Aneurysm Recurrence Research Articles

Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Unruptured Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience.

Treatment of anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms is frequently associated with ischemic complications. This study aimed to report the outcomes of treatment of unruptured AChA aneurysms in our hospital. Between January 2015 and March 2022, 40 patients were treated for an unruptured AChA aneurysm in our hospital. Age, sex, aneurysm size, AChA branching type, treatment, occlusion rate, complications, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score before surgery and after 90 days, and recurrence were investigated. The branching type was classified as internal carotid artery (ICA), neck, or dome type based on the location of the AChA origin. The mean age was 61.1 ± 1.9 years; 15 patients were men and 25 were women. The mean aneurysm diameter was 4.4 ± 0.3 mm. The branching type was ICA in four patients, neck in 35, and dome in one. Treatment was surgical clipping in 22 patients and endovascular coil embolization in 18 (14 with stent assistance). Motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring was used in all patients of the clipping group and 9 cases of the coiling group. Treatment complications occurred in eight patients (20%). mRS score worsened by more than one point 90 days after treatment in four patients (10%); however, the proportion of patients who experienced this did not significantly differ between the clipping and coiling groups. Although the odds of a thrombotic complication were higher with coiling than clipping, the difference was not significant (odds ratio: 10.2; P = 0.08). The rate of complete occlusion was lower in the coiling group (72.2% vs. 95.3%), but the difference was not significant. The median follow-up was 696 days (range: 99-2053). No aneurysm recurrence or rupture occurred. AChA branching type is important for treatment decision-making in patients with AChA aneurysms. Rates of complications and occlusion do not significantly differ between clipping and coiling of AChA aneurysms. MEP monitoring may be useful in preventing thrombotic complications during coil embolization.

Management of a Recurrent A1 Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm Complicated by Rupture

Management of a Recurrent A1 Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm Complicated by Rupture

Surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysm recurrence after clipping

Surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysm recurrence after clipping

Advantages of computed tomography-based navigation in clipping distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a retrospective cohort study.

The occurrence rate of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms is relatively low, primarily due to their deep-seated location, which makes surgical clamping challenging. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT) navigation-assisted clipping of DACA aneurysms compared to traditional clipping without navigation. A retrospective cohort study involving retrospective data collection was performed. The retrospective analysis was conducted on 139 patients with ruptured DACA aneurysms who underwent clipping. From January 2013 to November 2021, 164 patients were retrieved at the Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with DACA aneurysms via CT angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA), those with complete clinical data, and those who underwent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Meanwhile, the exclusion criteria were as follows: aneurysm recurrence, traumatic brain injury or surgery history, blood disorders or recent anticoagulant use, and severe organ dysfunction. Data on gender, age, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, aneurysm location, hospitalization time, aneurysm found time (the duration from incision to aneurysm discovery), and intraoperative bleeding volume were collected from medical records and neurosurgical databases. Patients were followed up in the clinic or by telephone in May 2022. All patients were divided into a navigation group or a traditional group for statistical analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed in age, sex, Fisher grade, Hunt-Hess grade, hospitalization time, or aneurysm site between the navigation group and traditional group (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was lower in the navigation group than in the traditional group {370 [280-460] vs. 430 [310-610] mL, P=0.045}. Patients in the traditional group had a shorter aneurysm found time than did those in the navigation group {49 [42-53] vs. 79 [63-84] min, P<0.001}. There was no significant difference in the mRS score at hospital discharge (P=0.336) or follow-up (P=0.157) between the two groups. CT neuronavigation-assisted microsurgery for clipping DACA aneurysms may improve surgical accuracy, shorten the time to locate aneurysms, and reduce intraoperative blood loss. Although no significant difference in prognosis was observed, this technique shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to traditional clipping without navigation.

Single Component Polymers, Polymer Blends, and Polymer Composites for Interventional Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysm is the abnormal focal dilation in brain arteries. When untreated, it can enlarge to rupture points and account for subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Intracranial aneurysms can be treated by blocking the flow of blood to the aneurysm sac with clipping of the aneurysm neck or endovascular embolization with embolics to promote the formation of the thrombus. Coils or an embolic device are inserted endovascularly into the aneurysm via a micro-catheter to fill the aneurysm. Many embolization materials have been developed. An embolization coil made of soft and thin platinum wire called the "Guglielmi detachable coil" (GDC) enables safer treatment for brain aneurysms. However, patients may experience aneurysm recurrence because of incomplete coil filling or compaction over time. Unsatisfactory recanalization rates and incomplete occlusion are the drawbacks of endovascular embolization. So, the fabrication of new medical devices with less invasive surgical techniques is mandatory to enhance the long-term therapeutic performance of existing endovascular procedures. For this aim, the current article reviews polymeric materials including blends and composites employed for embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Polymeric materials used in embolic agents, their advantages and challenges, results of the strategies used to overcome treatment, and results of clinical experiences are summarized and discussed.

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.

Midterm outcomes of arteriovenous fistula aneurysm repair with simultaneous inflow revision or outflow tract revascularization

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the 2-year outcomes of extensive revisions aimed at simultaneously addressing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) aneurysms, outflow stenosis, and/or high flow volumes. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center. The study population comprised hemodialysis patients with aneurysmal AVFs requiring revision. Subjects were eligible if they were ≥18 years of age and had aneurysm repair associated with inflow revision or treatment of outflow lesions. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years, and the primary outcome measure was cumulative patency. ResultsOur cohort comprised 93 patients with a mean age of 56 ± 12 years. The most frequent access type was brachiocephalic fistula (61%), and the median access age at the time of revision was 66 months (interquartile range, 46-93 months). The median access flow volume was 2300 ml/min (interquartile range, 1281-2900), and 31 subjects (33%) presented aneurysms associated with both high flow and venous obstruction. Aneurysm repair consisted of aneurysmorraphy in the overwhelming majority (95%). Inflow revision was performed in a total of 49 cases (53%), and outflow tract obstruction was treated in 71 patients (72%), with 27 patients (29%) receiving a simultaneous 3-component revision. At 2 years, the primary, primary assisted, and cumulative patencies were 60% ± 1%, 91% ± 3%, and 94% ± 3%, respectively. The most frequent indication for first-time reinterventions was outflow tract stenosis (24%). Aneurysm recurrence was observed in 13 subjects (14%) during the entire follow-up and was responsible for reinterventions in seven of them (8%), with a 2-year freedom from aneurysm-related reintervention rate of 95% ± 3%. ConclusionsExtensive AVF revision with simultaneous aneurysm repair, inflow revision, and outflow tract revascularization is feasible, safe, and associated with favorable 2-year patency rates.

Hemodynamic analysis of coil filled patient-specific middle cerebral artery aneurysm using porous medium approach

Cerebral aneurysms are bulges of an artery, which could be life-threatening when ruptured. Depending on their size, shape, and location, they need to be managed either through clipping or an endovascular coiling intervention. When coiled, reduced hemodynamic activity enables the coil to get thrombosed and achieve flow stasis. However, some coils delivered into the aneurysm tend to prolapse into the parent vessel and cause stroke due to obstruction and embolization. The recurrence of an aneurysm after endovascular coiling is of concern in the treatment of wide necked aneurysms. The initial packing density or improper coiling of the aneurysm and its relation to recurrence remains uncertain. This study investigates the influence of reduction in coil fill volume and packing density on the aneurysm recurrence using hemodynamic parameters by analyzing its flow features. Finite element method based commercial computational fluid dynamics solver is employed for performing patient-specific simulations for the coil filled aneurysm. The present approach uses porous medium based formulation. The numerical simulations show that any reduction below the optimal coil fill volume and packing density inside the aneurysm increases the velocity magnitude, wall shear stress, time-averaged wall shear stress, and spatial gradient of wall shear stress and reduces the relative residence time. The hemodynamic parameters and flow features suggest that a reduction in the coil packing density inside the aneurysm increases the chances of aneurysm recurrence. Hence, an assessment on how to achieve optimal coil fill volume and packing density is critical in reducing the risk of aneurysm recurrence.

Abstract 166: Comparative Outcome of Intracranial Dissecting Aneurysms Treated by Endovascular and Surgical Treatment following intracranial hemorrhage

Introduction intracranial dissecting aneurysm in pediatric age group is uncommon and very few studies are available comparing outcome following endovascular and surgery. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinico‐radiological characteristics of intracranial dissecting aneurysms (IDAs) in childhood and assess the treatment outcomes associated with this condition. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on pediatric patients who received treatment for spontaneous IDAs at our institution between January 2019 and December 2023. Detailed examinations of clinical presentation, aneurysm features, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes were conducted. Results The study involved 25 pediatric patients with IDAs, with a mean age of 12.4 ± 4.9 years (range, 3–15 years), comprising 25% of all treated intracranial aneurysms in pediatric cases during the specified period. Among them, 15 (60%) were male and 10 (40%) were female. The incidence of large (≥10 mm) or giant (≥25 mm) aneurysms was 40%. Endovascular treatment was administered to 11 (44%) patients, surgical treatment to 9 (36%) patients, and 5 (20%) patients received conservative treatment. Perioperative complications occurred in 2 patients treated with endovascular and 3 patients treated surgically (p = 0.21). Out of those treated with endovascular intervention, two patients achieved full recovery with a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 5, and one patient treated surgically recovered with a GOS score of 4. Overall, 22 (88%) patients experienced a favorable outcome, while three (12%) had an unfavorable outcome during a mean follow‐up of 22.32 ± 7.43 months (range, 6–55 months). Conclusion Pediatric IDAs are infrequent occurrences. In this specific series, endovascular management emerged as a relatively safe and effective treatment approach for pediatric IDAs. However, continued follow‐up is essential due to the potential risk of aneurysm recurrence and de novo aneurysm formation following treatment.

Clipping of Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysms Through a Single Craniotomy.

Bilateral ophthalmic aneurysms are rare and involve two aneurysms in the ophthalmic arteries, one on each, leading to potential symptoms such as vision loss and headaches. The treatment options for aneurysms, ranging from surgery and endovascular embolization to observation, depend on various factors, including aneurysm size and the patient's health.Microsurgery, while presenting complexities due to the intricate anatomy of the anterior clinoid region, offers potential advantages such as enhanced decompression rates and reduced aneurysm recurrence. The presented surgical video illustrates the treatment of bilateral ophthalmic artery aneurysms via a single craniotomy. This method reduces surgical duration and trauma, facilitating quicker patient recovery. However, this method bears potential risks, especially to both optic nerves. As underscored in the video, the utmost anatomical understanding in the anterior clinoid area is pivotal for successful outcomes and reduced complications.

Aneurysmal recurrence and retreatment modalities after Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is used to treat wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the retreatment rate strategies following aneurysmal recurrence of WEB device treated WNBAs. This study is reported following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. We calculated pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 11 studies. The overall retreatment rate was 171/1875 aneurysms (10.3%; 95% CI = 8.3-12.9). Stent-assisted coiling was used to treat 59 aneurysms (36.7%; 95% CI = 26.4-48.5), and flow diverters were used to treat 44 aneurysms (18.7%; 95% CI = 9.9-32.5). Following retreatment, the complete occlusion rate was 57/91 aneurysms (62.8%; 95% CI = 48.2-75.3) and the adequate occlusion rate was 24/91 aneurysms (26.4%; 18.4%-36.4%). The most common aneurysmal recurrence site was the anterior communicating artery (44/136 aneurysms, 32.4%; 95% CI = 25.0-40.7). Roughly 10% of WNBAs initially treated with the WEB device will undergo retreatment. Retreatment is an effective strategy for WEB-treated aneurysms, with high rates of adequate and complete occlusion. Future studies should work to identify risk factors for aneurysmal recurrence.

How does the recurrence-related morphology characteristics of the Pcom aneurysms correlated with hemodynamics?

Posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysm has unique morphological characteristics and a high recurrence risk after coil embolization. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the recurrence-related morphology characteristics and hemodynamics. A total of 20 patients with 22 Pcom aneurysms from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The recurrence-related morphology parameters were measured. The hemodynamic parameters were simulated based on finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. The hemodynamic differences before and after treatment caused by different morphological features and the correlation between these parameters were analyzed. Significant greater postoperative inflow rate at the neck (Qinflow), relative Qinflow, inflow concentration index (ICI), and residual flow volume (RFV) were reported in the aneurysms with wide neck (>4 mm). Significant greater postoperative RFV were reported in the aneurysms with large size (>7 mm). Significant greater postoperative Qinflow, relative Qinflow, and ICI were reported in the aneurysms located on the larteral side of the curve. The bending angle of the internal carotid artery at the initiation of Pcom (αICA@PCOM) and neck diameter had moderate positive correlations with Qinflow, relative Qinflow, ICI, and RFV. The morphological factors, including aneurysm size, neck diameter, and αICA@PCOM, are correlated with the recurrence-inducing hemodynamic characteristics even after fully packing. This provides a theoretical basis for evaluating the risk of aneurysm recurrence and a reference for selecting a surgical plan.

Recurrence of a large intracranial fusiform aneurysm treated with overlapping Pipeline embolization devices: illustrative case.

Flow diversion, specifically with the Pipeline embolization device (PED), represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Several studies have demonstrated its efficacy and at times superiority to conventional treatment modalities for aneurysms with a fusiform morphology, giant size, or wide neck. However, there may be a nonsignificant risk of recurrence after flow diversion of these historically difficult-to-treat aneurysms, relative to aneurysms with a more favorable morphology and size (i.e., saccular, narrow necked). To date, only three papers in the literature have demonstrated the recurrence of a completely occluded aneurysm on follow-up. The authors describe a patient with a giant middle cerebral artery fusiform aneurysm treated with multiple telescoping PEDs. On the 3-month follow-up angiogram, there was complete occlusion of the aneurysm. The patient was lost to follow-up and presented 4 years later with a recurrence of the aneurysm between PED segments, requiring retreatment. The patient represented 3 years posttreatment with the need for repeat treatment of the fusiform aneurysm due to separation of the existing PEDs along with stent reconstruction. At the 20-month follow-up after the third treatment, the initial aneurysm target was found to be occluded. This case illustrates the need for long-term follow-up, specifically for patients with giant wide-necked or fusiform aneurysms treated with overlapping PEDs.

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.

Safety and efficacy of the fourth-generation Acandis Acclino flex plus stent for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms.

The low-profile Acandis Acclino flex plus (AFP) is a fourth-generation laser-cut microstent with a flexible structure designed for the treatment of a wide variety of aneurysms. We report our single-center experience with this device in the treatment of complex aneurysms. Twenty-eight patients were treated with the Acclino flex plus for 28 aneurysms. Aneurysm characteristics, technical success, complications, clinical outcome, and angiographic results were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort included 8 unruptured untreated aneurysms, 9 unruptured recurrent aneurysms, and 12 ruptured aneurysms with aneurysm diameters ranging from 3 to 23 mm. The anterior communicating artery was the most common location (52%). Stent deployment was successful in 28 cases (97%) with an average of 1.3 stents per aneurysm. The overall procedural complication rate was 17%, including 2 (6.8%) major clinical events (one ischaemic stroke and one aneurysm perforation) and one (3.4%) minor clinical event (one seizure). Angiographic results of 23 aneurysms at a mean of 6 months were complete occlusion in 74%, neck remnants in 13% and aneurysm remnants in 13%. Three patients were retreated. Given the complexity of the aneurysms, the use of the Acclino flex plus was feasible and associated with a favourable safety and efficacy profile. Further studies are needed to evaluate Acclino flex plus in other aneurysm subsets and to define its role in endovascular aneurysm treatment.

Application of the Willis Covered Stent in the Treatment of Complex Vascular Diseases of the Internal Carotid Artery and Vertebral Artery: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience.

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and security of Willis covered stent (WCS) deployment for complex vascular diseases of the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) arteries. Retrospective analysis was performed on complex vascular disease patients (n=36) treated with WCSs at our center between March 2017 and December 2022, with a 3-36-months follow-up surveillance and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination. The WCSs were successfully deployed in all the patients. The 36 included lesions were carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs; n=10) (27.8%), complex saccular aneurysms (n=10) (27.8%), traumatic pseudoaneurysms (n=7) (19.4%), blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs; n=5) (13.9%), and iatrogenic carotid or vertebral artery ruptures (n=4) (11.1%). The WCS was released at the communicating segment (n=2) (5.6%), the ophthalmic segment (n=3) (8.3%), the clinoid and cavernous segment (n=28) (77.8%), the petrous segment (n=2) (5.6%) of ICA and the V3 segment (n=1) (2.8%) of VA. Postoperative DSA showed complete lesion occlusion in 26 patients (72.2%) who were immediately treated with WCSs, and endoleaks occurred in 3 patients (8.3%) (endoleaks resolved postadjustment in 7 patients (19.4%)). In patients (n=3) (8.3%) treated with double stents at the break of the ICA, the endoleak remained in 1 CCF patient (2.8%) during the 3-month follow-up, and the residual shunt disappeared after the second stent system was placed 3 months later. No aneurysm, bleeding or infarct recurrence reported, and only 1 patient (2.8%) had mild asymptomatic in-stent stenosis. Deaths and procedural complications did not occur during follow-up. Treatment with a WCS for intracranial complex vascular diseases resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and appeared effective and safe. Controlled, multicenter, large sample sizes and longer follow-up periods studies are necessary.

Inflow Artery Aneurysmal Degeneration After Long Term Native Arteriovenous Fistula for Haemodialysis

Inflow arterial aneurysms are a rare but serious complication after long term arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), probably due to arterial wall remodelling after an increase in flow and shear stress, and kidney transplantation with immunosuppressive therapy. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of surgical treatment and long term follow up in a large cohort. This prospective cohort study collected data from patients with a true inflow artery aneurysm after AVF creation that was surgically repaired between 2010 and 2022. Anastomotic and infected aneurysms or post-puncture pseudoaneurysms were excluded. Demographic data, access characteristics, symptoms, treatment strategies, and long term follow up were recorded; patency was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. During the study period, 28 patients (64% men, mean age 60.1 years) were treated surgically for aneurysmal degeneration of the axillary or brachial (n= 23) or radial (n= 5) artery after an AVF (10 distal, 18 proximal) performed a mean of 18.3 ± SD 7.9 years previously. Most AVFs were ligated or thrombosed, while all patients except one had previously received kidney transplants. Most of the cases (n= 18) were symptomatic: 13 with pain or swelling, four with distal embolisation, and one rupture. They were repaired by aneurysm partial excision and graft interposition (11 great saphenous vein, six ipsilateral basilic vein, three cephalic vein, and two PTFE graft), ligation (n= 3), or direct end to end anastomosis (n= 3). No major complications occurred before discharge, after a mean hospital stay of 2.4 days. After a mean follow up of 4.8 ± 3.3 years, three cases presented complications: two recurrent proximal brachial aneurysms were repaired with an additional proximal interposition graft (one with further late infected pseudoaneurysm) and an asymptomatic post-traumatic graft thrombosis. Five year primary and secondary patency was 84% and 96%, respectively. Aneurysmal degeneration of the inflow artery is an unusual complication during long term follow up of AVFs. Aneurysm excision and, in general, autogenous graft interposition using the saphenous or ipsilateral arm vein is a safe and effective strategy.

Embolization of unruptured wide-necked aneurysms at the MCA bifurcation using the Neuroform atlas stent-assisted coiling: a two-center retrospective study.

The management of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms remains a controversial topic, and MCA aneurysms have traditionally been treated primarily by surgical clipping. The Neuroform Atlas Stent™ (NAS, available from Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, California) represents the latest generation of intracranial stents with improved stent delivery system capabilities. This study aims to investigate the safety, feasibility and efficacy exhibited by NAS in treating unruptured aneurysms at the MCA bifurcation. This was a two-center retrospective study involving 42 patients with unruptured wide-necked aneurysms (WNAs) of the MCA treated with the NAS from October 2020 to July 2022. The stent was used to treat 42 cases of unruptured WNA at the MCA bifurcation. Endovascular treatment techniques had a 100% success rate. Immediate postoperative angiography found complete aneurysm occlusion in 34 patients (80.9%) (mRRC 1), neck remnant in 7 patients (16.7%) (mRRC 2), and residual aneurysm in 1 patient (2.4%) (mRRC 3). The thromboembolic complication rate was 2.4% (1/42). The follow-up period was 8.7 months on average (3-16 months). The last angiographic follow-up results revealed complete aneurysm occlusion in 39 patients (92.9%) (mRRC 1), neck remnant in 3 (7.1%) patients (mRRC 2), no aneurysm recanalization or recurrence, and no cases of stent intimal hyperplasia. During the latest clinical follow-up, all patients had an mRS score of 0. Our study demonstrates that the NAS can be applied to treat unruptured WNAs at the MCA bifurcation with favorable safety, feasibility, and efficacy.

Double-catheter technique for the embolization of recurrent cerebral aneurysms: A single-center experience.

Recurrent cerebral aneurysms have complex shapes and are often technically challenging to treat with a single microcatheter. This study evaluates the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who received double-catheter coil embolization for recurrent cerebral aneurysms. Patients who underwent double-catheter coil embolization at our institution between April 2011 and March 2022 for recurrent aneurysms were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, course to recurrence, details of the procedures, and outcomes after endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed based on past medical records. Eight patients with recurrent aneurysms were treated with the double-catheter technique. One patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a rupture of a recurrent aneurysm and the others had radiological recurrence during follow-up. The initial treatment for the aneurysm was clipping in one case and coiling in seven cases. All the aneurysms were located at bifurcation sites. During retreatment, balloon remodeling technique was used in five cases. Angiographic features immediately after the treatment included complete occlusion in one case, neck remnant in three cases, and dome filling in four cases. There were no procedure-related severe complications, besides preexisting oculomotor nerve palsy due to the mass effect of the aneurysm worsened in one patient. The mean follow-up period after retreatment was 4.3 years. There was one case of recurrence after retreatment in which additional endovascular coiling was necessary. This study demonstrated that the double-catheter technique could be a safe and useful treatment option for patients with recurrent aneurysms at bifurcation sites.

Recurrent aneurysm 11 years after thoracoabdominal aortic replacement due to recanalization of intercostal arteries of the wrapping native aorta in Marfan syndrome: a case report

BackgroundPersistent blood flow is common in aortic aneurysms following endovascular repair. However, the recanalization of thrombosed intercostal arteries after open aortic repair is rare. We report a case of aortic aneurysm recurrence 11 years after thoracoabdominal aortic replacement resulting from recanalization of the intercostal arteries like a type II endoleak in a patient with Marfan syndrome.Case presentationA 50-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome presented with left-sided back pain after meals. She underwent abdominal aortic replacement at 35 years of age, distal aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement for type B chronic aortic dissection at 38 years of age, and aortic root to the remnant arch replacement with a mechanical valve conduit for type A acute aortic dissection at 43 years of age, which resulted in complete replacement of the entire aorta with prosthetic grafts. The patient has been taking warfarin since then. The prothrombin time-international normalized ratio levels were controlled almost within the range of 1.5–2.5 during the follow-up period, but it was elevated up to 3.4 at 1 month before she felt back pain and kept high at 4.2 on admission. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed an aneurysm between the descending graft and the remaining native aortic wall, compressing the esophagus. However, there were no abnormal findings on the CT performed 10 months prior to admission. Surgery revealed that the orifices of the intercostal arteries were patent with backflow. We closed the patent intercostal arteries using nonabsorbable sutures. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and the CT performed 1 year later showed no aneurysmal recurrence.ConclusionsHere, we describe a rare case of recurrent aortic aneurysm long term after graft replacement due to recanalization of the intercostal arteries of the remaining aortic wall. Our findings suggest that closing all orifices of the intercostal arteries during aortic repair, regardless of backflow, could prevent delayed reopening; systemic anticoagulation after aortic replacement may be a risk factor for recanalization, and that postoperative periodic CT follow-up is essential, especially in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.