Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Research Articles

Medial-type persistent trigeminal artery and ipsilateral posterior communicating artery supplying bilateral posterior cerebral arteries combined with an aberrant right subclavian artery and bicarotid trunk.

To describe a case of a medial-type persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) associated with multiple arterial variations. A 34-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis underwent cranial magnetic resonance (MR) angiography from the aortic arch to the neck region and intracranial region for the evaluation of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm that was previously detected on MR imaging. The MR machine was a 3-T scanner. There was an aberrant right subclavian artery and bicarotid trunk, medial-type left PTA and ipsilateral posterior communicating artery (PCoA) supplying bilateral posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs). The unruptured aneurysm was located at the paraclinoid segment of the left internal carotid artery and was treated successfully by coil embolization via a transfemoral approach. Only 10% of PTAs are classified as the medial type. The association with extremely large ipsilateral PCoA, which supplies the bilateral PCAs, has not been previously reported. Aberrant right subclavian arteries are common and are frequently associated with a bicarotid trunk. Before catheterization of the cerebral arteries, the aortic arch and its branches must be evaluated by MR angiography or computed tomography angiography to prevent catheterization failure via the right transradial approach.

Effectiveness of tuning an artificial intelligence algorithm for cerebral aneurysm diagnosis: a study of 10,000 consecutive cases

Diagnostic image analysis for unruptured cerebral aneurysms using artificial intelligence has a very high sensitivity. However, further improvement is needed because of a relatively high number of false positives. This study aimed to confirm the clinical utility of tuning an artificial intelligence algorithm for cerebral aneurysm diagnosis. We extracted 10,000 magnetic resonance imaging scans of participants who underwent brain screening using the “Brain Dock” system. The sensitivity and false positives/case for aneurysm detection were compared before and after tuning the algorithm. The initial diagnosis included only cases for which feedback to the algorithm was provided. In the primary analysis, the sensitivity of aneurysm diagnosis decreased from 96.5 to 90% and the false positives/case improved from 2.06 to 0.99 after tuning the algorithm (P < 0.001). In the secondary analysis, the sensitivity of aneurysm diagnosis decreased from 98.8 to 94.6% and the false positives/case improved from 1.99 to 1.03 after tuning the algorithm (P < 0.001). The false positives/case reduced without a significant decrease in sensitivity. Using large clinical datasets, we demonstrated that by tuning the algorithm, we could significantly reduce false positives with a minimal decline in sensitivity.

Machine Learning–Enabled Detection of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Improves Detection Rates and Clinical Care

Background Unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) have a relatively low prevalence of ≈3%, but detection can prevent devastating consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Here, we assess the performance of a machine learning algorithm to identify UCAs and determine whether routine use of the algorithm improves detection and patient care. Methods From a prospectively maintained multicenter registry across 8 certified stroke centers (1 comprehensive and 7 primary), we identified patients who underwent computed tomography angiography for evaluation of possible stroke from March 14, 2021, to November 31, 2021. A convolutional deep neural network (Viz ANEURYSM) trained to identify UCAs at least 4 mm in size analyzed the images, and ground truth was provided by a blinded expert neuroradiologist. The primary outcome was rate of clinical follow‐up for UCAs detected by the machine learning algorithm. Results Among 1191 computed tomography angiograms performed during the study period, 50 (4.2%) were flagged by the machine learning algorithm as possibly demonstrating a UCA, of which 31 cases were confirmed as true positive (positive predictive value, 62%). There were a total of 36 true aneurysms with 4 cases of multiple aneurysms. Overall, the most common locations included internal carotid artery (42%). Of these cases, 10 (27.8%) were not noted in the clinical radiology report or clinical notes, with a median size of 4.4 mm (interquartile range, 1.6 mm), and 24 (67%) were not referred for follow‐up, with median size of 4.4 mm (interquartile range, 4.2 mm). Of the 24 aneurysms not referred for follow‐up, 15 (62.5%) had been noted in the radiology report. A total of 33.3% (5/15) of the detected but not referred cases had a diameter &gt;7 mm, with median PHASES score of 7. Conclusions UCAs of sizes and intradural locations that require attention and may warrant treatment are frequently missed in routine clinical care. A machine learning algorithm that flags studies and notifies clinicians may minimize missed care opportunities.

Total Intravenous Anesthesia Protocol for Decreasing Unacceptable Movements during Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping with Motor-Evoked Potential Monitoring: A Historical Control Study and Meta-Analysis.

Injury can occur during intraoperative transcranial motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring caused by patient movement related to insufficient neuromuscular blocking agent use. Here, we evaluated the incidence of unacceptable movements in patients undergoing intraoperative MEP monitoring following our anesthetic protocol. We reviewed the anesthesia records of 419 patients who underwent unruptured cerebral aneurysm clipping with intraoperative MEP monitoring. The anesthetic protocol included target-controlled infusion with a fixed effect-site propofol concentration of 3 μg/mL and an adjustable effect-site remifentanil concentration of 10-12 ng/mL. We compared our findings of the intraoperative parameters and incidence of spontaneous movement and respiration with those of published meta-analysis studies. Spontaneous movement and respiration occurred in one (0.2%) patient each. The meta-analysis included six studies. The pooled proportions of spontaneous movement and respiration were 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-16.5%) and 4.1% (95% CI, 0.5-14.1%), respectively. The proportion of spontaneous movement in our study was significantly lower than that in previous studies (p = 0.013), with no significant difference in spontaneous respiration (p = 0.097). Following our center's anesthesia protocol during cerebral aneurysm clipping resulted in a low incidence of spontaneous respiration and movement, indicating its safety for patients undergoing intraoperative MEP monitoring.

Perisellar Tumor Coexisting with Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: Single-Stage or Staged Surgery?

The coexistence of perisellar tumors and intracranial aneurysms was previously considered a rare phenomenon. In this study, we introduce our experience with surgical strategies for the treatment of such coexisting pathologies. This retrospective study reviews the medical records and intraoperative videos of patients with coexisting pathologies of perisellar tumors and aneurysms from Nov 2017 to Oct2022. Our study involved 20 patients, including 9 males and 11 females. Three patients selected the single-stage endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), including one with a type of MP trigeminal schwannoma with an anterior communicating aneurysm, 1 with a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with a left internal carotid artery paraclinoid aneurysm, and 1 with a recurrent pituitary adenoma with a right internal carotid artery paraclinoid aneurysm. Thirteen patients chose tumor resection first through the EEA with embolization or aneurysm conservation. There were also 2 patients with irregularly shaped aneurysms who chose embolization before tumor resection. All tumors were completely removed, with only a few patients experiencing recurrence and postoperative complications, and the follow-up of the aneurysms was also stable. There were also 2 patients who chose conservative management for both tumors and aneurysms, but unfortunately, one of them suffered from aneurysm rupture and eventually died. No cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, severe intracranial infection, or surgical-related hemorrhage was found in any patients. Staged surgery or conservative treatment for aneurysms can be considered a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of coexisting pathologies. However, in very selected cases, the single-stage EEA can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment for such coexisting pathologies.

Has intraoperative neuromonitoring changed the surgery for unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms? A retrospective comparative study

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) represents one of the available technologies able to assess ischemia and aimed to improve surgical outcome reducing the treatment related morbidity in surgery for intracranial aneurysms. Many studies analyzing the impact of IONM are poised by the heterogeneity bias affecting the cohorts. We report our experience with IONM for surgery of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm in order to highlight its influence on functional and radiological outcome and surgical strategy. We retrospectively reviewed all MCA unruptured aneurysms treated between January 2013 and June 2021 by our institutional neurovascular team. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of IONM. A total of 153 patients were included in the study, 52 operated on without IONM and 101 with IONM. The groups did not differ preoperatively regarding clinical status and aneurysm characteristics. Patients operated with IONM had better functional outcomes at discharge as well as at follow-up (p= 0.048, p=0.041) due to lower symptomatic ischemia and better radiological outcome due to lower rate of unexpected aneurysmal remnants (p= 0.0173). The introduction of IONM changed the use of temporary clipping (TeC), increasing its average duration (p= 0.01) improving the safety of dissecting and clipping the aneurysm. IONM in surgery for unruptured MCA aneurysm could improve the efficacy and safety of clipping strategy in the way it showed a role in changing the use of TeC and was associated to the reduction of unexpected aneurysmal remnants’ rate and improvement in both short- and long-term patient’s outcome.

Cost-effectiveness of WEB Embolization, Coiling and Stent-assisted Coiling for the Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

PurposeInformation about the cost-effectiveness of a certain treatment is relevant for decision-making and healthcare providers. This study compares the cost-effectiveness of the novel Woven Endobridge (WEB) for intracranial aneurysm treatment with conventional coiling and stent-assisted coiling (SAC) from the perspective of the German Statutory Health Insurance.MethodsA patient-level simulation was constructed to simulate 55-year-old patients with an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm (size: 3–11 mm) considering WEB treatment, coiling or SAC in terms of morbidity, angiographic outcome, retreatment, procedural and rehabilitation costs and rupture rates. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated as costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs per year with neurologic morbidity avoided. Uncertainty was explored with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The majority of data were obtained from prospective multi-center studies and meta-analyses of non-randomized studies.ResultsIn the base case, lifetime QALYs were 13.24 for the WEB, 12.92 for SAC and 12.68 for coiling. Lifetime costs were 20,440 € for the WEB, 23,167 € for SAC, and 8200 € for coiling. Compared to coiling, the ICER for the WEB was 21,826 €/QALY, while SAC was absolutely dominated by WEB. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that at a willingness-to-pay of ≥ 30,000 €/QALY, WEB was the preferred treatment. Deterministic sampling showed that the discount rate, material costs and retreatment rates had the largest impact on the ICERs.ConclusionThe novel WEB showed at least comparable cost-effectiveness to SAC for treatment of broad-based unruptured aneurysms. Considering all three modalities, coiling had the least costs; however this modality is often not appropriate for the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Electroencephalography During Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCA) offers a safer alternative to clipping. However, it is still associated with an increased risk for Post Procedural Neurological Deficits (PPND). Prompt recognition using intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) and intervention can reduce the incidence and impact of new post-operative neurological complications. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IONM in predicting PPND after EVT of UCA. We included 414 patients who underwent EVT for UCA from 2014 to 2019. The sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic odds ratio of SSEP and EEG monitoring methods were calculated. We also determined their diagnostic accuracy using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots. The highest sensitivity of 67.7% (95% CI, 34.9-90.1%) was obtained when either modality had a change. Simultaneous changes in both modalities have the highest specificity of 97.8% (95% CI, 95.8-99.0%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.795 (95% CI, 0.655-0.935) for changes in either modality. IONM with SSEP alone or in combination with EEG has high diagnostic accuracy in detecting periprocedural complications and resultant PPND during EVT of UCA. IONM allows for confident and early intervention when obvious complications may not be evident to the endovascular professional.

Comparison of Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor for Dual Antiplatelet Therapy of Patients with Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

Thromboembolic events are critical complications in neuroendovascular procedures, and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) can reduce them. The effects of using aspirin and clopidogrel in DAPT are well characterized, but use of aspirin and ticagrelor has been less studied. This retrospective cohort study, conducted between April 1, 2015, and December 30, 2020, included patients with endovascular treatment with flow-diverting and non-flow-diverting stents for unruptured cerebral aneurysms who received DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel or with aspirin and ticagrelor. Of 148 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms with flow-diverting and non-flow-diverting stents started on DAPT with aspirin (100 mg/day) and clopidogrel (75 mg/day), 24 had a poor response to clopidogrel according to the VerifyNow test and had DAPT changed to aspirin (100 mg/day) and ticagrelor (90 mg every 12 hours). One thrombotic complication (0.81%) and 1 bleeding complication (0.81%) occurred in patients receiving DAPT with clopidogrel and aspirin during the procedure. These complications did not occur (0.00%) in patients receiving DAPT with ticagrelor and aspirin. At the 6-month follow-up, 4 patients (3.15%) in the clopidogrel group presented with thrombotic complications, whereas no patients (0.00%) in the ticagrelor group experienced this complication. At 6-month follow-up, 4 patients (3.23%) in the clopidogrel group presented with hemorrhagic complications, whereas only 1 patient (4.17%) in the ticagrelor group experienced this complication. Our study showed that DAPT with ticagrelor (90 mg every 12 hours) and aspirin (100 mg/day) is a safe and effective alternative to DAPT with clopidogrel (75 mg/day) and aspirin (100 mg/day) for patients with an inadequate response to clopidogrel.

Ticagrelor is related to nuisance bleeding after flow diversion of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Nuisance bleeding (NB) without urgent medical attention is rarely characterized despite its frequent occurrence in patients with cerebral aneurysms undergoing flow diversion (FD) who are maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study explored the risk factors for NB. Patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms who underwent intervention using FD (July 2018 to May 2022) and had follow-up data were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm features and follow-up data were analysed. Bleeding complications were classified as NB, internal bleeding and alarming bleeding. NB was characterized by easy bruising, bleeding from small cuts and nonfatal petechiae and ecchymosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for NB. This study assessed 121 patients. Of these, 52 (43.0%) patients had NB. Compared with the non-bleeding group, the NB group had more females (82.7% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.003), lower smoking rate (7.7% vs. 23.2%; p = 0.027) and smaller aneurysms (6.65 mm [4.60-9.60 mm] vs. 8.82 mm [5.65-15.65 mm]; p = 0.007) and had more patients maintained on ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (90.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-11.87; p = 0.016) was associated with NB. These results suggest that NB is a common bleeding complaint in patients on DAPT. In patients undergoing FD, DAPT with ticagrelor was the only independent risk factor for NB.

CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND CLINICAL OUTCOME OF YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS WITH ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE ADMITTED IN QUIRINO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

In patients younger than 40 years old, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an extremely rare condition. Despite the fact that the clinical features of aSAH have been the subject of extensive research in the general population, there is still some debate regarding the formation of aneurysms and their rupture in the young population. Behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of sympathomimetic medications are all considered risk factors for aSAH. Being female, the existence of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm, a history of hereditary and family history of aSAH, and certain genetic syndromes all contribute to an increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage. An ambidirectional cohort study is utilized in the study on thepatients who are from 19-55 years old admitted at Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City. The respondents are selected using convenience sampling based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The result showed that the Hunt and Hess score still play a significant role in determining the prognosis of young patients with ruptured aSAH. In addition, the survivability of patients in this population does not solely depend on the presence of any behavioral and non-modifiable risk factors for aSAH such as the Modified Fisher Grade Score, location, number, and type of aneurysms on radiographic findings but the clinical outcome and long-term functional outcome depend on the interplay of the above-mentioned factors, as well as the clinical condition of the patient on admission and the interventions given.

Difference in the cumulative incidence of aneurysmal occlusion by Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device and Pipeline Embolization Device in the treatment of unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

The introduction of flow diverters (FDs) has represented a paradigm shift in the management of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCA). Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Devices (FREDs) and Pipeline Embolization Devices (PEDs) have gained widespread popularity. We aimed to investigate the cumulative incidence of aneurysm occlusion. A total of 195 patients with 199 UCAs were analyzed retrospectively. The outcomes were aneurysmal occlusion during the follow-up, a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90days, additional treatment, major stroke, and steno-occlusive events of FD. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed, controlling for age, sex, aneurysmal size, and location of the internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Non-ICA aneurysms were excluded from matching. During the follow-up period (median, 366days), complete and satisfactory aneurysmal occlusions were observed in 128 (68%) and 148 (78%) of 189 UCAs in the unmatched cohort. The 142 (71 each) propensity score-matched cohort was complied. The FRED group had a higher cumulative incidence of ICA aneurysm occlusion (complete: HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.1, p = 0.0025; satisfactory: HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.2, p = 0.025). The proportion of additional treatment was significantly smaller in the FRED group (OR 0.077, 95% CI 0.010-0.57, p = 0.0007). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. Propensity score-matched analysis indicated that FRED might have a higher cumulative incidence of aneurysmal occlusion in the treatment of unruptured ICA aneurysms. Whether a cumulative incidence of aneurysmal occlusion may differ by the type of FDs warrants further investigation.

Sympathetic Nervous Hyperactivity Impairs Microcirculation Leading to Early Brain Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Although early brain injury (EBI) is recognized as a critical step following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), its pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the role of cerebral circulation in the acute phase using patient data and a mouse SAH model and evaluated its regulation via the sympathetic nervous system. The cerebral circulation time and neurological outcomes in the human body were retrospectively examined in 34 SAH cases with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms and 85 cases with unruptured anterior circulation cerebral aneurysms at Kanazawa University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. In a mouse study, a SAH model was created via endovascular perforation, and India-ink angiography was performed over time. Additionally, bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy was performed immediately before surgery, and neurological scores and brain water content were evaluated after SAH. Cerebral circulation time was prolonged in the acute phase of SAH compared with that in the unruptured cerebral aneurysm group, especially in those with electrocardiographic changes. Furthermore, it was more prolonged in the poor prognosis group (modified Rankin Scale scores 3-6) than in the good prognosis group (modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2) at discharge. In mice, cerebral perfusion was significantly reduced at 1 and 3 hours after SAH and recovered at 6 hours. superior cervical ganglionectomy improved cerebral perfusion without altering the diameter of the middle cerebral artery at 1 hour and improved neurological outcomes at 48 hours after SAH. Consistently, brain edema, quantified by brain water content, was improved by superior cervical ganglionectomy 24 hours after SAH. Sympathetic hyperactivity may play a critical role in the development of EBI by impairing cerebral microcirculation and edema in the acute phase following SAH.

Biological and physical mechanisms of cerebral aneurysms formation, growth and rupture

According to various researchers, the prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (CAs) in the general population varies from 2 to 5 %. In the vast majority of cases, CAs do not have clinical and neurological manifestations and are discovered incidentally during routine neuroimaging studies. CAs can cause intracranial hemorrhage. As a rule, hemorrhages of this type occur in patients aged 40–60 years. It has been established that about 10–15 % of patients die from an aneurysmal hemorrhage before they receive specialized medical care. Recurrent aneurysmal intracranial hemorrhage is the main cause of high mortality and disability in this group of patients. The search for literature sources in the scientific databases PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and eLibrary demonstrated the existence of numerous studies devoted to the study of molecular biology and biophysical mechanisms of formation, growth and rupture of CAs. Combining the results of these studies was the motivation for writing this literature review. The paper reflects in detail the role of inflammation and molecular genetic factors in the growth and rupture of the CAs, and presents the biophysical factors of the rupture of the CAs. The authors pay special attention to the shape, size and coefficient of the CAs as the most important geometric risk factors for the formation and rupture of the CAs. This review presents current data on mathematical modeling of various types of CAs with an assessment of the risk of rupture of the latter, which has found its application in wide clinical practice. The authors also attempted to describe the hemodynamic features in various types of CAs. In turn, the type of blood flow in the CAs cavity largely depends on the size and shape of the latter and the geometry of the carrier artery, which is the basis for preoperative planning and the choice of tactics for surgical treatment of patients with unruptured CAs.

OUTCOME EVALUATION OF FLOW DIVERTER STENT PLACEMENT IN TREATMENT OF RUPTURED AND UNRUPTURED CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS

Background: Cerebral aneurysms affect about 5% of the population and are associated with high mortality rates and severe complications for families and society. Complex aneurysm types include giant aneurysms, wide - necked aneurysms, blister - like aneurysms, recurrent aneurysms, fusiform aneurysms, and multiple aneurysms, which are difficult to manage with conventional endovascular or surgical methods due to complications such as coil migration and high rates of re - rupture. The development of flow diverter stents has been a breakthrough in recent decades and has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating aneurysms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of flow diverter stent placement in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study that followed up on 23 patients diagnosed and treated for cerebral aneurysms with flow - diverter stent intervention at the Stroke Department of Hue Central Hospital from 6/2020 to 6/2022. The follow - up data after 6 months and 12 months were recorded. Results: There were 23 patients (9 males, 14 females) with 28 cerebral aneurysms, with a mean age of 51.7 ± 9.9 years. Aneurysms were predominantly located in the anterior circulation (85.7%) and 14.3% in the posterior circulation. The most common aneurysm type was fusiform (75%), followed by dissecting (17.9%) and blister - like (7.1%). Most aneurysms had wide necks, with a neck - to - dome ratio &lt; 1.5, accounting for 82.1%. Flow diverter stent placement was successfully performed in 91.3% of patients, with 27 stents used. Stents were properly positioned, well - expanded in 88.9%. The complication rate after intervention was 4.3%. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates at 6 to 12 months were 92.9% and 96.4%, respectively. The rate of mild in - stent stenosis without clinical symptoms was 4.3%. The good outcome rate (mRS 0 - 2) was 91.3%. Conclusion: Flow diverter stent is effective and safe with high rate of successful and low procedural complications in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms.

3D-Printed Head Model in Patient's Education for Micro-Neurosurgical Aneurysm Clipping Procedures

Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D reconstruction from Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) are currently used in clinical consultations for patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms; however, they have limitations in helping patients understand the disease and possible treatments. This study investigates the use of a 3D-printed model of the patients' neurosurgical anatomy and vascular pathology as an educational tool in outpatient clinics. A 3D-printed model of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm was created for use during patient consultations to discuss microsurgical treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. In total, 38 patients and 5 neurosurgeons were included in the study. After the consultation, the patients and neurosurgeons received a questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model as an educational tool. The 3D model improved the patients' understanding of the diagnosis, the aneurysm's relationship to the parent artery; the treatment process as well as the risks if left untreated. The patients found the 3D model to be an interesting tool (97%). The neurosurgeons were satisfied with the 3D-printed model as a patient encounter tool, they found the model effective during consultation (87%) and better than the conventional education tools used during consultations (97%). Using a 3D model improves communication, enhances the patient's understanding of the pathology and its treatment and potentially facilitates the informed consent process in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm surgery.

Supraorbital vs pterional keyhole for anterior circulation aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe supraorbital approach is a modification of the traditional pterional approach, and it offers the benefits of a shorter skin incision and a smaller craniotomy than the pterional approach. The purpose of this systemic review study was to compare the two surgical approaches for raptured and unruptured anterior cerebral circulation aneurysms. MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE, up to August 2021, for published studies on the supraorbital vs pterional keyhole approach for anterior cerebral circulation aneurysms, and reviewers performed a brief qualitative descriptive analysis of both approaches. ResultsFourteen eligible studies were included in this systemic review. Results indicated that the supraorbital approach for anterior cerebral circulation aneurysms had fewer ischemic events compared to pterional approach. However, no significant difference between both groups in terms of complications such as intraoperative aneurysm rupture, brain hematoma, and postoperative infections for ruptured aneurysms. ConclusionThe meta-analysis suggests that the supraorbital method for clipping anterior cerebral circulation aneurysms might be a viable alternative to the traditional pterional method as the supraorbital group had decreased ischemic events compared to the pterional group, however, the associated difficulties in utilizing this approach among ruptured aneurysms with cerebral oedema and midline shifts further needs to be understood.

Predictors of recurrence and complications for the endovascular treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm: A high-volume center experience over 12 years

ObjectTo assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms in a retrospective cohort in a high-volume center. Predictors of complications and recurrence were determined. MethodsRetrospectively reviewed our database of prospectively collected information for all patients with unruptured MCA aneurysms that were treated by endovascular approach from March 2008 to December 2020. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of complications and recurrence. ResultsThree hundred and fifty-one patients with 370 unruptured MCA aneurysms underwent EVT were included in this study. Seventy-three aneurysms (19.7%) were treated by coiling without stent, 297 (80.3%) with stent-assisted coiling. The procedures were performed with a technical success rate of 100%. Procedure-related neurological complications occurred in 15 patients (4.1%), including 1 patient died from post-procedural stent thrombosis. Age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.039; OR = 3.400; 95% CI, 1.065–10.860) and aneurysm size ≥ 5 mm (P = 0.009; OR = 15.524; 95% CI, 1.988–121.228) were significantly associated with ischemic complications of EVT. Three hundred and six aneurysms were (87.2%) completed image follow-up (235 DSA and 71 CE-MRA). The median angiographic follow-up time were 7.0 ± 4.3 months (range from 1 to 88 months). Follow-up angiograms showed that 249 aneurysms (81.4%) were completed occluded, 29 aneurysms (9.5%) were improved, 17 aneurysms (5.6%) were stable, and 11 aneurysms (3.6%) were recanalized and 10 of them accepted retreatments. Aneurysm size ≥ 10 mm was a predictor of recanalization (P = 0.004; OR = 11.213; 95% CI, 2.127–59.098) and stent-assisted coiling can significantly reduce recanalization (P = 0.004; OR = 0.105; 95% CI, 0.023–0.479). ConclusionsEVT is a safe and effective therapeutics for unruptured MCA aneurysms management, and provides durable aneurysm occlusion rate during follow-up. Large MCA aneurysms have higher recurrence and ischemic complications risk after EVT. Stent-assisted coiling can significantly reduce the recurrence rate without increasing the risk of complications.

478 Microsurgical Outcome of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION: Recently introduced endovascular techniques for treating middle cerebral aneurysms (MCA) has to achieve results superior to surgical outcomes before it becomes the established treatment modality. We present our surgical outcomes in 403 unruptured aneurysms. METHODS: Data of 403 MCAs were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Modified pterional approach with linear dural opening over the Sylvian fissure (Limited brain exposure) was used. Outcome evaluated with Modified Rankin scale (mRS at DC and one year. RESULTS: 403 unruptured MCA aneurysms were clipped in 354 pts. 48 aneurysms (42 pts) had a ruptured aneurysm of different location and were excluded from analysis leaving 355 aneurysms in 312 patients. M/F ratio-1/2.9 Average age-59.34+ 12.22 and median age-60.109 pts had clipping of single MCA aneurysm during surgery and 203 had multiple aneurysms. Location: MCA bifurcation = 227 (64%), M1 = 101 (28%), M2 = 27 (8%) MCA. Size: Giant = 3 (1%); Large = 32 (9%); Medium = 85 (24%); Small = 235(66%), Outcome- MRs 0-2 at DC = 90%. MRs 0-2 at 3mo-1 year = 98.5%; Mortality = 0.64 % (1- sepsis, comfort care; 1- Massive heart attack); Residual = 0.84% (3/355); Ischemic event - 0.96% (3/312) CONCLUSIONS: Recently introduced endovascular techniques for treating middle cerebral aneurysms (MCA) cannot be pushed to become an established modality before at least it matches the present excellent results achieved with microsurgery. Maybe the future should focus on the high level microsurgery.

567 Drivers of 30-day Readmission, Drivers of 30-day Readmission, Reoperation, and Length of Stay Following Clipping Surgery of Unruptured Aneurysms in Elderly: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Study

INTRODUCTION: Elderly population is increasing worldwide with a consistent increase in the incidence of aneurysms. There are limited data evaluating the rate and predictors of reoperation and readmission after microsurgical clipping of unruptured aneurysms in elderly. METHODS: Data on elderly patients (≥65 years) who underwent surgical clipping of an unruptured aneurysm between 2016 and 2020 were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry (NSQIP). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the independent predictors of nonroutine hospital discharge, length of stay (LOS), 30-day reoperation, and readmission. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were calculated for feature importance using the best-performing model. RESULTS: A total of 367 elderly patients underwent surgical clipping for both ruptured (N = 142) and unruptured aneurysms (N = 225). Among the 225 unruptured cases, 11.6% (N=26) were readmitted and 6.2% (N = 14) were reoperated after 30 days. The mean LOS is 6.53 days (± 7.15). Most patients were discharged home (N = 160; 71.1%). Morbidity and morbidity probabilities were 2.15% and 3.8%, respectively. Male sex; preoperative BUN; preoperative creatinine and preoperative platelet count (p &lt; 0.05) are more likely to predict 30-day readmission. Male sex, history of cancer , and history of COPD (p &lt; 0.05) are more likely to predict reoperation. LOS was predicted with simple aneurysm , history of sepsis; history of COPD; elective surgery; operative time and days till the operation (p &lt; 0.05). Machine learning using SHAP showed that BUN, platelet count, and sex had the highest impact on readmission; WBC, hematocrit, and sodium levels had the highest impact on reoperation; while operative time and history of sepsis had the highest impact on LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Our predictive model validates risk stratification of outcomes of patients undergoing microsurgical clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in the elderly.