Balloon Protection Research Articles

High flow pial arteriovenous fistula with dural sinus malformation of the posterior circulation.

Posterior fossa congenital pial arteriovenous fistulas are rare vascular anomalies associated with high morbidity. These anomalies often present challenges to neurointerventionists due to their complex morphological features. We successfully treated two technically challenging, infratentorial large pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) associated with complete flow steal in the basilar artery. The first case involved an 18-year-old male with a posterior fossa single-hole AVF characterized by dilated venous pouches and retrograde venous reflux. After an unsuccessful initial coiling attempt, this patient was treated using a double microcatheter coiling technique, supported by a large balloon for flow control. The second case involved a 9-month-old infant with a complex two-hole posterior fossa pial AVF and a large venous sac. This patient was treated with coil embolization of the fistula and with balloon protection of the vertebrobasilar junction. Both patients recovered without postoperative complications and showed significant improvement on follow-up. These cases provide valuable insights into the management and characteristics of pial arteriovenous fistulas.

Embolization of posterior fossa meningiomas supplied with meningohypophyseal trunk by using n-BCA and dual balloon protection.

Efficacy of tumor embolization for posterior fossa meningioma is controversial due to the lack of adequate embolization for dangerous feeders. Of these, a meningohypophyseal trunk (MHT) has high therapeutic value despite the high risks associated with embolization. To analyze the utility of preoperative MHT embolization for posterior fossa meningiomas using n-BCA with dual balloon protection, a single center retrospective record review was performed on eight consecutive patients who underwent preoperative tumor embolization via the MHT for posterior fossa meningiomas between 2020 and 2024. All patients successfully embolized the MHT using n-BCA. Complete obliteration was achieved in five cases, which is related to the tentorial artery alone as the feeding vessel. None of the patients had cerebral infarction associated with distal embolization. One patient experienced worsening of preoperatively observed abducens nerve palsy due to cranial nerve ischemia. Gross total resection was achieved in seven of eight cases. The mean estimated blood loss during surgical resection was 186 mL (range, 39-392 mL). The mean operative time was 431 min (range, 317-767 min). The MHT embolization of posterior fossa meningiomas by using n-BCA is technically feasible with a high success rate and an acceptable complication rate. MHT=meningohypophyseal trunk; ILT=inferolateral trunk; CPA=Cerebellopontine angle; BGC=balloon guide catheter; PVA=polyvinyl alcohol; GTR=Gross Total Resection; CN=Cranial nerve.

Abstract TMP68: Proximal Balloon Occlusion With Forced Aspiration (POWER) Technique Should Be Effective in Preventing Distal Microembolization During Carotid Artery Stenting With the Filter Protection Device

Purpose: Since the balloon protection device became unavailable in Japan three years ago, the DWI-positive rate after carotid artery stenting (CAS) has increased. We have developed a Proximal balloon Occlusion With forcEd aspiRation (POWER) technique to prevent distal embolization in CAS with the filter protection device. The concept of this technique was to standardize the three points: (1) aspiration force, (2) timing of aspiration and (3) use of balloon guiding. To standardize (1), a VACLOK (vacuum pressure) syringe-like system was used instead of manual aspiration, so that the same aspiration force was applied. To standardize (2), aspiration was to be initiated just before PTA balloon deflation during pre- and post-dilatation. Methods: From June 2020 to the present, CAS cases using the Filter protection device were enrolled and divided into two groups before and after the introduction of the POWER technique. Patient backgrounds, carotid artery characteristics (symptomatic, stenosis rate and length, MRI and echographic findings), PTA balloon size, stent type, the postoperative DWI positive rate and the number of DWI spots, and the symptomatic stroke rate were compared between the two groups, respectively. Results: Of the 55 CAS cases, 36 were enrolled in the without-POWER group and 19 in the with-POWER group. Between the two groups, postoperative DWI positivity was 32 (88.9%) vs. 9 (47.4%) (p<0.001), DWI spot lesions (n, median (quartiles)) was 9 (3-20) vs. 0 (0-2) (p<0.001), and symptomatic stroke was 6 (16.7%) vs. 0 (0%) (p=0.06), all with-POWER group were less common. Symptomatic stenosis (63.9% vs. 94.7%, p<0.05) was more common in the with-POWER group. There were no differences in age, gender, stenosis rate and length, open cell stent, PTA balloon size, MRA TOF high, MRI T1BB high, hypoechoic plaque, HT, DL, DM, CKD, smoking or DAPT use. Conclusion: POWER technique was associated with lower postoperative DWI positivity and lesion counts in CAS with filter protection device.

Tumor Embolization via the Meningohypophyseal and Inferolateral Trunk in Patients with Skull Base Tumors Using the Distal Balloon Protection Technique.

Tumor embolization through the meningohypophyseal trunk and inferolateral trunk is known to be effective in skull base tumors; however, microcatheter cannulation into these arteries is difficult, and the number of cases that can be safely embolized is limited. In this study, we present a novel embolization procedure for the meningohypophyseal trunk and inferolateral trunk using the distal balloon protection technique and detail its clinical efficacy and complication risks. We developed this procedure to allow safe embolization in patients who cannot be adequately cannulated with microcatheters into these arteries. Patients who underwent meningohypophyseal trunk or inferolateral trunk embolization using the distal balloon protection technique for skull base tumors at our institution between 2010 and 2023 were included. In this procedure, the ICA was temporarily occluded with a balloon at the ophthalmic artery bifurcation, the microcatheter was guided to the meningohypophyseal trunk or inferolateral trunk vicinity, and embolic particles were injected into the arteries. The balloon was deflated after the embolic particles that had refluxed into the ICA were aspirated. A total of 25 meningohypophyseal trunks and inferolateral trunks were embolized during 21 operations. Of these 25 arteries, only 9 (36.0%) were successfully cannulated with microcatheters. Nevertheless, effective embolization was achieved in all cases. Permanent complications occurred in only 1 case (4.8%) in which the central retinal artery was occluded during inferolateral trunk embolization, resulting in a visual field defect. No permanent complications resulting from the embolic cerebral infarction were observed. Of 16 cases that underwent MR imaging within a week after embolization, however, 11 (68.8%) demonstrated embolic cerebral infarctions. In patients with skull base tumors with meningohypophyseal trunk or inferolateral trunk feeders that cannot be catheterized directly, embolization using the distal balloon protection technique for tumor supply can be considered as a salvage technique.

Safety and Risk Factors of Carotid Artery Stenting with Simple Distal Filter Protection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Carotid artery stenting embolic protection devices offer various options, among which distal filter protection is the simplest and easiest to handle. However, compared to balloon protection systems, distal filter protection has more embolic complications. Therefore, we explored the risk factors of distal filter protection, intending to achieve a safer carotid artery stenting. This retrospective study was conducted to identify prognostic factors following carotid artery stenting with only distal filter protection from July 2010 to June 2021. Information on patient background, procedures and devices, and complications was collected using medical records. The data pertaining to 187 patients were analyzed after excluding the data of patients in whom other protection devices (8 cases) were used. We used FilterWire EZ as the first choice for embolic protection device and SpiderFX when the patients had difficult-to-cross lesions. The patients' mean age was 71.9 ± 6.9 years, and 72 (38.5%) were symptomatic. Symptomatic (odds ratio: 2.02, p = 0.035) and difficult-to-cross lesions (odds ratio: 3.63, p = 0.0013) were factors independently associated with symptomatic complications. This retrospective single-center study established independent prognostic factors for carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection. For patients with symptomatic lesions and severe stenosis or bends that are difficult to pass through, it is necessary to be careful when performing carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection.

Submental intubation in complex maxillofacial trauma: Pilot balloon protection

AimsThis study aims to describe our refined technique of submental intubation to avoid the recorded intraoperative complications related to tube passage and pilot balloon rupture. Case seriesThis is a retrospective case series of 21 patients with complex maxillofacial trauma who underwent submental intubation from January 2019 to January 2023. All the patients underwent to the same procedure with a new technique of pilot balloon protection: the pilot balloon was not deflated because, once the connector was removed, only the tube was curved and passed through the incision extraorally while the cuff remained inflated. The wire of the pilot balloon was passed behind the last tooth so as not to interfere with the maxillary-mandibular fixation, remaining extraorally under the anesthetist's view. DiscussionOnly 2 patients (9.5%) reported complications related to submental intubation: in particular a patient (4.8%) reported oral floor infection, and in another patient (4.8%) an unesthetic skin scar was observed. No patients reported intraoperative complications related to the procedure. ConclusionThe technique of pilot balloon protection that we have proposed seems to be effective in reducing the intraoperative complications related to the passage of the pilot balloon, such as rupture, damage or early extubation.

Double kissing inflation outside the stent versus jailed balloon technique for coronary bifurcation lesions

Abstract Background Side branch (SB) occlusion remains challenging in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcation lesions even in the era of jailed balloon technique (JBT). Our previous single-arm study introduced a novel method to protect SB named double kissing inflation outside the stent (DKo), which features twice inflation of the protective balloon kissing with the stent balloon and post-dilation balloon. Objective To confirm whether DKo can protect SB better than JBT in a large sample of bifurcation lesions. Methods This retrospective, single-center cohort study enrolled 875 consecutive patients underwent bifurcation PCI either in DKo (n=209) or JBT group (n=666). The primary endpoint was transient SB loss after removal of the protective balloon. The secondary endpoints included rates of SB rewiring, final kissing balloon inflation (FKBI), SB stenting, final SB loss, and peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI). Results Transient SB loss occurred in only 1 patient (0.5%) in DKo but 32 patients (4.8%) in JBT (p<0.005). Transient loss in JBT group was triggered by rewiring (n=21), post-dilation (n=8) and severe dissection (n=3). DKo caused lower rates of rewiring (0.5% vs. 13.8%, p<0.001), FKBI (0.5% vs. 7.7%, p<0.001) and PMI (0.5% vs. 2.9%, p=0.045). SB stenting and final SB loss showed a lower tendency in DKo [0% vs. 0.8%, p=0.21; 0% vs. 1.2%, p=0.11]. DKo was the only protector against transient SB loss [odds ratio=0.08, 95% confidence interval (0.01-0.59), p=0.013]. Conclusion DKo protects SB better than JBT in PCI for bifurcation lesions. Randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the long-term benefit.

Simultaneous Transcatheter Closure of Coexistent Superior Sinus Venosus Defects and Oval Fossa Defects.

Device closure has become the preferred procedure for treating oval fossa defects in the last two decades. More recently, transcatheter sinus venosus defect (SVD) closure has emerged as an alternative to surgery. Transcatheter stenting aims to overcome potential late surgical complications such as stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) and right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV), as well as sinus node dysfunction. Balloon interrogation of the cavoatrial junction is able to identify patients who are suitable candidates for nonsurgical closure. Successful closure is possible when the balloon seals the SVD and redirects the RUPV towards the left atrium. Oval fossa (secundum) defects can coexist in approximately 9-16% of patients with SVD. Among a group of 80 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of SVD, five adult patients aged between 22 and 52years also required device closure of an associated oval fossa defect. The procedure involved simultaneous balloon interrogation of both the SVD and oval fossa defect, with continuous monitoring of the RUPV using bilateral femoral venous sheaths. Covered stent exclusion of the SVD was performed with concurrent device closure of the oval fossa defect using 12-36mm atrial septal occluders. During the procedure, two patients required protective balloon inflation in the RUPV while expanding the covered stent. In one patient, a higher small accessory RUPV was intentionally left to drain into the SVC through the struts of a bare stent anchoring the covered stent in the upper SVC. In another patient, a second overlapping covered stent was used to address residual flows from a fabric tear that became apparent after balloon deflation. There were no vascular complications and only one patient exhibited an insignificant 6mm residual flow from the caudal edge of the SVD during a follow-up of 5 to 72months. In conclusion, the closure of both SVD and associated oval fossa defects can be successfully performed in a single procedure, with comparable procedural times and favourable mid-term outcomes.

Double Kissing Inflation Outside the Stent Versus Jailed Balloon Technique for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions

Side branch (SB) occlusion remains challenging in bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention. We have introduced a novel method to protect SB named double kissing inflation outside the stent (DKo), which features twice inflation of protective balloon kissing with stent and postdilation balloon. This study compared protective effects of DKo vs jailed balloon technique (JBT) for bifurcation. This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 875 consecutive bifurcation lesions receiving either DKo (n = 209) or JBT (n = 666). At the 12-month follow-up, major adverse cardiac event occurred less in DKo (6.7% vs 12.0%; P = 0.042), even in 1:2 propensity score matching analysis (6.4% vs 12.3%; P = 0.034). Rewiring and transient SB loss occurred also less in DKo (0.5% vs 13.8% [P < 0.001]; 0.5% vs 4.8% [P = 0.003]). Similar results were observed in matching analysis. This study demonstrated DKo protected SB better than JBT in bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention.

Distal embolic protection use during transfemoral carotid artery stenting is associated with improved in-hospital outcomes

ObjectiveDespite current guidelines recommending the use of distal embolic protection during transfemoral carotid artery stenting (tfCAS) to prevent periprocedural stroke, there remains significant variation in the routine use of distal filters. We sought to assess in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing tfCAS with and without embolic protection using a distal filter. MethodsWe identified all patients undergoing tfCAS in the Vascular Quality Initiative from March 2005 to December 2021 and excluded those who received proximal embolic balloon protection. We created propensity score-matched cohorts of patients who underwent tfCAS with and without attempted placement of a distal filter. Subgroup analyses of patients with failed vs successful filter placement and failed vs no attempt at filter placement were performed. In-hospital outcomes were assessed using log binomial regression, adjusted for protamine use. Outcomes of interest were composite stroke/death, stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), transient ischemic attack (TIA), and hyperperfusion syndrome. ResultsAmong 29,853 patients who underwent tfCAS, 28,213 (95%) had a filter attempted for distal embolic protection and 1640 (5%) did not. After matching, 6859 patients were identified. No attempted filter was associated with significantly higher risk of in-hospital stroke/death (6.4% vs 3.8%; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-2.23; P < .001), stroke (3.7% vs 2.5%; aRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.06-2.08; P = .022), and mortality (3.5% vs 1.7%; aRR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.42-3.020; P < .001). In a secondary analysis of patients who had failed attempt at filter placement vs successful filter placement, failed filter placement was associated with worse outcomes (stroke/death: 5.8% vs 2.7%; aRR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.38-3.21; P = .001 and stroke: 5.3% vs 1.8%; aRR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.78-4.61; P < .001). However, there were no differences in outcomes in patients with failed vs no attempted filter placement (stroke/death: 5.4% vs 6.2%; aRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.61-1.63; P = .99; stroke: 4.7% vs 3.7%; aRR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.79-2.48; P = .20; death: 0.9% vs 3.4%; aRR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12-1.01; P = .052). ConclusionstfCAS performed without attempted distal embolic protection was associated with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital stroke and death. Patients undergoing tfCAS after failed attempt at filter placement have equivalent stroke/death to patients in whom no filter was attempted, but more than a two-fold higher risk of stroke/death compared with those with successfully placed filters. These findings support current Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines recommending routine use of distal embolic protection during tfCAS. If a filter cannot be placed safely, an alternative approach to carotid revascularization should be considered.

Embolization of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Liquid Materials Under Transarterial Balloon Protection.

To analyze the clinical and angiographic outcomes of interventional embolization under transarterial balloon protection technique in patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas. In a single-center cohort of 30 patients undergoing cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas embolization under balloon protection. We collected their clinical symptoms, complications, mid-term follow-up angiographic results, and long-term clinical outcomes for the baseline characteristics. Thirty patients with 31 lesions were included in this study. Immediate applications of angiographies after embolization indicated that complete obliteration occurred in 29 lesions (93.5% of 31 lesions). Two cases with permanent trigeminal nerve palsy were treated by arterial approach. Onyx dispersed into the internal carotid artery in one process, and salvage stent implantation was performed to prevent parent artery occlusion. Interventional embolization with intra-arterial balloon protection is effective and safe with rarely occurring complications.

PERFORMANCE 1 study: Novel carotid stent system with integrated post-dilation balloon and embolic protection device.

The PERFORMANCE I study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Neuroguard IEP® System, a novel carotid stent system with an integrated embolic filter and post-dilatation balloon, to treat clinically significant carotid artery stenosis. The risk of major adverse events during carotid artery stenting is comparable to carotid endarterectomy, however, the risk of minor stroke remains higher with stenting. In total, 67 patients undergoing carotid artery stenting were enrolled at nine centers in Europe. Follow-up assessments included neurological exams, duplex ultrasound, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and cardiac enzyme analysis. The primary endpoint was the 30-day composite rate of stroke, death, and myocardial infarctions versus a prespecified performance goal. Secondary endpoints included procedure success, device success, and target lesion revascularization. The study population was predominantly male (74.6%) with a mean age of 69.3 ± 8.9 years and 67% of subjects met at least one criterion placing them at an elevated risk for adverse events following carotid endarterectomy. All patients were treated successfully with the study device. There were no deaths or strokes within 30 days of the index procedure. One subject (1.5%) experienced a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction at day 17. The primary endpoint was met with a 30-day major adverse events rate of 1.5% (1/67). Through 12-month follow-up, there were no strokes, neurological deaths, target lesion revascularizations, or instances of in-stent-restenosis. Results from this study demonstrate the Neuroguard IEP system is safe and feasible with a stroke/death rate of 0% at 30 days. A large pivotal study is currently underway.

New Distal Balloon Protection System for Transradial Carotid Artery Stenting After Percusurge Guardwire Withdrawal: Jailbreak Technique

Embolic protection devices are commonly used to prevent cerebral embolism during carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the PercuSurge Guardwire device, a distal balloon protection device, was discontinued in April 2021. We present a case of successful CAS using a new distal balloon protection system. The procedure, referred to as the jailbreak technique, was performed via transradial access. A 67-year-old man underwent CAS, using the jailbreak technique, for right carotid stenosis with a vulnerable plaque. 6-French (Fr) and 4-Fr Simmons guiding sheaths were delivered into the right common carotid artery via the right and left transradial access, respectively. Distal balloon protection was provided using a 2.6-Fr dual-lumen balloon microcatheter (Pinnacle Blue 20, Tokai Medical Products, Aichi, Japan) via the 4-Fr Simmons guiding sheath. A 4.2-Fr catheter was coaxially delivered proximal to the balloon and distal to the lesion. After CAS was successfully performed via the 6-Fr Simmons guiding sheath, the Pinnacle Blue 20 was retrieved through the 4.2-Fr catheter without interfering with the distal stent flare and stent struts. Postprocedural neuroimaging revealed no evidence of ischemic stroke. The jailbreak technique allows distal balloon protection during transradial CAS. This is a useful treatment option for patients with carotid stenosis.

In vitro testing of a funnel-tip catheter with different clot types to decrease clot migration in mechanical thrombectomy.

Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke in patients with large vessel occlusion and can be performed up to 24h after symptom onset. Despite high recanalization rates, embolism in new territories has been reported in 8.6% of the cases. Causes for this could be clot abruption during stent retrieval into the smaller opening of a standard distal access catheter, and antegrade blood flow via collaterals despite proximal balloon protection. A funnel-shaped tip with a larger internal diameter was developed to increase the rate of first-pass recanalization and to improve the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy. This in vitro study compared the efficacy of a funnel-shaped tip with a standard tip in combination with different clot compositions. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed 80 times for each tip, using two stent retrievers (Trevo XP ProVue 3/20 mm, 4/20 mm) and four different clot types (hard vs. soft clots, 0-24h vs. 72h aged clots). Significantly higher first-pass recanalization rates (mTICI 3) were observed for the funnel-shaped tip, 70.0% versus 30.0% for the standard tip (absolute difference, 32; relative difference 57.1%; P < .001), regardless of the clot type and stent retriever. Recanalization could be increased using harder Chandler loop clots versus softer statically generated clots, as well as 0-24h versus 72h aged clots, respectively. The funnel-shaped tip achieved higher first-pass recanalization rates than the smaller standard tip and lower rates of clot abruption at the tip. Clot compositions and aging times impacted recanalization rates.

Real-time angiography in endovascular revascularization of intracranial atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis under proximal balloon protection: “Retrograde suction-injection” technique and literature review

Intracranial angioplasty/stenting is a treatment option for patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease refractory to aggressive medical treatment. However, it carries a risk of procedure-related embolism as well as reperfusion hemorrhage and in-stent thrombosis. We have devised a new embolic protection system which can achieve both total ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) embolic protection and real-time visualization of the target lesion during endovascular revascularization of intracranial atherosclerotic disease below the carotid T junction. Herein, we describe a case of medically refractory symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic ICA stenosis successfully treated with this method.

Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting for Occlusive Diseases.

Stenting for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) was once denied 15years ago because it failed to prove the non-inferiority to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, it is now reevaluated and is thought better due to higher safety and efficacy thanks to the development of devices, strategies, and various protection methods. To achieve the safe CAS, protection methods and stents should be properly selected based on the vessel course and plaque components on the preoperative plaque images. Particularly multiple protection methods including proximal balloon protection and double-layer micromesh stents are useful for the cases with high-risk and fragile plaque. Perioperative anti-platelet management and the control of blood pressure are also important to avoid the ischemic complications and hyperperfusion. Properly protected and tailored CAS based on the risk management has dramatically improved the clinical results and contributed to extend the indication for more difficult lesions.

Subclavian Artery Stenting Under Cerebral Protection by Balloon-Guiding Catheter Inflation Inside the Aortic Arch at the Left Subclavian Artery Origin

We describe a simple and novel technique for cerebral protection during left subclavian artery (SA) stenting by inflation of a balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the SA origin. A total of 12 patients with left SA stenosis underwent SA stenting with inflation of a balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the left SA origin between January 2020 and December 2020. The SA stenting procedures under proximal protection were retrospectively reviewed to assess ischemic complications, hyperintense spots on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and flow direction of left vertebral artery (VA) during balloon-guiding catheter inflation using ultrasonography (US). The success rate of the SA stenting procedure was 100% with no symptomatic ischemic complications. None of the 12 patients showed small hyperintense spots in DWI. In all patients, the left VA on US during balloon inflation showed retrograde blood flow. The left VA on US had retrograde blood flow during inflation of the balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the SA origin. Therefore, the proximal balloon protection inside the aortic arch at the SA origin is a simple and maybe a safe technique for cerebral protection during SA stenting.

Transarterial embolization in dural arteriovenous fistulas under sinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU supercompliant balloon

ObjectiveTransarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection is an efficient treatment strategy for intracranial arteriovenous fistula. Ordinary balloon protection methods using the Copernic RC balloon may occlude the normal drainage route, and the occurrence of venous complications is concerning. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of the supercompliant SHOURYU balloon catheter for intrasinus balloon protection while preserving the normal venous outlet. MethodsEighteen patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas who were treated with transarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection between April 2011 and July 2020 were included. All lesions were treated with transarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU balloon catheter. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively collected, and the occlusion rate, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. ResultsNine men and nine women were treated, and their average age was 61.1 years. Fistulas were located at the transverse-sigmoid sinus (n = 13), superior sagittal sinus (n = 3), tentorial sinus (n = 1), and around the torcular Herophili (n = 1). Ten patients were classified as Borden typeⅠand eight as Borden type Ⅱ. Complete (n = 9) or near-complete (n = 4) occlusion was achieved in 72.2% of the patients. Periprocedural complications, but no venous complications were observed in two patients. Symptoms were not aggravated after treatment. ConclusionsTransarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU balloon catheter is effective and safe for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas while maintaining the patency of the venous sinus.

How to Build OP-MEG: Specific Issues and Challenges

Symptomatic innominate artery stenosis presenting as hemodynamic bilateral cerebral ischemia is uncommon. We present a rare case of the severe stenosis of the origin of an innominate artery and severe stenosis of bilateral internal carotid artery that induced hemodynamic cerebral ischemia after ipsilateral axillary artery-bilateral femoral artery bypass and was treated with stent replacement of the innominate artery and right internal carotid artery.A 64-year-old woman who previously had undergone right axillary artery-bilateral femoral artery anastomosis for abdominal aorta high obstruction had been suffering from chronic dizziness and so visited our department. Findings of the examination included the severe stenosis of the origin of an innominate artery and severe stenosis of bilateral internal carotid artery, causing hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. She underwent stent replacement of the innominate artery and right carotid artery stenting via a right transbrachial approach. Her symptoms were relieved postoperatively.For the sake of improving the hemodynamic cerebral ischemia, we performed stent replacement for innominate artery stenosis and right carotid artery stenting. Endovascular treatment of subclavian and innominate artery disease is a safe procedure. In addition, for the protection of thromboembolic migration, we performed balloon protection of the external carotid artery and filter protection of the internal carotid artery.Stent replacement for these lesions can be performed safely with the right approach and protection methods, even when the only accessible route is the right brachial artery.

Endovascular revascularization of symptomatic chronic total occlusions of the internal carotid artery using a proximal balloon protection device.

To investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusions (ICAO). Thirty patients with symptomatic chronic ICAO were treated using the endovascular recanalization method. Proximal balloon protection devices were used to prevent embolic migration by completely blocking the blood flow. The morphology of the internal carotid artery (ICA) at the occluded segment based on catheter angiography was analyzed. Recanalization of symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) was successful in 20 of the 30 patients (66.7%). The time required for successful revascularization ranged from 120 to 180 min (mean, 150 min). Of the 20 successful patients, 14 were at the cervical ICAs, and six were at the intracranial ICAs. No permanent complications occurred in our study. Ischemic symptoms related to chronic ICAO did not occur during the 18.3 month follow-up period (range, 12-24 months) in the 20 successful patients. Endovascular revascularization can improve hemodynamic compromise. The treated sites of all 20 successfully recanalized patients were patent on computed tomographic angiography or carotid duplex sonography, and no case with >50% restenosis was observed during the follow-up period. Three patients with failed recanalization had a stroke during the follow-up period. Endovascular revascularization of symptomatic CICAO using a proximal balloon protection device is technically feasible in selected patients, and the outcomes are favorable for patients who benefit from revascularization.