Occlusion Rate Research Articles

Complication rate with the 1940-nm versus 1470-nm wavelength laser.

We hypothesized, that endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with the highly water specific 1940-nm wavelength laser would reduce ablation-related thrombus extension (ARTE) incidence compared to the less specific 1470-nm laser. Between February 2017 to March 2023 we identified a consecutive series of patients undergoing EVLA from the prospectively ongoing VEINOVA registry. Patients were treated with the 1940-nm or 1470-nm laser. Demographic data and outcome data were used for this retrospective analysis. From a total of 3055 EVLA, 2006 procedures were performed with the1470-nm and 1049 with the 1940-nm laser. At 2-6days follow- up visit (follow up visit 1), all ARTE occurred in 18 (0.9%) of all procedures with the 1470-nm and in 1 (0.1%) with the 1940-nm laser (p = 0.023). DVT was similar in both groups (0.3% vs 0.2%, p = 0.784). Phlebitis occurred in 67 (3.3%) of all procedures with the 1470-nm and in 2 (0.2%; p = 0.003) with the 1940-nm laser and paresthesia in 99 (4.9%) versus 5 (0.5%; p < 0.001), respectively. At 5-6weeks follow-up (follow up visit 2), all ARTE occurred in 27 (1.4%) of all procedures with the 1470-nm and in 4 (0.4%; p = 0.010) with the 1940-nm laser. DVT was similar in both groups (0.7% vs 0.4%; p = 0.846). Phlebitis occurred in 97 (4.8%) of all procedures with the 1470-nm and in 9 (0.9%; p < 0.001) with the 1940-nm laser and paresthesia in 194 (9.7%) versus 35 (3.3%; p < 0.001), respectively. Occlusion rate was in both groups similar (99.8% vs 99.6%). EVLA using the 1940-nm laser appears to be safe with lower ARTE incidence than using the 1470-nm laser. Phlebitis and paresthesia occurred less frequent with the 1940-nm than with the 1470-nm laser, thus favoring the use of the 1940-nm laser.

A novel cricoid pressure sensor device enhances the efficacy of oesophageal occlusion during Sellick's manoeuvre: A randomised controlled trial.

The inability to measure the force applied during cricoid pressure is an important limitation in clinical practice. We developed a novel device to measure this force and provide real-time feedback to the operator. To test the hypothesis of superior oesophageal occlusion during cricoid pressure when guided by the novel device as compared with conventional practice. A prospective randomised controlled trial. Tertiary University Hospital, May to December 2021. Sixty-five ASA I/II adult patients of either sex scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia requiring tracheal intubation. Patients with comorbidities involving the neck, those at risk of pulmonary aspiration, anticipated difficult airway and BMI at least 35 kg m-2 were excluded. Operators applied cricoid pressure with their fingers in both groups. Participants were randomised into 'feedback group' where the operator adjusted this force based on the force measured by the novel device, and 'control group' where the force measured by the device was shielded from the operator. The primary outcome was the rate of occlusion of oesophageal opening assessed by whether a 12 CH orogastric tube could be inserted into the oesophageal entrance during videolaryngoscopy. Secondary outcomes included the magnitudes of force measured during cricoid pressure, oesophageal diameter measured ultrasonographically during cricoid pressure and intubation parameters. Sixty-four patients completed the study. The oesophageal opening was occluded in significantly more patients in the feedback group compared with the control group (94 vs. 6%; P = 0.001). The mean ± SD force (N) applied was significantly better and consistent at all time points in the feedback group compared to the control group (22.65 ± 7.81 vs. 14.57 ± 11.13, P < 0.001). The median [IQR] anteroposterior diameter of the oesophagus during cricoid pressure was less in the feedback group compared to the control group (0.49 [0.36 to 0.56] vs. 0.57 [0.48 to 0.65], P = 0.006). The use of the novel sensor device achieved a significantly high rate of oesophageal occlusion during application of cricoid pressure. Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2021/05/033484).

Prognostic value of computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve in patients with diabetes mellitus and unstable angina

BackgroundCoronary artery calcification is commonly found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which may compromise the diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), which integrates coronary anatomy with functional assessment, holds the potential to become a powerful diagnostic tool for evaluating calcified lesions.ObjectiveWe aim to assess the prognostic value of CT-FFR for calcific lesions in patients with T2DM and unstable angina (UA).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study involving 3,392 patients who were diagnosed with T2DM and UA who underwent coronary CTA, with at least one visible calcification site. Of those, 1,091 patients and 1,372 vessels were recommended by cardiovascular specialists and completed invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements. Simultaneously, those patients also underwent CT-FFR measurements and were divided into two groups based on CT-FFR values: one group with CT-FFR > 0.80 and the other with CT-FFR ≤ 0.80. Demographics, clinical data, the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR, analysis of calcified lesions on CTA, and major adverse events during follow-up were recorded.ResultsThe diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the curve (AUC) of CT-FFR were 84.8%, 84.6%, 85.1%, 84.7%, 85.0%, and 84.8%, respectively, per patient, and 82.2%, 80.3.2%, 81.8%, 79.7%, 81.1%, and 82.9% respectively, per vessel. For lesion and calcification characteristics, the degree of stenosis, lesion length, rate of bifurcation lesions, diffusive lesions, occlusion, calcium volume, and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) were significantly higher in the CT-FFR ≤ 0.8 group compared to the CT-FFR > 0.8 group. In contrast, the minimum cross-sectional area was smaller in the CT-FFR ≤ 0.8 group than in the CT-FFR > 0.8 group. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at the 3-year follow-up was significantly higher in the CT-FFR ≤ 0.8 group compared to the CT-FFR > 0.8 group. The CT-FFR value is an independent predictor of MACCE at the 3-year follow-up.ConclusionCT-FFR demonstrated significant diagnostic performance using invasive FFR as the reference standard and proved to be an important predictive tool for assessing prognosis not only in calcified lesions but also in lesions with a CACS score of zero in patients with T2DM and UA. CT-FFR may serve as a valuable tool for guiding treatment decisions in these patients.Graphical abstract

Bubble boundary R-CNN: A multitask model for segmenting and reconstructing overlapping bubbles

When measuring the dynamic characteristics of bubbles using image-based methods, the images including complex overlapping of bubbles with irregular shape pose a huge challenge to current bubble reconstruction algorithms. Based on the Mask R-CNN architecture, a multitask model “Bubble Boundary R-CNN” is proposed for detection, segmentation and shape reconstruction of overlapping bubbles with high deformation at high gas velocities. By leveraging shared deep features from detection and segmentation, model achieves flexible bubble reconstruction and accurate size distribution extraction from high gas velocity bubble flows. To overcome the limitations of Mask R-CNN and address the challenges posed by high-deformation and overlapping bubbles, a semantic segmentation auxiliary head and the Boundary-preserving Mask Head (BMask Head) are introduced to enhance edge information and extract bubble boundary features. Additionally, an Overlapping Boundary Prediction Network (OBPN) is proposed to reconstruct boundary features that are lost due to bubble occlusion and predict the complete bubble shapes. The optimized model shows its ability to flexibly and accurately reconstruct overlapped and deformed bubbles by varying occlusion rates and circularity. The new model has also proven its reliability when applied to bubble images from a bubble column at gas velocities of up to 0.067 m3/s. In future work, more efforts are needed to further enhance the detection capability of the model and reduce missed and multiple detections at high gas velocity.

Traditional Versus Distal Radial Access for Coronary Diagnostic and Revascularization Procedures: Final Results of the TENDERA Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study.

Traditional transradial access (TRA) is widely used for coronary and non-coronary interventions with significant improvements in procedural outcomes; however, it is associated with RAO that precludes repeat use of the same artery for possible future TRI and other purposes. Distal radial access (DRA) has been proposed as an effective alternative to decrease RAO rates. Published literature describing the RAO rate after DRA versus TRA from various RCT and clinical registries has shown conflicting results. This study compared the forearm radial artery occlusion (RAO) rate assessed by Doppler ultrasound between distal and conventional radial access at 1-year follow-up after the initial procedure. TENDERA was a multicenter, randomized controlled study comparing DRA versus TRA for coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures using 5 or 6F hydrophilic-coated sheaths. The primary endpoint was forearm RAO at 12 months after radial access. The secondary endpoints included puncture time, sheath insertion and total procedure time, radiation dose, and vascular access site-related complications. Eight hundred and fifty patients were randomized to either TRA (n = 418) and DRA (n = 432) groups. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the rate of forearm RAO at 12 months was observed in 39 patients (4.6%) and was significantly reduced in the DRA group compared with the TRA group (2.5% vs. 6.7%, RR 2.59 [95% CI 1.29-5.59], p = 0.010). Analysis in per protocol population has shown consistent results with forearm RAO rate 2.8% in the DRA group versus 6.5% in the TRA group (p = 0.008). The crossover rate was higher (4.6% vs. 1%, p = 0.013) and median hemostasis time was shorter (156.5 min vs. 180 min, p < 0.001) with DRA. Overall bleeding (BARC 1-2) and postprocedure hematoma > 5 cm occurred less frequently in the DRA group compared with the TRA group (3.2% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.001% and 9.0% vs. 27.0%, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were observed in total procedure time and radiation dose between groups. DRA for coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures is associated with reduced forearm RAO rate and shorter hemostasis time, but a longer sheath insertion time and higher crossover rate compared with TRA. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04211584.

Impact of preoperative quantitative flow ratio on long term coronary artery bypass grafts patency

Abstract Background Preoperative fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the native coronaries is a known predictor of long-term graft patency after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is an angiogram-based functional assessment tool of coronary stenoses. Its predictive value of graft patency is unknown. Purpose To investigate the impact of preoperative QFR value on long-term graft patency after CABG. Methods In this retrospective multicentric study we included consecutive patients treated with CABG between 2011 and 2022, with available coronary angiogram before and at any timepoint after CABG. Three-vessel QFR analysis of the preoperative angiography has been performed. Follow-up angiography was checked for graft patency. Only vessels entered the analysis for which baseline QFR was appropriate and which has been bypassed. Results 400 patients were included with mean age of 67±8 years. They received on average 2.0±0.9 bypasses. 788 coronaries and bypasses were analyzed, among the latter 455 were arterial and 333 were veins. 37% were placed on LAD, 26% on RCA and 26% on the LCx. Stenosis severity at baseline was 73±22% with a QFR value of 0.68±0.30. Follow-up angiographies were performed at 34±29 months. Overall graft patency was 83%, with higher occlusion rate for venous than arterial conduits (27% vs 9%, respectively; HR 3.9 [2.60-5.88]). Occlusion rate was lower for grafts implanted on QFR significant native vessels versus those, placed on non-significant ones (13% vs 30%, respectively; HR 2.86 [1.93-4.26]). Benefit was maintained for both, arterial (5% vs 22%, respectively; HR 5.23 [2.78-10.38]), as well as for venous conduits (24% vs 39%; HR 2.09 [1.21-3.50]). Conclusion QFR significantly predicts graft patency irrespective of whether the graft is arterial or venous. However, patency of venous grafts is poor, even if implanted on functionally significant native stenotic coronaries.Graft patency

Impact of clinical features on in-hospital outcomes in premature coronary artery disease patients post percutaneous coronary intervention

Background: Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is a significant health concern globally, characterized by the onset of coronary atherosclerosis at an early age. The development of PCAD is influenced by a variety of risk factors and leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in interventions, the clinical and angiographic characteristics influencing in-hospital outcomes for these patients remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between clinical features and in-hospital outcomes in patients with premature CAD post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1279 patients who underwent PCI for premature CAD the period of January 2022–December 2023. Clinical information was gathered from medical records, including risk factors and angiographic results. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 22, employing univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine correlations. Result: The study included 1279 patients, with 438 in the premature CAD group and 841 in the non-premature CAD group. Significant differences were observed in age, sex distribution, BMI, lipid profiles, smoking status, and family history between the groups. Premature CAD patients were younger (mean age 50 vs. 64.8, p&lt;0.001) and had higher rates of smoking and dyslipidemia. Angiographic analysis showed significant differences in LAD and LCx involvement and occlusion rates. In-hospital outcomes indicated higher incidences of shock, cardiac complications, and in-hospital mortality in the non-premature CAD group. Conclusion: Clinical and angiographic characteristics significantly influence in-hospital outcomes for premature CAD patients. Younger age, smoking, and dyslipidemia were prevalent risk factors. Enhanced management strategies focusing on these factors could improve patient outcomes. Keyword: angiography findings, clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, percutaneous coronary intervention, premature coronary artery disease

Incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion following transradial coronary procedures

Abstract Background Transradial access for percutaneous coronary procedures has grown in popularity because of its advantages over the femoral approach. However, the benefit is overshadowed by an increased rate of radial artery occlusion (RAO). We aim to assess incidence and predictors of RAO after transradial catheterization. The anatomic variations of the radial artery (RA) were also studied. Methods This prospective study enrolled 427 patients who underwent coronary angiography or angioplasty via transradial access. An ultrasound evaluation of forearm arteries was performed. In case of RAO, another ultrasound check-up was performed after 1 month and 3 months of the procedure. Results Our study population includes 288 patients (32.6% female). The mean age was 61.9 ± 11.1 years. RAO occured in 48 patients (11.24%), among whom spontaneous recanalization was observed within 3 months in 15 patients (32.6%). On multivariate analysis, a younger age (OR 0.642 [CI 95%: 0.480 – 0.858], P = 0.031), low periprocedural systolic blood pressure, (OR 0.598 [CI 95%: 0.415 – 0.862], P = 0.007), a small radial diameter (OR 0.371 [CI 95%: 0.323 – 0.618], P = 0.031), insufficient anticoagulation (OR 0.287 [CI 95%: 0.163 – 0.505], P &amp;lt; 0.001), occlusive hemostasis (OR 0.128 [CI 95%: 0.047 – 0.353], P &amp;lt; 0.001), and a long duration of hemostasis emerged as independent predictors of radial occlusion. The overall incidence of radial artery anatomic variations was 14,8% (n=63). Among these patients, 40 (63.5%) had a high radial origin, 18 (28.6%) had extreme radial artery tortuosity, and 5 (7.9%) had a full radioulnar loop. Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of radial artery occlusion is expected to increase. Insufficient heparinization and occlusive hemostasis are the main modifiable predictors. The preventive strategy should focus primarily on these 2 predictive factors.

Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

Background/Objectives: Microsurgical clipping has traditionally been considered a standard treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Recently, a caseload reduction related to improved endovascular treatment options has occurred in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. Therefore, studies that report the clinical and radiological outcomes after clipping are highly warranted. Methods: Patients with an unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysm, who were surgically treated at the Department of Neurosurgery in Linz between 2002 and 2019, were included in this study. Clinical and radiological outcome parameters were evaluated for each patient. Results: Overall, 272 patients were eligible for inclusion. Complete aneurysm occlusion was demonstrated in 266 (99.3%) of the 268 (98.5%) patients who underwent postoperative digital subtraction angiography. In six (2.2%) patients, a permanent new neurological deficit (pNND) persisted after treatment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was a significant factor (p = 0.0049) in the logistic regression. At the last follow-up, only two patients (0.7%) had an unfavorable outcome (mRS &gt; 2). More recent surgeries were associated with fewer cases of pNND (p = 0.009). A transient new neurological deficit occurred in 13 patients (4.8%), with aneurysm size being a significant risk factor (p = 0.009). Surgical site infections were reported in four patients (1.5%), with patient age (p = 0.039) and time (p = 0.001) being significant factors. Two patients died (0.7%) perioperatively and two patients (0.7%) needed a retreatment in the long-term follow-up. Conclusions: The findings indicate that microsurgical clipping is a safe procedure with minimal need for retreatment. It achieves a high occlusion rate while maintaining a very low rate of adverse outcomes. Continuous intraoperative enhancements over time have contributed to a progressive improvement in clinical outcomes in recent years. This trend is exemplified by the absence of detectable pNND in the era of ICG angiography. Consequently, these data support the conclusion that microsurgical clipping should still be considered an appropriate treatment option for unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms.

Flow Diversion for Intracranial Aneurysms With Incorporated Branch: A Subanalysis From the SEASE International Registry

BACKGROUND The presence of an incorporated branch as well as its anatomical relationship to the intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and the parent artery may affect the occlusion outcome following flow diversion. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the cobalt‐chromium Surpass Evolve (Stryker), a 64‐wire flow diversion device for the treatment of IAs with incorporated branches. METHODS This subanalysis uses data from the SEASE (Safety and Effectiveness Assessment of Surpass Evolve) registry to retrieve data related to IAs with incorporated branches. Those IAs were classified by a core lab into 4 categories based on their anatomical relationship to the parent artery and branch: (A) sidewall anatomic, (B) sidewall hemodynamic, (C) neck branch, and (D) dome branch. We compared the outcomes based on their incorporated branch's relation to the dome (A–C versus D). RESULTS This study included 67 patients and IAs. Most IAs were in the posterior communicating artery (46.3%), with a median size of 4.35 mm. Age, sex, comorbidities, baseline functional‐status, and IA features were similar between the 2 groups. Among those, 53 (79.1%) had branches emerging from the dome, and 14 (20.9%) had branches originating from other locations (A = 7, B = 2, and C = 5). At a median imaging follow‐up of 10.5 months, complete occlusion was lower in IAs with a branch from the sac compared with those with the neck (60.8% versus 92.9%; P = 0.026), with an overall occlusion of 67.7%. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, as well as retreatment, were reported in 1.6% and 3.1% of cases, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION Our analysis underscores the influence of branch origin on occlusion rates, with the neck‐originating branch demonstrating higher occlusion rates. These insights emphasize the role of anatomical considerations in treatment strategies, follow‐up timelines, and designing future clinical trials. Further studies are warranted to explore these variations across different flow diversion technologies.

Lessons learned from 12 years using the Woven Endobridge for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in a multi-center series

Intrasaccular flow disruption with the Woven Endobridge (WEB) has become a well-established endovascular technique for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This study presents our 12-year experience with the WEB and evaluates its evolving indications, procedures, and outcomes. A consecutive series of 324 aneurysms treated with WEB between 2011 and 2023 at three neurovascular centers was retrospectively analyzed and the study group was divided into four treatment periods. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with technical success, thromboembolic complications, and angiographic outcome. The mean aneurysm size was 7.0 ± 3.6 mm and decreased during the study period, while the proportion of atypical sites for WEB implantation increased. WEB implantation was technically successful in 96.0%, and the ratio of WEB width to dome width increased during the study period, indicating oversizing. The neurological complication rate was 4.9% (1.5% major, 3.4% minor) and the mid-term complete occlusion rate was 60.6% (81.9% adequate occlusion), with no statistical differences in either outcome measure between the study periods. In multivariate analyses, the use of WEB 17 was associated with increased technical success (HR: 7.4, 95%CI: 2.4-23.6, p<0.01), whereas ruptured aneurysm status (HR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.0-6.0, p=0.04) and the use of additional stents (HR: 4.8, 95%CI: 1.6-14.4, p<0.01) predicted thromboembolic complications. Appropriate oversizing of the WEB favored mid-term complete occlusion (HR: 10.5, 95%CI: 1.3-83.3, p=0.03). The results suggest an expansion of the indications for WEB implantation and highlight the importance of oversizing for treatment efficacy.

Analyzing the safety and efficacy of pipeline embolization device in pediatric aneurysms: insight from a mul-ticenter cohort and pooled analysis.

Pediatric patients with intracranial aneurysms face high risks of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhages. Despite its approval for adults aged 22 and above, the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED, Covidien/Medtronic, Irvine, California, USA) is being considered for younger patients due to its efficacy. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of using PEDs in pediatric aneurysm treatment. A retrospective study across 14 institutions identified 25 patients (age ≤ 18) treated with PED from November 2014 to October 2019. A literature review included all published pediatric aneurysm cases treated with PED from 2007 to 2023. Analyzed data included patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment, clinical outcomes, and complications. We analyzed 81 pediatric patients, including 25 from the multi-center registry and 56 from 38 relevant literature. In the entire cohort of 81 patients, mean age of the patients was 11.9 ± 4.0 years (ranged from 9 months to 18 years), with 58.0% males. Ruptured aneurysms were observed in 7 patients (8.6%), whereas 43 patients (53.1%) harbored large/giant aneurysms. The aneurysm occlusion rate was 87.7% during the median 7 months follow-up. Complications occurred in 12.3% of patients, resulting in morbidity in 5 cases (6.1%) and mortality in 4 cases (4.9%). Patient age was not associated with the occurrence of aneurysm residual, complications, and mortality following PED treatment. PED can be effective for pediatric aneurysms, but morbidity and mortality can be substantial compared to the adults. Surgical timing should depend on clinical judgment and patient factors, without age-related delays.

Feasibility and radial artery occlusion rate of sheathless distal transradial access using balloon guide catheters.

Distal transradial access (dTRA), performed through an anatomical snuffbox, minimizes post-procedural burdens of endovascular treatments. However, despite the benefits of balloon-guide catheters (BGCs), their use in dTRA is limited by their small radial artery diameter. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and radial artery occlusion (RAO) rate of 8Fr BGCs used in sheathless dTRA. This retrospective study reviewed patients treated with sheathless dTRA using an 8Fr Optimo at a single center between July 2023 and May 2024. dTRA procedures were performed under general anesthesia in patients not requiring urgent treatment. The RAO was assessed using ultrasonography 24h after the procedure. The demographic and procedural characteristics were compared between the radial artery patency and occlusion groups. Of 170 patients, 50 underwent dTRA, and 43 (86%) completed the procedure. RAO occurred in 12/43 (28%) patients with dTRA. Univariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the median radial artery diameter was significantly smaller in the RAO group (P < 0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of 2.4mm to predict RAO. Complications included minor cerebral ischemia in two patients, but no severe ischemia was observed. Sheathless dTRA using an 8Fr Optimo BGC is feasible, but the risk of RAO should be noted, particularly in patients with small radial artery diameters. This study suggests a radial artery diameter cutoff value of 2.4mm to predict RAO, aiding access decisions for large-bore BGC. Further multicenter prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Outcome study of the Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device (second version) in unruptured (and ruptured) aneurysms (PEDVU(R) study)

BackgroundThe Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device (PEDV) is the fourth-generation pipeline flow diverter for intracranial aneurysm treatment. There are no outcome studies for the second PEDV version. We aimed to evaluate...

Anterior circulation location-specific results for stent-assisted coiling – carotid versus distal aneurysms: 1-year outcomes from the Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial

BackgroundThe Neuroform Atlas Stent System is an established treatment modality for unruptured anterior and posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms. Location-specific results are needed to guide treatment decision-making. However, it is unclear...

EUS-guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stents With or Without Coaxial Plastic Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Co-axial plastic double pigtail stents (DPSs) are commonly placed through lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) to decrease the risk of adverse events. In this meta-analysis, we have compared the outcomes of LAMS plus co-axial DPS versus LAMS alone in patients with PFCs. We reviewed several databases to identify the studies that compared outcomes of LAMS with DPS to LAMS without DPS in the treatment of PFCs. Our outcomes of interest were overall adverse events, clinical success and individual adverse events such as stent (LAMS) migration, stent occlusion, bleeding, and infection. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the analysis of outcomes. We used a random effects model to analyze the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. We included 10 studies with 685 patients. Rate of overall adverse events was significantly lower in the LAMS+DPS group compared with LAMS alone, RR (95% CI) 0.58 (0.40, 0.87). There was no significant difference in the rate of clinical success between groups, RR (95% CI) 1.03 (0.94, 1.13). We found no significant difference in rate of stent occlusion between groups. Rate of infection was significantly lower in LAMS+DPS group, RR (95% CI) 0.46 (0.24, 0.85). There was no significant difference in rate of bleeding and stent (LAMS) migration between groups. Addition of co-axial DPS to LAMS decreases the risk of adverse events in patients with PFCs and should be considered in all patients with PFCs.

Hybrid Stent Graft Technique in Bridging Hostile Renal Arteries in Thoraco-abdominal Branched Endografting

Patency of target arteries is crucial for fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Occlusions more frequently occur in renal arteries (RAs) than in coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries, especially in patients with hostile anatomy treated by BEVAR. This study aimed to report RA outcomes using a hybrid bridging stent graft technique with distal self expandable (SE) combined with proximal balloon expandable (BE) stent graft during BEVAR with hostile RA anatomies. Clinical data from consecutive patients treated for TAAA by F/B-EVAR in three aortic centres (two in the USA, one in Europe) from 2016 to 2022 were prospectively collected. Renal artery orientation was defined as hostile in case of upward (type B) or downward + upward (type D) orientation. Hostile RAs accommodated by BEVAR and combination of SE + BE stent grafts were retrospectively evaluated. Intra-operative RA related complications, technical success, and branch occlusions were assessed as early outcomes. Primary and secondary RA patency, freedom from RA related re-interventions, and freedom from RA instability were assessed during follow up. Of 584 TAAAs managed by F/B-EVAR, 83 patients (14.2%) had 125 hostile RAs (type B, 45.6%; type D, 54.4%) managed by BEVAR with hybrid SE + BE stent grafts. Intra-operative complications occurred in three RAs (2.4%), including two dissections and one disconnection, all successfully managed with additional stent. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no RA occlusions at 30 days. The median follow up was 21 (interquartile range 4, 38) months. Estimated three year RA primary patency was 97 ± 2%. Re-interventions were performed in five RAs (4.0%), including two RA branch embolisations for bleeding, two catheter thrombectomies with stent relining (bilateral occlusion in one patient), and one revision of type Ic endoleak. Freedom from RA related re-interventions and RA instability was 95 ± 2% and 91 ± 3% at three years, respectively. Renal artery secondary patency was 99 ± 1% at three years. In hostile RA anatomies, a combination of distal SE and proximal BE stent grafts as bridging stenting in BEVAR is safe and effective, with low rates of occlusion, re-interventions, and branch instability at midterm follow up.

Lower-Ischemic-Risk Profile of Coated Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device X Compared With Uncoated Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device Flow Diverter in the Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED) X is a new generation flow diverter with an antithrombotic surface coating. This study compares the procedural safety and short-term efficacy of FRED X with its uncoated predecessor, the FRED. Patients treated with FRED and FRED X devices for unruptured aneurysms between 2013 and 2023 at 3 neurovascular centers were retrospectively reviewed. The procedural ischemic event rate was the safety end point, and the complete aneurysm occlusion rate at 1 year was the efficacy end point. Multivariable regression adjustment and 1:1 propensity score matching were performed to control for potential confounding. The FRED X group (137 patients) had a higher prevalence of recurrent and bifurcation aneurysms and fewer aneurysms with branch involvement than the FRED X group (156 patients). The ischemic event rate was lower in FRED X (1/156 [0.6%]) than in FRED (7/137 [5.1%]), which was significant after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio: 8.8, 95% CI: 1.1-72.7, P = .04), and tended to be significant in the propensity score analysis (P = .07). Morbidity was comparable between FRED (2.2%) and FRED X (0%, P = .10). The complete occlusion rates of FRED vs FRED X were 73/117 (62.4%) vs 39/54 (72.2%) aneurysms at 6 months (P = .21) and 52/74 (70.3%) vs 27/37 (73.0%) at 12 months (P = .77). Hemorrhagic complications, in-stent stenosis, and clinical events during follow-up and retreatments were not significantly different between groups. This study indicates an improved ischemic risk profile of FRED X while maintaining a favorable efficacy profile, warranting further study and translation into clinical use.

Microsurgical Treatment of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Collaborative Investigation From the Multicenter Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research.

First-line therapy for most intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) is endovascular embolization, but some require microsurgical ligation due to limited endovascular accessibility, anticipated lower cure rates, or unacceptable risk profiles. We investigated the most common surgically treated dAVF locations and the approaches and outcomes of each. The Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research database was retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent dAVF microsurgical ligation were included. Patient demographics, angiographic information, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. The 5 most common surgically treated dAVF locations were analyzed about used surgical approaches and postoperative outcomes. Univariate analyses were performed with statistical significance set at a threshold of P < .05. In total, 248 patients in the Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research database met inclusion criteria. The 5 most common surgically treated dAVF locations were tentorial, anterior cranial fossa (ACF), transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSS), convexity/superior sagittal sinus (SSS), and torcular. Most tentorial dAVFs were approached using a suboccipital, lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach (39.3%); extended retrosigmoid approach (ERS) (25%); or posterior subtemporal approach (19.6%). All ACF dAVFs used a subfrontal approach; 5.3% also included an anterior interhemispheric approach. Most TSS dAVFs were ligated via ERS (31.3%) or subtemporal (31.3%) approaches. All convexity/SSS dAVFs used an interhemispheric approach. All torcular dAVFs used the suboccipital, lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach, with 10.5% undergoing simultaneous ERS craniotomy. Angiographic occlusion rates after microsurgery were 85.5%, 100%, 75.8%, 79.2%, and 73.7% for tentorial, ACF, TSS, convexity/SSS, and torcular dAVFs, respectively (P = .02); the permanent neurological complication rates were 1.8%, 2.6%, 9.1%, 0%, and 0% (P = .31). There were no statistically significant differences in development of complications (P = .08) or Modified Rankin Scale at the last follow-up (P = .11) by fistula location. Although endovascular embolization is the first-line treatment for most intracranial dAVFs, surgical ligation is an important alternative. ACF and tentorial fistulas particularly demonstrate high rates of postoperative obliteration.

Comparing stand-alone endovascular embolization versus stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations with Spetzler-Martin grades I–III: a propensity score matched study

BackgroundArteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon cerebral lesions that can cause significant neurological complications. Surgical resection is the gold standard for treatment, but endovascular embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are viable...