Balloon Test Occlusion Research Articles

Strategic Dual Approach for the Management of a Symptomatic Giant Partially Thrombosed Aneurysm at the Basilar Tip - Integrating Intrasaccular Flow Diversion and Endovascular Flow Reversal.

Managing giant partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms presents significant challenges due to their unfavorable natural history and the lack of standardized treatment approaches. Conventional treatments, whether open surgical or endovascular, often struggle to manage these aneurysms effectively, resulting in high recurrence rates or significant morbidity. The patient was a 62-year-old male with a symptomatic giant partially thrombosed aneurysm at the tip of the basilar artery, presenting with left-sided hemiparesis and dysarthria. Diagnostic imaging revealed a giant aneurysm with a wide-necked, canalized portion. A two-stage endovascular treatment was conducted, involving a balloon occlusion test (BOT) and intraoperative monitoring (IOM) for maximum patient safety. The treatment utilized stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge (WEB) embolization and serial bilateral vertebral artery trapping. The procedure successfully isolated the aneurysm and postoperative imaging confirmed the absence of recanalization, preserving the intact posterior circulation. The patient showed stable recovery and no neurological deficits during the 12-month follow-up period. This technical note demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of strategically integrating intrasaccular flow diversion using a WEB device and flow reversal through bilateral vertebral artery trapping for treating giant partially thrombosed aneurysms.

Long-term heart failure risk after atrial septal defect closure in elderly

Abstract Background There is concern that atrial septal defect (ASD) closure will unmask underlying diastolic dysfunction or left heart disease in elderly causing heart failure. It is controversial whether fenestrated devices should be used in elderly patients. Purpose To assess the long-term heart failure risk after ASD closure in elderly and risk factors associated with heart failure hospitalization in a single centre. Method From 2003-2023, all elderly patients aged more that 60 years old who had ASD closure performed successfully in this centre were retrospectively studied. Baseline demographics, underlying risk factors and survival without heart failure hospitalization were analyzed. Result From 2003-2023, 73 patients aged more than 60 years old underwent successful ASD closure in our centre. None of these patients had balloon occlusion test for assessment of left atrial pressure. Median age was 66 years old (60-84) at operation and 27 (37.0%) of them were male. Common risk factors included diabetes (n=9, 12.3%), hypertension (n=31, 42.5%) and ischaemic heart disease (n=8, 11%). Thirty-nine (53.4%) patients had pre-existing atrial fibrillation and 17 (23.3%) of them had moderate to severe left sided valvular lesions. Heart failure symptoms were present in 31 (42.5%) of them (Figure 1). During a median follow-up time of 4 years (1-15 years), 80.8% of patients did not experience heart failure hospitalization (Figure 2). Pre-existing atrial fibrillation and left-sided valvular lesions were associated with higher risk of heart failure hospitalization (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.03-16.06 p=0.036 and OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.41-17.09 p=0.009). Conclusion In a median follow-up time of 4 years, patients aged more than 60 years old had low rate of heart failure hospitalization after ASD closure. Pre-existing atrial fibrillation and left-sided moderate to severe valvular lesions were associated with higher risk of heart failure admission. Further studies should be conducted on ASD closure in these group of patients.Figure 1Figure 2

Efficacy of endovascular therapy in short-term two-stage operation for thrombosed giant cerebral aneurysm

Background: Giant cerebral aneurysms have a high rupture rate, are often difficult to treat, and have a poor prognosis. We report two cases in which good results were achieved with a short, two-stage operation using a combination of endovascular treatment (EVT) and direct surgery. Case Description: Case 1 - A 50-year-old man had become immobile due to truncal ataxia after nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography (CT), and angiography revealed a giant thrombosed aneurysm of the right vertebral artery 30 mm in diameter, which compressed medulla oblongata. He underwent endovascular parent artery occlusion (PAO) followed by direct surgical thrombectomy 3 days later.The patient’s outcome was modified Rankin score (mRS) 1 at 7 days after the operation and mRS 0 at 1 year. Case 2 - A 40-year-old man developed a progressive visual disturbance. CT showed a giant thrombosed aneurysm of 50 mm diameter in the C2 portion of the left internal carotid artery. A balloon test occlusion (BTO) and cerebral blood flow single-photon emission computed tomography under BTO suggested partial ischemic tolerance due to PAO. PAO followed by low flow bypass and thrombectomy of the aneurysm by direct surgery was performed on the same day.The patient’s vision was improved with the outcome of mRS 1. Conclusion: EVT in a short-term two-stage operation for a thrombosed giant cerebral aneurysm is effective for the purpose of hemostasis in the thrombectomy designed to decompress the suffered brain or nerve. Complete PAO and meticulous perioperative use of antithrombotic agents are necessary to avoid perforator failure and hemorrhagic complications in this technique.

Treatment strategy of carotid blowout syndrome after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the treatment of internal carotid artery rupture after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods:The clinical data of 7 patients with internal carotid artery rupture after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma from March 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:Skull base osteonecrosis with infection occurred in 4 cases, and tumor recurrence with infection in 3 cases. DSA showed that internal carotid artery rupture was located in the internal carotid artery petrosal segment in 6 cases, and in the paravicular segment in 1 case. Balloon occlusion test（BOT） was performed in 6 patients, of which 3 passed and 3 failed. Vascular treatment included internal carotid artery embolization（4 cases）, false aneurysm embolization 1 case（rebleeding）, coated stent 1 case（rebleeding）, muscle compression during operation（1 case）. Patients with rebleeding received high-flow bypass. Three cases developed cerebral infarction after embolization without severe sequelae after treatment, and no death occurred within 90 days. After bleeding control, all 3 patients with cranial base necrosis received surgical treatment to remove the necrotic bone and tissue flap repair, and 1 patient with recurrence received gamma knife and targeted therapy, 1 patient received immune and surgical therapy, and 1 patient received immune and targeted therapy. Conclusion:Rupture and hemorrhage of internal carotid artery after radiotherapy is related to tumor invasion, tissue injury and local infection after radiotherapy. For those caused by tumor invasion, it is recommended to sacrifice the responsible vessels. For those caused by infection, emergency surgery is recommended and blood vessels preserved. Emergency vascular occlusion remains a life-saving option.

Use of a new low-profile coronary stent graft for the treatment of intracranial carotid blow-out.

A 50-year-old male patient with a history of transcranial surgery and subsequent radiotherapy for a pituitary adenoma presented with repetitive pulsatile nasal bleeding. A right cavernous segment pseudoaneurysm was discovered on the angiogram, and the patient failed the balloon occlusion test. A Papyrus (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) stent graft, which is approved for coronary interventions, was successfully deployed over a coaxial guiding system during the emergent treatment of the false aneurysm. The patient tolerated the procedure well and nasal bleeding did not recur after the procedure. At one-year angiographic follow-up, the stent graft was patent and there was no evidence of recanalization of the false aneurysm.

Atrial septal defect and platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: usefulness of the balloon occlusion test.

A 37-year-old man was referred to our medical center with a diagnosis of Eisenmenger syndrome due to an atrial septal defect (ASD). At admission he had central cyanosis, acrocyanosis, and progressive effort dyspnea; his symptoms improved during lying position.

Posterior Communicating Artery / Posterior Cerebral Artery

Thorough understanding of the vascular anatomy, including embryological development of vessels is important to safely perform endovascular procedures. The posterior cerebral and anterior choroidal arteries are embryologically complementary, which suggests a potential network. Numerous perforators originate from the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arteries. The tuberothalamic artery arising from the posterior communicating artery and the thalamoperforating artery, which originates from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery are clinically important because occlusion of these vessels can precipitate severe infarction. It is clinically important to be aware that the branching pattern of perforators differs based on the fusion type of the basilar tip. The balloon occlusion and Allcock test are useful to predict ischemic tolerance in cases of intentional artery occlusion. However, accurate prediction remains challenging, and a definitive evaluation method is unavailable. Flow disturbances in the cortical territory and local perforator impairment require close attention in cases of intentional artery occlusion.

Navigating a grey zone: Neuromonitoring in the management of temporary internal carotid artery occlusion techniques - A case series and literature review

There is a dearth of clearly defined thresholds to guide the application of neuromonitoring modalities in temporary vessel occlusion techniques. We report a case series exploring the utility of various neuromonitoring techniques during temporary vessel occlusion procedures. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients, who underwent temporary vessel occlusion procedures over a two-year period and examined the neuromonitors employed in temporary vessel occlusion procedures including balloon occlusion test (BOT). We found complete details of nine patients, who were managed with the use of the following neuromonitors: cerebral oximetry, electrical activity monitors, evoked potential monitors, and transcranial Doppler. A literature search identified other studies reporting utilization of adjuvant neuromonitoring in these procedures. Although multiple sensors could be concurrently attached to patients without impeding image acquisition in patients undergoing BOT, our review of the literature and our own findings revealed a lack of consistent correlation with outcome, particularly concerning near-infrared spectroscopy values.

A patient-specific circle of Willis blood flow model in predicting outcomes of balloon test occlusion.

Balloon test occlusion (BTO) evaluates cerebral ischemic tolerance before internal carotid artery (ICA) sacrifice but carries risks like dissection and thrombosis. This study introduces a new approach using a patient-specific circle of Willis (COW) blood flow model, based on non-invasive quantitative MR angiography (qMRA) measurements, to predict the outcomes of BTO. We developed individualized COW blood flow models for 43 patients undergoing BTO. These models simulated blood flow and pressure under normal conditions and with the ICA occlusion. We then compared the model's predictions of blood flow changes due to the simulated ICA occlusion to actual qMRA measurements before the BTO. For all 31 BTO failures, the ipsilateral hemisphere showed an average flow decrease of 15 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation), compared to 3 ± 2% in the contralateral hemisphere. In all 12 BTO passes, these figures were 6 ± 3% and 1 ± 0.8%, respectively. Notably, all BTO passes had less than a 10% reduction in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In contrast, 65% of BTO failures and 67% single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) failures exhibited a decrease of 10% or more in the same region. Blood flow reduction exceeding 10% in the ipsilateral hemisphere during BTO is a strong predictor of failure in both BTO and SPECT. Our patient-specific COW blood flow models, incorporating detailed flow and arterial geometry data, offered valuable insights for predicting BTO outcomes. These models are especially beneficial for situations where conducting BTO or SPECT is clinically impractical.

Utility of Balloon Occlusion Testing in Determining Fontan Suitability Among Patients with Elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Additional Antegrade Pulmonary Blood Flow.

In individuals with a single ventricle undergoing evaluation before Fontan surgery, the presence of excessive pulmonary blood flow can contribute to increased pulmonary artery pressure, notably in those who had a Glenn procedure with antegrade pulmonary flow. 28 patients who had previously undergone Glenn anastomosis with antegrade pulmonary blood flow (APBF) and with elevated mean pulmonary artery (mPAP) pressure > 15mmHg in diagnostic catheter angiography were included in the study. After addressing other anatomical factors that could affect pulmonary artery pressure, APBF was occluded with semi-compliant, Wedge or sizing balloons to measure pulmonary artery pressure accurately. 23 patients (82% of the cohort) advanced to Fontan completion. In this group, median mPAP dropped from 20.5 (IQR 19-22) mmHg to 13 (IQR 12-14) mmHg post-test (p < 0.001). Median PVR post-test was 1.8 (IQR 1.5-2.1) WUm2. SpO2 levels decreased from a median of 88% (IQR 86%-93%) pre-test to 80% (IQR 75%-84%) post-test (p < 0.001). In five patients, elevated mPAP post-test occlusion on diagnostic catheter angiography led to non-completion of Fontan circulation. In this group, median pre- and post-test mPAP were 23mmHg (IQR 21.5-23.5) and 19mmHg (IQR 18.5-20), respectively (p = 0.038). Median post-test PVR was 3.8 (IQR 3.6-4.5) WUm2. SpO2 levels decreased from a median of 79% (IQR 76%-81%) pre-test to 77% (IQR 73.5%-80%) post-test (p = 0.039). Our study presents a specialized approach for patients initially deemed unsuitable for Fontan due to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. We were able to successfully complete the Fontan procedure in the majority of these high-risk cases after temporary balloon occlusion test.

Endovascular Management of Post-Irradiated Carotid Blowout Syndrome in Patients with Lower Neck Cancers

Lower neck cancers (LNCs) include specific tumour types and have some different vascular supply or collaterals from other head and neck cancers. This prospective study evaluated the outcome of endovascular management of post-irradiated carotid blowout syndrome (PCBS) in patients with LNC by comparing reconstructive management (RE) and deconstructive management (DE). This was a single institute, prospective cohort study. Patients with LNC complicated by PCBS between 2015 and 2021 were enrolled for RE or DE. RE was performed by stent graft placement covering the pathological lesion and preventive external carotid artery (ECA) embolisation without balloon test occlusion (BTO). DE was performed after successful BTO by permanent coil/adhesive agent embolisation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and ECA to common carotid artery, or ICA occlusion alone if the pathological lesion was ICA only. Cross occlusion included proximal and distal ends of the pathological lesion in all patients. Rebleeding events, haemostatic period, and neurological complications were evaluated. A total of 59 patients (mean age 58.5 years; 56 male) were enrolled, including 28 patients undergoing RE and 31 patients undergoing DE. Three patients originally grouped to DE were transferred to RE owing to failed BTO. The results of RE vs. DE were as follows: rebleeding events, 13/28 (46%) vs. 10/31 (32%) (p = .27); haemostatic period, 9.4 ± 14.0 months vs. 14.2 ± 27.8 months (p = .59); neurological complication, 4/28 (14%) vs. 5/31 (16%) (p = .84); and survival time, 11.8 ± 14.6 months vs. 15.1 ± 27.5 months (p = .61). No difference in rebleeding risk and neurological complications was observed between DE and RE groups. RE could be used as a potential routine treatment for PCBS in patients with LNC.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Petrous Section Internal Carotid: A Co-incidence or a Complication of Chronic Otitis Media: A Case Report

Although rare, a Petrous Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a possible complication following chronic otitis media. A 57-year-old woman was brought to the Emergency Department with multiple painless episodes of right ear bleeding and epistaxis over the last two months. Upon evaluation, bony dehiscence was observed over the petrous carotid’s first (proximal) genu, along with a pseudoaneurysm detected in the Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MR angiogram). The Balloon Occlusion Test (BTO) showed no cross-flow from the opposite side. Consequently, the patient was considered for high-flow bypass surgery between the external carotid artery and the M2 segment of the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), utilising a radial artery graft in the neurosurgery specialty. The present rare case report emphasises the significance of maintaining a high index of suspicion and implementing prompt intervention through a multidisciplinary approach. It also raises an open-ended question about whether the petrous carotid pseudoaneurysm is a complication of chronic otitis media or merely a co-incidence.

Strategies of Spinal Tumors Involving the Vertebral Artery : Usefulness of Parent Artery Occlusion before Tumor Resection, and Indication of Balloon Test Occlusion before Parent Artery Occlusion

Strategies of Spinal Tumors Involving the Vertebral Artery : Usefulness of Parent Artery Occlusion before Tumor Resection, and Indication of Balloon Test Occlusion before Parent Artery Occlusion

A novel method for the bronchial occlusion of prolonged air leakage using customized endobronchial plugs.

The management of prolonged air leakage (PAL) is a significant clinical challenge, particularly for patients who are unfit for surgical treatment. The use of endoscopic interventions with occlusive devices has been reported previously; however, local availability and cost may represent potential hurdles, especially in developing countries. In this study, we presented a conical endobronchial plug of our design and evaluated the efficacy of making use of that in the treatment of PAL as a novel method. This retrospective study included a total of 23 patients with PAL who were not suitable for surgery and underwent bronchial occlusion using customized plugs. The responsible bronchi were identified by the balloon occlusion test or by end-tidal carbon dioxide detection. In each case, the plug was grasped at the knot of the tip with forceps and then inserted into the target bronchus with a flexible bronchoscope. Of the 23 patients with intractable pneumothorax, 1 to 3 plugs (median =1) were successfully inserted into the affected bronchi of each patient for bronchial occlusion. Air leakage showed complete cessation in 13 patients (56.5%) and reduction in seven patients (30.4%). A total of 20 patients (87.0%) experienced successful removal of the drainage tube following plug occlusion or presented with additional pleurodesis. Complications included expectoration of the plug (n=1) and fever (n=1); no other severe complications were observed. Bronchial occlusion using customized endobronchial plugs appears to be an effective and simple option for the management of PAL in patients who are not suitable for surgery, especially in developing countries, as the customized plug is a cost-effective alternative.

Abstract 019: Effective Diagnostic Testing For Uncommon Etiologies Of Venous Pulsatile Tinnitus

Introduction Pulsatile Tinnitus (PT) is a rhythmic sound in the ears. It can be incapacitating and is even associated with depression and suicidal ideationi. The etiology of PT can be grouped into vascular and non‐vascular causes. ii,iii While prominent venous structures may be believed to be the underlying cause of PT, interventions on these structures do not always result in symptom resolution. Successful treatment is contingent on correctly identifying culpable vascular targets. In this case series, we report 4 cases of pulsatile tinnitus that were successfully treated with endovascular intervention. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients who presented with symptoms of pulsatile tinnitus who were found to have symptoms that resolved on balloon‐occlusion‐testing of various cerebral veins. Results Case 1 A 42‐year‐old woman was referred for right‐sided PT which affected her sleep and quality of life. The initial venogram showed a right internal jugular (IJ) vein diverticulum, which was subsequently coiled. This resulted in a transient improvement in tinnitus. However, her symptoms returned within a few weeks and a repeat venogram showed an enlarged right MEV. She elected to undergo right MEV coil embolization. Two weeks post‐op she noted an improvement of her symptoms, with near resolution. On follow‐up exams, when she applied pressure on her right occipital groove, the tinnitus diminished. Under ultrasound guidance, her PT disappeared when the posterior auricular vein collapsed under applied pressure and returned when the pressure was released. For management she underwent coil embolization of the right occipital vein, as this was the vessel the posterior auricular vein was draining into. Following this intervention her tinnitus resolved. Case 2 A 73‐year‐old male was referred for bilateral pulsatile tinnitus. Initially, he underwent stent‐assisted coiling of a high‐riding jugular bulb with no change in symptoms. During a diagnostic venogram, a balloon‐occlusion test (BOT) of the right mastoid emissary vein (MEV) was performed. Following testing, he reported improved tinnitus. He underwent coil embolization of the right MEV which led to complete resolution of right‐sided PT. Case 3 A 50‐year‐old female was referred for evaluation of right‐sided PT. Catheter venography showed an enlarged right posterior condylar vein (PCV) and right IJ stenosis. Balloon occlusion test (BOT) of the PCV demonstrated improvement in PT. She underwent stent‐assisted coil embolization of the PCV and stenting of her IJ with resolution of her tinnitus. Case 4 A 56‐year‐old female was seen for left‐sided PT, ear fullness, and reduced hearing. A CT venogram revealed left IJ stenosis. Catheter venography showed minimal left IJ stenosis, but a dilated left MEV, measuring 7.31 mm in its widest dimension). BOT of the left MEV resulted in improvement in symptoms. She is scheduled for left MEV coil embolization. Conclusion In this report, we demonstrate 4 cases where abnormal venous structures were the suspected cause of tinnitus based on pre‐treatment occlusion testing. The 3 individuals who have undergone coil embolization of anomalous venous structures have experienced resolution of PT. Balloon occlusion is a useful diagnostic test for therapeutic targeting of abnormal venous etiologies of PT.

Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Combined with Internal Carotid Ligation in Treating Complex Internal Carotid Aneurysms. The Willis Polygon Score is an Effective Solution for Developing Countries

Internal carotid complex aneurysms (ICCAs) management is challenging. Ligating the internal carotid artery (ICA) combined with Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis is an effective treatment option. Balloon test occlusion (BTO) assessments for preoperative decision-making are unaffordable in developing countries. This article discusses the study of Willis polygon (WP) segments as an option and suggests a score for decision-making. Herein, we report the outcomes of a series of patients treated for ICCA aneurysms at a single institution. From September 2016 to December 2020, we conducted a retrospective cohort study that analyzed data from patients with ICCAs. Among them, 9 patients received treatment involving ICA ligation combined with STA-MCA anastomosis. Partial or total carotid ligation was determined by using the WP score (WPS). All Patients underwent STA-MCA anastomosis, in addition to total ICA ligation in 7 patients and partial ICA ligation in 2 patients with a WPS of 7 and 5, respectively. Patients with partially ligated carotid arteries were referred to an overseas neurointerventional center 12months after surgery. As the BTO test was negative, they underwent ICA occlusion by coiling. Postoperative clinical outcomes did not change in 8/9 patients. In 1 patient, we reported a minor parietal stroke; the patient recovered completely after 6months. Total aneurysm exclusion by thrombosis was achieved in 7/9 patients after total ICA ligation alone and in 2/9 patients after partial ICA ligation combined with coiling. Limited access to endovascular assessment techniques such as BTO poses challenges in managing ICCAs. The WPS for decision-making appears to be a simple and safe option. In addition to STA-MCA bypass surgery, total or partial ICA ligation may be proposed depending on the WPS. After 12months, patients with low WPS who underwent partial ICA ligation combined with bypass had postoperative normal BTO.

Proximal Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion and Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass for Treatment of Fusiform and Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

To discuss the treatment of intracranial fusiform and giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms via revascularization based on our institutional experience. An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis was performed of patients with unruptured fusiform and giant intracranial ICA aneurysms treated from November 1991 to May 2020. All patients were evaluated for extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass and ICA occlusion. Thirty-eight patients were identified. Initially, patients failing preoperative balloon test occlusion were treated with superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass and concurrent proximal ICA ligation. We then treated them with STA-MCA bypass, followed by staged balloon test occlusion, and, if they passed, endovascular ICA coil occlusion. We treat all surgical medically uncomplicated patients with double-barrel STA-MCA bypass and concurrent proximal ICA ligation. The mean length of follow-up was 99 months. Symptom stability or improvement was noted in 85% of patients. Bypass graft patency was 92.1%, and all surviving patients had patent bypasses at their last angiogram. Aneurysm occlusion was complete in 90.9% of patients completing proximal ICA ligation. Three patients experienced ischemic complications and 4 patients experienced hemorrhagic complications. Not all fusiform intracranial ICA aneurysms require intervention, except when life-threatening rupture risk is high or symptomatic management is necessary to preserve function and quality of life. EC-IC bypass can augment the safety of proximal ICA occlusion. The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion with this treatment is 90.9%, and long-term bypass graft-related complications are rare. Perioperative stroke is a major risk, and continued evolution of treatment is required.

Combined endovascular and skull base surgical management of pediatric craniocervical pathology: a case series.

Pathological bony abnormalities of the craniocervical region in children sometimes require surgical intervention as part of their management. Rarely, abnormal skeletal or vascular anatomy can render traditional surgical techniques ineffective because of the risk of injury to the vertebral artery. To mitigate these risks, a combined endovascular and skull base approach was devised. The authors describe their experience using vertebral artery sacrifice as an adjunctive surgical method to reduce the risk of inadvertent vertebral artery injury during surgical correction of pediatric craniocervical deformity. Three patients underwent vertebral artery sacrifice for structural craniocervical pathologies (1 male, 2 females; ages 12, 14, and 3 years). One patient presented with basilar invagination odontogenic brainstem compression, and the other 2 patients presented with congenital cervical fusion. All patients underwent endovascular left vertebral artery sacrifice after passing balloon test occlusion. No adverse effects from the vertebral artery sacrifice were observed. At the last follow-ups (35, 30, and 32 months), all 3 patients had a satisfactory outcome with no adverse effects as a result of their sacrificed artery. Endovascular vertebral artery sacrifice followed by skull base approaches can be used to effectively and safely treat craniocervical pathology from a variety of pediatric skeletal abnormalities.

Neuroendovascular Surgery Applications in Craniocervical Trauma.

Cerebrovascular injuries resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma to the head and neck often lead to local hemorrhage and stroke. These injuries present with a wide range of manifestations, including carotid or vertebral artery dissection, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, transection, arteriovenous fistula, carotid-cavernous fistula, epistaxis, venous sinus thrombosis, and subdural hematoma. A selective review of the literature from 1989 to 2023 was conducted to explore various neuroendovascular surgical techniques for craniocervical trauma. A PubMed search was performed using these terms: endovascular, trauma, dissection, blunt cerebrovascular injury, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, transection, vasospasm, carotid-cavernous fistula, arteriovenous fistula, epistaxis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subdural hematoma, and middle meningeal artery embolization. An increasing array of neuroendovascular procedures are currently available to treat these traumatic injuries. Coils, liquid embolics (onyx or n-butyl cyanoacrylate), and polyvinyl alcohol particles can be used to embolize lesions, while stents, mechanical thrombectomy employing stent-retrievers or aspiration catheters, and balloon occlusion tests and super selective angiography offer additional treatment options based on the specific case. Neuroendovascular techniques prove valuable when surgical options are limited, although comparative data with surgical techniques in trauma cases is limited. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy and outcomes associated with these interventions.

Venous balloon test occlusion for pulsatile tinnitus assessment: A clinical feasibility study.

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can have huge impact on the patients' quality of life and can be associated with curable vascular anomalies. In the present study, we aim firstly to describe our protocol for venous BTO and secondly to report possible predictors for a positive BTO test. All consecutive PT patients undergoing BTO for the purpose of determining eligibility for venous neuro-intervention were included. We recommend BTO for patients when there is uncertainty in the association of the venous pathology identified on non-invasive cross-sectional imaging (CTV or MRV) and the patient's symptoms. Between May 2016 and October 2022, we recorded 29 venous balloon test occlusions fulfilling our inclusions criteria. Over the 29 procedures scheduled, 8 finally did not lead to a successful balloon test occlusion. The main reason was that the patient did not hear the PT on the day the angiogram was performed. Two patients could not have the BTO due to difficulties in venous navigation. After BTO, only four patients of our cohort were scheduled for an endovascular treatment. We describe a technique and present a single cohort of venous BTO in severe PT patients with unclear anatomical cause. This angiographic test was useful to exclude patients from endovascular surgery and discuss the most probable cause of the PT. Complexity of vascular PT should support a patient-based approach when discussing interventional treatment.