Endovascular Treatment Modalities Research Articles

Deep venous thrombosis in pregnancy: incidence, pathogenesis and endovascular management.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and costs. Pulmonary embolism (PE), its most feared complication, is the leading cause of maternal death in the developed world. DVT can also result in long-term complications that include postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) adding to its morbidity. Women are up to 5 times more likely to develop DVT when pregnant. The current standard of care for this condition is anticoagulation. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prophylaxis and diagnosis of DVT during pregnancy, and then focuses on endovascular treatment modalities. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and pharmacomechanical catheter directed thrombolysis (PCDT) in the pregnant patient are discussed, as well as patient selection criteria, and complications.

Abstract 21234: Patient and Lesion Predictors of Stenting and Atherectomy for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Introduction: Endovascular management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has become popular in the past two decades. But little is understood about the practice patterns of different endovascular treatment modalities and the factors that influence their use. Objective: Identify predictors for stenting and atherectomy treatment, compared to angioplasty (PTA) for PAD. Methods: We abstracted data from all endovascular procedures for PAD during January 2010- October 2016 in the Vascular Quality Initiative clinical registry. Adjusted logistic regression models built using backward elimination with a random-effects component for patient clustering were used to identify factors predictive of stenting or atherectomy compared to PTA at the artery level. Results: Eligible patients (n=58,231) had 106,039 arteries treated (median=2, IQR=1 to 3). The majority (50%) of these arteries were treated with stents, 39% with PTA and 11% with atherectomy. Compared to PTA, those receiving stents are more likely to smoke and have iliac treatment. In atherectomy, we see more distal treatment (SFA and tibial) compared to PTA. Artery location was a significant (p<0.05) effect modifier. In multivariable models, there were no significant predictors for atherectomy; TASC C trended to significance in femoropopliteal (OR 6.6 [p=0.08]) and tibial arteries (OR 11.1 [p=0.06]). TASC C and D predicted stenting in all arteries (Figure 1). Current smoking (OR 1.49 [1.32-1.68]), obesity (OR 1.30 [1.17-1.44]), and age 70-79 (OR 1.36 [1.07-1.17]) predicted stenting in femoropopliteal arteries. These factors also predicted stenting in tibial arteries: current smoking (OR 1.40 [1.04-1.88]), obesity (OR 1.50 [1.15-1.44]), and age 80-89 (OR 1.56 [1.14-2.17]). Conclusion: TASC C and D trended toward significance as predictors of atherectomy in tibial and femoropopliteal arteries. TASC C and D, artery type, smoking status, age, and obesity are significant predictors of stenting in all arteries.

Distally Enlarged Feeding Artery Phenomenon in Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Alternative Access Route to Transarterial Intravenous Embolization.

Transvenous (TV) embolization is ideal for endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). However, it is not always feasible because of various factors, and transarterial (TA) embolization could then be tried. We aimed to determine the incidence of distally enlarged feeding artery phenomenon and the major feeding artery in DAVF. If the TV approach is difficult and this phenomenon is observed, we could use this vessel for transarterial intravenous (TAIV) embolization as an endovascular treatment modality for DAVF. Forty-four patients with intracranial DAVF treated by the endovascular procedure between 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical records, angiography reports, and embolization procedure notes were studied, and their angiographies were chronologically classified into proliferative and restrictive types. In 14 of 44 patients (32%), we observed the distally enlarged feeding artery phenomenon. The most common enlarged artery was the middle meningeal artery. The distally enlarged feeding artery group was predominantly the restrictive type, and the other group was proliferative in nature (P < 0.001). Of the 14 patients, 7 underwent TAIV embolization, and the other 7 underwent TV embolization. Distally enlarged feeding artery phenomenon was observed in 32% of patients with intracranial DAVF. This group was predominantly the restrictive type. We conclude that this phenomenon might help determine a patient's eligibility for TAIV embolization when TV embolization is difficult or impossible.

Primary Stenting Is Not Necessary in Benign Central Venous Stenosis

The aim of this study is to evaluate central venous stenosis (CVS) etiologies and presentation within a vascular surgery practice. We evaluated endovascular treatment modalities and the patency rates of our interventions. Five-year retrospective review of endovascular intervention for CVS. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and variables were collected including etiology, indwelling device, previous upper extremity (UE) deep venous thrombosis, long-term UE indwelling device (defined as >30days), malignancy status, hypercoagulable disorders, history of radiation or mediastinal fibrosis or masses, and anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy. Follow-up variables included symptoms, imaging, and anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet utilization. Living patients without recent follow-up were contacted with a telephone survey regarding current symptoms. Patency was evaluated by imaging or clinically by recurrence of signs or symptoms through January2016. A total of 61 patients underwent attempted endovascular CVS interventions from January 2007 to 2013. Forty-seven (83%) patients had successful interventions. There were 22 (36%) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The primary etiology in 79% of patients was benign CVS secondary to an indwelling device. Eighty-nine percent of the interventions were primary angioplasty (PTA). The overall primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24months were 49%, 34%, and 24%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24months were 97%, 93%, and 88%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in demographics or outcomes in patients treated successfully with PTA or those requiring stenting. There was no statistical difference in the patency rates between ESRD and non-ESRD patients. Previous interventions were not a predictor of loss of patency. Our study supported the rising trend of benign CVS predominantly secondary to indwelling devices. We demonstrated acceptable secondary patency with PTA alone. This study adds further support for a primary angioplasty strategy in treating benign CVS. The optimal endovascular treatment for benign CVS is still undefined.

Flow Diverter Treatment of Tandem Intracranial Aneurysms.

To assess technical success and clinical and imaging outcomes of flow diversion (FD) treatment of multiple, tandem intracranial aneurysms. Retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated with FD for tandem intracranial aneurysms. Twenty female patients with a mean (±SD) age of 60 (±12) years were included. One patient was treated after subarachnoid hemorrhage. In 22 separate procedures, 47 aneurysms, all located in the intracranial internal carotid artery, were treated. In 3 cases, treatment was performed for aneurysm recurrence after previous endovascular treatment. All aneurysms were successfully treated in 1 session. A single stent was used in most (82%) cases, with no adjunctive coiling. There were no intraprocedural complications. Three patients experienced mild, transient neurologic symptoms after the procedure with no long-term neurologic deficits. Follow-up imaging with digital subtraction angiography and/or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was available in 18/20 (90%) patients at an average (±SD) of 18.8 (±11.2) months. Of 40 aneurysms with follow-up imaging, 34 (85%) were completely occluded. Clinical follow-up, available in 20/20 (100%) patients, showed that 19/20 (95%) achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2. There were no cases of aneurysm rupture after treatment, and no patients required retreatment at last available follow-up. FD appears technically feasible, safe, and effective for treatment of tandem intracranial aneurysms, with potential advantages over traditional endovascular or surgical treatment modalities. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Pathogenesis of Thromboembolism and Endovascular Management.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a disease that includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and costs. It can result in long-term complications that include postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) adding to its morbidity. VTE affects 1/1000 patients, costs $13.5 billion annually to treat, and claims 100,000 lives annually in the US. The current standard of care for VTE is anticoagulation, though thrombolysis may be performed in patients with PE and threatened limb. This review discusses pathogenesis and medical treatment of VTE and then focuses on endovascular treatment modalities. Mechanical- and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is discussed, as well as patient selection criteria, and complications. The first prospective study (CaVenT) comparing CDT with anticoagulation alone in acute DVT, despite study shortcomings, corroborates the existing literature indicating improved outcomes with CDT. The potential of the ongoing prospective, multicenter, randomized ATTRACT trial is also highlighted.

Drip, Ship, and On-Demand Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BackgroundThe “drip and ship” approach can facilitate an early initiation of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at community hospitals. New endovascular treatment modalities, such as stent retrieval, have further improved the rate of safe and successful recanalization. We assessed the clinical outcomes of on-demand endovascular therapy in patients with AIS who were transported to a comprehensive stroke center under the “drip and ship” paradigm.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated prospectively registered patients with acute large vessel occlusions in the anterior circulation who underwent endovascular recanalization after IVT at our regional comprehensive stroke center between January 2011 and April 2014. Clinical outcomes and neuroradiological findings were compared between patients who received IVT at the center (direct visit, DV) and at a community hospital (drip and ship, DS).ResultsBaseline characteristics such as age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and risk factors for stroke were similar, and most patients underwent endovascular therapy with a Solitaire stent (81.9% vs. 89.3% for DV and DS, respectively, P = 0.55). The average initial NIHSS score was 12.15±4.1 (12.06 vs. 12.39 for DV and DS, respectively, P = 0.719). The proportions of long-term favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at 90 days) and successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score ≥2b) were not significantly different (P = 0.828 and 0.158, respectively). The mortality rates and occurrences of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were not significantly different (P = 0.999 and 0.267, respectively).ConclusionsThe “drip and ship” approach with subsequent endovascular therapy is a feasible treatment concept for patients with acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation that could help improve clinical outcomes in patients with AIS.

Flow Diversion in Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Is It Really an All-Purpose Treatment?

The outcome of flow diversion for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms, one of the most common sites for intracranial aneurysms, has not been defined thoroughly. We assessed our outcomes in MCA aneurysms (MCAAs) treated by flow diversion, i.e., with either dedicated flow diverters or telescopic stents. Patients with MCAAs were treated by flow diversion if surgical or other endovascular treatment modalities had failed or were deemed likely to fail. Angiographic and clinical outcome of these patients was assessed retrospectively. Aneurysm location on MCA was defined as M1 segment, "true bifurcation" (classical bifurcation of MCA into superior and inferior trunks), "variant bifurcation" (bifurcation of early frontal or early/distal temporal branches), or M2 segment. Aneurysm morphology was classified as saccular versus dissecting/fusiform. Treatment was attempted in 29 MCAAs. Technical failure rate was 3.4% (1/29). Thirteen of aneurysms were fusiform. Of the bifurcation aneurysms, most (10/16) were the variant type. Overall and procedure-related mortality/permanent morbidity rates were 10.3% (3/29) and 3.5% (1/29). Total occlusion rates (mean angiographic follow-up 10.3 months) for saccular and fusiform aneurysms were 40% and 75%, respectively. In bifurcation aneurysms, occlusion was strongly associated with side-branch occlusion (P < 0.005). In this series, flow diversion for the treatment of MCAAs was safe, was effective in the treatment of fusiform MCAAs, and was not as effective at mid-term for MCA bifurcation aneurysms. Unsatisfactory occlusion rate in bifurcation aneurysms likely results from residual filling of the aneurysms in cases in which the jailed side branch remains patent.

Novel Approaches to the Management of Advanced Peripheral Artery Disease: Perspectives on Drug-Coated Balloons, Drug-Eluting Stents, and Bioresorbable Scaffolds.

Introducing anti-restenotic drug-based treatment modalities in femoropopliteal interventions is the potential revolutionizing reperfusion treatment of peripheral artery disease. Durability of recanalization procedures using drug-coated balloons (DCB) and drug-eluting stents (DES) yields in excellent mid-term and long-term technical and clinical outcomes and may be cost saving on the long term as compared to traditional treatment modalities such as plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) and bare metal nitinol stent implantation. Drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds are another drug-based promising treatment option but are still investigational. In particular, DCB provide a novel method to locally deliver paclitaxel into the arterial wall without the need of a chronically implanted delivery system or even if those devices will be indicated, they can be delivered focally. Following the first positive pilot studies, two large pivotal trials have confirmed superiority of DCB over plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) in the treatment of TASC II A and B femoropopliteal lesions. Even for more complex femoropopliteal lesions such as long lesions and instent restenosis, single center studies and small randomized studies have shown promising mid-term technical and clinical results. For DES, follow-up data for the only commercially available device are now presented up to 5years with excellent clinical outcome regarding freedom from target lesion revascularization and improvement of walking capacity. This review article summarizes the current knowledge and perspectives of drug-based endovascular treatment modalities in femoropopliteal interventions and discusses still unresolved needs.

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.

Treatment of giant/large internal carotid aneurysms: parent artery occlusion or stent-assisted coiling

Purpose: Treatment of giant/large internal carotid aneurysm is a challenge for neurologists. Previously, parent artery occlusion was the classic therapy; now the stent-assisted coil embolization has become available in recent years, but the optimal therapy is under debate. The goal of the present study was to compare two endovascular treatment modalities in terms of safety, efficacy and short-term outcomes. Methods: All the patients were divided into two groups: Group A: patients who underwent parent artery occlusion, and Group B: patients who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization. Follow-up outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: After 12 months of follow-up, the favorable outcome (mRS: 0–2) had no statistical significance in both groups (p = 1.00). Patients in group A had greater ischemia compared with patients in group B, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.421). In group B, patients had a higher rate of partial occlusion (p = 0.255) and recurrence (10% vs. 0%; p = 0.586). Conclusions: Stent-assisted coiling may not be superior to parent artery occlusion in selected patients after short-term follow-up. Parent artery occlusion is a simple, safe and effective treatment for large/giant internal carotid aneurysms.

E-009 Dissecting Ruptured and Symptomatic Intracranial Pseudo-aneurysm who Underwent Endovascular Repair-A Case Series

BackgroundThe natural history of intracranial dissecting pseudo-aneurysm is not known. The optimum treatment strategies are not defined. The recent case series demonstrated non favorable clinical outcome when endovascular pipeline device...

Clinical outcomes of patients with vertebral artery dissection treated endovascularly: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to present a meta-analysis on the safety and efficacy of different endovascular modalities when treating vertebral artery dissections, since ideal treatment remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of 39 retrospective studies involving different treatment modalities for vertebral artery dissections in adults and obtained weighted pooled proportional outcome and mortality ratios with a random effects model. Overall, 75.11 % (confidence interval (CI) 68.89-80.84, I (2) 66.89 %) had excellent outcomes, 10.10 % (CI 6.83-15.56, I (2) 65.64 %) had good outcomes, and 13.70 % (CI 9.64-18.35, I (2) 60.33 %) had poor outcomes. Postoperative complications occurred in 10.52 % (CI 6.87-14.84, I (2) 62.48 %), with 2.73 % (CI 1.64-4.10, I (2) 0.0 %) exhibiting vasospasm, 3.03 % (CI 1.88-4.46, I (2) 0.0 %) experiencing postoperative rebleeding, and 6.31 % (CI 3.57-9.76, I (2) 60.92 %) showing ischemia. Overall mortality was 8.69 % (CI 6.13-11.64, I (2) 33.76 %). When compared to these overall ratios, different treatment modality subgroups did not differ significantly, except for the proximal occlusion group, with poor outcome ratio = 26.96 % (difference 13.26, CI 0.02-30.04, p = 0.0403) and mortality ratio = 21.36 % (difference 12.67, CI 0.94-28.86, p = 0.0189). Different endovascular treatment modalities are comparatively safe and effective in the management of vertebral artery dissection. Their reduced operative time, minimal invasiveness, and overall safety render them a suitable option for intervention-amenable dissections.

Comparison of stent retriever and intra‐arterial fibrinolysis in patients with acute ischaemic stroke

Although the stent retriever (SR) has shown a better reperfusion rate and clinical outcome than the older generation mechanical clot retrieval device, it is uncertain whether the SR is superior to intra-arterial fibrinolysis (IAF). Ischaemic stroke patients who were treated with SR or IAF as initial endovascular treatment modality for unilateral arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation were included. Successful reperfusion was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥2b. A favourable clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Score ≤2 at 3 months. Between January 2009 and May 2012, 55 patients were treated with SR and 50 patients were treated with IAF. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups except for the occlusion site and rescue treatment. In binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for the occlusion site and rescue treatment, SR was independently associated with increased successful reperfusion [82.0% vs. 47.3%; odds ratio (OR) 5.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-14.14) and a more favourable clinical outcome at 3 months (54.0% vs. 43.6%; OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.31-8.84). The frequency of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and mortality at 3 months was not different between the two groups. Stent retriever was as safe as and more effective than IAF. Our findings suggest that SR may be considered as an initial modality rather than IAF in acute stroke patients who undergo endovascular treatment.

Effective endovascular treatment of calcified femoropopliteal disease with directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection: Final results of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ trial

ObjectivesThe purpose of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection, used together to treat moderate to severely calcified femoropopliteal lesions.BackgroundDespite advances in endovascular treatment modalities, treatment of calcified lesions remains a challenge.MethodsA total of 133 subjects with 168 moderate to severely calcified lesions were enrolled. Lesions were treated with directional atherectomy devices, coupled with distal embolic protection.ResultsThe 30-day freedom from MAE rate was 93.1%. Per angiographic core laboratory assessment, the primary effectiveness endpoint (≤50% residual diameter stenosis) was achieved in 92.0% (lower confidence bound of 87.6%) of lesions. By core lab analysis, these results did not achieve the success criteria (90%) for the primary effectiveness objective. Per site assessment, the objective was met with the endpoint being achieved in 97.0% (lower confidence bound 93.8%). A mean residual diameter stenosis of 33.3% was achieved with the directional atherectomy device. This was further decreased to 24.1% with the use of adjunctive therapy. The proportion of asymptomatic subjects [Rutherford Clinical Category (RCC) = 0] increased from 0% at baseline to 52.3% at the 30-day follow-up visit. In total, 88.5% of subjects experienced an improvement of one or more Rutherford categories.ConclusionsThe results of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ study demonstrate that the SilverHawk™ and TurboHawk™ atherectomy devices are safe and effective in the endovascular treatment of moderate to severely calcified lesions in the superficial femoral and/or popliteal arteries when used with the SpiderFX™ distal embolic protection device. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract W P19: Propensity Scores Facilitate Unbiased Comparison of Endovascular Devices in IMS III

Introduction: The IMS III Trial randomized acute ischemic stroke patients to endovascular (IV tPA + intra-arterial) or IV tPA -only therapy to compare efficacy. However, endovascular subjects were not randomized to a particular approach; interventionalists chose the method. Hence, any statistical comparison of devices must account for potential selection bias. Methods: To compare the efficacy and safety of various endovascular treatment modalities, the multiple propensity score (PS) method was implemented to account for potential bias and achieve balance between groups. The analysis is restricted to subjects with an ICA or M1 vessel treated using a standard microcatheter, the Merci retriever, or the Penumbra system. Propensity scores were estimated via a multinomial regression model that included demographic and clinical variables for which 1) an imbalance between devices was demonstrated (α=0.10) or 2) an association with outcome was established (α=0.10). PS tertiles were included as covariates in a logistic regression model relating outcome to device. Results: The analysis included 167 subjects treated with a standard microcatheter (n=51), the Merci retriever (n=77) or the Penumbra system (n=39). Unadjusted comparison indicated imbalance between devices in the presence of atrial fibrillation, age, systolic blood pressure, onset to IV tPA start time, and IV tPA start to groin puncture time. Additional covariates included in the PS model varied by outcome. After adjustment for PS tertiles, the initial difference in baseline variables between devices was no longer statistically significant and there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the devices differed for any of the outcomes considered. Conclusions: Selection bias was a concern in comparing endovascular approaches in IMS III. The PS method successfully balanced baseline characteristics and facilitated a valid conclusion: major efficacy and safety outcomes did not significantly differ between subjects treated with a standard microcatheter, the Merci retriever, and the Penumbra system. Limitations include small sample size and the possibility of differences in unmeasured baseline characteristics.

Abstract T MP12: Primary Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy (MAT) for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Safety, Feasibility and Outcomes in 112 Consecutive Patients

Background and Purpose: MAT is increasingly recognized as a valuable endovascular treatment modality for acute stroke. We sought to describe feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes in a consecutive series of patients in whom MAT was performed as the first treatment modality with other techniques used only in case MAT did not yield adequate recanalization. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively acquired acute endovascular stroke database. Primary MAT was carried out with a preference for the largest catheter considered to be trackable into the target lesion which was wedged into the thrombus followed by manual aspiration with a 20 cc syringe. Results: 112 consecutive patients were identified. Median age: 67. Median NIHSS: 17. Occlusion location: M1(62.5%), M2(8%), ICA-terminus(18.7%), vertebrobasilar (10.7%).Patients with anterior occlusions had tandem extra/intracranial occlusive lesions in 18.7% Median time from symptoms onset to groin puncture: 267 min and from groin puncture to recanalization: 70 min. Aspiration was carried out with the following catheters makes and sizes (in inches): Navien (Covidien Inc.) 0.072 and 0.058 (84% of cases), Penumbra (Penumbra Inc. 0.054 and 0.041 (23% of cases) and DAC (Stryker Inc.) 0.070, 0.054 and 0.44 (4% of cases). Largest bore catheters (0.070 inch and above) were used in 27% of cases and in 75 % of cases medium size catheters (0.054 -0.058 in) catheter were used. Successful recanalization (TICI 2B-3) following MAT alone was 59% with 41% of patients requiring the use of adjunctive intra-arterial therapy (mainly stentriever and/or t-PA). Recanalization results were: TICI 2b/3- 86%, and TICI 3 -30%. Median number of passes: 2. Parenchymal hematoma of any type (PH1/PH2): 9.9%. Favorable outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale ≤2): 46.%. Mortality rate at 3 months:31%. Intracranial distal wire perforations were noted in 4 patients (3.5%).The use of MAT only was associated with faster procedural times (mean 63 min vs 97 min, p&lt;0.0001) but not with higher rates of favorable outcomes. Neither catheter make nor size were associated with higher or faster recanlization rates Conclusions: Pure MAT is a safe, efficacious, quick, and potentially cost saving endovascular recanalization technique.

Endovascular intervention for acute ischemic stroke in light of recent trials.

Three recently published trials, MR RESCUE, IMS III, and SYNTHESIS Expansion, evaluating the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke have generated concerns about the future of endovascular approach. However, the tremendous evolution that imaging and endovascular treatment modalities have undergone over the past several years has raised doubts about the validity of these trials. In this paper, we review the role of endovascular treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke and discuss the limitations and shortcomings that prevent generalization of the findings of recent trials. We also provide our experience in endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Treatment of acute pulmonary embolism: update on newer pharmacologic and interventional strategies.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common complication in hospitalized patients, spanning multiple patient populations and crossing various therapeutic disciplines. Current treatment paradigm in patients with massive PE mandates prompt risk stratification with aggressive therapeutic strategies. With the advent of endovascular technologies, various catheter-based thrombectomy and thrombolytic devices are available to treat patients with massive or submassive PE. In this paper, a variety of newer treatment strategies for PE are analyzed, with special emphasis on various interventional treatment strategies. Clinical evidence for utilizing endovascular treatment modalities, based on our institutional experience as well as a literature review, is provided.

Spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas

Our understanding of spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas (eAVFs) is relatively limited. In this study the authors aimed to provide the demographics, natural history, and treatment results of these rare lesions. The authors performed a pooled analysis of data in the PubMed database through December 2012. Individualized patient data were extracted to elucidate demographic, clinical, and angioarchitectural features of spinal eAVFs as well as outcomes following different treatment strategies. Information on 101 patients was extracted from 63 eligible studies. The mean patient age was 45.9 years, and there was no significant overall sex predilection. Only 3% of the lesions were incidental, whereas 10% occurred in patients who had presented with hemorrhage. None of the 64 patients with at least 1 month of untreated follow-up sustained a hemorrhage over a total of 83.8 patient-years. Patients with lumbosacral eAVFs were significantly older (mean age 58.7 years, p < 0.0001), were significantly more often male (70% male, p = 0.02), had significantly worse presenting Aminoff-Logue motor and bladder scores (p = 0.0008 and < 0.0001, respectively), and had the greatest prevalence of lesions with intradural venous drainage (62% of cases, p < 0.0001). Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (30% of cases, p < 0.0001) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (9% of cases, p = 0.06) were associated with and exclusively found in patients with cervical eAVFs. The overall complete obliteration rate was 91%. After a mean follow-up of 1.7 years, the clinical condition was improved in 89% of patients, the same in 9%, and worse in 2%. Obliteration rates and outcome at follow-up did not significantly differ between surgical and endovascular treatment modalities. Spinal eAVFs are rare lesions with a low risk of hemorrhage; they cause neurological morbidity as a result of mass effect and/or venous hypertension. Their treatment is associated with a high rate of complete obliteration and improvement in preoperative symptoms.