Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysms Research Articles

Compatibility of the semijailing technique with extremely soft i-ED coils for ruptured blood blister-like and dissecting aneurysms: patient series.

Optimal treatment options for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) and dissecting aneurysms (DAs) have not yet been established. Endovascular treatment may achieve vessel reconstruction with the preservation of antegrade blood flow; however, securing curative hemostasis at the fragile rupture point remains a major concern. Two ruptured BBAs and two ruptured DAs treated by stent-assisted coiling with the semijailing technique in the last 2 years are described herein. The devices used were braided stents and i-ED coils, which are new low-memory shape and extremely soft coils. Neither rebleeding nor ischemic complications were observed. All patients had a favorable outcome and showed no recurrence after treatment. All aneurysms were treated without ischemic complications or rebleeding. The good compatibility of braided stents and the new concept coils in stent-assisted coiling by the semijailing technique provides insight into these intractable hemorrhagic vascular pathologies.

Treatment with a flow diverter-assisted coil embolization for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery: a technical note and analysis of single-center experience with pooled data.

Treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) with flow diverters (FDs) has become widespread in recent years. However, ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) of ICA treatment with flow diverter-assisted coil embolization (FDAC) remains controversial. Moreover, limited direct comparative studies have been conducted between the two treatment modalities, FDs and FDAC, for BBAs. The purpose of this study was to document our experience and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of FDAC. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological information from ten patients who experienced ruptured BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA at our center from January 2021 to February 2023. The technical details of FDAC for ruptured BBAs were described, and the technical steps were named "pipeline embolization device (PED)-Individualized shaping(microcatheter)-Semi deploying-Rivet(coils)-Massage(microwire)" as the PEISSERM technique. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), whereas radiological results were determined through angiography. A pooled analysis was implemented, incorporating data from literature sources that reported perioperative and long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of ruptured BBAs treated with FD and FDAC strategies, along with our data. Data in our analysis pool were categorized into FD and FDAC strategy groups to explore the preferred treatment modalities for BBAs. The PEISSERM technique was utilized to treat ten patients, seven males, and three females, with an average age of 41.7years. A single PED was deployed in conjunction with coils in all ten patients. All PEDs were documented to have good wall apposition. The immediate postoperative angiograms demonstrated Raymond grade I in ten aneurysms. Angiographic follow-up of nine patients at 4-25months showed total occlusion of the aneurysms. At the most recent follow-up, the mRS scores of nine patients hinted at a good prognosis. Pooled analysis of 233 ICA-BBA cases of FD revealed a technical success rate of 91% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88 to 0.95], a rate of complete occlusion of 79% (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.84), a recurrence rate of 2% (95% CI, 0.00 to 0.04), a rebleed rate of 2% (95% CI, 0.00 to 0.04), and the perioperative stroke rate was 8% (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.11). The perioperative mortality was 4% (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07). The long-term good clinical outcome rate was 85% (95% CI, 0.80 to 0.90). The mortality rate was 6% (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.09). Results from the subgroup analysis illustrated that the FDAC strategy for BBAs had a significantly higher immediate postoperative complete occlusion rate (P < 0.001), total occlusion rate (P = 0.016), and a good outcome rate (P = 0.041) compared with the FD strategy. The FDAC strategy can yield a higher rate of good outcomes than the FD strategy. The PEISSERM technique employed by the FDAC is a reliable and effective treatment approach as it can minimize the hemodynamic burden of BBA's fragile dome, thereby achieving an excellent occlusion rate. The PEISSERM technique in the FDAC strategy contributes to understanding the BBA's treatment and offers a potentially optimal treatment for BBA.

Long-Term Outcomes of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms with Multiple (≥2) Overlapping Stents and Coiling: A Single-Center Experience

To evaluate the long-term feasibility of multiple overlapping stents (≥2) with or without coiling for treating blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs). BBAs treated with stent-assisted coiling or stent-only therapy wasincluded. BBAs with atypical anatomical locations, other endovascular or surgical techniques performed, and delayed treatment (>48hours) were excluded. Medical records of patients and procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Seventeen patients with BBAs were identified, and 15 were treated with stent-assisted coiling and 2 with stent-only therapy. Triple overlapping stents were performed in seven patients, double stents in nine, and a single stent with coiling in 1. One patient experienced in-stent fibrin formation and received intra-arterial tirofiban. Complementary treatment was required in four patients. Three patients were initially treated with double (3/9) and 1 with triple stents (1/7). Three recurred in the acute period (≤6weeks) and 1 recurred 14months after treatment. Three of 17 patients with Hunt Hess grade 5 died early. Thirteen patients were available for long-term angiographic follow-up (13.8±8.9months). Final angiography showed complete aneurysm occlusion in all patients without in-stent stenosis or perforating vessel occlusion. Clinical follow-up data were available for all 14 surviving patients (66.8±40.9months). Eight patients had favorable outcomes, five had unfavorable outcomes, and 1 died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage-unrelated cause. Delayed infarct or hemorrhage was not documented. Even in the era of flow diverter stents, the use of multiple overlapping stents with or without coiling can be a feasible alternative for treating ruptured BBAs.

Early High-Flow bypass and Trapping for Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery: Battle Plans and Clinical Results.

Early High-Flow bypass and Trapping for Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery: Battle Plans and Clinical Results.

Characteristic image on cerebral angiography in ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms

ObjectiveTo evaluate the static and dynamic features of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) using cerebral angiography to identify characteristic features to improve the diagnosis of these uncommon aneurysms. MethodsDigital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were compared between patients with BBAs (n = 12, group A) and patients with unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms ≤ 5 mm in size treated by endovascular procedures (n = 12, group B). DSA images were assessed for irregularities in the diameter of the parent artery and delayed inflow and outflow of contrast medium in the aneurysm. Enlargement of the aneurysm and morphological changes from the first assessment were also evaluated in patients with BBAs. ResultsCompared to the group B, group A had a higher proportion of irregular vessel diameter (p = 0.013) and the delayed contrast medium outflow (p = 0.014). As well, stagnation of contrast medium along the aneurysm wall was a characteristic finding of BBAs, even for small aneurysms. ConclusionIrregular morphological features of the parent artery and delayed contrast medium outflow as characteristic findings of ruptured BBAs may improve the diagnosis of these uncommon aneurysms, which remains challenging in practice.

A propensity score-matched study on the short-term outcome of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm treated by microsurgery or endovascular surgery: a single-center study of 155 cases.

Treating blood blister-like aneurysms (BBA) is a major neurosurgical challenge. Whether endovascular repair serves as a better strategy than microsurgery remains controversial. We aim to perform a propensity score-matched (PSM) retrospective study to analyze the short-term outcome in BBA patients who received microsurgery and endovascular treatment. One hundred fifty-five eligible patients with internal carotid artery BBA were retrospectively collected with demographic and angiographic baseline in a single center. Three-month outcome and adverse events were set as outcome endpoints. PSM was used to match the microsurgery and endovascular group. Matching effect was evaluated by distribution variation analysis and love plot. The outcome of neurosurgery and endovascular treatment was then compared before and after PSM. Better WFNS levels (p = .017) and modified Fisher grade (p = .027) were noted in endovascular group before matching. Other baseline including angiographic features were comparable between two groups. Before matching, the 3-month outcome of endovascular repair surgery was more favorable than microsurgery (p < .0001). The occurrence of adverse events was also higher in the microsurgery group (p = .0079). In PSM-adjusted groups, the superior outcome effect of endovascular treatment still existed but with a reduced significance (p = .004). Similar trend was also observed in the adverse event rate (p = .038). Fatality rate was comparable between two adjusted groups regardless of PSM adjustment. Endovascular surgery of BBAs exhibits overall more favorable short-term outcome regardless of PSM matching. Microsurgery does not cause a higher fatality rate, hence it could be considered a salvage plan for those high-grade BBA patients.

Application of the Willis Covered Stent in the Treatment of Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the Willis covered stent (WCS) in the treatment of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA).MethodThe clinical data of 16 patients consecutively treated with WCSs from December 2015 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data and angiographic findings were analyzed by two experienced neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons, including age, sex, Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade at admission, modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, aneurysm size, and location, the diameter of the patent artery in proximal and distal ends, stent size, rate of aneurysm occlusion, procedure-related complications, and follow-up.ResultsAll the 16 patients (five males, 11 females) with ICA BBAs underwent WCS deployment successfully. The median age was 49 years (range, 29–72). All patients had complete aneurysm occlusion on immediate postoperative angiography. Anterior choroidal artery (AChA) was occluded in one patient accidentally while no obvious neurological dysfunction was observed. However, this patient underwent subarachnoid hemorrhage 1 day after the treatment; endoleak and aneurysm recurred, and the patient died 10 days later. Therefore, the effective rate of WCS treatment was 93.8% (15/16), and procedure-related complications rate was 6.3% (1/16). Moreover, one patient was urgently treated because of accidental aneurysm rupture after anesthesia, and external ventricular drainage was then performed postoperatively. Another patient developed coma and hemiplegia 3 days after treatment, with emergency angiography showing in-stent thrombosis and ICA occlusion which was recanalized with arterial rt-PA thrombolysis; the patient recovered completely. The clinical follow-up period was 3–30 months in 14 patients. The mRS scores were 0 in 12 patients (85.7%) and 4 in 1 case (7.1%), while 1 patient (7.1%) died 6 months postoperatively for unknown reasons. Angiographic follow-up was performed in 13 patients, and no recurrence was observed. However, ICA occlusion without neurological deficit was observed in one patient.ConclusionBased on careful preoperative evaluation, appropriate WCS size selection, and precise surgical operation, WCSs may provide an alternative and effective solution for blood BBAs via aneurysm isolation and ICA reconstruction immediately; However, further follow-up studies with larger samples are required.

Successful Treatment of a Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery by Proximal Ligation with Extracranial-Intracranial High-flow Bypass: A Case Report

Successful Treatment of a Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery by Proximal Ligation with Extracranial-Intracranial High-flow Bypass: A Case Report

A Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm that Experienced Regrowth with Coil Compaction Twice in a Month : Case Report

&lt;p&gt;Unlike other aneurysms, blood blister-like aneurysms(BBA) occur at non-branching sites, are commonly located at the dorsal wall of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), and are suspected to arise from dissecting aneurysms. They are typically diagnosed after a bleed because of their small size and unusual site. Therefore, lesions exist after brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, but they are often not found. In the case of BBA, which have a high risk of recurrence, the treatment is difficult, and selecting the treatment method is also challenging. This paper describes the treatment of a BBA with internal trapping of the ICA that eventually recurred despite performing coil embolization twice.&lt;/p&gt;

Wrap-Clipping for Patients with Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery: Case Series and Literature Review.

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are challenging to treat. We assessed the clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with ruptured BBAs of the ICA treated with wrap-clipping. From November 2016 to January 2020, the clinical and radiologic data of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by ICA BBAs who underwent wrap-clipping were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Radiologic follow-up examinations included digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Seven patients were enrolled in this study. All BBAs were wrap-clipped successfully, including two BBAs that exhibited intraoperative bleeding and required balloon-assistance during surgery. All patients had favorable clinical outcomes during follow-up. Among the six patients who completed the radiologic follow-up visit, one patient presented ICA occlusion at the 6-month DSA follow-up, but no neurologic dysfunction was noted. We did not observe the progression of ICA stenosis in other patients. All BBAs in this study were wrap-clipped successfully and completely occluded. Wrap-clipping is effective for BBAs of the ICA and has favorable clinical outcomes. A multicenter study with a large sample size and a longer radiologic follow-up is necessary.

Early Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery With Flow Diverters Using Single Antiplatelet Therapy: A Single-Center Experience With Long-Term Follow-Up.

Background and Purpose: Blood Blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are rare entities of cerebral aneurysms. FD use in acutely ruptured aneurysms, timing of treatment and antiplatelet regimen are main debate topics in clinical practice when the treatment decision is flow diversion. The aim of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of a single-center FD treatment for ruptured BBAs in the early phase of SAH using the SAPT regimen.Material and Method: This study involved a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Records of patients admitted to our clinic and treated by endovascular route on ruptured BBA between January 2013 and December 2020 were reviewed. Ruptured supraclinoid ICA BBAs treated with FD devices with SAPT within 48 h from ictus of SAH are included. BBA of atypical anatomic locations, other endovascular techniques performed, and delayed admissions (>48 h) were excluded from the study. Demographic, clinical and angiographic features of patients and aneurysms, FD types and numbers, periprocedural complications, immediate and follow-up angiographic and clinical outcomes were recorded.Results: A total of six patients with ruptured BBAs treated via FDs within 48 h and used SAPT were included in the study. The mean age was 41.6 years (range from 34 to 45 years), and four of six patients were female. All patients were treated within 48 h after ictus, and the mean treatment day was 1.33 days. One patient received ticagrelor, and five patients received prasugrel as SAPT for one year after treatment. No procedure-related death and rebleeding were recorded. One (16.7 %) treatment responsive procedure-related complication occurred (transient ischemia). Overall good outcome rate was 83.3%. One patient died due to pneumonia. The immediate control angiograms showed complete occlusions of BBAs in one patient (16.6%). The complete occlusion rate was 100 % for five survivors at the control angiogram. The median follow-up was 49.5 months.Conclusion: This single-center experience suggests that early treatment (<2 days) within SAH of ruptured BBAs with FDs using SAPT is safe and effective in terms of clinical and radiological long-term outcomes.

Is Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for the Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Effective? : An Analysis of Single Institutional Experience with Pooled Data.

ObjectiveGiven the high risk of rebleeding and recurrence of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs), we treated ruptured BBAs of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SACs. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data from eight patients with ruptured BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess clinical outcomes, while radiological outcomes were evaluated on angiographs. For a pooled analysis, data from literature reporting the outcomes of ruptured BBAs treated with SAC were collected and analyzed in conjunction with our data. ResultsIn our cohort, the mean Raymond classification score was 1.57±0.53 immediately after initial endovascular treatment. There were no perioperative complications or rebleeding events during the follow-up period. The mean mRS score at patient discharge was 1.00±0.81 and improved to 0.28±0.48 by the last follow-up day. The recurrence rate was 25% with an asymptomatic presentation and successful treatment with multiple stent insertion. Pooled analysis of 76 cases of SAC revealed a complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment of 54.8%, rebleeding rate 7.94%, and recurrence rate 24.2%. Good clinical outcomes with mRS score 0–2 were observed in 89.9% by the last clinical follow-up. Total mortality rate was 7.7%. ConclusionThis treatment appears to not only minimize the hemodynamic burden on the fragile dome specific to this type of aneurysm, but also provides an opportunity for safe and effective treatment in recurrent cases.

Endovascular Treatment Strategy and Clinical Outcomes for Ruptured Blood Blister–Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery Using Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Stent

It is challenging to safely treat blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery. Endovascular surgery has been reported, but the optimal strategy is yet to be established. We report our endovascular treatment strategy using the Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stent. Twelve patients with ruptured BBAs including 1 patient with 2 separate aneurysmal bulges were treated from December 2017 to January 2020. Single LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization was performed as the initial treatment. If the coil could not be placed in the aneurysm, or follow-up angiography showed persistent filling or regrowth of the aneurysm, a second LVIS stent was deployed as an overlapping stent. Clinical characteristics, treatment details, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively examined. Single stent-assisted coiling was performed in 8 patients (69%), 2 overlapping stents with coiling in 1 (8%), a single stent in 2 (15%), and 2 overlapping stents in 2 (15%). Three patients with persistent filling or regrowth of the aneurysm were re-treated with overlapping stents. Follow-up angiography confirmed complete occlusion in 12 aneurysms (92%). No re-rupture occurred. Postoperative symptomatic ischemia was confirmed in 4 patients (33%), and all 4 patients suffered severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Modified Rankin scale was 0-2 in 8 patients (67%). LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization is effective in preventing re-rupture of BBAs. However, the morphology of the aneurysm may change within a short period, so careful angiographic follow-up is needed. Appropriate preoperative antiplatelet administration and optimal timing of the treatment may reduce the risk of postoperative ischemic complication.

Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysm Arising from the Anterior Wall of the Internal Carotid Artery with the Concomitant Use of Direct Clipping and Assist Balloon

Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysm Arising from the Anterior Wall of the Internal Carotid Artery with the Concomitant Use of Direct Clipping and Assist Balloon

Efficacy and Safety of Flow-Diverter Therapy for Recurrent Aneurysms after Stent-Assisted Coiling.

Flow-diverter treatment for previously stented aneurysms has been reported to be less effective and prone to complications. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of flow diverters for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling. Patients who underwent flow-diverter placement for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling between March 2015 and March 2019 were recruited. Clinical and radiographic characteristics and clinical and angiographic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Among 133 patients who underwent flow-diverter insertion, 17 (male/female ratio = 5:12; mean age, 53.8 years) were treated for recurrent aneurysms after stent placement with (n = 16) or without (n = 1) coiling. Eight patients initially presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage; 7, with headache; and 2, with visual field defects. Angiographic morphology included large/giant saccular in 12 patients, dissecting in 2, fusiform in 1, traumatic pseudoaneurysm in 1, and ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm in 1. The duration between the first treatment and flow-diverter placement ranged from 2 weeks to 15 months (median, 6 months). Flow-diverter placement was successful in all cases without any complications. All patients had favorable outcomes (mRS, 0-2), without any newly appearing symptoms. Aneurysms were followed up with conventional angiography at least once in 6-18 months. Sixteen aneurysms showed complete occlusion, and 1 aneurysm was enlarged. Results from this case series investigating flow-diverter placement for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling suggested that the procedure is safe and effective. Further study in a larger population may be warranted.

Clip-wrapping of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery.

To evaluate the safety and validity of microsurgical Gore-Tex clip-wrapping for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Single-surgeon series. Retrospective study. Data analyzed were patient age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade (H&H), Fisher grade, time from rupture to hospitalization, aneurysm size and location, collateral capacity of the circle of Willis, time from hospitalization to aneurysm repair, aneurysm obliteration, complications, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at follow-up. Six patients (2 males, 4 females) with ICA BBAs underwent clip-wrapping between 2011 and 2016. Median age was 50.0years (range 31.7-54.0). H&H was grade 1 or 2 in 5 patients and grade 4 in 1 patient. All aneurysms were small (≤ 0.3cm), without relation to vessel bifurcations, and located anteromedially, anterolaterally, and superomedially on the ICA trunk. Right side was most frequent (66%). All aneurysms could be clip-wrapped without intraoperative ruptures and all parent arteries could be preserved in the acute phase. Clip-wrapping completely eliminated the BBAs in five patients, whereas one patient underwent additional stent-assisted coiling. There were no re-ruptures, delayed infarctions, or deaths postoperatively. After a median follow-up of 57months (range 20-90), outcome was favorable (mRS score 0-2) in all patients without radiographic signs of recurrences. Using the Gore-Tex clip-wrapping technique for ruptured ICA BBAs, the aneurysm could be treated without intraoperative ruptures or parent artery sacrifice in the acute phase. The outcomes were similar to other SAH patients and on follow-up, there were no aneurysm recurrences, indicating a durable long-term outcome.

Dominance of the Anterior Cerebral Artery as a Predictor of Vasospasm-Related Cerebral Infarction After Surgical Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm in the Internal Carotid Artery

Vasospasm (VSP)-related ischemic complications have been associated with poor outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) in the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the incidence of, and factors related to, VSP-related cerebral infarction (VSP-CI) in patients with surgically treated BBAs in the communicating segment of the ICA. The medical records of 25 consecutive patients with surgically treated BBAs in the communicating segment of the ICA were reviewed. The preoperative angiographic findings, surgical methods, and patient outcomes, including VSP-CI, were evaluated. Of the 25 patients, 10 had undergone extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass with trapping and 15 had undergone clipping surgery. VSP-CI occurred in the ipsilateral hemisphere to the aneurysm in 4 patients with EC-IC bypass with trapping and in 6 patients who had undergone received clipping. Positive balloon test occlusion findings did not affect the occurrence of VSP-CI in the EC-IC bypass and trapping group. The occurrence of VSP-CI was significantly greater in the patients with a dominant anterior cerebral artery ipsilateral to the aneurysm on the preoperative angiogram (P= 0.023), with a hazard ratio of 14.14 (95% confidence interval, 1.57-127.68). The results of preoperative balloon test occlusion were less reliable for predicting postoperative ischemic complications of EC-IC bypass with trapping in patients with ruptured BBAs in the communicating segment of the ICA. However, anterior cerebral artery dominance ipsilateral to the ruptured aneurysm could be predictive for postoperative VSP-CI.

Forward deployed coil embolization with multiple overlapping stents for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms: technical considerations and outcomes

ABSTRACTBackground: Coil embolization with multiple overlapping stents was performed as an alternative treatment option for blood blister–like aneurysms (BBAs). However, coil placement into the BBAs has the inherent risks of rupture and regrowth. We describe a safe dense coil packing technique into and just proximal of BBAs using a semi-jailing technique for the treatment of BBAs of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and report the long-term clinical outcomes.Methods: The technique involves the partial deployment of a self-expanding and retrievable stent from the ICA bifurcation to the mid-portion of a BBA followed by coil embolization with gradual unsheathing of the stent from the BBA to its just proximal portion. Seventeen patients were treated using this technique (10 women; mean age, 47.9 ± 11 years; overall mean clinical follow-up period, 42.3 ± 22.8 months). Technique safety and feasibility, and follow-up angiographic results and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, mRS) were evaluated.Results: Procedures were successfully applied without any procedure-related complications. Immediate post-treatment angiograms showed total obliteration of the BBAs in all 17 patients. Follow-up angiograms, which were available in 15 (88.2%) patients, showed complete resolution of BBAs. Fourteen (82.4%) of 17 patients achieved favorable clinical outcomes (mRS ≤ 2).Conclusions: Forward deployed coil embolization with multiple overlapping stents offers a safe and effective reconstructive endovascular technique for the treatment of the BBAs.

Long-Term Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of Wrap-Clipping for Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery Using Advanced Monitoring

Wrap-clipping is one of the recommended treatments for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA). However, the long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of this procedure have not yet been elucidated. The present study examined the long-term efficacy of wrap-clipping using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, an ideal wrapping material, for BBAs. The data from 9 patients with ruptured BBAs treated at our institutes from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Wrap-clipping was performed with advanced monitoring techniques, including fluorescence video angiography and endoscopy. Angiographic follow-up was achieved using 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Wrap-clipping was performed without any permanent morbidity in all patients. Endoscopy visualized accurate margins of the aneurysmal pathological wall with high magnification and revealed the position of the clip blades and the surrounding perforators in the dead angles of the microscope. Fluorescence video angiography could confirm the blood flow of the ICA and the surrounding arteries. Regrowth of the aneurysm owing to the presence of a neck remnant occurred 1 month after treatment in 1 case that was repaired surgically. However, no other recurrence of BBAs or progression of ICA stenosis was observed by angiography with a mean follow-up period of 37 months. No repeat rupture or ischemic complications occurred, and all patients had a modified Rankin scale score of 0 with a mean follow-up period of 61 months. Wrap-clipping using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane for ruptured BBAs is a useful and acceptable procedure with long-term effectiveness. The effectiveness of this method can be ensured using modern monitoring methods.

Surgical Strategies and Clinical Results of Site-Specific Treatment Using High-Flow Bypass for Ruptured Blood Blister–Like Anterior Wall Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery

Surgical treatment of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) arising from the internal carotid artery (ICA) is challenging. We retrospectively reviewed the results of our surgical strategies tailored for each aneurysm site. All ruptured ICA BBAs treated between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed. Aneurysms on the lateral side of the ICA were classified as type A, on the medial side of C2 as type B, and on the medial side of C1 as type C. The principal strategy was high-flow bypass (HFB) by use of a radial artery graft, with clipping, trapping, or proximal occlusion selected on the basis of aneurysm type. The results of each treatment were examined. This study included 20 patients. There were 11 type A aneurysms (55%), 2 type B (10%), and 7 type C (35%). HFB was used in 13 patients (65%) and low-flow bypass in 4 (20%). Except for 1 case, no other cases of rerupture or recurrence occurred. Severe ischemia due to cerebral vasospasm was confirmed in 4 of 20 patients (20%), 3 of whom had not received HFB. Modified Rankin Scale score was 0-2 in 16 of 20 patients (80%). Inadequate cerebral blood flow is a distinct possibility even with HFB, so parent artery flow should be preserved to protect against ischemia whenever possible. However, if preservation of the anterior choroidal artery or posterior communicating artery during clipping or trapping is difficult, HFB combined with occlusion of the proximal portion of the ICA in the neck is a feasible option.