck aneurysms. We discuss in detail the lessons learned from patient selection, device size selection, technique, and complications from 2 institutions with a high-volume endovascular and microsurgical aneurysm treatment experience.

Parent Artery Stenosis and Visual Disturbance after Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization of an Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: A Case Report

Parent Artery Stenosis and Visual Disturbance after Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization of an Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: A Case Report