Endovascular Rescue Research Articles

Dissection of the Hepatic Artery and the Celiac Trunk After a Liver Transplant: Description of a Complication and Endovascular Management

Dissection of the common hepatic artery is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplant. Subsequent thrombosis and occlusion of the transplant artery can result in graft failure requiring retransplant. We describe a case of hepatic artery dissection, occurring on the basis of primary vasculopathy, extending into the celiac trunk, with subtotal occlusion of the vessel through accompanying thrombosis. An attempt of endovascular rescue led to successful recanalization of the vessel and graft survival.

Open Surgical Secondary Procedures after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Improved outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) compared with open repair have changed the therapeutic paradigm of thoracic aortic lesions. As the number of TEVAR survivors has grown, reports of complications have similarly increased. Although secondary endovascular rescue measures are often undertaken, patients with serious complications are often converted, ultimately, to open repair. The aim of this study was to assess causes and midterm results of open surgical secondary procedures after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. A total of 236 patients underwent TEVAR. Fourteen of these patients required open repair because of six aortobronchial fistulas, four retrograde type A dissections, two aneurysm enlargement without endoleak, one thoracic stent-graft collapse, and one aortoesophageal fistula. Eight (57.1%) patients underwent surgical repair using cardiopulmonary bypass. Six stent-grafts were totally removed, and eight stent-grafts were left in situ. Four patients underwent supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, and one an extensive replacement of the aortic arch through sternotomy. Three patients had descending aortic replacement through left thoracotomy combined with a total esophagectomy in one case. One patient was treated by ligation of the aortic arch, ascending to supraceliac abdominal aorta bypass and stent-graft explantation. One patient was treated by exclusion bypass of the descending thoracic aorta. Pulmonary resection and large pleural or intercostal muscle flap interposition to wrap the stent-graft left in situ was done in four cases of aortobronchial fistula. All patients survived the surgical procedure. Ten patients (71%) had an uneventful postoperative course. There were two in-hospital deaths (14.3%). Both died from multi-organ failure in the early postoperative course after surgical repair of a stent-graft infection and an aortoesophageal fistula. One patient suffered a definitive paraplegia and a secondary aortoesophageal fistula requiring reoperation for esophageal repair. One patient, treated by pulmonary resection and flap interposition to wrap the stent-graft, underwent stent-graft explantation and in situ descending aortic replacement because of stent-graft reinfection. Actuarial survival was 87.7% after a mean follow-up of 26.3 months (range 9-72 months). Complications or prevention of complications after TEVAR either due to device failure or adverse events may require conversion to open repair or additional open surgical procedure. Open repair can be performed by a team experienced in management of diseases of the thoracic aorta and a low mortality rate achieved despite the precarious preoperative conditions and complex aortic pathologies of patients.

Endovascular Rescue of a Thoracoabdominal Fenestrated Endograft Presenting With Combined Type 1 and Type 3 Endoleaks From Aortic Graft Migration and Visceral Stent Separation

To describe successful endovascular rescue of a prior fenestrated endograft repair of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm that presented with combined type I and type III endoleaks due to aortic stent migration and subsequent visceral stent dislodgement. A 67 year old male with significant cardiac dysfunction and chronic renal insufficiency underwent fenestrated endograft repair of a 7 cm type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm with 4 fenestrations in 2008. He presented with acute onset abdominal pain. CT scan revealed type I and III endoleaks with aneurysm enlargement to 10 cm. Angiography revealed the superior mesenteric and renal artery stents within their target vessels, but separation from their respective fenestrations in the aortic graft with significant gaps (>15 mm) and resultant type 3 endoleaks. The celiac artery stent was fractured; part of it remained within the celiac artery and part within the celiac fenestration and a 30 mm craniocaudal gap between the two pieces. All 4 visceral stents were patent with intact distal flow. A large proximal type 1 endoleak was also seen. All fenestrations were successfully catheterized via percutaneous approach and gaps were successfully bridged with covered stents eliminating the type III endoleaks. A thoracic endograft was placed proximally to repair the type I endoleak. Completion angiography demonstrated successful resolution of the type I and type III endoleaks with flow through all 4 branches and tertiary vessels. Endovascular rescue of prior branched endografts is a feasible solution in patients at prohibitive risk for open surgery.

Abstract 2835: Hyperdense MCA as a Predictor of Stroke Severity: Does Size Matter?

Background and Objective Hyperdense MCA (HDMCA) sign is an early sign seen on CT head after acute ischemic stroke indicating acute arterial thrombosis. It has been reported as a predictor of stroke morbidity and mortality. The relationship of size of hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) sign with stroke volume and functional outcome has not been sufficiently studied. Methods We did a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 206 cases of acute ischemic stroke eligible for IV rt-PA by time criteria, admitted to Mayo Clinic from March, 2002 through June, 2011. Admission CT Head was studied to identify HDMCA sign which was further subcategorized according to size. CT head at 24 hours after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was used to calculate Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) to measure ischemic damage area. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin score at 3 months and dichotomized into less than equal to 2 (good outcome) and more than 2 (bad outcome). Univariate analysis including t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher Exact test was used when appropriate. Results Mean admission NIHSS score was 11±7. HDMCA sign was seen in 99 (48%) patients: 100% MCA occlusion (7) 76-100% M1 (17), 50-75% M1 (17), less than 50% M1 (6), MCA dot sign (23), sylvian dot sign (21) and sylvian MCA sign, defined as any sylvian MCA occlusion bigger than a dot (8). Univariate analysis showed statistically significant associations between our HDMCA classification and ASPECTS at 24 hours (p<0.001) and modified Rankin score at 3 months (p<0.001). Smaller infarctions (ASPECTS >8) were observed more often with lower MCA clot burden; MCA dot (48%), less than 50% MCA (80%), sylvian dot (57%) and sylvian MCA (38%), 50-75% M1 (6%), 75-100% M1 (0%) and 100% MCA (0%). Good outcome (mRS≤2 at 3 months) was seen more often with lower MCA clot burden; MCA dot (52%), less than 50% MCA (67%), sylvian dot (67%) and sylvian MCA (63%). Conversely, larger HDMCA size was associated with poor outcome (mRS>2); 50-75% M1 (100%), 75-100% (88%) and 100% MCA (100%). Conclusion The size of the HDMCA sign size is an important predictor of ischemic stroke mortality and morbidity. HDMCA should be measured upon admission as it may help refine prognostication and identify patients who could benefit from endovascular rescue therapy after intravenous thrombolysis.

Endovascular rescue of a prosthetic arteriovenous fistula with multiple pseudoaneurysms in a patient with no other vascular access options.

Endovascular rescue of a prosthetic arteriovenous fistula with multiple pseudoaneurysms in a patient with no other vascular access options.

Does Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Transfer Offer Benefit to Patients With Stroke?

Helicopter transportation of patients with acute stroke who have received recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator is commonly considered the best option. We evaluated if transportation by helicopter can reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute stroke. We conducted a review of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke transferred to our hospital after intravenous thrombolysis initiated at a referral center. A total of 122 patient transportations were analyzed, 94 by air and 28 by ground. Time from activation of the transport system to arrival at our hospital was significantly shorter with air transportation (53 versus 68 minutes, P=0.04). Two complications were noted in the air group and no complications were noted in the ground group (P=1.0). All other outcome measures were not significantly different between groups. Air transfer of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombolysis does not seem to impart any benefit to patient outcomes when compared with ground transport. Therefore, ground transport should be considered for these patients unless they are being considered for emergency endovascular rescue therapy.

O-003 Recanalization vs reperfusion as vascular end points in acute ischemic stroke endovascular intervention

IntroductionThe relationship between the two angiographic parameters, recanalization and reperfusion, as they relate to clinical outcome of acute stroke patients undergoing endovascular intervention is not well defined. We sought to...

The Present Role of “Triple-H” Therapy in the Management of Cerebral Vasospasm

Despite decades of research, cerebral vasospasm (CV) continues to account for high morbidity and mortality in patients who survive their initial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.To define the scope of the problem and review key treatment strategies that have shaped the way CV is managed in the contemporary era.A literature search was performed of CV management after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.Recent advances in neuroimaging have led to improved detection of vasospasm, but established treatment guidelines including hemodynamic augmentation and interventional procedures remain highly variable among neurosurgical centers. Experimental research in subarachnoid hemorrhage continues to identify novel targets for therapy.Proactive and preventive strategies such as oral nimodipine and endovascular rescue therapies can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with CV.

E-054 Endovascular rescue of a misshapen intracranial stent: report of two cases

BackgroundSince FDA approval in May 2007, closed cell intracranial stents have become increasingly used to assist aneurysm coil embolization. Inadvertent deformation and displacement of a deployed closed cell stent may...

Response to Letters by Furlan, and Kohrmann and Schwab

Response: Drs Furlan, Kohrmann, and Schwab make compelling arguments. However, we still maintain that placebo-controlled trials of stroke therapy beyond 3 hours are ethical, and in fact necessary. First, our editorial was written before the results of ECASS 3. We now believe there is sufficient evidence from that study and the pooled analysis of all IV tPA data that further clinical trials of treatment in the 3- to 4.5-hour time window must allow IV tPA for all eligible patients. Of course, we are in the uncomfortable situation where, at least in the United States, data and evidence move faster than guidelines and regulatory approval. Individual physicians and patients may not treat with IV tPA in the absence of such gudielines/approval, but we do not believe that clinical trials should be organized that preclude offering such treatment. However, for patients who do not qualify for IV tPA, or cannot be treated within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, placebo arms can still be used. Second, Dr Furlan argues that such trials are not feasible, but the clear answer obtained from placebo-controlled trials beyond 3 hours such as ECASS 3 and PROACT (both positive), and the numerous neuroprotection trials and DIAS 2 (all neutral or negative) demonstrate that clear-cut answers can be obtained from such studies using existing clinical trial designs. …

Acute cerebral rescue during carotid artery stenting: A stroke of good fortune?

Major stroke is a potentially devastating complication of carotid artery revascularization. Carotid artery stenting, unlike endarterectomy, offers the opportunity to attenuate this complication by allowing for the instantaneous detection and early endovascular treatment of neurologic defects complicating the procedure. We report a case that highlights the utility of aggressive endovascular cerebral rescue during a carotid artery stent procedure.

Residual Flow at the Site of Intracranial Occlusion on Transcranial Doppler Predicts Response to Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Multi-Center Study

Background: We examined if transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow findings at the site of intracranial occlusions predict outcomes of stroke patients receiving intravenous rt-PA treatment. Subjects and Methods: TCD detected residual flow with the Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) grading system before intravenous rt-PA bolus in patients with acute arterial intracranial occlusion. Timing and completion of early recanalization were measured for occlusive TIBI flow grades using TCD monitoring. Poor responders were defined as modified Rankin scores (mRS) >2 at 3 months. Results: A total of 361 patients with proximal arterial occlusion received intravenous rt-PA at 137.4 ± 36 min (median NIHSS 16). Mean age 69 ± 13, women: 168 (46.5%). Seventeen of 96 (17.7%) patients with TIBI 0, 41/124 (33.1%) with TIBI 1, 29/76 (38.2%) with TIBI 2 and 31/65 (47.7%) with TIBI 3 had achieved complete recanalization (p < 0.001). Higher NIHSS, SBP, glucose and lower TIBI grades were independent negative predictors of complete recanalization in the final logistic model. Patients with TIBI 0 had less probability of complete recanalization than patients with residual flow (TIBI 1–3) (OR_adj 0.4, CI 95% 0.22–0.8, p = 0.008). Median time to recanalization in patients with TIBI 0 was longer (155 min, interquartile range 104–190 min) than with TIBI ≥1 (120 min, range 60–170 min, p = 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). In the stepwise multiple linear regression models adjusting for baseline characteristics, the only 2 factors that independently associated with time to recanalization were: time to rt-PA treatment and the absent flow (TIBI 0) on baseline TCD. Absent flow (TIBI 0) was associated with a longer time of recanalization of 35.2 min (95% CI 0.3–70.1 min, p = 0.048). Poor outcomes at 3 months were found in 61.3% of patients with no residual flow (TIBI 0), 56.9% with minimal (TIBI 1), 51.5% with blunted (TIBI 2), and 33.9% with dampened (TIBI 3) flows (p = 0.012). Patients with TIBI 0 have a higher likelihood of poor outcome (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.4, p = 0.002). Patients who achieved complete recanalization have OR_adj 5.2 for good outcome (95% CI 2.8–9.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The pretreatment residual flow at intracranial occlusion predicts the likelihood of complete recanalization, time of recanalization and long-term outcome. No detectable residual flow indicates the least chance to achieve recanalization and recovery with systemic thrombolysis and may support an early decision for combined endovascular rescue.

Endovascular Rescue of a Fused Monorail Balloon and Cerebral Protection Device

Endovascular Rescue of a Fused Monorail Balloon and Cerebral Protection Device

Endovascular Rescue of a Fused Monorail Balloon and Cerebral Protection Device

To present a case of successful endovascular retrieval of a monorail predilation balloon fused to an embolic protection device (EPD) in the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) of a high-risk symptomatic patient. A 60-year-old man with documented systemic atherosclerotic disease had a severe (>70%) restenosis in the left ICA 3 years after endarterectomy. He was scheduled for carotid artery stenting (CAS) with cerebral protection; however, he developed unstable angina and was transferred to our facility, where the admitting team decided that staged CAS followed by coronary bypass grafting would be the best option. During the CAS procedure, a 6-mm AccuNet filter was passed across the lesion via a 6-F carotid sheath and deployed in the distal ICA without incident. However, the 4-x20-mm predilation monorail balloon was then advanced without visualizing the markers, resulting in inadvertent aggressive interaction that trapped the balloon's tip in the filter. Several maneuvers to separate the devices were unsuccessful. Finally, the filter/balloon combination was moved gently retrograde until the balloon was straddling the subtotal ICA lesion. The lesion was dilated to 4 mm with the balloon, and the sheath was gently advanced across the lesion as the balloon was deflated. Angiography excluded interval occlusion of the filter from the embolic debris during the aforementioned aggressive maneuvers and documented antegrade flow. The filter was slowly withdrawn into the 6-F sheath with simultaneous aspiration. A second 6-mm filter was deployed, and the procedure was completed satisfactorily. The patient did well, with no neurological sequelae. EPDs are an essential in carotid artery stenting and, keeping in mind the potential risks associated with their use, will help the operator avoid complications such as this one.

Delayed Upstream Migration of an Iliac Stent

Stent migrations are described after peripheral endovascular treatments. We report a case of an unusual iliac stent movement after a successful angioplasty. An occlusive distal intimal flap after aorto-iliac endoarterectomy was successfully fixed by stenting of the left external iliac artery. One month later, the patient was readmitted due to contralateral limb acute ischemia. Angiography revealed a right iliac artery thrombosis due to upstream stent migration from the left external iliac artery into the right common iliac artery. The patient underwent a combined surgical and endovascular rescue technique. Turbulent and pulsatile flow, associated with wall remodelling may explain this unexpected complication.

Successful Intra-arterial Basilar Artery Thrombolysis in a Patient with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Occlusion: Technical Case Report

Basilar artery occlusion is a clinical event with an exceedingly high mortality rate. Improved survival is closely associated with successful recanalization of the occluded basilar artery. Bilateral vertebral artery occlusion (BVAO) is a unique disease entity that effectively denies any direct access to the basilar artery for endovascular rescue therapy. We report a case of successful intra-arterial basilar artery thrombolysis in a patient with BVAO. A 78-year-old man was transferred to our hospital after intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator and with deteriorating neurological status requiring intubation. His clinical presentation was highly suggestive of acute basilar artery thrombosis. The cerebral angiogram showed a BVAO and collateral flow reconstituting both distal extracranial vertebral arteries but with significant contrast stasis. There was no retrograde filling of the basilar artery through the only angiographically visible posterior communicating artery. Selective catheterizations of the left occipital artery and the left ascending cervical branch of the thyrocervical trunk were performed to deliver a total of 12 mg of tissue plasminogen activator. At that point, the patient showed significant neurological improvement. The post-tissue plasminogen activator angiogram showed improved flow through the basilar artery. The patient was independent and well at his 1-year follow-up visit. Knowledge of potential collateral pathways is important when direct access to the main intracranial vessels is not available. Basilar artery thrombolysis through collateral vessels is clinically effective when a direct approach to the artery is not feasible.

Tablet sensitivity testing on pathogenic fungi.

A diffusion method for determining the sensitivity of pathogenic fungi to therapeutic agents is described using tablets containing the following antibiotics: amphotericin B, clotrimazole, econazole, fluorocytosine, and miconazole. The composition of the media used, standardisation of inocula, incubation time, and temperature are detailed.