Stent-assisted Technique Research Articles

Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms Using Target Tetra Detachable Coils: Angiographic and Clinical Results from a Single Center.

Background/Objectives: Target tetra detachable coils (TTDCs) aid in achieving effective framing during the coil embolization of small intracranial aneurysms by maintaining a tetrahedral conformation within the aneurysm sac. We aimed to report the initial experience of patients treated for intracranial aneurysms using TTDCs, with a specific focus on efficacy and safety. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent the coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms sized ≤10 mm with TTDCs between April and May 2023. Post-procedural angiographic and clinical results were reviewed. Results: Of the 46 aneurysms (45 unruptured and 1 ruptured), 33 (71.7%) were treated with the stent-assisted technique and 13 (28.3%) using the simple coil embolization technique. Post-procedural angiography showed complete occlusion in 41 aneurysms (89.1%), neck remnants in 1 (2.2%), and residual aneurysms in 4 (8.7%). The mean packing density was 34.7% (19.3-46.8%), with TTDC coil length comprising a mean of 88.5% of the total coil length. No major device- or procedure-related complications were observed. During the follow-up, 40 aneurysms (93.0%) demonstrated complete occlusion, while neck remnants were observed in 1 (2.3%), and residual aneurysms in 2 (4.7%). No cases of recanalization were observed. Conclusions: The TTDC is a safe and effective device for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Follow-up studies are required to establish long-term results.

The white-collar sign after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Although stent-assisted technique is expected to help provide a scaffold for neointima formation at the orifice of the aneurysm, not all aneurysms treated with stent-assisted technique develop complete neointima formation. The white-collar sign (WCS) indicates neointimal tissue formation at the aneurysm neck that prevents aneurysm recanalization. The aim of this study was to explore factors related to WCS appearance after stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). A total of 59 UIAs treated with a Neuroform Atlas stent were retrospectively analyzed. The WCS was identified on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) 1year after coil embolization. The cohort was divided into WCS-positive and WCS-negative groups, and possible predictors of the WCS were explored using logistic regression analysis. The WCS appeared in 20 aneurysms (33.9%). In the WCS-positive group, neck size was significantly smaller (4.2 (interquartile range (IQR): 3.8-4.6) versus 5.4 (IQR: 4.2-6.8) mm, p = .006), the VER was significantly higher (31.8% (IQR: 28.6%-38.4%) versus 27.6% (IQR: 23.6%-33.8%), p = .02), and the rate of RROC class 1 immediately after treatment was significantly higher (70% vs 20.5%, p < .001) than in the WCS-negative group. On multivariate analysis, neck size (odds ratio (OR): 0.542, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.308-0.954; p = .03) and RROC class 1 immediately after treatment (OR: 6.99, 95% CI: 1.769-27.55; p = .006) were independent predictors of WCS appearance. Smaller neck size and complete occlusion immediately after treatment were significant factors related to WCS appearance in stent-assisted coil embolization for UIAs using the Neuroform Atlas stent.

Vertebral Artery Access Considerations in Coil Embolization of Small Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm

Coiling of small superior cerebellar artery aneurysms (sSCAAs) is challenging. We aimed to describe anatomic considerations in the vertebral and basilar artery (VA and BA) morphology for decision making in the coiling of sSCAAs. Eleven patients with sSCAAs (<5 mm) treated at our institution between April 2015 and February 2022 were included to show our concept of deciding access routes in the coiling of sSCAAs. The access route was decided on the basis of VA characteristics, BA curvature, and aneurysm laterality. Adequate aneurysm occlusion on angiography (Raymond-Roy grading scale I and II), good outcome (modified Rankin Score 0-2) at the last follow-up, and adverse outcomes were evaluated. Simple coiling (n= 2), a balloon-assisted technique (n= 3), and stent-assisted technique (n= 6) were selected. At the last follow-up (median 13.0 months), adequate aneurysm occlusion and good outcome were obtained in all 9 patients (n= 10). Adverse outcomes were not observed. When VA dominance was equal, in the straight BA, the microcatheter insertion into the ipsilateral VA to the aneurysm was favorable to form a "fulcrum" on the contralateral side and obtain microcatheter stability. When an aneurysm was on the concave aspect of the curved BA, microcatheter insertion into the ipsilateral VA was favorable. As for the convex aspect's aneurysm location, the microcatheter insertion into the contralateral VA can be favored. Further, we described the VA origin classification as it relates to ease of access from a transradial approach. Vertebrobasilar morphology may be important in deciding access routes in the coiling of sSCAAs.

Endovascular Management of Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Significant advances in endovascular neurosurgery tools, devices, and techniques are changing the approach to the management of acute hemorrhagic stroke. The endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms emerged in the early 1990s with Guglielmi detachable coils, and since then, it gained rapid popularity that surpassed open surgery. Stent-assisted coiling and balloon remodeling techniques have made the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms more durable. With the introduction of flow diverters and flow disrupters, many aneurysms with complex geometrics can now be reliably managed. Arteriovenous malformations and fistulae can also benefit from endovascular therapy by embolization using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), Onyx, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and coils. In this article, we describe the role of endovascular treatment for the most common causes of intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages, particularly ruptured aneurysms and vascular malformations.

Deconstructive versus reconstructive endovascular approaches for intracranial dissecting aneurysms

BackgroundThe annual incidence of the intracranial dissecting aneurysms is about 1 to 1.5 per 100,000. This is a well-known cause of stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage in young and middle-aged patients (Santos-Franco et al. in Neurosurg Rev, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-008-0124-x). Various surgical and endovascular treatment methods have been proposed for intracranial dissecting aneurysms. All treatment methods aim to reduce the blood flow in the dissected region. Deconstructive techniques sacrifice the parent artery, whereas reconstructive techniques aim to maintain a parent artery (Stéphanie et al. in Lancet Neurol 14(6):640–654, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(15)00009-5). Due to its dissecting nature, wall friability can make surgical clipping difficult and even risky. On the other hand, recanalization after coiling alone is almost certain. Therefore, deconstructive modalities of treatment like trapping or parent vessel occlusion, performed either surgically or endovascularly, have predominated for managing those lesions, usually with good results. Nevertheless, in absence of efficient collateral pathways, the deconstructive technique carries an ischemic risk. In situations in which parent artery preservation is mandatory, the use of stent-assisted techniques may be the most appropriate choice (de Barros Faria et al. in Am J Neuroradiol 32(11):2192–2195, 2011. https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A2671). However, the usage of stent with recently ruptured aneurysms is always perplexing due to the necessity of dual antiplatelet administration. Hence the management of dissecting aneurysms remain challenging.ResultsBetween January 2017 and July 2019, 19 patients presenting with intracranial dissecting aneurysms were referred to our department for endovascular treatment. Among the nineteen patients, 11 cases were treated by parent artery occlusion representing 57.9% of the cases, and 7 cases (36.8%) were treated by artery preserving technique, and only one case (5.3%) was treated by combination of parent artery occlusion and artery preserving technique. One week after the intervention 26.3% of patients had no disability (mRS = 0), 47.4% had no significant disability (mRS = 1), 15.8% had slight disability (mRS = 2) and 10.5% had moderate to severe disability (mRS = 3–4). After three months we found an overall improvement of the clinical outcome, as 57.9% of patients had no disability (mRS = 0), 26.3% had no significant disability (mRS = 1) and 15.8% had mild disability (mRS = 2). Finally, after six months reassessment with angiography showed that 89.5% of patients had stable aneurysmal occlusion, and 10.5% had recurrence of aneurysm.ConclusionsBoth endovascular approaches, whether parent artery occlusion or artery preserving technique showed favorable outcome which indicates the safety and efficacy of both approaches if selected properly according to the morphology of the aneurysm.

Comparison of Long-Term Angiographic Results of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms : Endovascular Treatment with Single-Microcatheter Coiling, Double-Microcatheter Coiling, and Stent-Assisted Coiling.

ObjectiveEndovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is challenging in case of wide-necked aneurysms because coils are prone to herniate into the parent artery, causing thromboembolic events or vessel occlusion. This study aims to compare long-term angiographic results of wide-necked aneurysms treated by stent-assisted, double-microcatheter, or single-microcatheter groups. MethodsBetween January 2003 and October 2016, 108 aneurysms that were treated with endovascular coil embolization with a neck size wider than 4 mm and a follow-up period of more than 3 years were selected. We performed coil embolization with single-microcatheter, double-microcatheter, and stent-assisted techniques. Angiographic results were evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). All medical and angiographic records were reviewed retrospectively. ResultsClinical and angiographic analyses were conducted in 108 wide-necked aneurysms. The immediate post-procedural results revealed RROC class I (complete occlusion) in 66 cases (61.1%), class II (residual neck) in 36 cases (33.3%), and class III (residual sac) in six cases (5.6%). The final follow-up results revealed class I in 48 cases (44.4%), class II in 49 cases (45.4%), and class III in 11 cases (10.2%). Of a total of 45 (41.6%) radiologic recurrences, there were 21 cases (19.4%) of major recurrence that required additional treatment, and 24 cases (22.2%) of minor recurrence. The final follow-up angiographic results showed statistically significant differences between the stent-assisted group and the others (p<0.01). ConclusionLong-term follow-up angiography demonstrated that the stent-assisted technique had a better complete occlusion rate than the other two techniques.

The stent-assisted coil-jailing technique for very small intracranial aneurysm treatment

The stent-assisted coil-jailing technique was initially introduced as an effective and secure method in the treatment of large wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Later on, this technique has proved its efficiency in the safety and optimal treatment of very small aneurysms. In this article, we will present the successful treatment of a very small middle cerebral artery aneurysm using the stent-assisted coil-jailing technique and review the current trends in this type of treatment.

The Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment for Very Small Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Large Single-Center Experience With 81 Consecutive Cases

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolization for very small ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms. From August 2015 to June 2020, 81 patients with very small (≤3 mm) ruptured AcomA aneurysms treated endovascularly were enrolled in this study. Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed retrospectively, including the aneurysm occlusion rate, complications, and clinical outcome. Among 81 patients, simple coiling embolization was performed in 52 cases and stent-assisted embolization in 29 cases. Immediate angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 59 (72.8%) aneurysms, residual neck in 20 (24.7%) aneurysms, and residual lumen in 2 (2.5%). Procedure-related complications rate was 2.5% (2 of 81), all of which were transient thromboembolic events. Angiographic follow-up outcomes of 60 patients (mean: 6.8 ± 3.2 months) revealed complete occlusion in 91.7% (55 of 60), with recurrence in 1 patient. The mean clinical follow-up time was 22.6 ± 11.4 months and good prognosis rates (6-month modified Rankin Scale score: 0-2) reached 90.2% (73 of 81). The differences in aneurysm occlusion and procedure-related complications between the simple coiling group and the stent-assisted coiling group were not statistically significant. Coiling with or without stent-assisted technique for the treatment of very small ruptured AcomA aneurysms was safe and effective.

Combination of temporary bridging device (Comaneci) and permanent stenting in the treatment of unruptured wide neck bifurcation aneurysms.

The double stent-assisted techniques for the treatment of wide neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) may be more complicating than single stent-assisted or balloon-assisted coiling. The Comaneci device (Rapid Medical, Yokneam, Israel) is a new temporary bridging device developed for covering the aneurysm neck during coiling. This new design enabled us to treat unruptured WNBAs with the use of single stent-assisted coiling instead of double stent in eight patients. At the 1-year angiographic follow-up, there was no filling in any aneurysm. There was no mortality or morbidity cases related to the procedure. In this study, we are reporting our experience of using single stent-assisted coiling combined with a Comaneci device in the treatment of unruptured WNBAs.

Distal radial access for cerebral aneurysm embolization

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the feasibility and safety of distal radial access for embolization of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of our prospective cerebral aneurysm embolization database. Between January and September 2019, distal radial access was considered for consecutive subjects addressed for cerebral aneurysm embolization at our institution. All procedures were performed by the same experienced operator. Technical success was defined as distal radial access with insertion of the sheath and completion of the intervention without change of access site to conventional femoral access. Primary safety endpoint was the in hospital + 30 days incidence of radial artery occlusion. Secondary endpoints included intra-procedural complications and neurologic complications at discharge and at 30 days. ResultsFifty-seven patients with cerebral aneurysms underwent 61 embolization procedures. Twenty eight embolizations were performed using coils, 8 used a stent-assisted coil technique, 22 used a balloon-assisted coil technique, and 3 used a flow diverter. One patient (1.6%) required crossover to femoral access. Three patients developed coil-induced thrombus that required intra-arterial Tirofiban injections. Two patients were asymptomatic and one patient presented confusion due to right frontal ischemia. One periprocedural aneurysm rupture occurred without clinical impact. Radial artery occlusion and hand ischemia were not observed. ConclusionFindings of the present study showed the feasibility of distal transradial access for cerebral aneurysm embolization without increasing the risk of the procedure.

Tips for Selecting Balloons or Stents for Cerebral Aneurysms: Effective Use of Each Device

We introduce typical use cases and the appropriate use of balloon catheters and neck bridge stents for coil embolization of cerebral aneurysm. There are two types of balloon catheters: single-lumen and double-lumen catheters. They are also classified into compliant and super-compliant balloons by softness. Neck bridge stents are classified into two types: open-cell and closed-cell stents. Balloon- and stent-assisted techniques are both useful for wide-neck aneurysms. The complication rates of these methods are similar but the stent-assisted technique requires long-term administration of antiplatelets after the procedure. Both techniques have the challenge that the microcatheter is fixed during coil embolization. The semi-jailing technique, in which the stent is partially deployed during coil insertion, solves this problem. Open-cell stents seem more suitable for this technique because they fit better to the vessel wall even in the curved part. It is important to understand the characteristics of each device for safe and effective treatments.

Assessment of Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Temporary Solitaire Stent Assisted Coiling in Cases of Wide Necked Aneurysms: A Series of Case Reports

Wide-necked aneurysms require comparatively more advanced endovascular and microsurgical techniques than those required for narrow-necked aneurysms. Temporary solitaire stent-assisted coiling technique is used for treating wide neck aneurysms with the advantage of non-requirement of antiplatelet therapy to prevent in-stent thrombosis. We present a case series comprising of three case reports that were treated with temporary Solitaire stent-assisted coil embolization technique using a fully resheathable solitaire AB stent. The post-procedural angiographic and clinical outcome, including the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, was assessed. The Modified Rankin Score (mRS) was evaluated after clinical discharge and follow-ups. No procedure-related complications were observed. All three patients had good clinical outcomes (mRS score 0-2). The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the Temporary solitaire stent-assisted coiling technique are much superior. It is easy, less risky, and does not require platelet inhibition therapy.

Periprocedural Safety and Feasibility of the New LVIS EVO Device for Stent-Assisted Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms: An Observational Multicenter Study

<h3>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</h3> Stent-assisted treatment techniques can be an effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periprocedural feasibility and safety of the new LVIS EVO stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. <h3>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</h3> Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the LVIS EVO in 11 European neurovascular centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, immediate grade of occlusion, and technical and clinical complications were assessed. <h3>RESULTS:</h3> Fifty-seven patients with 59 aneurysms were treated with the LVIS EVO device; 57.6% of the aneurysms were incidental; 15.3% were acutely ruptured; 15.3% were recanalized or residual aneurysms; and 11.9% were treated for symptoms other than acute hemorrhage. The most frequent aneurysm locations were the middle cerebral artery (25.4%) and the anterior communicating artery (22.0%). The rate of immediate successful deployment was 93.2%. In 6.8% (<i>n</i> = 4) of cases, additional in-stent angioplasty was needed. The immediate complete occlusion rate was 54.2%, while there was a residual aneurysm in 35.6% and a residual neck in 10.2%. Periprocedural technical complications occurred in 7/59 treatments (11.9%; the most frequent technical complication [<i>n</i> = 3] was thrombus formation), which all resolved completely without clinical sequelae. Postprocedural neurologic complications occurred after 4/59 treatments (6.8%; 2 transient ischemic attacks, 1 minor stroke, 1 major stroke), of which only 1 persistent complication was directly related to the procedure (minor stroke in the vascular territory distal to the stent). <h3>CONCLUSIONS:</h3> The LVIS EVO stent is a safe, feasible device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Endovascular Treatment for Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Single-Center Experience and Review of Literatures.

The efficacy of endovascular treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms remains controversial. However, recent studies have reported the safety of endovascular treatment for MCA aneurysms. In this study, we studied the efficacy and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for MCA aneurysms in our hospital and the morphology and anatomy of MCA aneurysms that were suitable for endovascular treatment. We retrospectively analyzed 26 cases of MCA aneurysms which had undergone endovascular treatment at our institution between January 2015 and October 2018. We studied sizes and shapes of the aneurysms, clinical and angiographical outcomes one year after the treatment, and complications in these 26 patients. We also compared the differences in these parameters of the 26 patients with those of 61 other patients who were treated with clipping during the same period. The median aneurysm size was 6.1 mm (1.8-29.9 mm), with the shapes of the aneurysms irregular in 8, and round in the other 18 cases. Four cases (15.4%) had ruptured aneurysms. All aneurysms were treated with assist techniques; 8 (30.8%) were treated by stent-assisted technique and 18 (69.2%) were treated by balloon-assisted technique and endovascular treatment was successfully performed in all (100%) cases. While the aneurysms were completely obliterated in 22 of them (84.6%), the remaining 4 cases (15.4%) had neck remnants. We observed periprocedural complications in 5 of the 26 (19.2%) aneurysms, all of which were transient and completely recovered during the follow-up period. The efficacy and complication rates were not different from the MCA aneurysms treated with clipping. All MCA aneurysms arising from the M1 trunk were treated with endovascular treatment, and those with a round shape with the axis not deviating from M1 were also treated with endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment for MCA aneurysms is safe and effective together with adjunctive techniques such as balloon-assisted technique or stent-assisted technique. Thus, M1 trunk aneurysms and MCA bifurcation aneurysms with a round shape along the same axis of MCA may be good indications for endovascular treatment. However, long-term clinical and angiographical outcomes remain unknown. Thus, further studies are needed to address the existing limitations.

Embolization with Stent-Assisted Technique for Wide-Necked Extremely Small Intracranial Aneurysm with Diameter no more than 2 mm

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of embolization with stent-assisted technique for wide-necked extremely small intracranial aneurysms (ESIAs) with diameter no more than 2 mm. MethodsFrom May 2015 through January 2019, 20 wide-necked ESIAs in 19 patients (6 males and 13 females, aged from 38 to 72 years old, average 59 years old) were embolized with stent-assisted technique. All these patients had a total of 29 aneurysms, 7 patients had multiple aneurysms and 1 patient had 2 ESIAs. 12 patients (63.2%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), 9 of them have a culprit ESIA. The angiographic results before and after operation, procedural complications, and clinical condition with Hunt and Hess grade (H-H) and Fisher grade, as well as Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at discharge were assessed. Follow-up results were evaluated by computer tomograph angiography (CTA) or digital subtract angiography (DSA). ResultsThe mean diameter of aneurysm neck was 1.68 ± 0.21 mm. Complete occlusion with Raymond grade I was achieved in 18 aneurysms (90.9%), 2 aneurysms were subtotal embolization with Raymond grade II (9.1%). All patients were treated with coil embolization with stent-assist technique successfully and all the stents were placed accurately and function well during the procedure. There is no rupture of aneurysm during operation, no coil protrusion to the distal blood vessel, and no cerebral infarction as well. When discharged, all patients recovered well. The follow-up results showed that only one patients with recurrence of aneurysm 27 months after embolization. ConclusionEmbolization with stent-assisted technique for wide-necked ESIAs is safe and effective. However, the follow-up is not long enough in our study and a larger sample size are needed to obtain the long-term efficacy.

Simultaneous neck coverage and branch preservation using the proximal portion of a self-expandable open-cell stent for embolization of distal internal carotid artery aneurysms: multi-center, long-term results.

We report the long-term results of a modified stent-assisted coil embolization technique using the far proximal part of a self-expanding open-cell stent. The technique was used to cover the neck of the aneurysm while simultaneously preserving the branches of the distal internal carotid artery in patients with aneurysms of the posterior communicating (Pcom) and anterior choroidal arteries (AchA). We performed a retrospective review of the prospectively maintained databases at two tertiary neurosurgical centers to identify all patients who underwent embolization of Pcom or AchA aneurysms using this technique between January 2014 and July 2019. Postoperative and follow-up clinical and radiological results for initial (n = 16) or re-do (n = 4) embolizations were analyzed. We identified 19 patients with 20 (16 Pcom and 4 AchA) unruptured (n = 19) or ruptured (n = 1) aneurysms. Eighteen among 20 stents (90.0%) were deployed successfully, and complete occlusions were initially attained in 18 aneurysms (90.0%). At follow-up examinations 8 to 56months later, 6 of 14 aneurysms (42.8%) showed neck remnants. All of the branches were saved and no thromboembolic event, rupture, or sequelae were noted during or after the procedures. These results suggest that this modified stent-assisted technique is a feasible and reasonable alternative to conventional stent deployment for coil embolization of wide-necked sidewall aneurysms in the distal ICA.

Factors related to adverse events during endovascular coil embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms

Background and purposeThe risk factors for adverse events for example, intraprocedural rupture (IPR), ischemic complication within 24 hours, and rebleeding after endovascular coil embolization for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm remain...

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH SUBARACHNOID HAEMORRHAGE SUBJECTED TO DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY IN AL-HUSSEIN NEURO-INTERVENTION UNIT

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to bleeding that occurs primarily within the subarachnoid space, in between cases of spontaneous SAH and rupture of an intracranial saccular aneurysm accounts for approximately 85%. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess clinical presentation, risk factors and the etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a sample of Egyptian patients, and also assess the outcome of endovascular management and complications. Patients and Methods: The study was carried out on patients with SAH who were subjected to endovascular neuro-intervention unit in AL-Hussein University Hospital, including patients with SAH retrospectively from 2006 to 2018, and the newly diagnosed patients during 2019. Results: During the period from May 2006 to May 2019, 560 patients with SAH has been admitted. 136 patients (24.2%) were excluded from the study as they were critically ill. Their Hunt and Hess score were 4 to 5. Also, another 51 has been excluded due to missed files or discharge against medical advice. The remaining 373 patients. 145 patients were angiographically free, Patients with aneurysm were 228 patients, 77 patients died before therapeutic endovascular treatment as they delayed due to financial troubles, The remaining patients were 151, The most common type of aneurysm between those patients was anterior communicating aneurysm (27.8%), then MCA aneurysm (17.8%), posterior communicating artery aneurysm (13.9%), para-ophthalmic artery aneurysm (6.6 %), basilar artery aneurysm (5.9%), posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm (6.4%), supraclinoid carotid artery aneurysm (3.1%), peri callossal artery aneurysm (3.3%), T carotid artery aneurysm (7.2%), superior cerebellar artery aneurysm (1.9%), inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm (2.6%) and multiple aneurysms (6.6%). The complications of endovascular treatment in studied patients occurred in 13 patients (3.4%) in the form of aneurysmal rupture, coil displacement, hydrocephalus and vessel rupture. Conclusion: Cerebral catheter angiography is a safe, feasible and efficacious procedure. The new technique in the endovascular management of the cerebral aneurysm as balloon or stent assisted technique and flow diverter stent is greatly reducing the complication rate and making the outcome is very promising.

Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistulas.

A direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal shunt between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the cavernous sinus (CS). Traumatic CCF is the most common type, accounting for up to 75% of all CCFs. For the management of direct CCF, endovascular therapy has become the standard. For successful endovascular therapy, evaluation of the size and location of orifice of the CCF, venous drainage, and tolerance for ICA occlusion on cerebral angiography is necessary. Multi-planner reformatted images of 3D rotation angiography are useful to visualize the fistula and compartments of the CS precisely. Due to the limited commercial availability of detachable balloons, detachable coils have become a widely employed endovascular tool for the treatment of direct CCFs. The advantageous aspects of coil application are their easy retrievability and better control. In the case of large/multiple fistulas, adjunctive techniques, including balloon- and stent-assisted techniques, are often needed to occlude the CCF while preserving the ICA. To avoid cranial nerve palsy related to over-packing of the CS with detachable coils or a detachable balloon, selective embolization of the fistula portion is required. Use of liquid embolic materials and covered stents was recently reported as another adjunctive technique. In cases in which it is impossible to occlude the CCF while preserving the ICA, parent artery occlusion (PAO) is considered. The selection of additional/alternative techniques and devices depends on the anatomy and hemodynamics of each CCF, and the skill and experience of individual operators.

Preliminary experience of stent salvage using Neuroform Atlas stent for procedure-related complication during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms

ObjectivesAlthough stent-salvage technique has been well-known to rescue the situation of coil protrusion into the parent artery aggravating to make thromboembolism, the smallest profiled Neuroform Atlas stent can be expected to handle those situations easily compared to previously used intracranial stents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to report our series of stent salvage using the Neuroform Atlas stent for procedure-related complications during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Patients and methodsIn March 2018, the Neuroform Atlas was approved for use in our country. Since then, we have treated 541 aneurysms in 502 patients with coil embolization. There were 15 consecutive cases (14 unruptured and 1 ruptured) with procedure-related complications, such as coil protrusion or parent artery thrombosis, rescued by the Neuroform Atlas stent. Follow-up angiography was performed in 14 of the 15 patients between 6–12 months (mean 8.2 months) after the procedure, and clinical follow-up was performed from 2 to 18 months (mean 11.2 months) after the procedure. ResultsProcedure-related complications included parent artery thrombosis due to coil herniation (n = 5) and coil protrusion floating in the parent artery (n = 10). There was no complication related to delivery or deploy of Neuroform Atlas stents. In 12 (80.0 %) of the 15 cases, the stent was deployed via the same microcatheter for coil delivery. In 3 cases of wide neck aneurysms, the stent was deployed via another microcatheter per the scheduled stent-assisted or double microcatheter techniques. Initial angiographic results showed 11 (73.3 %, 11/15) cases of complete occlusion, and 12 (85.7 %, 12/14) cases achieved complete occlusion in follow-up angiographies. ConclusionsFacing with procedure-related complications during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, the smallest profiled Neuroform Atlas stent might be a time-saving and feasible option for the salvage technique by using the same microcatheter to deliver coils.