Endovascular Internal Trapping Research Articles

Acute morphological changes of impending rupture of vertebral artery dissection: clinical management of symptomatic but unruptured vertebral artery dissection. Illustrative case.

The reported actual risk of rupture for vertebral artery dissection (VAD) in patients presenting with headache is very low, ranging from 0.4% to 1.0%. The authors report a case in which the dissection site dilated rapidly within several hours after the dissection occurred resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A 49-year-old healthy man who had participated in a marathon noticed a headache while running. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 2 days later revealed no findings suspicious for right VAD, but a string sign was observed in the left side, suggesting left VAD. Three hours following MRI, he developed severe headaches and became unconscious at home, prompting emergency services to rush him to the hospital. A computed tomography scan showed diffuse SAH and a rapidly enlarged aneurysmal dilatation in the right vertebral artery. He underwent endovascular internal trapping to prevent rebleeding. He was discharged without any neurological symptoms. No recurrence or new dissection occurred after 2 years of follow-up. Even in the absence of typical imaging findings, strict management, such as blood pressure control, is required when clinical findings strongly suggest VAD, and differentiation of VAD from primary headache is important. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24202.

Dolichoectasia of the ophthalmic artery: a case report on the treatment strategy in endovascular therapy and literature review

BackgroundDolichoectasia is a rare arterial condition characterized by the dilatation, tortuosity, and elongation of cerebral blood vessels. The vertebrobasilar artery and internal carotid artery are the common sites of dolichoectasia. However, dolichoectasia of the branch arteries, such as the ophthalmic artery (OA), is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ophthalmic dolichoectasia that was successfully treated with endovascular internal coil trapping.Case presentationA 54-year-old female patient presented with transient left ophthalmalgia and visual disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dilated and elongated left OA compressing the optic nerve at the entrance of the optic canal. However, a previous image that was taken 17 years back revealed that the OA was normal, which suggested the change in dolichoectasia was acquired. Cerebral angiography showed that the dilated and tortuous OA was running from the ophthalmic segment of the left internal carotid artery into the orbit. The symptoms could have been attributed to the direct compression of the dolichoectatic OA in the optic canal. A sufficient anastomosis between the central retinal artery and the middle meningeal artery was identified on external carotid angiography with balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery. Endovascular treatment with internal trapping of the OA was performed due to ophthalmic symptom progression. Internal coil trapping of the OA was performed at the short segment between the OA bifurcation and the entrance of the optic canal. As expected, the central retinal artery was supplied via the middle meningeal artery after the treatment. The transient visual disturbance was immediately resolved. Ophthalmalgia worsened temporarily after the treatment. However, it completely resolved after several days of oral corticosteroid therapy. Postoperative angiography showed that the origin of the OA was occluded and that the OA in the optic canal was shrunk. The flow of the central retinal arteries via the middle meningeal artery was preserved.ConclusionsOA dolichoectasia is rare, and its pathogenesis and long-term visual prognosis are still unknown. However, endovascular therapy can improve symptom by releasing the pressure site in the optic canal.

Ruptured aneurysms at the distal superior cerebellar artery successfully treated by combining occipital artery-superior cerebellar artery anastomosis and endovascular therapy: illustrative case.

Distal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are rare and are treated using various treatment strategies. Treatment often requires parent artery occlusion, which raises concerns regarding the potential risk of ischemia in the distal territory. An 81-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnostic cerebral angiography revealed two tiny distal SCA aneurysms. Because significant ischemic damage following parent artery occlusion was concerned, two bypasses between the occipital artery and SCA branches were first performed with the patient in the prone position in a hybrid operating room. Each aneurysm was successively treated in the same position with endovascular internal trapping and intra-aneurysmal embolization. After adequate hemostasis was confirmed, the wound was closed. Both aneurysms were successfully occluded without symptomatic ischemic complications. This combined surgical and endovascular approach would be helpful in cases with notable concerns regarding ischemia after sacrificing the parent artery.

Eosinophilic meningitis following suboccipital craniotomy without bovine dural graft: illustrative case.

BACKGROUNDEosinophilic meningitis is a rare known complication after brain surgery associated with duraplasty using artificial bovine graft. However, eosinophilic meningitis after craniotomy without bovine dural graft has not been reported.OBSERVATIONSA 48-year-old female presented with lateral medullary infarction caused by a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm incorporating the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The authors performed occipital artery–PICA anastomosis and repaired the dura by primary suture without bovine graft. Thereafter, endovascular internal trapping using coils was conducted. Severe headache developed at postoperative day 17, and the patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic meningitis. After administration of a high-dose corticosteroid for 2 weeks, her symptoms and laboratory findings were improved.LESSONSPostoperative eosinophilic meningitis is rarely related to craniotomy without using bovine graft. Neurosurgeons should consider the possibility of eosinophilic meningitis after craniotomy without a xenogeneic dural material.

Usefulness of Flat Detector Computed Tomography Perfusion for Neuroendovascular Therapies

Objective: Flat detector computed tomography perfusion (FD-CTP) imaging is a new modality that enables quick assessment of the cerebral perfusion in the angiography suite. We present three cases in which FD-CTP served to improve the precision of the therapeutic strategy during endovascular treatment.Case presentation: The first case was a 40-year-old woman with a ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm in the right internal carotid artery (ICA). After the evaluation for tolerance to ICA occlusion using FD-CTP, she was treated successfully with endovascular internal trapping of the ICA.The second case was an 89-year-man with a cerebral infarct in the left cerebrum due to severe stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery. After the angioplasty, we could confirm the therapeutic effect by using FD-CTP, which demonstrated the disappearance of hypoperfusion in the left cerebral hemisphere. The third case was an 88-year-old man with severe stenosis of the left cervical carotid artery. After dilatation of the stenotic lesion by using a small-diameter balloon, a FD-CTP image showed hyperemia in the left cerebral hemisphere, so we decided not to undergo further carotid artery stenting.Conclusion: FD-CTP was useful for determining the therapeutic strategy during endovascular treatment.

Predictive factors of medullary infarction after endovascular internal trapping using coils for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE The first choice of treatment in cases of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) is endovascular internal trapping (EIT) of the dissecting segment using coils. However, this procedure carries the risk of medullary infarction, and the risk factors for this complication are not well understood. This study investigated the risk factors causing medullary infarction. METHODS One hundred patients who underwent EIT for VADAs were included in this study. Ninety-three patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. In cases involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), partial internal trapping targeting the ruptured site was performed to preserve the PICA. The VADAs were classified into the distal VA stump group, proximal VA stump group, and entire VA stump group, according to the location of VA segments without adequate flow-out vessels (such as the PICA [VA stump]) at risk of delayed thrombosis. The occurrence of medullary infarction was examined in each group using diffusion-weighted MRI and/or clinical symptoms. Various measurements were performed on digital subtraction angiography, and the risk factors for medullary infarction were analyzed. RESULTS Medullary infarction occurred in 30 patients, affecting the posterolateral medulla in 27 patients and the anteromedial medulla in 3 patients. Medullary infarction occurred in 3 of 47 patients (6%) in the distal VA stump group, 10 of 19 patients (53%) in the proximal VA stump group, and 17 of 34 patients (50%) in the entire VA stump group. The length of trapping was significantly longer in the infarction group than in the noninfarction group but did not differ among the 3 groups. Total length (length of trapping plus VA stump) was a risk factor for medullary infarction in the proximal VA stumps. CONCLUSIONS The primary risk factor for medullary infarction after EIT is not the length of trapping; rather, it is the anatomical location of the VADAs. The risk of medullary infarction is low in cases with distal VA stumps, but the symptoms are severe. Preservation of the origin of the anterior spinal artery can reduce the risk of medullary infarction. The risk of medullary infarction is high in cases with proximal VA stumps, but the symptoms are mild. A shorter length of trapping, although less likely to lead to complications, cannot prevent medullary infarction because the total length depends on the anatomical location of the PICA and not on the surgical technique. Reconstructive therapy should be indicated for patients with ruptured VADAs at high risk of severe ischemic complications (e.g., patients with hypoplasia of the contralateral VA or cases involving the PICA or anterior spinal artery, which are inappropriate for partial internal trapping) or for patients with unruptured VADAs.

Treatment of unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms: internal trapping or stent-assisted coiling

Purpose: Endovascular treatment is an attractive approach for the treatment of unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms, and includes internal trapping and stent-assisted coil embolization. However, the optimal therapy remains debatable. We reviewed our experience with both endovascular treatment modalities and compared the safety, efficacy, and short-term outcomes for each approach. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive patients with unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment between January 2003 and January 2014. 24 patients underwent endovascular internal trapping (group A) while 41 patients underwent stent-assisted coiling (group B). Thirteen patients underwent single stent with coiling while 28 patients underwent double or three stent-assisted coiling. Short-term outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. Results: A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 58 of 65 patients. Procedure-related complications included ischemic symptoms (n = 6) and recurrence (n = 4). There was no statistical difference in modified Rankin Scale scoring between groups. Group A patients had more ischemia symptoms compared with group B patients (p = 0.043), Group B patients had higher recurrence rates compared with group A patients, but the difference had no statistical significance (p = 1.00). However, recurrence only occurred in patients who underwent stent-assisted coiling alone (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Stent-assisted coiling for unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms may maintain artery patency. Multilayer disposition of stents with coils may decrease complications and facilitate aneurysm occlusion. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of reconstructive therapy.

Endovascular treatment of acute intracranial vertebral artery dissection: long-term follow-up results of internal trapping and reconstructive treatment using coils and stents

BackgroundEndovascular internal trapping is an effective procedure for the treatment of acute vertebral artery dissection (VAD). However, the outcomes of reconstructive treatment have not been well established. The aim of...

海綿静脈洞部大型・巨大内頚動脈瘤に対する頭蓋外内バイパス術とそのピットフォール

Our treatment modalities and techniques for intracavernous large or giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms have been changed based on past clinical experience. We report clinical results and pitfalls of bypass surgery for intracavernous ICA aneurysms. This study included unruptured symptomatic 37 intracavernous ICA aneurysms in 36 patients. Treatment methods were selected based on the anatomical features of the aneurysm and neurological/hemodynamic conditions during balloon test occlusion (BTO). Eleven aneurysms were treated without bypass surgery. Low flow bypass (STA-MCA anastomosis) was performed for 18 aneurysms, and eight aneurysms were treated with high flow bypass. A saphenous vein graft was originally used for high flow bypass, but it was changed with a radial artery because of the problem of long-term patency. ICA occlusion was accomplished by ligation of the cervical ICA alone in the early cases until we encountered a case with brain infarction due to emboli from the aneurysm after ICA ligation. Accordingly, ICA occlusion was performed by endovascular internal trapping two days after bypass surgery. There was, however, a case of graft thrombosis before ICA occlusion. We now occlude ICA by surgical trapping between the neck and the intracranial ICA immediately after revascularization. No patients had permanent ischemic neurological deficits due to cerebral hypoperfusion after ICA occlusion. Our treatment algorithm based on BTO was reliable. When the patients undergo bypass surgery, we perform ICA occlusion by surgical trapping between the neck and the intracranial portion.

Long-term clinical and radiological results of endovascular internal trapping in vertebral artery dissection

Previous reports have suggested that endovascular parent artery occlusion is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). However, the results of long-term outcomes are still unclear. This study reviewed the clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with VAD treated by endovascular internal trapping. A total of 73 patients were treated for VAD by endovascular internal trapping between March 1998 and March 2011. Patients were regularly followed up by magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and clinical examinations. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. Forty-five patients had ruptured VADs, and 28 had unruptured VADs. Clinical follow-up of at least 6 months data was obtained for 61 patients (83.6 %). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 145 months (mean ± SD, 55.6 ± 8.9 months). Two patients with ruptured VADs had recurrence (2.74 %). Cranial nerve paresis (CNP) was observed in six patients (8.21 %), spinal cord infarction in two patients (2.74 %), and a perforating artery ischemia was diagnosed in seven patients (9.59 %); all patients with CNP and five of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome experienced only temporary symptoms; two of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome had permanent neurological deficits. Despite their symptoms, most patients were in good general condition, as shown by their clinical scores. The results of this study have proven that endovascular internal trapping is a stable and durable treatment for closure of VADs. Recanalization is rather rare and occurred only in ruptured cases, both within 3 months after initial treatment without rupture. CNPs were observed in 8.21 %, perforating ischemia in 9.59 %, and spinal cord infarction in 2.74 %. The former two are temporary, while the last can be a factor that affects the modified Rankin Scale. Patients rated their quality of life as good, as corroborated by their posttreatment clinical score. Endovascular internal trapping for VAD is a therapy with a satisfactory long-term outcome.

Dissecting Aneurysm Associated with a Double Origin of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Causing Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Two cases of the posterior fossa dissecting aneurysm associated with a double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (DOPICA) causing subarachnoid hemorrhage are presented. After observing a relationship between the aneurysm and DOPICA on a three dimensional rotational angiogram (3DRA), the dissecting aneurysms were successfully obliterated by surgical trapping and endovascular internal trapping, respectively. This report warrants suspecting DOPICA of an associating anomaly predisposing to dissecting aneurysm in the vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory and highlights the role of 3DRA in pretreatment evaluation of unusual aneurysms accompanying a particular anatomical variation.

Simultaneous Occurrence of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Epistaxis Due to Ruptured Petrous Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm: Association With Transsphenoidal Surgery and Radiation Therapy -Case Report-

A 62-year-old woman presented with simultaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and massive epistaxis. The patient had been treated for pituitary prolactinoma by two transsphenoidal surgeries, gamma knife radiosurgery, and conventional radiation therapy since age 43 years. Cerebral angiography showed left petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm with slight stenosis on the adjacent left petrous ICA. She underwent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) double anastomosis with endovascular internal trapping without complication the day after onset. Postoperative course was uneventful; the patient did not develop symptomatic vasospasm, recurrent epistaxis, or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete disappearance of the aneurysm with patent STA-MCA anastomosis. The patient was discharged 2 months after surgery without neurological deficit. The present case is extremely rare with simultaneous onset of SAH and epistaxis caused by ruptured petrous ICA aneurysm. The transsphenoidal surgeries and radiation therapies might have been critical in the formation of the petrous ICA aneurysm.

E-034 Endovascular internal trapping for ruptured dissecting vertebral artery aneurysms

PurposeRuptured dissecting vertebral artery aneurysms should be treated immediately because of the high risk of rebleeding.The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of endovascular internal trapping...

Rebleeding From a Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm After Endovascular Internal Trapping: Adverse Effect of Intrathecal Urokinase Injection or Incomplete Occlusion? -Case Report-

A 67-year-old woman suffered rebleeding from a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm after endovascular internal trapping. The dissecting aneurysm was initially successfully occluded with the affected vertebral artery using detachable coils. However, rebleeding from the aneurysm occurred on the next day. The rebleeding may have resulted from the thrombolytic effect of urokinase, which was injected intrathecally 3 hours before rebleeding occurred, or the relatively loose coil packing of the aneurysm. This case indicates the potential risk of intrathecal use of thrombolytic agents and the importance of complete tight coil packing of the whole dissected site in the treatment of ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

Endovascular internal trapping of traumatic pericallosal pseudoaneurysm with hydrogel-coated self-expandable coil in a child: a case report

Background Traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms in children must be completely secured from the parent artery because of significant morbidity and mortality from the high risk of rebleeding. However, the trapping of the parent artery involves the risk of ischemia changes distal to the trapped artery and the perforator injury. We describe a first case in the literature of successful trapping in the short segment with hydrogel-coated self-expandable coil in a child with a traumatic pericallosal pseudoaneurysm. Case Description A 5-year-old boy was admitted to our institution after enduring a blunt trauma with a stuporous mentality. Initial neuroimaging revealed a small hemorrhage in the corpus callosum with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two weeks later, computed tomogram showed new callosal hemorrhage and a 4.7 × 5-mm pseudoaneurysm of the right pericallosal artery with mental deterioration and weakness of lower extremity. An endovascular short segmental internal trapping (5 mm) of the right pericallosal artery was conducted to save collateral blood flow, using 2 hydrogel-coated self-expandable coils. The cerebral angiogram of immediately after the trapping and at 3 months' follow-up revealed that the aneurysm had been completely obliterated, with successful maintenance of the distal collateral flow from the contralateral pericallosal artery. The patient recovered with good clinical outcome. Conclusion We suggest that short-segment occlusion by a hydrogel-coated self-expandable coil has become a good alternative for the treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysms in the distal anterior cerebral artery, although the safety and reliability of this procedure is as yet not definitely proven.

Large Paraclinoid Aneurysm With a Calcified Neck Treated by Tailored Multimodality Procedures-Case Report-

A 68-year-old woman presented with a large paraclinoid aneurysm with a calcified neck causing visual symptoms. Direct clipping was hazardous because of severe calcification of the neck. Endovascular internal trapping was difficult because of the short distance between the neck and the origin of the posterior communicating artery. Proximal occlusion was likely to be less effective because of large collateral back flow to the aneurysm via the ophthalmic artery (OphA). The aneurysm was successfully treated by a combination of a high-flow bypass, intraoperative coil embolization of the parent artery including the origin of the OphA, and clipping of the internal carotid artery distal to the aneurysm. Paraclinoid aneurysms may be difficult to treat by the simple application of direct clipping, endovascular coiling, or trapping. Multimodality procedures can be tailored to treat such aneurysms.