Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification Research Articles

A multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of treatments (endovascular or conservative) in small intracranial aneurysms in Colombia.

The registry of cerebral aneurysms <5 mm, known for their low risk of rupture, is significant, given their high incidence globally. Our study aimed to identify, in small aneurysms (<5 mm), the potential morphological characteristics, risk factors that can predict the risk of rupture, and the risk or benefit of treating them with endovascular or conservative treatment in ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The medical records of patients with cerebral aneurysms <5 mm were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and December 2022 at two neurovascular centers in Colombia. We evaluated clinical and angiographic outcomes using statistical tests. Two hundred fifty-six patients (425 intracranial aneurysms) were registered in the database. Two hundred and seventy-five IA were treated with endovascular treatment: 70 ruptured aneurysms and 205 unruptured aneurysms. One hundred fifty intracranial aneurysms underwent conservative treatment (follow-up). Women accounted for 82.1% of cases. Most cases were incidentally diagnosed (83.5%). After a year of follow-up, 87.3% of unruptured and 67.1% of ruptured intracranial aneurysms had an mRS 0-2. In the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification, among 101 unruptured intracranial aneurysms embolized were 53 cases class I, and among 66 ruptured intracranial aneurysms embolized, 67.1% were class I. Endovascular therapy for aneurysms <5 mm appears to be a technically feasible treatment, with satisfactory occlusion rates and few re-treatments at the 12-month follow-up. The complication rates were similar to those reported in studies on small aneurysms.

Initial Experience with a New Self-Expanding Open-Cell Stent System with Antithrombotic Hydrophilic Polymer Coating (pEGASUS Stent) in the Treatment of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms.

We report our initial experience with endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms using this new self-expanding open-cell stent system (pEGASUS stent system) with the antithrombogenic hydrophilic polymer coating. We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with stent-assisted coiling or the Woven EndoBridge device using the pEGASUS stent system between September 2022 and June 2023. Demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were analyzed as well as short-term follow-up, including procedural complication rates and aneurysmal occlusion rates using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). Twelve patients with 12 wide-necked intracranial aneurysms were treated with the pEGASUS stent system, including 2 acutely ruptured aneurysms embolized in an emergency setting. The treated aneurysms were located at the anterior communicating artery (25.0%), the basilar artery (50.0%), the middle cerebral artery (16.7%), and the internal carotid artery (8.3%). All stents were deployed successfully. Immediate complete aneurysmal occlusion (RROC class I) was achieved in 83.3% (10/12) and near-complete occlusion (RROC II) in 16.7% (2/12). No periprocedural complications occurred in patients treated in the elective setting. A single case of intraoperative in-stent thrombus formation occurred during the treatment of an acutely ruptured basilar aneurysm and was resolved with intravenous Tirofiban. No other periprocedural complications occurred. Eleven out of 12 patients were available for follow up (mean 7.4 months). Complete aneurysmal occlusion without in-stent stenosis (ISS) was seen in 10 patients (90.9%). One patient (9.1%) showed aneurysmal reperfusion (RROC IIIb) with asymptomatic moderate ISS. Our initial results demonstrate that the pEGASUS stent system appears to be a safe and effective device for stent assisted embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. More data is necessary to evaluate long-term follow-up.

Safety and efficacy of the novel Alpha stent for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysm

The Alpha stent is an intracranial closed-cell stent with a unique mesh design to enhance wall apposition. It recently underwent structural modifications to facilitate easier stent deployment. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms using the Alpha stent. Between January 2021 and November 2021, 35 adult patients with 35 unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the distal internal carotid artery were prospectively enrolled. For efficacy outcomes, magnetic resonance angiography at the 6-month follow-up was evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). The safety outcome evaluated the occurrence of symptomatic procedure-related neurological complications up to 6 months postoperatively. Technical success was achieved in 34/35 (97.1%). Six months postoperatively, aneurysm occlusion showed RROC I in 32/35 (91.4%) and RROC II in 3/35 (8.6%) patients. Procedure-related neurologic complications occurred in one patient (2.9%) who experienced hemiparesis due to acute lacunar infarction, which resulted in a 6-month mRS score of 1. The Alpha stent demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety outcomes in stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured distal ICA aneurysms. The recent structural modifications allowed for easier stent delivery and deployment.Clinical trial registration number: KCT0005841; registration date: 28/01/2021.

Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Device for Y-Stent-Assisted Coiling of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundThe Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) device has been frequently used as intracranial stent for treating intracranial aneurysms. However, the feasibility and efficacy of LVIS devices in Y-stent-assisted coiling (Y-SAC) have remained contentious. This study aimed to evaluate long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes of Y-SAC using LVIS devices. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation and angiography data of patients treated with Y-SAC using LVIS stents. The vascular angle geometry between the parent and the two branch vessels, before and after stent deployment and after coiling were analyzed. Based on Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), aneurysm occlusion status was classified. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (MRS). ResultsForty patients with 40 aneurysms were included in this study. Immediate postprocedural angiograms revealed complete/near-complete occlusion (RROC 1 and 2) in 31 aneurysms (77.5%). The long-term follow-up angiographic studies were available in 32 patients revealing RROC class 1 and 2 in 93.8% of patients. Y-SAC with LVIS devices significantly decreased the angle between the bifurcation branches from 171.90 ° ± 48.0° (SD) to 130.21° ± 46.3° (SD) (p<0.0001). Periprocedural complications occurred in five patients (12.5%) including four in-stent thrombosis (10.5%). Thirty-six patients (90.0%) had favorable clinical outcomes at the final follow-up. Univariate analysis depicted that WFNS of 3-5, thick of subarachnoid hemorrhage on head CT scan, intraprocedural complications, and in-stent thrombosis were predictors of poor outcome. ConclusionY-SAC using LVIS device for intracranial bifurcation aneurysms is a feasible and relatively safe procedure with favorable long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.

689 Technical Success and Occlusion Rates of eCLIPs Bifurcation Remodeling System for Treatment of Wide-neck Bifurcation Aneurysms: Summary of the Early Experience

INTRODUCTION: Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) are among the most difficult aneurysms to treat. Very low dome-to-neck and aspect ratios provide an even greater challenge in the management of WNBAs. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA recommendations. On April 4, 2022, we searched for eligible papers in Pubmed, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, and Embase databases. The meta-analysis was done using R software version 4.3.0. and the "meta" package. Pooled prevalence (%) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), random-effects model based and the generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) method. On the presence of multiple follow-up points, we included the last available in the analysis. Complete occlusion was defined as Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class I, and adequate occlusion was defined as RROC class I or II. RESULTS: Four studies were finally included following the double-reviewer screening of the retrieved literature. The patients' mean age ranged from 56 ± 5.4 to 60±9.2 years, and 82.5% were females. The mean follow-up duration ranged from 8 ± 6.6 months to 28.8 ± 17.6, with all studies giving dual antiplatelet regimens and one added heparinization to their anticoagulation protocol. Technical success was achieved in 88.61% (95% CI = 75.54-95.15) of the cases, while successful adjunctive coiling was obtained in 91.38% (95% CI = 70.71-97.90) of them. The complete occlusion rate was 50.65 (95% CI = 39.63-61.60), while the adequate occlusion rate was 84.42 (95% CI = 74.53-90.93). There was no significant heterogeneity in all pooled outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The early experience of the device shows an efficacy profile comparable with the currently available devices in treating WNBAs.

420 Decrease in Post-Coiling Aneurysm Recanalization With Regular Aspirin Use

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular coiling has remained an efficacious mechanism for aneurysm treatment. While continued biomechanical advancements in coil design have led to improved aneurysm embolization rates (1), aneurysm recanalization is estimated to remain between 21-33% (2, 3, 4). Post-occlusion, cerebral aneurysm sac growth has been identified as one of the driving components of aneurysm recurrence (2, 5). Recently, antiplatelet agents such as aspirin (ASA) have been shown to be significantly associated with decreased aneurysm growth and rupture (6, 7, 8). METHODS: All aneurysms treated by a single surgeon over 10 years (n = 2236) were screened for adherence to inclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was follow-up more than 12 months from the original intervention. Of 525 treated with coils only, 109 patients reported regular ASA use (defined as = 3x/ week, irrespective of dose). No significant demographic differences were identified between patients with regular ASA use and those without. While there were no significant differences in aneurysm size, location, or history of rupture, there was an increased presence of daughter sacs in patients without regular ASA. Rates of aneurysm recanalization, defined as a change of Raymond-Roy occlusion classification =1, were compared between ASA-treated and non-ASA-treated groups. RESULTS: Of the 109 coiled aneurysms with concomitant regular ASA use, only 9.2% underwent recanalization compared to 23.6% in patients without regular ASA use (P = 0.001, OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15–0.66). Furthermore, when specifically considering cases of recanalization that only demonstrated sac growth, 5.5% occurred with regular ASA use compared to 18% without (P = 0.001, OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09–0.63). CONCLUSIONS: ASA use significantly decreased the odds of post-coiling aneurysm sac growth and recanalization 12 months post-original intervention when compared to those without regular ASA use.

The impact of regular aspirin use on aneurysm recanalization rates after endovascular coiling.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) pose a significant health risk, often leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe neurological outcomes. Endovascular coiling has been a principal treatment method, but it comes with the challenge of high recanalization rates. Aspirin has recently emerged as a potential agent to reduce these rates. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the impact of regular aspirin use on aneurysm recanalization rates following endovascular coiling in a 10-year single-institution study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a dataset of 2236 aneurysms treated by a single neurosurgeon over a period of 10 years. The primary outcome measure was aneurysm recanalization, defined by a change in the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification of at least one grade. A total of 525 aneurysms were coiled, 109 of which involved patients who reported regular use of aspirin. The recanalization rate was significantly lower in the aspirin group (9.2%) compared with the control group (23.6%) (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.66; p = 0.001). On analysis of the specific mechanisms of recanalization, aneurysm sac growth was less frequent in the aspirin group (5.5%) compared with the control group (18%) (OR 0.265, 95% CI 0.09-0.63; p = 0.002). Additionally, patients in the control group had a higher retreatment rate (18%) than patients in the aspirin group (5.5%) (OR 0.265, 95% CI 0.09-0.63; p = 0.002). Regular use of aspirin appears to be associated with reduced rates of aneurysm recanalization after endovascular coiling. However, caution is advised in interpretation of these results given the retrospective nature of this study. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Capabilities of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Patients With Cerebral Aneurysms in the Postoperative Period

Introduction: The leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke is a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (CA), accounting for 70%-85% of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages. The primary goals of CA treatment are to prevent a rupture, thrombosis, or symptoms of mass effect. The main treatment options for intracranial aneurysms are open clipping, flow-diverter device implantation, resection and stenting of aneurysms. Treated aneurysms should be monitored to assess the stability of the occlusion because more than 20% of surgically treated aneurysms are known to recur. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has recently become increasingly attractive for the follow-up of surgically treated CAs because it is noninvasive, does not require hospitalization, and reduces complications associated with the frequent use of cerebral angiography.Objective: To evaluate capabilities of dynamic MRA in postoperative monitoring of patients with CAs.Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the premises of the Scientific Research Institute – Ochapovsky Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 (Krasnodar, Russian Federation). In a hospital setting, 38 patients with CAs were examined in the late postoperative period. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, 3-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) MRA, and dynamic MRA followed by cerebral angiography. Imaging findings (MRA, dynamic MRA, and cerebral angiography) were evaluated by radiologists, x-ray surgeons, and neurosurgeons. They assessed treated aneurysms according to the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification: complete obliteration (class 1), residual neck (class 2), and residual aneurysm (class 3). Untreated aneurysms in patients with multiple CAs and de novo aneurysms were also assessed, and we looked for other vascular malformations.Results: The study was conducted in the late postoperative period from 6 to 18 months. A total of 38 patients participated in the study; of them 27 were women (age, 32-77 years) and 11 were men (age, 32-65 years). Dynamic MRA detected neck remnants of 4 clipped aneurysms and 2 embolized ones, which was confirmed by cerebral angiography. According to the dynamic MRA results, in case of clipped aneurysms neck remnants were found in the anterior communicating artery (n = 2), internal carotid artery (n = 1), and anterior choroidal artery (n = 1). In case of embolized aneurysms, neck remnants were revealed in the internal carotid artery (n = 1) and basilar artery (n = 1). Dynamic MRA also detected 5 additional aneurysms: 2 internal carotid artery aneurysms, 1 basilar artery aneurysm, 1 anterior cerebral artery aneurysm, and 1 anterior communicating artery aneurysm. These findings coincided with those of cerebral angiography. Based on the results of our study, the sensitivity and specificity of dynamic MRA in detecting CA neck remnants and untreated aneurysms were 100%.Discussion: Dynamic MRA findings are fully consistent with those of cerebral angiography in terms of determining an aneurysm occlusion status during postoperative follow-up. As for evaluation of de novo intracranial aneurysms, dynamic MRA is also superior to noncontrast 3D-TOF MRA in assessment of aneurysm shape and neck detection. Therefore, dynamic MRA can clearly visualize the structure of cerebral vessels mainly due to the effect of blood flow and static tissue contrast, and the principle is mainly the effect of multiphase scanning and accumulation of contrast agent.Conclusions: Dynamic MRA has a number of advantages over cerebral angiography, such as noninvasiveness, high-resolution images of the cerebral arteries, absence of radiation exposure, use of iodinated contrast agent, and absence of artifacts from metal clips or embolic material.

Safety and effectiveness of stent-assisted coiling with adjunctive techniques in ruptured acute aneurysms: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

The use of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage cases is associated with higher incidence rates of bleeding and ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SAC technique in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs). A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with RIAs treated with SAC or coiling alone (CA). Univariate analysis compared clinical information between the two groups. Propensity score matching was used to select patients for comparison and analyze surgical complications, prognosis, and imaging outcomes in both groups. A total of 394 aneurysms were included, and 272 aneurysms remained after application of propensity score matching, with an equal distribution of 136 cases in both the SAC and CA groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the immediate postoperative outcomes between the two groups (63.2% of SAC patients achieved class 1 on the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification scale vs 58.8% of CA patients, difference [95% CI] 4.4% [-0.076 to 0.163]; 33.1% achieved class 2 vs 38.2%, 5.1% [-0.065 to 0.170]; 3.7% achieved class 3 vs 2.9%, 0.8% [-0.047 to 0.062], p = 0.506). At the 1-year follow-up, the SAC group exhibited higher rates of complete occlusion (59.5% vs 42.4%, 17.1% [0.040-0.294]) and stability (24.0% vs 19.2%, 4.8% [-0.061 to 0.156]), while experiencing lower rates of improvement (12.4% vs 22.4%, 10.0% [0.001-0.201]) and recanalization (4.1% vs 16.0%, 11.9% [0.036-0.120]), with statistically significant differences in these outcomes (p < 0.001). No significant disparities were observed in clinical outcomes in terms of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge (76.5% vs 77.2% had mRS score 0-2, 0.7% [-0.098 to 0.113]; 23.5% vs 22.8% had mRS score 3-6, 0.7% [-0.098 to 0.113], p = 0.886) and 1-year follow-up (90.8% vs 92.2% had mRS score 0-2, 1.4% [-0.063 to 0.091]; 9.2% vs 7.8% had mRS score 3-6, 1.4% [-0.063 to 0.091], p = 0.683). Intraoperative rupture occurred more frequently in the SAC group compared with the CA group, although the difference was not statistically significant (5.1% vs 2.9%, 2.2% [-0.035 to 0.081], p = 0.356). The SAC group demonstrated a higher incidence of intraoperative thrombosis, but the difference was not statistically significant (8.1% vs 2.9%, 5.2% [-0.010 to 0.117], p = 0.063). Postoperative thrombosis in the SAC group was 3 times higher, but this difference was not statistically significant (6.6% vs 2.2%, 4.4% [-0.013, 0.106], p = 0.076). The surgery-related mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (4.4% vs 5.9%, 1.5% [-0.048 to 0.077], p = 0.583). Although stent treatment for RIA results in some incidents of complications, it is safe and effective. Besides, the SAC group showed better vascular imaging results compared with the CA group.

Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Endovascular Therapy Effectiveness for Unruptured Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms

Background Currently, endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is limited by low complete occlusion rates. The advent of novel endovascular technology has expanded the applicability of endovascular therapies; however, the superiority of novel embolic devices over the traditional Guglielmi detachable coils is still debated. We performed a systematic review of literature that reported the Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC) rates of modern endovascular devices to determine their immediate and follow‐up occlusion effectivenesses for the treatment of unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms. Methods A search was conducted using electronic databases (PUBMED, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science). We retrieved studies published between 2000 and 2022, reporting immediate and follow‐up RROC rates of subjects treated with different endovascular intracranial aneurysm therapies. We extracted demographic information of the treated patients and their reported angiographic RROC rates. Results A total of 80 studies from 15 countries were included for data extraction. The RROC rates determined from angiogram were obtained for 21 331 patients (72.5% women, pooled mean age: 58.2 [95% CI]: 56.8–59.6), harboring 22 791 aneurysms. The most frequent aneurysm locations were the internal carotid artery (46.4%, 95% CI: 41.9%–50.9%), the anterior communicating artery (26.4%, 95% CI: 22.5%–30.8%), the middle cerebral artery (24.5%, 95% CI: 19.2%–30.8%), and the basilar tip (14.4%, 95% CI: 11.3%–18.3%). The complete occlusion probability (RROC‐I) was analyzed for Guglielmi detachable coils, the Woven EndoBridge, and flow diverters. The RROC‐I rate was the highest in balloon‐assisted coiling (73.9%, 95% CI: 65.0%–81.2%) and the lowest in the Woven EndoBridge (27.8%, 95% CI: 13.2%–49.2%). The follow‐up RROC‐I probability was homogenous in all analyzed devices. Conclusion We observed that the coil‐based endovascular therapy provides acceptable rates of complete occlusion, and these rates are improved in balloon‐assisted coils. Out of the analyzed devices, the Woven EndoBridge exhibited the shortest time to achieve &gt;90% probability of follow‐up complete occlusion (∼18 months). Overall, the Guglielmi detachable coils remain the gold standard for endovascular treatment of unruptured saccular aneurysms.

Intermediate catheter use is associated with complete occlusion and dense packing in coil embolization of unruptured cerebral aneurysms: a propensity score matched study

BackgroundAn intermediate catheter (IMC) can improve the maneuverability and stability of the microcatheter.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of using an IMC in triaxial systems for coil embolization of unruptured...

A predictive model for the recurrence of intracranial aneurysms following coil embolization.

This study aimed to identify risk factors for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) recurrence and establish a predictive model to aid evaluation. A total of 302 patients with 312 IAs undergoing coil embolization between September 2017 and October 2022 were divided into two groups based on digital subtraction angiography follow-up. Clinical characteristics, operation-related factors, and morphologies were measured. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify the risk factors. Hazard ratios (HRs) were used to score points, and a predictive model was established. The test cohorts consisted of 51 IAs. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the cutoff values and area under the curves (AUCs). A Delong test was performed to compare the AUCs. Diameter maximum (D max) (p < 0.001, HR = 1.221), Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) II or III (p = 0.004, HR = 2.852), and ruptured status (p < 0.001, HR = 7.782) were independent risk factors for the recurrence of IAs. A predictive model was established: D max + 2 * RROC (II or III; yes = 1, no = 0) + 6 * ruptured status (yes = 1; no = 0). The AUC of the predictive model (0.818) was significantly higher than those of D max (0.704), RROC (II or III) (0.645), and rupture status (0.683), respectively (Delong test, p < 0.05). The cutoff values of the predictive model and D max were 9.75 points and 6.65 mm, respectively. The D max, RROC (II or III), and ruptured status could independently predict the recurrence of IAs after coil embolization. Our model could aid in practical evaluations.

Abstract 181: Technical success of the WEB‐17 system for intracranial aneurysms: Summary of the early experience

Introduction Background: The Woven Endo‐Bridge (WEB) device is an intrasaccular device being used to secure intracranial aneurysms through the endovascular approach. The WEB is commonly used for wide‐neck aneurysms. There are no comprehensive studies to assess the low‐profile device WEB 17 so far. Although, some single studies have reported their early experience using the device. We plan to provide a comprehensive assessment of the early center experience using the WEB 17 device to secure intracranial aneurysms. Objective: To provide an overview of the early‐center experience of the 0.017‐inch endovascular Woven EndoBridge device (WEB‐17) device. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted following the PRISMA recommendations. On April 15, 2023, we searched for eligible papers in Pubmed, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, and Embase databases. The meta‐analysis was done using R software version 4.3.0. and the "meta" package. Pooled prevalence (%) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), random‐effects model based and the generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) method. On the presence of multiple follow‐up points, we included the last available in the analysis. Complete occlusion was defined as Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class I, and adequate occlusion was defined as RROC class I or II. Results Seven studies were finally included following the double‐reviewer screening of the retrieved literature. The patients' mean age ranged from 52.5±13.8 to 62.0±9.5 years, and 71.0% were females. The mean follow‐up duration ranged from 6±2.25 months to 11.6±4. Technical success was achieved in 98.34% (95% CI= 96.72‐99.17) of the cases, while adjunctive devices were used in 4.97% (95% CI= 1.60‐14.39) of them (Figure 1). The complete occlusion rate was 72.54% (95% CI= 63.44‐80.08) (Figure 2), while the adequate occlusion rate was 94.41 (95% CI= 88.17‐97.46) (Figure 3). There was no significant heterogeneity in all pooled outcomes. Conclusion The early experience of the device shows an efficacy profile comparable with the currently available devices in treating intracranial aneurysms.

Enterprise stents versus low-profile visualized intraluminal support stents for stent-assisted coiling of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms.

The microsurgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms can be challenging due to the anatomical structures that surround them. This study compared the clinical and angiographic outcomes of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms treated with enterprise (EP) stents and low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) stents. A retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological data from 133 patients with 139 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms, who received an EP or an LVIS stent between January 2017 and June 2021 at Taizhou People's Hospital, was performed. Immediate postoperative and follow-up angiographic results were analyzed retrospectively using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). Any complications following the procedure and the patients' clinical outcomes were noted. Enterprise stents were used for stent-assisted coiling in 64 patients with 68 aneurysms and LVIS stents were used in 69 patients with 71 aneurysms. Both groups exhibited an increase in the proportion of aneurysms meeting the criteria for RROC class I, but the LVIS group demonstrated a higher rate of aneurysms meeting the class I criteria compared with the EP group, both on immediate postoperative angiography (45.1% vs. 11.8%, p< 0.001) and on follow-up angiography (94.9% vs. 80.6%, p= 0.025). Procedure-related complications were experienced by 9.4% of patients in the EP group (one coil prolapse, two parent artery occlusions, and three thromboembolic events), and 8.7% of patients in the LVIS group (three stent-related thrombosis and three thromboembolic events). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in relation to perioperative complications (p= 0.746) or favorable clinical outcomes (p= 0.492). A greater proportion of aneurysms in the LVIS group met the criteria for RROC class I compared with the EP group. There is no significant difference in procedural complications or clinical outcomes between EP and LVIS stents. Although no aneurysm recurrence was observed during the short follow-up period, continued monitoring is required.

Endovascular Treatment of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience from a Developing Country.

Objective In recent years, endovascular methods have been developed to treat intracranial aneurysms. To date, results of endovascular treatment (EVT) for anterior communicating aneurysms (ACoAs) have never been investigated in Iran. Thus, we sought to assess the mid-term angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with ACoAs who underwent EVT in a tertiary center. Materials and Methods Electronic health documents of patients with ACoAs who underwent EVT from March 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, procedural and clinical complications along with immediate and 12 months' postprocedural angiographic and clinical results were included in the analysis. Aneurysm occlusion status was classified based on the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), and clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results Of 38 patients with 38 ACoAs, 32 patients (84.21%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage of whom 23 (60.52%) had ruptured ACoAs. EVT included simple coiling in 29 patients (76.32%), balloon-assisted coiling in 6 (15.79%), and stent-assisted coiling in 3 (7.89%). Immediate and 12-month postprocedural angiograms demonstrated complete/near-complete occlusion (RROC I and II) in 32 (84.21%) and 35 patients (97.22%), respectively. Periprocedural complications occurred in five patients (13.15%), and the mortality rate was 5.26%. Thirty-two patients (84.21%) had favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) at the last follow-up. Conclusion EVT is a safe and beneficial procedure with favorable mid-term clinical and angiographic outcomes for ACoAs. Our results can lay the foundation for further studies in developing countries and are satisfactory enough for neurointerventionists to put EVT on the therapeutic agenda of ACoAs.

Large, Wide-Neck, Side-Wall Aneurysm Treatment in Canines Using NeuroCURE: A Novel Liquid Embolic.

Untreated intracranial aneurysms can rupture and result in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although there are numerous approved endovascular aneurysm treatment devices, most require dual anti-platelet therapy, are minimally biocompatible, or are prone to recanalization. Neurovascular Controlled Uniform Rapid Embolic (NeuroCURE) is an innovative polymer gel material with long-term stability, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility developed for the treatment of large, wide-neck aneurysms. Sidewall aneurysms were surgically created in 10 canines and NeuroCURE was injected through a 0.025 microcatheter under a single balloon inflation period. Aneurysm treatment was angiographically assessed post-embolization and pre-term with Raymond-Roy occlusion classification and a qualitative flow grade scale. Aneurysm neck stability and biocompatibility was histologically assessed to grade platelet/fibrin thrombus, percent endothelialization, and neointimal formation. Aneurysm sac stability was assessed by NeuroCURE sac content, inflammation, and neo-angiogenesis scales. Explanted aneurysms exhibited a smooth surface at the aneurysm neck with nearly complete neointimal coverage at 3-months. By 6-months, neck endothelialization was 100% in all animals (average Raymond-Roy occlusion classification of 1.2), with no instances of aneurysm recanalization or parent vessel flow compromise. Biocompatibility assessments verified a lack of inflammatory response, neo-angiogenesis, and platelet/fibrin thrombus formation. The NeuroCURE material promotes progressive occlusion of wide-necked side wall aneurysms over time without the need for dual antiplatelet agents. NeuroCURE also promotes neointimal tissue infill without dependence on thrombus formation and thus resists aneurysm recanalization. NeuroCURE remains a compelling investigational device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

A comparison of treating physician versus independent core lab assessments of post-aneurysm treatment imaging outcomes: an analysis of prospectively collected data from a randomized trial.

Aneurysm occlusion has been used as surrogate marker of aneurysm treatment efficacy. Aneurysm occlusion scales are used to evaluate the outcome of endovascular aneurysm treatment and to monitor recurrence. These scales, however, require subjective interpretation of imaging data, which can reduce the utility and reliability of these scales and the validity of clinical studies regarding aneurysm occlusion rates. Use of a core lab with independent blinded reviewers has been implemented to enhance the validity of occlusion rate assessments in clinical trials. The degree of agreement between core labs and treating physicians has not been well studied with prospectively collected data. In this study, the authors analyzed data from the Hydrogel Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment (HEAT) trial to assess the interrater agreement between the treating physician and the blinded core lab. The HEAT trial included 600 patients across 46 sites with intracranial aneurysms treated with coiling. The treating site and the core lab independently reviewed immediate postoperative and follow-up imaging (3-12 and 18-24 months, respectively) using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) scale, Meyer scale, and recanalization survey. A post hoc analysis was performed to calculate interrater reliability using Cohen's kappa. Further analysis was performed to assess whether degree of agreement varied on the basis of various factors, including scale used, timing of imaging, size of the aneurysm, imaging modality, location of the aneurysm, dome-to-neck ratio, and rupture status. Minimal interrater agreement was noted between the core lab reviewers and the treating physicians for assessing aneurysm occlusion using the RROC grading scale (k = 0.39, 95% CI 0.38-0.40) and Meyer scale (k = 0.23, 95% CI 0.14-0.38). The degree of agreement between groups was slightly better but still weak for assessing recanalization (k = 0.45, 95% CI 0.38-0.52). Factors that significantly improved degree of agreement were scales with fewer variables, greater time to follow-up, imaging modality (digital subtraction angiography), and wide-neck aneurysms. Assessment of aneurysm treatment outcome with commonly used aneurysm occlusion scales suffers from risk of poor interrater agreement. This supports the use of independent core labs for validation of outcome data to minimize reporting bias. Use of outcome tools with fewer point categories is likely to provide better interrater reliability. Therefore, the outcome assessment tools are ideal for clinical outcome assessment provided that they are sensitive enough to detect a clinically significant change.

Treatment of Ruptured Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms by Acute Coiling Followed by Flow Diversion

Flow-diverter treatments are successful endovascular treatments in protecting important perforating branches during aneurysm treatments. Because these treatments are performed under antiplatelet therapy, acute flow-diverter treatments in ruptured aneurysms are still controversial. Acute coiling followed by flow diversion has emerged as an intriguing and feasible treatment option for ruptured anterior choroidal artery aneurysm treatment. As a single-center retrospective case series study, this study reported the clinical and angiographic results of staged endovascular treatment in patients with a ruptured anterior choroidal aneurysm. This is a single-center retrospective case series study between March 2011 and May 2021. Patients with ruptured anterior choroidal aneurysm received flow-diverter therapy in a different session after acute coiling. Patients treated with primary coiling or only flow diversion were excluded. Preoperative demographic and presenting symptoms, aneurysm morphology, perioperative and postoperative complications, and long-term clinical and angiographic outcome as measured using the modified Rankin Scale and O'Kelly Morata Grading scale and also Raymond-Roy occlusion classification respectively. Sixteen patients underwent coiling in the acute phase to undergo flow diversion later. The mean maximum aneurysm diameter is 5.44 ± 3.39 mm. All patients had a subarachnoid hemorrhage and were treated acutely between days 0 and 3 of acute bleeding. The mean age at the presentation was 54.12 ± 12 years (32-73 years). Two patients (12.5%) had minor ischemic complications, which are seen on magnetic resonance angiography as clinically silent infarcts, after the procedure. One patient (6.2%) had a technical complication with the flow-diverter shortening and deployed a second flow diverter telescopically. No mortality or permanent morbidity was reported. The mean interval time between the 2 treatments was 24.06 ± 11.83 days. All patients were followed up with digital subtraction angiography; 14/16 patients (87.5%) had aneurysms that were completely occluded and 2/16 (12.5%) showed near-complete occlusion. Mean follow-up was 16.62 ± 3.22 months; all patients had modified Rankin Scale scores ≤2; 14/16 (87.5%) had a total occlusion 14/16 (87.5%) had near-complete occlusion. None of the patients had retreatment or rebleeding. Staged treatment of ruptured anterior choroidal artery aneurysms with acute coiling and flow-diverter treatment after recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage is safe and effective. In this series, no cases of rebleeding occurred during the interval between coiling and flow diversion. Staged treatment should be considered a valid option in patients with challenging ruptured anterior choroidal aneurysms.

Procedural outcome following and Hemodynamic imaging analysis for anterior communicating artery wide-necked aneurysms by four different stents assisted coil embolization

Background: Anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm is the most common intracranial aneurysm (IA) and has the highest rupture rate. Previously, the preferred surgical treatment for intracranial aneurysms was microsurgery clipping (MC). With the gradual maturation of endovascular treatment (EVT), an increasing number of patients are inclined to treat IA with EVT. In recent years, an increasing number of scholars have suggested that the preferred treatment for wide-necked aneurysms is stent-assisted coiling (SAC). Currently, there are few studies on comparative analyses of the procedural results of SAC in AcomA aneurysms.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutively treated patients who received SAC for AcomA aneurysms between 12 February 2013, and 20 January 2021. The primary procedural outcome was the occlusion rate evaluated with the Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC) assessed on DSA at follow-up. Safety assessment included 1) ischemic complications (asymptomatic ischemia; intrastent thrombosis; coils falling off plug; arterial dissection); 2) bleeding complications (SAH; ICH); and 3) death. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine patient baseline and aneurysm characteristics associated with total aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. Hemodynamic analysis was performed in one representative case each of the four stents, and six hemodynamic parameters were chosen, including wall shear stress (WSS), cavity blood flow velocity (CBFV), residual blood in the aneurysm (RBA), neck blood flow velocity (NBFV), blood flow inflow (BFI); and inflow concentration index (ICI).Results: A total of 154 patients who underwent EVT via SAC were enrolled for comparative analysis of procedural outcomes. The median age was 55 years, and 56.49% (87) were female. At the first (6–10 months), second (12–15 months) and last (24–48 months) follow-up, complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 94.8%, 94.8%and 94.2% of patients, respectively. There were no differences regarding the occlusion rates stratified by stent. Each stent showed a variable decrease in all hemodynamic parameters.Conclusion: Hemodynamic parameters all decreased significantly after SAC with all four different stents, and the effect of laser-cut stents on the hemodynamic decline of aneurysms appeared to be more significant than that of woven stents. No significant difference was observed in the follow-up RROC grade among the four stents.

Assessment of balloon remodeling techniques in endovascular treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms (WN-IAs)

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the clinical, technical, and angiographic results in endovascular management of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms (WN-IAs) using the balloon-remodeling technique. Methods This study was a prospective, single-center study that was carried out over a period of three years from January 2019 to December 2021 at the Neuro-Interventional Unit at our hospital. Patients who presented with WNIAs and were eligible for endovascular treatment using the balloon-remodeling approach were included in the study. Results We included 37 patients with a mean age of 49.7 ± 12.3 years. About 91.9% of the participants had SAH, 5.4% had unruptured aneurysms, and 2.7% had intracranial hemorrhage. The mean time to treatment was 6.97 ± 7.35 days, the mean aneurysm diameter was 5.7 ± 1.7 mm, and the mean neck diameter was 3.8 ± 1.0 mm. The majority of the patients had a dom-to-neck ratio of less than 2 (89.2%). We have used hyper form balloons in 48.6%, hyper glide in 43.2%, Copernic balloons in 5.4%, and eclipse in 2.7%. According to the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification, 86.5% of the patients had complete obliteration, 10.8% had residual neck, and 2.7% had a residual aneurysm. Almost 91.9% had no complications, 2.7% had ischemia, and 5.4% had mild rupture by wire, treated by 5 min hyperinflation of the balloon till hemorrhage stopped. Conclusions Balloon-assisted detachable coiling is an important option in the treatment of WN-IAs. We found that this technique allowed safe and efficient treatment of aneurysms when conventional treatment had failed due to WN. Endovascular coiling using the balloon remodeling technique of wide neck showed a high technical success rate and good short-term clinical outcomes. A good selection of patients with WN-IAs treated by endovascular coiling using balloon remodeling technique and a good selection of materials used help in decreasing the complications.