Parent Vessel Reconstruction Research Articles

Abstract Number ‐ 139: Endovascular Management of Intracranial Pediatric Traumatic Pseudoaneurysms: A Case Series and Systematic Review

Introduction Intracranial pseudoaneurysms (IPA) are rare and potentially life‐altering lesions. Although IPAs represent less than 1% of all intracranial aneurysms, they account for more than 19% of pediatric intracranial aneurysms. The goal of this study was to systematically review the management and outcomes of pediatric patients who developed pseudoaneurysms following head trauma. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, OVID Medline and Web of Science databases from date of database inception to May 2022. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Simultaneously, a retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent endovascular evaluation and treatment for intracranial pseudoaneurysms originating from head trauma at a single institution. Results A total of 221 articles were identified in our review, 51 studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 80 patients were treated for 81 intracranial traumatic pseudoaneurysms, including 5 cases from our institution, with 46 males, 28 females, and a mean age of 9.90 years (range 0.04 ‐18 years). 71 total pseudoaneurysms were the result of external trauma while 10 resulted from iatrogenic trauma. Vessels of the anterior circulation were injured in 75.3% (61/81) of cases. Posterior circulation was involved in 24.7% (20/81) of cases. The internal carotid artery was the most impacted vessel at 45.7% (37/81). The next most common territory injured was the anterior cerebral artery and its distal branches, including the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries, at 17.3% (14/81). The basilar artery was the third most affected artery, representing 12.3% (10/81) of cases. Hemorrhage was present in 41 patients (51.3%). Subarachnoid hemorrhage was present in 33.8% (27/80), while intracerebral hemorrhage and interventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were present 22.5% and 18.8% of cases, respectively. A total of 92 procedures were performed, with only 8 patients requiring more than 1 procedure for treatment. Only 1 patient required more than 2 procedures. Aneurysm embolization, parent vessel occlusion, parent vessel reconstruction, and aneurysm trapping were performed in 31.5%, 22.8%, 43.5%, and 2.2% of cases, respectively. The intraoperative complication rate was 3.26%, all were ischemic in nature. Two of these ischemic complications resulted focal neurological deficits from parent vessel occlusion. Aneurysm recurrence was encountered in 7 cases, with 6 of these resulting from coil embolization. In patients treated with parent vessel reconstruction, 1 aneurysm ruptured post‐treatment and 2 patients experienced in‐stent thrombosis. Overall, 83.8% of patients had a good neurological outcome and 77.8% of aneurysms were completed occluded on follow‐up imaging. Conclusions The development of pseudoaneurysms in the pediatric population are an important consideration in cases of traumatic head injuries or iatrogenic vessel trauma. These lesions grow rapidly and can carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Our findings suggest that endovascular treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysms in the pediatric populations is safe and effective, with high rates of aneurysm occlusion and good neurological outcome. Overall, complications rates are low. Aneurysm embolization can carry an increased risk of aneurysm recurrence.

Giant internal carotid aneurysm: endovascular parent artery occlusion after failed treatment using a flow diverter—case report

Treatment of giant aneurysms is challenging. While parent vessel reconstruction is the primary therapeutical target, the parent artery occlusion (PAO) is considered the next treatment option. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman with a right-sided non-ruptured giant aneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery. After failed aneurysm treatment by vessel remodeling through a flow diverter stent, we decided upon aneurysm coiling and PAO. Prior to the procedure, a successful balloon occlusion test (BOT) was performed, and in the second stage, just before occluding the parent artery, the BOT with induced hypotension was repeated. We achieved a good angiographic result and successful outcome without neurological deficit. In the case of failed treatment of giant aneurysm by vessel reconstruction, PAO is a therapeutical option. Prior to the vessel occlusion, a BOT with induced arterial hypotension challenge should be performed.

Microsurgical Management of Intracranial Aneurysms After Failed Flow Diversion

Flow diversion has become increasingly popular for treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the past few years. In an increasing number of patients with aneurysms, flow diversion (FD) has failed, with a paucity of reported data regarding salvage treatment for these challenging cases. We present a multicenter series of 13 aneurysms for which FD failed and that were subsequently treated with open surgery. We also present a review of the reported data regarding operative management of aneurysms after unsuccessful FD. Twelve patients with 13 aneurysms were included in the present study. All 12 patients had undergone surgery after FD because of persistent aneurysm filling, mass effect, or aneurysm rupture. The patients underwent aneurysm clipping and parent vessel reconstruction, decompression of the aneurysm mass, occlusion of proximal flow to the aneurysm, or aneurysm trapping with or without extracranial-intracranial artery bypass. Aneurysms for which FD fails present a variety of unique and challenging management situations that will likely be encountered with increased frequency, given the popularity of FD. Microsurgical salvage options require individualized care tailored to the underlying pathological features, patient characteristics, and surgical expertise.

Influence of Relative Residence Time on Side-Wall Aneurysm Inception.

Relative residence time (RRT) is a marker of disturbed blood flow, marked by low magnitude and high oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS). The relation between solute residence time in proximity to the vascular endothelium and the atherosclerotic process is well appreciated in the literature. To assess the influence of RRT on side-wall aneurysm inception to better understand the role of atherosclerosis in aneurysm formation. Fourteen side-wall internal carotid artery aneurysms from the Aneurisk repository which met criteria for parent vessel reconstruction were reconstructed with Vascular Modeling Toolkit. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out in Fluent. RRT was calculated in MATLAB (The MathWorks Inc, Natick, Massachusetts). We analyzed the results for correlations, defined as presence or absence of local elevations in RRT in specific regions of vasculature. RRT was concluded to be negatively correlated with aneurysm inception in this study of side-wall internal carotid artery aneurysms, with 12/14 cases yielding the absence of local RRT elevations within or in close proximity of the removed ostium. Subsequent analysis of WSS showed that 11 of 14 aneurysms were formed in an atheroprotective environment, with only 1 of 14 formed in an atherogenic environment. Two models were found to be of indeterminate environment. Atherogenesis and atherosclerosis have long been thought to be a major inciting factor responsible for the formation of aneurysms in the cerebral vasculature. We propose that inception of side-wall aneurysms occurs in hemodynamic environments that promote an atheroprotective endothelial phenotype and that the atheroprotective phenotype is therefore aneurysmogenic.

Rescue Treatment with Pipeline Embolization for Postsurgical Clipping Recurrences of Anterior Communicating Artery Region Aneurysms

Background: Postsurgical clipping aneurysm recurrences or residuals can be difficult to manage with either traditional open microsurgical approaches or endosaccular coiling. Endoluminal parent vessel reconstruction with flow diversion may be an ideal method for treating these recurrences by avoiding reoperative surgery or intraprocedural aneurysm rupture with aneurysm access. Method: We retrospectively reviewed a single-center aneurysm database identifying all anterior communicating artery (ACom) region aneurysms with recurrences after microsurgical clipping. Cases subsequently treated with Pipeline embolization device (PED) were identified for analysis. Results: Nine PED neurointerventions were performed for the treatment of 6 ACom region recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping (ACom, n = 4 and A1-A2 junction, n = 2). Of the 6 aneurysms treated, 4 were previously ruptured. Mean patient age was 59.5 ± 6.9 years (range 50-67 years). Mean aneurysm size was 5.1 ± 2.2 mm (range 3-9 mm). Mean fluoroscopy time was 44.1 ± 12.4 min. A single PED, deployed from ipsilateral A2 to ipsilateral A1, was used in 6 cases. No instances of periprocedural complications were encountered. Angiographic follow-up was available in all aneurysms; 5 of these 6 (83%) demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion. Conclusion: Flow diversion with PED can be a safe and efficacious treatment approach for recurrent ACom region aneurysms after surgical clipping.

Pipeline embolization device as primary treatment for cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms

Background:Limited data exists on the durability and occlusion rate of treating extracranial cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms using the pipeline embolization device (PED) flow-diverting stent.Methods:Three patients presenting with dissecting cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms were treated with the PED as the sole treatment modality.Results:In all three patients, successful aneurysmal occlusion and parent vessel reconstruction occurred on immediate angiography and continued on 6-month follow-up. No immediate or delayed complications were seen, and all patients remained neurologically intact.Conclusion:Complete aneurysmal occlusion and long-term angiographic occlusion can occur after PED treatment of cervical carotid pseudoaneurysms. In select patients, the PED can be a suitable primary treatment modality with good neurological outcome for cervical carotid pseudoaneurysms.

Retrograde Suction Decompression for Clip Occlusion of Internal Carotid Artery Communicating Segment Aneurysms

Retrograde suction decompression (RSD) can achieve proximal parent vessel control, improve aneurysm neck visualization, and allow parent vessel reconstruction for direct clipping of internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The aim of the present study was to describe the technique and surgical results of RSD for direct clipping of ICA communicating segment (C1) aneurysms. The clinical data and treatment summaries of 20 patients who underwent RSD-assisted clipping of ICA C1 aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative three- or four-dimensional computed tomography angiograms, postoperative magnetic resonance images, surgical notes, operative complications, and outcomes were assessed. All patients except one harbored unruptured C1 aneurysms. Extracranial-intracranial graft bypass using the radial artery was performed in five patients. Fifteen patients required temporary clipping of the posterior communicating artery for further reduction of blood back-flow into the aneurysm. All aneurysms were successfully clipped and postoperative three- or four-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed no major branch occlusion or residual aneurysm. At the 6-month follow-up examination, 19 patients had a good outcome and 1 patient had poor outcome associated with anterior choroidal artery ischemia. No death had occurred at 6-month follow-up examination. The RSD technique is a useful procedure to achieve proximal vascular control, to soften and shrinkage the aneurysm sac, and to provide a wide and clean operative field allowing safe clip placement. The RSD technique requires special attention to the relationship between the perforators and the aneurysm, and close cooperation between the surgeon and the assistant.

Pipeline endovascular reconstruction of traumatic dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial internal carotid artery

A 22-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle collision resulting in multiple facial fractures and extensive internal carotid artery (ICA) injury including a right carotid-cavernous fistula, complex dissection flap...

Pipeline embolization device and subsequent vessel sacrifice for treatment of a bleeding carotid pseudoaneurysm at the skull base: a case report

An attempt at parent vessel reconstruction with Pipeline embolization devices to treat a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery at the skull base is presented. A 50-year-old woman with...

P-041 Enhanced procedural guidance during deployment of flow-diverters using 3D land marking and overlay technique

PurposeEndoluminal parent vessel reconstruction using flow-diverting device has emerged as a viable alternative to stent-assisted coiling/surgical clipping in wide necked intracranial aneurysms.1 Accurate device positioning in parent vessel and deployment...

The stent anchor technique for distal access through a large or giant aneurysm

Large and giant aneurysms pose significant challenges to the endovascular techniques of coil embolization or parent vessel reconstruction. Many large aneurysms are wide-necked with bulbous domes and frequently require stent-assisted...

Intra-luminal stent navigation for embolization of cerebral aneurysms with marked angular acuity of incorporated branch vasculature

Neuroform stent parent vessel reconstruction has significantly dvanced the endovascular management of wide neck cerebral neurysms. Delivery of the rigid stent system across the neck in omplex configuration aneurysms by conventional methods is not ossible, if marked angularity between the parent vessel and effernt incorporated branch vessel is present. We present two such ases in which safe intra-aneurismal passage of the stent delivry system was achieved for subsequent coil embolization. This otentially has a high risk for aneurysm perforation and needs to e carefully considered against the benefit.

Complications After Treatment With Pipeline Embolization for Giant Distal Intracranial Aneurysms With or Without Coil Embolization

The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a flow diverter designed to treat intracranial aneurysms through endoluminal parent vessel reconstruction. The role of adjunctive coil embolization is unknown. This report details the authors' experience with the PED in 2 patients with symptomatic, giant distal intracranial aneurysms (1 basilar artery and 1 M1 segment middle cerebral artery). Both patients had successful parent vessel reconstruction. In the first patient, the basilar artery aneurysm was treated with PEDs alone, and the patient experienced early fatal brainstem hemorrhage from aneurysm rupture. In the second patient, the M1 aneurysm was treated with 2 PEDs along with dense coil embolization, with a good initial angiographic result. This patient experienced acute thrombosis of the PED post-procedure, likely related to mass effect and thrombogenicity of the dense coil mass. Flow diversion is an evolutionary step in the treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms. However, complete aneurysm occlusion occurs over a delayed period. The authors recommend placement of coils in addition to PED in the treatment of large or giant distal intracranial aneurysms in an attempt to protect the dome. However, robust packing is to be avoided because it can lead to acute PED thrombotic or compressive occlusion.

Extracranial⁃intracranial bypass for giant intracranial aneurysms

Objective To report bypass treatment for 6 cases of giant intracranial aneurysm, and discuss the surgical indication and therapeutic effect. Methods A series of 6 patients with giant intracranial aneurysm underwent extracranial ⁃ intracranial bypass. Pre ⁃ operative cerebral hemodynamics, mode of bypass, and the clinical and imaging outcomes were analysed. Results Among 6 patients, 3 patients underwent trapping and resection (or parent vessel reconstruction) combined with low⁃flow bypass while the other 3 patients underwent clipping (or trapping) combined with high⁃flow bypass (external carotid artery⁃radial artery/great saphenous vein⁃middle cerebral artery bypass). The follow⁃up period ranged from 6 to 28 months (mean 17 months). The short⁃term and long⁃term cerebral aniography and CT angiography showed the bypass vessel and anastomotic stoma were all patent. Signs and symptoms were improved in different degree. During follow ⁃ up period, no acute hemorrhagic or ischemic cerebrovascular events occurred. Among 3 patients who underwent combined low ⁃ flow bypass, the long ⁃ term modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was 0 in 2 patients and 2 in one patient. Among the other 3 patients who underwent combined high⁃flow bypass, the long⁃term mRS was 0 in one and 1 in 2 patients. Conclusion Surgical treatment for complex intracranial aneurysm may sacrifice the parent vessel or the distal MCA branches. It is according to the patients condition and different intracranial ⁃ extracranial vascular bypass which may effectively preserve the blood flow. Perfusion CT in combination with digital subtraction angiography can be used to evaluate distal perfusion status and collateral circulation in patients with giant intracranial aneurysm. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2012.01.009

Endovascular treatment of cranial aneurysms with the pipeline flow diverting stent: preliminary midterm results

We aimed to present our initial experience with a new self-expanding flow diverter device designed for wide-neck aneurysm treatment, assess its safety for intracranial deployment and efficacy of occlusion at mid-term follow-up. Forty-five consecutive patients with difficult aneurysmal anatomy underwent an endovascular treatment. Fifty-five intracranial aneurysms were clipped using the Pipeline flow-diverting stent (ev3 Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota, USA) between November 2009 and December 2011. Data including antiplatelet therapy, technical issues, complications, and imaging findings were recorded during the follow-up period. Twenty-seven aneurysms were asymptomatic, 13 were symptomatic due to mass effect, seven were recurrent, six had subarachnoid hemorrhage, and two subjects presented with ischemia. There were 45 saccular, six fusiform-dissecting, and four blister aneurysms. The six-month control angiography was available in 34 subjects with an 85.3% (29/34 patients) complete occlusion rate. The overall occlusion rate according to the last angiography was 91.9% (34/37 patients). The following three major technical complications without clinical consequences were encountered: one distal wire fracture of the stent delivery system and two insufficient stent expansion. There was one fatal nonaneurysmal cerebellar hemorrhage. The overall mortality rate was 2.2% with no permanent morbidity. The Pipeline flow-diverting stent represents an important advancement in endovascular therapy for cerebral aneurysms. Standard endovascular techniques are typically not suitable for these types of aneurysms. The device targets primary parent vessel reconstruction rather than endosaccular occlusion to achieve exclusion of the aneurysm and maintain a relatively high occlusion rate at six months.

Initial Experience with Neuroform EZ in the Treatment of Wide-neck Cerebral Aneurysms

PurposeStent-assisted coiling allows embolization and parent vessel reconstruction of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. The Neuroform EZ (Boston Scientific, Fremont, CA, U.S.A.) stent delivery system offers deployment of a Neuroform stent with fewer steps and improved operator control. Initial experience, technical considerations, and treatment outcomes using the Neuroform EZ stent delivery system in combination with coil embolization are reported.Materials and MethodsSeventeen consecutive patients harboring 21 wide-necked saccular cerebral aneurysms were treated with stent reconstruction. Twenty aneurysms were unruptured; one was treated within 24 hours of diagnosis of rupture. Twenty aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation; one was in the posterior circulation. Immediate and six-month post-treatment angiography and clinical assessment were performed.ResultsIn all cases, the stents were delivered and positioned without difficulty in deployment. Technical complications occurred in 4 patients, but none were directly related to the stent delivery system. On immediate post-treatment angiography, 5 of 21 aneurysms showed complete occlusion, 5 of 21 showed residual neck, and 11 of 21 showed residual contrast filling of the aneurysm sac. At six month follow-up, all 17 patients were clinically stable. Angiography of 18 of the aneurysms showed total occlusion in 12, residual neck in 3, and residual aneurysm filling in 3. Retreatment was performed in the three with residual aneurysm.ConclusionThe Neuroform EZ stent system offers improved anchoring and support in stent delivery, which is particularly useful when multiple stents are overlapped to further protect the parent vessel and increase flow diversion away from the aneurysm sac. The only significant problem encountered was coil prolapse, which could be treated with a second stent when necessary. The ease of deployment improves upon the already clinically successful Neuroform design.

Retrograde Trans-Posterior Communicating Artery Snare-Assisted Rescue of Lost Access to a Foreshortened Pipeline Embolization Device: Complication Management

The Pipeline embolization device (PED; Covidien Vascular Therapies, Mansfield, Massachusetts) is a promising, yet experimental, vascular reconstruction device for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. We present a PED-related complication and describe a salvage strategy. A 64-year-old woman underwent PED-assisted parent vessel reconstruction for her giant cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. During placement of the first PED, the proximal part of the PED foreshortened and was displaced into the aneurysm sac. Multiple subsequent attempts to recatheterize the PED failed, and, ultimately, distal access through and beyond the PED was lost. Therefore, completion of the Pipeline construct by stacking PEDs for definitive treatment was prevented. Retrograde access of the PED was gained from the distal ICA through a microwire that was advanced from the basilar artery through the posterior communicating artery. The microwire from the distal ICA was grasped with a snare from the proximal ICA and pulled down to the cervical ICA. The opened snare around the microwire was used as a lasso to advance a microcatheter from the cervical ICA through the PED to regain distal access. Five more PEDs were used to achieve complete parent vessel reconstruction and aneurysm obliteration. Maintaining distal access is critical until the entire parent vessel is reconstructed, especially when multiple PEDs are required. The salvage technique described may help regain distal access if it is lost during the procedure.

BALLOON-ASSISTED CLIPPING OF A LARGE PARACLINOIDAL ANEURYSM

Surgical clipping and parent vessel reconstruction of wide-neck paraclinoid aneurysms can be very challenging. We report a case of a ruptured paraclinoid aneurysm which failed standard clipping techniques. We were able to reconstruct this aneurysm while providing proximal and distal control using an adjuvant endovascular balloon. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman presenting with a ruptured large paraclinoidal aneurysm, which involved a significant portion of the internal carotid artery wall. Repeated attempts at fenestrated clip placement resulted in slipping of the clip and occlusion of the parent artery. Ultimately, the aneurysm ruptured at the neck, and, despite trapping and direct aneurysmal suction decompression, significant bleeding was encountered. The bleeding point was packed, and, subsequently, endovascular access was obtained. A balloon was navigated and then inflated across the neck of the aneurysm using C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. The aneurysm was successfully clipped, and intraoperative angiography demonstrated no parent vessel stenosis. This case demonstrates a salvage procedure in the event of intraoperative rupture and inadequate interruption of local blood flow. Balloon inflation resulted in adequate hemostasis and provided intraluminal support for optimal clip placement while preserving the parent artery.

GIANT INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS

The treatment of giant aneurysms remains a formidable challenge for endovascular and surgical strategies. The use of endovascular techniques in a deconstructive (e.g., parent vessel occlusion) and reconstructive (e.g., stent coiling) methodology is reviewed. The results of endovascular coiling as a primary therapy for giant aneurysm occlusion have been disappointing. Hunterian strategies have had more success in published series, but recent developments in coil, glue, and stent technology show great promise in allowing parent vessel reconstruction as a primary endovascular target, with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and durability. A literature review of giant aneurysm endovascular treatment strategies was undertaken after 1994, when Guglielmi detachable coils were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Where possible, follow-up, durability, and occlusion rates are also reviewed.

Surgical management of large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms

Due to their location, large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms remain a challenge for vascular neurosurgeons. We identified characteristics, surgical indications and treatment strategies of large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms in 36 patients. The pterional approach was routinely used. The cervical internal carotid artery was exposed for proximal control of parent vessel and retrograde suction decompression. Paraclinoid aneurysms were directly clipped, intracavernous pseudoaneurysm was repaired and the intracavernous aneurysms were trapped with extracranial-intracranial bypass of saphenous vein graft. Intraoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring were used to detect cerebral ischemia during the temporary occlusion of parent arteries. Microvascular Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess blood flow of the parent and branch vessels. Endoscopy was helpful particularly in dealing with internal carotid artery posterior wall aneurysms. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 33 of the 36 patients. Thirty-two paraclinoid aneurysms were directly clipped, 1 intracavernous pseudoaneurysm was repaired and the other 3 intracavernous aneurysms were trapped with revascularization. Except for two patients who died in the early postoperative stage, 34 patients' follow-up was 6 - 65 months (mean 10 months) and a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 to 5 at discharge. At the 6-month follow-up examination, Rankin Outcome Scale scores were 0 to 2 in 32 patients. EEG and SSEP monitoring changed in six patients. Twelve clips were readjusted when insufficient blood flow in parent and branch vessels was detected. Three posterior wall aneurysms were clipped. Intracavernous aneurysms not amenable to endovascular treatment should be treated surgically and surgical treatment is the first option for paraclinoid aneurysms. The temporary parent vessel occlusion, retrograde suction decompression, endoaneurysmectomy, parent vessel reconstruction, vascular anastomosis, electrophysiological monitoring, Doppler ultrasonography and endoscopy are essential techniques in the treatment of the large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms.