Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Research Articles

Double-barrel STA-MCA bypass for a giant thrombosed supraclinoid ICA aneurysm with gangliocapsular infarct – A case report

Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is an essential tool for cerebral revascularization procedure. Superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass was usually performed using one stem of the STA only. In an attempt to augment the flow and to direct the flow to different ischemic areas of the brain, a “double-barrel” technique is used, in which both branches of the STA are used to revascularize distinct MCA territories. Though there are many advancements in endovascular procedures, still STA MCA bypass plays a role in selected cases. We report a 50 years old female with giant thrombosed supraclinoid segment internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm with gangliocapsular infarct presented with vision loss, and limb weakness. Patient underwent double barrel STA-MCA bypass, post operatively patient improved of symptoms and patient was discharged in a stable condition. Though endovascular techniques have evolved exponentially over the last few years, and most of these complex aneurysms can be treated using flow-diverting techniques.Though the need for microsurgical intervention is diminished iin this endovascular era, still the surgeons should think about these revascularization procedures as it gives life-long durable solution.

Focal drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy associated with an ipsilateral anterior choroidal artery aneurysm: illustrative case.

The occurrence of both an intracranial aneurysm and epilepsy, especially drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), is rare. Although the overall incidence of aneurysms associated with DRE is unclear, it is thought to be particularly infrequent in the pediatric population. Surgical ligation of the offending aneurysm has been reported in conjunction with resolving seizure activity, although few cases have cited a combined approach of aneurysm ligation and resection of an epileptogenic focus. We present the case of a 14-year-old female patient with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and an ipsilateral supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. Seizure semiology, electroencephalography monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging all indicated a left temporal epileptogenic focus, in addition to an incidental aneurysm. The authors recommended a combined surgery involving resection of the temporal lesion and surgical clip ligation of the aneurysm. Near-total resection and successful ligation were achieved, and the patient has remained seizure free since surgery at 1 year postoperatively. In patients with focal DRE and an adjacent intracranial aneurysm, a combined surgical approach involving both resection and surgical ligation can be used. Several surgical timing and neuroanesthetic considerations should be made to ensure the overall safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Compressive optic neuropathy caused by a flow-diverter-occluded-but-still-growing supraclinoid internal carotid aneurysm: illustrative case

BACKGROUNDFlow diverter stenting is an effective treatment for large proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. Cranial neuropathy caused by the mass effect of the aneurysm usually subsides over time. However, a new onset of compressive optic neuropathy after successful flow diverter stenting of a large proximal ICA aneurysm is seldom reported.OBSERVATIONSA 57-year-old woman had a right supraclinoid ICA aneurysm (approximately 17 mm) on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in a health checkup. She received intervention with the Pipeline embolization device. Six months later, she started to experience progressive hemianopia in the left half of the visual field. Nine months after stenting, MRA showed that the aneurysm was growing and causing mass effect, but digital subtraction angiography confirmed that the aneurysm was completely excluded from the circulation. She received a craniotomy for microsurgical decompression of the optic nerve and coagulation shrinkage of the aneurysm. Clipping and thrombectomy were not attempted. Her visual fields recovered gradually. Follow-up MRA showed that the aneurysm also diminished in size.LESSONSWhether the coagulation technique of the flow-diverter-occluded aneurysm alone is enough to cause satisfactory shrinkage and interaction between the flow diverter and the aneurysmal vasa vasorum/neointima formation should be further examined.

Anterior Temporal Approach for Clipping Posterior-Projecting Supraclinoid Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A More Lateral Corridor to Better Visualize the Aneurysm Neck and Related Branches

Direct visualization of the aneurysm neck and its related branches during microsurgical clipping of supraclinoid internal carotid artery (SICA) aneurysms using a standard pterional approach may be difficult, especially when aneurysms are posteriorly projected. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an anterior temporal approach for clipping posterior-projecting SICA aneurysms. Between December 2017 and March 2020, 26 patients with posterior-projecting SICA aneurysms who received microsurgical clipping via an anterior temporal approach were retrospectively reviewed. The percentage of complete aneurysm obliteration, intraoperative visualization, and preservation of related branches were evaluated. Aneurysm locations were the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) (internal carotid artery [ICA]-PCoA) in 22 patients (84.6%), the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) (ICA-AChA) in 3 patients (11.5%), and both locations in 1 patient (3.9%). Complete aneurysm obliteration was achieved in all patients. For ICA-PCoA aneurysms in which the PCoA was preoperatively identified, the artery was intraoperatively identified in all cases and preserved 100% after surgery. For ICA-AChA aneurysms, AChAs were intraoperatively identified and preserved in all cases after surgery. Procedural-related infarction was 8.7% for ICA-PCoA aneurysms and 7.7% for all SICA aneurysms. Transient oculomotor nerve palsy was found in 2 patients (7.7%). No postoperative temporal contusion was detected. A good outcome at 3 months after surgery was achieved in 90% of patients for good clinical-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage and unruptured cases. The anterior temporal approach is safe and effective for clipping SICA aneurysms with posterior projection, with a high preservation rate of the related branches.

Placement of a Pipeline Embolization Device: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Flow diversion has been a game-changer in the treatment of wide-neck large and giant cavernous and supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms as well as large vertebral artery aneurysms. Prior to their existence, carotid sacrifice or clipping with or without external to internal carotid artery bypass was the mainstay of treatment. Prior to flow diversion, endovascular coil embolization was often not effective as a stand-alone treatment because of the fact that many of these aneurysms present with symptoms created by mass effect on the cavernous sinus cranial nerves by the aneurysm. Packing the aneurysm with coils did nothing to alleviate the mass effect and did not prevent flow from entering the aneurysm. The continued flow causes coil compaction and aneurysm enlargement. Flow diversion addressed both these issues by diverting flow from the aneurysm while allowing the aneurysm to slowly thrombose and shrink. The video is a step-by-step account of this procedure in a 72-yr-old male with a large recurrence of a previously coiled cavernous ICA aneurysm. The procedure was performed following informed consent.

Optic Nerve Decompression from Coil Mass Impingement and Adhesion Following Large Internal Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Coil Embolization: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Aneurysmal mass effect is a consideration for treatment modality selection, particularly in the setting of cranial neuropathy or obstructive hydrocephalus. However, the extent of consequences related to mass effect is not always apparent periprocedurally from the original treatment. This unique video highlights a patient who underwent previous coil occlusion of a supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm with subsequent occlusion of the ipsilateral ICA who presented 16 yr later with progressive worsening hemianopsia. The preoperative imaging was suggestive of coil mass impingement prompting operative intervention for decompression. Intraoperative inspection demonstrated that the coil mass was exerting mass effect on the optic nerve and had partially migrated out of the aneurysm dome into the optic nerve. The ICA was also transected and mobilized to further reduce mass effect. Careful microsurgical decompression was achieved and prevented further visual compromise. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

Hunterian Ligation With Distal Revascularization for Management of a Previously Coiled Giant Internal Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Unclippable giant aneurysms pose a significant microsurgical challenge. Options for management are highly dependent on the aneurysm characteristics and cerebrovascular anatomy. Hunterian (proximal) ligation with either high-flow or low-flow distal revascularization is an option for the treatment of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA). This patient had a multiply recurrent supraclinoid ICA aneurysm following endovascular treatment and progressive ipsilateral homonymous hemianopsia. In preparation for the clip occlusion of the proximal ICA, the patient underwent a balloon test occlusion of the ICA, which had a negative result, indicative of tolerance. A pterional craniotomy was used to perform a low-flow bypass, superficial temporal artery to M2, and clip occlusion of the proximal ICA. The patient tolerated the procedure well with some pressure-dependent contralateral symptoms, which resolved. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

Stent-Assisted Coiling of a Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm in Tetralogy of Fallot Under Conscious Sedation.

Stent-Assisted Coiling of a Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm in Tetralogy of Fallot Under Conscious Sedation.

Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Clipping Complicated by Aneurysm Dome Origin of the Anterior Choroidal Artery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms most commonly arise at the origin of the posterior communicating or anterior choroidal artery. The unique angioarchitecture presented in this case involved the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) originating from the dome of a supraclinoid ICA aneurysm. Treatment is associated with high morbidity because of the eloquent parenchyma perfused by the AChA. Therefore, the preservation of flow within the AChA during clipping is paramount. Anterior choroidal syndrome, comprising hemiplegia, hemianesthesia, and hemianopsia, conveys a significant morbidity. This syndrome is observed in the setting of AChA sacrifice and can be observed in a delayed manner after clipping. Anterior choroidal syndrome is of uncertain etiology but is associated with AChA infarction. This patient presented with tinnitus and was found to have an incidental supraclinoid ICA aneurysm with AChA originating from the aneurysmal dome. A right orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed for a transsylvian approach to the aneurysm. A fenestrated clip was applied to occlude the aneurysmal portion of the ICA up to the point of AChA origin. A curved clip was then used to occlude the AChA segment of the aneurysm, providing patency to the AChA takeoff along the ICA. Patency of the AChA and ICA was confirmed with intraoperative angiography, and the patient had a favorable clinical outcome. This case exemplified an excellent surgical clipping of a challenging supraclinoid ICA aneurysm involving the need to preserve a vessel off the aneurysm dome. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

ABSTRACTA 41-year-old lady who presented with sudden-onset severe headache diagnosed to have ruptured supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Her cardiac echocardiography showed features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. After stabilizing her cardiac condition, she underwent craniotomy and clipping of aneurysm. Both cardiac and neurological catastrophes were managed by the joint team with excellent outcome. This paper emphasizes the need for high-quality combined care.How to cite this articleTripathy LN, Rana I, Saha A, Dixit R. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(5):363–364.

Flow diversion for internal carotid artery aneurysms: Impact of complex aneurysm features and overview of outcome

ObjectiveFlow diversion is a popular technique used to treat ordinary small, as well as complex internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. We describe aneurysm occlusion rates, complications and patient outcomes in patients with ICA aneurysms treated with flow diverter stents. Patients and methodsWe identified all consecutive patients with ICA aneurysms that were treated with flow diverter stents between 2014 and 2019 at our institution. We divided the aneurysms into two anatomic subgroups (cavernous and supraclinoid segments). All the imaging studies and medical records were reviewed for relevant features in relation to aneurysms, complications and patient outcomes. ResultsA total of 62 patients with 76 ICA aneurysms (72 unruptured; 4 ruptured) were treated with 70 flow diversion procedures, including six re-treatments. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 61 % of patients at 6-month follow-up (cavernous 69 %, supraclinoid 58 %), and in 69 % at the latest follow-up (mean of 18 months). Postprocedural intracranial ischemia or hemorrhage was seen in 24 % of patients, including two aneurysm ruptures after flow diversion, and related major long-term functional decline or mortality was seen in 6% of patients. Preprocedural dysfunction of extraocular muscles or vision disturbance improved moderately at best (40–60 %). At the latest follow-up, 54 patients (87 %) were functionally independent (mRS ≤2). ConclusionFlow diversion for cavernous and supraclinoid ICA aneurysms demonstrated acceptable results, but complex aneurysm features cause uncertainty in predicting aneurysm occlusion probability. Patients should be informed of the non-negligible rate of complications, and of only moderate improvement rate of cranial nerve dysfunctions.

Contemporary trends in extracranial-intracranial bypass utilization: analysis of data from 2008 to 2016.

The impact of FDA approval of flow-diversion technology for the treatment of supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms and the publication of the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study, both of which occurred in 2011, on the utilization of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypasses is not known. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for hospitalizations for EC-IC bypass performed from 2008 to 2016. Diagnoses of interest included an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), carotid occlusive disease (COD), and moyamoya disease. The authors assessed trends in EC-IC bypass utilization for these diagnoses and the incidence of adverse discharges, defined as discharge to locations other than home, and the rate of mortality. A total of 1640 EC-IC bypass procedures were performed at 558 hospitals during the study period, with 1148 procedures at 448 hospitals performed for a diagnosis of interest. The most frequent surgical indication was moyamoya disease (65.7%, n = 754), followed by COD (23.2%, n = 266), SAH (3.2%, n = 37), and a UIA (7.9%, n = 91). EC-IC bypass utilization for COD decreased from 0.21 per 100 admissions of COD in 2010 to 0.09 per 100 admissions in 2016 (p = 0.023). The frequency of adverse discharges increased during the study period from 22.3% of annual admissions in 2008 to 31.2% in 2016 (p = 0.030) when analysis was limited to procedures performed for a diagnosis of interest. Per volume, the top 5th percentile of hospitals, on average, performed 18.4 procedures (SD 13.2) per hospital during the study period, compared to 1.3 procedures (SD 1.3) that were performed in hospitals within the bottom 95th percentile. The rate of adverse discharges was higher at low-volume institutions when compared to that at high-volume institutions (33.8% vs 28.7%; p = 0.029). Over the study period, the authors noted a trend toward a reduced percentage of total surgical volume performed at high-volume hospitals (p < 0.001). The authors observed a decrease in the utilization of EC-IC bypass for COD during the study period. An increase in the rate of adverse discharges was also noted, coinciding with more procedures being performed at lower-volume centers.

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Operative Approaches for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Multiple Treatment Meta-Analysis of Conventional and Minimally Invasive Surgeries”

Thromboembolic complications remain a major reason for morbidity and mortality after flow diversion, in addition to hemorrhagic complications not limited to the brain predicated on the prolonged need for dual antiplatelet therapy. Surface modification to decrease thrombogenicity and accelerate aneurysm occlusion is a promising alteration to mitigate those risks. The Pipeline embolization device with Shield Technology possesses such characteristics; however, it has not yet been approved in the United States.We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with a Spetzler-Martin grade 4 left parietal arteriovenous malformation with a total of 8 feeding vessel aneurysms and recent rupture of 1 of those aneurysms that was treated with balloon-assisted coil embolization. Four M1-segment middle cerebral artery aneurysms and 1 supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm were treated with 2 Pipeline embolization Shield devices after a compassionate use request was approved. At 3 weeks after the procedure, the patient experienced a minor ischemic stroke after having missed the prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy. At the 3-month follow-up examination, the patient was neurologically intact and all the aneurysms were occluded. Dual antiplatelet therapy was discontinued.Flow diverters with surface modification to decrease thrombogenicity and accelerate aneurysm occlusion are promising endovascular tools for patients at high risk of complications with dual antiplatelet therapy. The present case represents one of the first cases performed in the United States using such a device. Despite the favorable outcome in the present case, the question of whether such technology obviates the need for dual antiplatelet therapy remains to be determined.

EXPERIENCE OF EXTRACRANIAL-INTRACRANIAL BYPASS WITH USING MAXILLARY ARTERY

Objective is to present the first experience of creating extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass using the maxillary artery (MA) as an arterial donor for treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms (GIA), as well as for treatment of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Materials and methods. We performed EC-IC bypasses using MA at 4 patients: at 3 patients with GIA of the anterior part of the Willis circle (giant fusiform aneurysm of the М1 segment of middle cerebral artery (MCA), giant fusiform aneurysm of the supraclinoid part of ICA, giant ICA bifurcation aneurysm) and at patient with ICA occlusion. All patients with aneurysms had tumor-like clinical manifestation. Patient with ICA occlusion had crescendo ipsilateral MCA transient ischemic attacks. Creation of the traditional EC-IC bypass was impossible because of superficial temporal artery injury as result of prior surgery in other hospital. Results. We used transzygomatic pterional craniotomy, MA as a donor artery, M2 segment of MCA as a recipient artery and radial artery as an interposition graft in all cases. At patient with ICA occlusion surgical treatment included bypass creation, at all patients with GIA after bypass creation we performed aneurysm trapping (distal clipping of М1 segment at patient with MCA aneurysm, cervical ICA ligation at patient with supraclinoid ICA GIA, temporary trapping, thrombectomy and aneurysm clipping at patient with bifurcation ICA GIA). We confirmed bypass patency by intraoperative Doppler sonography and flowmetry and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in postoperative period. In all cases bypasses were patent with flow 33–57 ml per min. Patient with ICA bifurcation GIA suffered from contralateral hemiparesis due to ischemia in anterior choroid artery territory in early postoperative period, which partially regressed at discharge. In other cases there were not any complications. Conclusion. EC-IC bypasses with using MA as a donor and radial artery as an interposition graft can provide sufficient replacement blood flow in the MCA territory in cases of giant cerebral aneurysms and in patients with occlusion of the ICA. This type of bypasses is less traumatic compared with high-flow bypasses. Given the shorter length and less tortuosity of the graft, its more secure localization, we can assume a lower risk of bypass thrombosis in the early and late postoperative periods and higher patency of the graft.

Kinking of Flow Diverter in a Giant Wide-Necked Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

We report here a rare complication in the form of kinking of flow diverter in a case of giant wide-necked supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm 48 hours after the procedure. This 28-year female presented with giant wide-necked right supraclinoid ICA aneurysm which was managed by flow diversion. On 2nd post-op day, patient developed weakness of left side with altered sensorium - angiography and CT showed kinking of flow diverter at the neck of the aneurysm with poor distal flow. Eventually, the patient developed right middle cerebral artery infarct for which decompressive hemicraniectomy was done. The likely cause of development of kink is because the aneurysm was wide-necked, the hemodynamic forces have resulted in inward buckling of the flow diverter at the aneurysm neck. This case shows that kinking of flow diverter can still happen 48 hours post-procedure.

Acute distal migration of a flow diverting stent

The introduction of flow diverting stents, particularly for treatment of petrous to supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms, has greatly impacted endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Despite their high efficacy, complications, such as ischemic events, distal hemorrhage, or problems with stent deployment, remain a significant concern. We present the first reported case of acute distal migration of a Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). A 24-year old female underwent elective placement of a PED for treatment of a left paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. Despite an uneventful intra-operative course, adequate stent placement and a normal neurologic examination immediately after placement, she demonstrated right hemiparesis shortly thereafter. Repeat angiography revealed acute distal migration of the PED and an occlusive thrombus. Thought to be secondary to chronic in-stent thrombosis, distal migration has been previously described in a delayed fashion over weeks to months. However, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of distal flow diverter migration in an acute setting immediately following the procedure.

Effect of indocyanine green dye administration on cerebral oxygen saturation.

Sir, Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive continuous method of measuring regional cerebral oxygen tissue saturation (SctO2).[1] It uses a technique similar to pulse oximetry where light absorption in wavelength 600–900 nm is used. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water soluble and iodide containing dye that fluoresces when exposed to infrared light. This property of ICG is used for the intra-operative assessment of blood flow during aneurysm surgery. Safety of ICG usage in clinical settings has been demonstrated for determining cardiac output, hepatic function and liver blood flow and for ophthalmic angiography.[2] There have been hypotension, urticarial reaction or anaphylaxis and falsely low pulse oximetry recording during or following use of ICG.[3,4] Contrary to falsely low pulse oximetry recordings, ICG administration has been shown to increase SctO2.[4] Here, we are describing the effect of ICG administration on SctO2. A 65-year-old male patient was scheduled to undergo clipping of right supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm under general anaesthesia. Apart from the routine monitoring, we placed bilateral NIRS sensors over the forehead of the patient. After administration of 10 mg of ICG, the SctO2 on both the sides suddenly increased to 100 from a baseline of about 65–75% and gradually decreased to the baseline value after about 15 min [Figure 1]. There were no associated haemodynamic changes. Figure 1 Snap shot of near infrared spectroscopy monitor showing the graphical trend of the cerebral oxygen saturation. Furthermore, clearly seen is the sudden acute increase in saturation after injection of indocyanine green at two different time points and gradual ... This sudden increase in SctO2 following administration of ICG can be explained by the principle applied in NIRS sensors. NIRS uses wavelengths between 700 and 850 nm to determine regional cerebral oxygen SctO2 by differentiating oxyhaemoglobin from reduced haemoglobin in the frontal lobe. Thus, any substances that absorb infrared light of the same wavelength produced by the light-emitting diodes may affect the absorption of light as they traverse the blood and tissues.[5] ICG has a characteristic absorption peak at around 805 nm and this is likely to reduce the amount of detected light in the 810 nm wavelength of the NIRS device, which would be interpreted as an increased oxyhaemoglobin concentration leading to falsely elevated SctO2 reading.[6] The effect of this falsely elevated SctO2 on the clinical outcome of the patients is not known. Despite these changes, the remaining of the surgical procedure was uneventful or did the patient develop any new neurological deficits and patient's trachea was successfully extubated at the end of the procedure. The anaesthesiologists and neurosurgeons must be aware of this interaction of ICG and cerebral oxygen SctO2 in the intra-operative period. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Cerebral Blood Flow after Acute Bypass with Parent Artery Trapping in Patients with Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Bypass with parent artery trapping is an alternative treatment method for ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms when clipping or coiling is contraindicated. However, the efficacy and safety of this strategy during the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is undetermined. A retrospective review of 955 consecutive patients presenting SAH between 2006 and 2014 identified 17 patients with ruptured ICA aneurysms treated by bypass with parent artery trapping within 72 hours after the bleeding (bypass group). The 26 cases with ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with clipping during the same period were defined as a control group (clipping group). Postoperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) was evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We analyzed the postoperative hemodynamic status, surgical complications, and the clinical outcomes. Postoperative rebleeding did not occur in any of the cases. CBF in the first postoperative week in the bypass group was lower than that in the clipping group (P = .0165). This CBF decrease improved in the second postoperative week and did not differ from that of the clipping group. The incidence of acute ischemic complications was significantly higher in the bypass group (P = .0284), but the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia did not differ between the 2 groups. The incidence of favorable outcomes at 6 months was 82.4% in the bypass group and 81% in the clipping group. Although the transient CBF decrease with acute ischemic complications should be noted, acute bypass with parent artery trapping is safe and effective for unclippable/uncoilable ruptured ICA aneurysms.

Flow diversion for complex intracranial aneurysms in young children

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are exceedingly rare and account for less than 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. Open surgery to treat such aneurysms has been shown to be more durable than endovascular techniques, and durability of treatment is particularly important in the pediatric population. Over the past 2 decades, however, a marked shift in aneurysm treatment from open surgery toward endovascular procedures has occurred for adults. The authors describe their early experience in treating 3 unruptured pediatric brain aneurysms using the Pipeline embolization device (PED). The first patient, a girl with Majewski osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism Type II who was harboring multiple intracranial aneurysms, underwent two flow diversion procedures for a vertebrobasilar aneurysm and a supraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. The second patient underwent PED placement on a previously coiled but enlarging posterior communicating artery aneurysm. All procedures were uneventful, with no postsurgical complications, and led to complete angiographic obliteration of the aneurysms. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first series of flow diversion procedures in children reported in the medical literature. While flow diversion is a new and relatively untested technology in children, outcomes in adults have been promising. For challenging lesions in the pediatric population, flow diversion may have a valuable role as a well-tolerated, safe treatment with durable results. Many issues remain to be addressed, such as the durability of flow diverters over a very long follow-up and vessel response to growth in the presence of an endoluminal device.

E-047 Navigation of a Flow-Diverting Stent across the Neck of a Giant Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm with a Balloon Anchor Technique

IntroductionFlow-diverting stents (FDS), such as the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) have drastically altered the therapeutic strategies for giant intracranial aneurysms. Gaining endovascular access with a microcatheter to the portion of...