The endovascular management of saccular posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the outcome of the endovascular treatment of eight patients with eight saccular posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the last seven years (1999-2006), eight consecutive patients with saccular PICA aneurysms were treated by endovascular methods. Five of the aneurysms were presented with subarachnoid hemorrhaging, whereas three were discovered incidentally. Four of the aneurysms (3 ruptured and 1 incidental) were treated by intrasaccular coiling, whereas the remaining four (1 ruptured and 3 incidental) were treated by vertebral artery (VA) occlusion. RESULTS: Of the four aneurysms treated by intrasaccular coiling, three were completely packed with coils and one was partially packed. In three of four patients who underwent vertebral artery occlusions, follow-up digital subtraction angiographies demonstrated thrombosed aneurysms and PICA. No procedure-related morbidity occurred and no re-bleed was encountered during a follow-up examination (mean; 31 months). CONCLUSION: As a result of this study, we found that the endovascular management of saccular PICA aneurysms should be considered as safe and effective.     

Idiopathic aneurysms of distal cerebellar arteries: endovascular treatment after rupture

Introduction Idiopathic ruptured aneurysms of distal cerebellar arteries (DCAAs) are rare, and their endovascular therapy (EVT) has as yet not been extensively reported. They are usually assumed to result from local arterial wall disruption rather than infection, unlike distal supratentorial artery aneurysms. This study was performed to audit their frequency, potential aetiology and results of EVT. Patients and methods Using strict inclusion criteria and a database of 1715 EVT patients, we identified ten idiopathic ruptured DCAAs (0.6%) over a 13-year period (1993–2006). The series comprised six males and four females with mean age of 64 years and solitary aneurysms located on posterior inferior cerebellar artery (five patients), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (three patients) and superior cerebellar artery (two patients). Nine aneurysms were fusiform and were treated by endovascular parent artery occlusion, and one was saccular and treated by endosaccular packing. Endovascular therapy was performed with coils in seven cases, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in two cases and with both in one case. Results Primary EVT was successful in eight patients. One patient died following a procedure-related re-bleeding and one patient required re-treatment after failed endosaccular packing. Nine patients made good or excellent clinical recoveries (modified Rankin Scale 2 or less). Focal cerebellar infarctions were seen on computed tomography images after EVT in three patients, only one of whom was symptomatic with transient dysmetria, which resolved completely during follow up. No aneurysm recanalisation was detected on late follow-up imaging up to 24 months. Conclusion Ruptured DCAAs are rare. The majority are fusiform in shape and their aetiology remains uncertain. Endovascular treatment is feasible and effective. It usually requires parent artery occlusion.     

Advances in endovascular aneurysm treatment: are we making a difference?

Recent advancements in endovascular aneurysm repair, including bioactive and expansile coils and intracranial stents, hold promise for improved aneurysm occlusion rates. We report the immediate and midterm clinical and angiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of patients treated since the advent of these technologies. Clinical and radiological records of 134 patients with 142 aneurysms treated between 2001 and 2004 were retrospectively evaluated by an independent neurologist. Endovascular procedures were analyzed by an independent neuroradiologist blinded to all clinical information. Seventy-two ruptured and 60 un-ruptured saccular aneurysms, nine fusiform and one post-traumatic aneurysm were treated. Matrix coils were used in 53% of saccular aneurysms and HydroCoils in 13% of all aneurysms. Neuroform stents were deployed in 19% of aneurysms. Angiographic total or subtotal occlusion was achieved in 76% of cases and in 96% at last follow-up. Aneurysm recanalization was observed in 14% over a mean follow-up of 12 months, and 18% of aneurysms were retreated. Clinically relevant complications occurred in 6.0%, resulting in procedure-related morbidity of 0.6% and 0.6% mortality at 6 months. No aneurysm bled over a cumulative 1,347 months of observation. Newer embolization technologies can be exploited successfully even in more complex aneurysms with very low morbidity and mortality.     

Endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2000 and June 2003 we treated 11 true SAAs in 9 patients (7 females and 2 males; mean age 58 years), 8 saccular and 3 fusiform, 4 located at the middle tract of the splenic artery, 5 at the distal tract and 2 intra-parenchymal. The diagnosis was performed with colour-Doppler ultrasound and/or CT-angiography; 7 patients were symptomless, 1 had left hypochondriac pain, and 1 had acute abdomen caused by a ruptured SAA. Four SAAs were treated by microcoil embolization of the aneurysmal sac with preservation of splenic artery patency; in 2 cases this was associated with transcatheter injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Four cases were treated by endovascular ligature, with sectoral spleen ischaemia. One ruptured SAA received emergency treatment with splenic artery cyanoacrylate embolization. Two intra-parenchymal SAAs were excluded, one by cyanoacrylate embolization of the afferent artery and the other by transcatheter thrombin injection in the aneurysmal sac. RESULTS: Technical success was observed in all cases (in 10/11 at the end of the procedure; in 1/11 at CT performed 3 days after the procedure). The follow-up (mean 18 months; range 6-36) was performed by colour-Doppler ultrasound and/or CT-angiography 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure and subsequently once a year; the complete exclusion of the aneurysms was confirmed in 11/11 cases. The complications were: 4 cases of mild left pleuritis; fever and left hypochondriac pain 1 day after the procedure (in the same 4 patients and in one other case); 5 cases of sectoral spleen ischaemia and 1 case of diffuse spleen infarction with partial revascularization by collateral vessels. No alteration of the levels of pancreatic enzymes was found; a transitory increase in platelet count occurred only in the patient with diffuse spleen infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Using different techniques, endovascular treatment is feasible in nearly all SAAs. It ensures good immediate and long term results, and no doubt presents some advantages in comparison to surgical treatment, as it is less invasive and allows the preservation of splenic function.     

LVIS支架辅助栓塞颅内破裂动脉瘤的有效性和安全性

目的：分析Lvis支架辅助栓塞颅内破裂动脉瘤的有效性及安全性。 方法：回顾性分析2014年4月至2018年2月在郑州大学第一附属医院神经介入科接受Lvis支架辅助栓塞颅内破裂动脉瘤的230例患者的临床资料,分析患者术后即刻的疗效及随访疗效,收集围手术期并发症发生情况,分析其出血事件发生率、缺血事件发生率、致死率和残疾率。 结果：230例患者术后即刻手术效果：Raymond Ⅰ级205例（89.1%）,Raymond Ⅱ级25例（10.9%）。术后12个月,180例患者获得随访,临床效果：Raymond Ⅰ级162例（90%）,Raymond Ⅱ级17例（9.6%）,Raymond Ⅲ级1例（0.4%）。230例患者发生并发症共计24例（14.0%）,1例（0.4%）术中动脉瘤破裂再出血,1例（0.4%）术后出现再出血,12例（5.2%）术中或术后支架内血栓,支架内血栓患者中3例（1.2%）出现缺血并发症,术后未发现支架内血栓或闭塞患者出现缺血并发症患者10例（4.3%）,所有并发症患者中出现8例致残（3.5%）,致死2例（0.8%）。 结论：Lvis支架辅助栓塞颅内破裂动脉瘤安全有效。     

Results of endovascular treatment for intracranial wide-necked saccular and dissecting aneurysms using the Enterprise stent: a single center experience

Objective

The aim of the present retrospective study is to compare outcome of the endovascular treatment using the Enterprise stent in intracranial wide-necked saccular and dissecting aneurysms.

Methods

Forty-six patients with 50 complex intracranial aneurysms admitted between June 2009 and November 2010 were treated using Enterprise stents. Thirty-one aneurysms were wide-necked saccular, 19 aneurysms dissecting. In 48 cases, aneurysms were occluded by stent-assisted coiling; in 2 cases, by stent alone.

Results

Among the aneurysms treated with the Enterprise stent, patient sex, aneurysm location, hypertension history and the immediate angiographic results differed significantly between the saccular and dissecting aneurysm groups. However, recurrence rate, clinical follow-up outcomes did not differ significantly between the saccular and dissecting groups. There was 1 (2%) procedure-related complication, which caused death in the saccular group. At mean 9.1-month follow-up, the result was good in all dissecting cases and good in 30 saccular cases. There was 1 recurrence in each group.

Conclusions

Enterprise stent is very useful for endovascular embolization of intracranial wide-necked saccular and dissecting aneurysms because it is easy to navigate and place precisely. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were low.     

Endovascular treatment of posterior cerebral artery aneurysms using detachable coils

Introduction Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) are rare, and most of the studies reported in the literature in which the endovascular approach was applied were carried out on a limited number of patients with PCA aneurysms. We retrospectively reviewed our cases of PCA aneurysms – at various locations and of differing shapes – that received endovascular treatment and evaluated the treatment outcome. Methods From January 1996 to December 2006, 13 patients (eight females and five males) with 17 PCA aneurysms (nine fusiform and eight saccular) were treated using the endovascular approach. The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 67 years, with a mean age of 44 years. Of the 13 patients, ten presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and one patient, with a large P2 aneurysm, presented with trigeminal neuralgia; the aneurysms were asymptomatic in the remaining two patients. Results All 13 patients were successfully treated, with only one procedure-related symptomatic complication. Seven patients were treated by occlusion of the aneurysm and parent artery together; five patients, by selective embolization of the aneurysm; one patient, by partial coiling. Although infarctions were found in two patients treated with selective embolization and in three patients treated with parent artery occlusion, only one patient with a ruptured P2 aneurysm treated with parent artery occlusion developed transient amnesia as an ischemic symptom. Conclusion Posterior cerebral artery aneurysms can be treated safely with either occlusion of the aneurysm together with the PCA or with a selective coil embolization. Infarctions may occur after endovascular treatment, but they are rarely the cause of a disabling symptom.     

Use of the Endurant Stent Graft System for Ruptured Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms: Short-term Experience in Nine Patients

PurposeTo report the early results of use of the Endurant stent graft in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).Materials and MethodsNine consecutive patients (seven men and two women; mean age, 76 y; range, 65–87 y) underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for a ruptured AAA with the Endurant stent graft between April and December 2012. EVAR was emergent in all cases. Early technical success, clinical success, major complication, and mortality rates were analyzed.ResultsIntraoperative immediate technical success was achieved in all nine patients. The 30-day clinical success rate was 67% (six of nine patients). The 30-day mortality rate was 33% (three of nine patients). During a mean follow-up of 6 months (range, 3–10 mo), none of the cases required reintervention; there was one late death attributed to probable endograft infection.ConclusionsThe short-term results of EVAR with the Endurant stent graft in patients with ruptured AAAs are encouraging.     

水解可脱弹簧圈栓塞治疗破裂急性期颅内动脉瘤的体会

目的总结水解可脱弹簧圈(Trufill DCS,Trufill DCS Orbit)栓塞治疗破裂急性期颅内动脉瘤的体会。方法对35例颅内破裂动脉瘤,应用DCS或DCS ORBIT方法,在起病72 h内进行栓塞治疗。结果35例栓塞成功,100%栓塞29例,95%栓塞3例,90%栓塞2例,80%栓塞1例。1例并发术中破裂出血,1例并发血栓栓塞,预后较好。1例死于肺部感染。30例获得1~15个月临床随访,无再出血。16例获得3~12个月DSA随访,1例部分再通。结论颅内动脉瘤破裂急性期的患者,应急诊治疗。用DCS或DCS ORBIT栓塞治疗是一种安全、有效、可靠的治疗方法。     

Risk Factors for Early Hemorrhagic Complications after Endovascular Coiling of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:The risk factors of early hemorrhagic complications after endovascular coiling are not well-known. We identified the factors affecting early hemorrhagic complications, defined as any expansion or appearance of hemorrhage shown by head CT in the initial 48 hours after coiling.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed a series of 93 patients who underwent coiling for a ruptured saccular aneurysm between 2006 and 2012 at our hospital.RESULTS:Five patients showed early hemorrhagic complications, and all involved an expansion of the existing intracerebral hematoma immediately after coiling. The associated risk factors were accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage at onset (P < .001), postoperative antiplatelet therapy (P < .001), and thromboembolic complications (P = .044). In the accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage group, the associated risk factors were postoperative antiplatelet therapy (P = .044) and earlier initiation of coiling (9.8 ± 6.5 versus 28.1 ± 24.0 hours, P = .023). Early hemorrhagic complications were significant risk factors for worse clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 2.02 ± 2.21 versus 4.4 ± 2.30, P = .022). None of the 93 patients showed further hemorrhage after the initial 48 hours after coiling.CONCLUSIONS:The accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage at onset, thromboembolic complications, postoperative antiplatelet therapy, and earlier initiation of coiling were the risk factors for early hemorrhagic complications.

A recent guideline stated that endovascular coiling should be considered if ruptured aneurysms were judged to be technically amenable to both endovascular coiling and neurosurgical clipping.¹ Consequently, the use of coiling for ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysms has been increasing. One problem is that the incidence of periprocedural hemorrhagic complications within 30 days was reportedly high in the endovascular arm of a study,² and they were reported to be associated with high mortality and morbidity.³ The risk factors for such early hemorrhagic complications are not well-known. Although the word “rebleeding” is often used for perioperative hemorrhagic complications, it is also unclear whether “rebleeding” is really caused by a rerupture of the aneurysm or is due to other mechanisms. Therefore, we analyzed cases of coiling for ruptured saccular aneurysms in which early hemorrhagic complications had occurred within 48 hours after coiling, to identify factors affecting these complications.     

Neuroform3支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞脑宽颈动脉瘤的长期随访疗效

目的评价Neuroform3支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞脑宽颈动脉瘤的长期随访疗效。方法2007年至2011年应用Neuroform3支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞118例脑动脉瘤,其中86例为破裂出血性动脉瘤,32例为未破裂动脉瘤,76例在出血72 h内实施了治疗。术后对患者进行脑血管造影和临床随访。结果支架准确释放115例(97.5%),因为血管扭曲和痉挛失败植入支架1例,支架移位2例。实施单纯支架植入2例,采用微导管经支架网眼技术66例,支架后释放技术49例。术后即刻造影示动脉瘤完全栓塞87例(74.4%),次全栓塞30例(25.6%)。术中无动脉瘤破裂出血事件发生,术后症状性脑梗死3例,无症状性脑梗死5例。术后随访6～60个月,平均26.8个月,共随访到105例,复查1～5次脑血管造影,完全栓塞99例(84.6%),次全栓塞病例中11例(36.7%)存在血栓形成;9例(7.7%)瘤体复发,其中5例进行了再次治疗达到完全栓塞,术后所有患者均无再出血,除3例外,所有患者支架内无明显狭窄。结论 Neuroform3支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞脑宽颈动脉瘤安全、有效,仍需更长期的随访和多中心研究。     

16层螺旋CT血管造影在颅内动脉瘤破裂中的临床应用

目的通过与DSA和手术对照,探讨16层螺旋CT血管造影（CTA）在颅内动脉瘤破裂的临床应用价值。资料与方法对33例动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血（SAH）、脑出血患者进行回顾性分析,33例均使用16层螺旋CT进行了CTA检查,其中18例行DSA检查;6例DSA下介入治疗,27例开颅行动脉瘤颈夹闭术;将CTA与DSA和术中所见对照。结果33例中,CTA共发现动脉瘤36个,其中18例行DSA检查者中,CTA发现动脉瘤20个,DSA发现动脉瘤21个;CTA能够清晰显示动脉瘤瘤体（形态、指向、轮廓）、瘤颈的宽度、载瘤动脉及与颅骨之间的关系;与DSA和手术对照,CTA对动脉瘤的检出率为95．2％,对破裂动脉瘤的诊断敏感性和特异性均为100％。结论16层螺旋CT脑血管造影重组图像质量高,安全、快速、无创,可以作为颅内动脉瘤破裂首选的筛检方法。     

Median Arcuate Ligament Compression Associated with Flow-Related Visceral Aneurysms

PurposeTo identify risk factors for rupture, and to determine outcomes of endovascular treatment of median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression–related visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs).Methods and MaterialsA retrospective review of patients who presented with MALC-related VAAs was performed from 1999 to 2021. A total of 21 patients (12 men) and 39 VAAs associated with MAL compression were encountered (mean age, 59 years). Imaging studies were reviewed for the number, morphology/size, and recurrence of aneurysms. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors for rupture.ResultsTen patients presented with acute rupture, and 12 patients were symptomatic with nonspecific abdominal pain. Twenty-two aneurysms were fusiform in morphology and 17 aneurysms were saccular in morphology. Of the 14 aneurysms that presented with acute hemorrhage, 12 (86%) were fusiform in morphology (odds ratio, 9.0; P < .01). The mean aneurysm size was 1.3 cm, and the mean ruptured size was 0.6 cm. Thirty-one aneurysms were treated by endovascular techniques, and technical success was achieved in all cases. Fourteen patients were found to have an Arc of Buhler. No procedure-related adverse events occurred. No patient underwent surgical ligament release. The mean time of follow-up was 3.2 years, and no aneurysms recurred after endovascular treatment.ConclusionsMAL compression-associated VAAs are an important clinical entity that should be treated even at small sizes, particularly if they are fusiform in morphology. Endovascular therapy is safe and feasible and results in durable aneurysm exclusion.     

Endovascular treatment of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms: results, complications, and follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Paraclinoid aneurysms are an uncommon cause of aneurysmal SAH, and their treatment is challenging. To assess the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms, we performed a retrospective analysis of 33 patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Clinical and radiologic information on 33 patients undergoing endovascular therapy between 1999 and 2010 was retrospectively reviewed. Angiographic results were evaluated with the modified Raymond grading system, whereas clinical outcomes were evaluated with the mRS scale.RESULTS:Seventeen (52%) aneurysms were classified as clinoid segment aneurysms, and 16 (48%), as ophthalmic segment aneurysms. Twenty-six (79%) aneurysms were small, 6 (18%) were large, 1 was (3%) giant, and 39% were wide-neck. Coiling was done with balloon assistance in 36% of cases and stent-assistance in 6%. Technical complications occurred in 1 patient, contributing to death. Early clinical complications causing permanent disability occurred in 3% of cases. One patient (3%) had fatal rebleeding 18 days after treatment. Overall, procedure-related morbidity and mortality were, respectively, 3% and 6%. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 36% of patients after initial treatment and in 65% during follow-up (average, 29.3 months). Seven patients had recurrences requiring retreatment (30%). Clinical outcome (average, 32.9 months) was good in 75% of patients and poor in 25%. No delayed complications related to treatment and/or the aneurysm occurred.CONCLUSIONS:Ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms are challenging lesions from an endovascular and surgical point of view. Despite the high rate of recurrences, good clinical results and protection against rebleeding can be achieved with current endovascular techniques.

The paraclinoid ICA location is common in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, paraclinoid aneurysms are an uncommon cause of aneurysmal SAH, and in large series, these represent approximately 1.4%–9.1% of all patients with ruptured aneurysms.^1–3 Because of their location in proximity to the skull base, surgery for paraclinoid aneurysms can be challenging and often requires extensive drilling of the anterior clinoid process and skull base to obtain proximal control and expose the aneurysm neck in its entirety. Because of these challenges, paraclinoid aneurysms have been one of the most common indications for endovascular treatment.^4,5 There is extensive literature on endovascular treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. However, due to their rarity, to our knowledge, little is known about the results and outcome of patients with ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment. In this article, we summarize our experience with patients with ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms treated with endovascular techniques at our institutions.     

Endovascular therapy of idiopathic cavernous aneurysms over 11 years.

PURPOSEWe report our experience with 42 patients with 48 cavernous carotid aneurysms, of whom 32 were treated with endovascular techniques and 10 were managed conservatively.METHODSThe 48 aneurysms were divided into two subgroups by location: 23 were at the C-3 portion of the carotid artery (small, saccular aneurysms with an epidural, partly intracavernous location) and 25 originated at the C4-5 segment (large or giant often fusiform aneurysms with a true intracavernous location). Morphologic features in both groups correlated well with differences in clinical presentation and also influenced therapy. Sixteen of the 25 C4-5 aneurysms (all large or giant) were treated by balloon occlusion of the parent artery, four (with narrow necks) were treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), and five were not treated (asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic). Twelve of 13 C-3 aneurysms were treated with GDCs. Ten C-3 aneurysms were not treated.RESULTSOphthalmoplegia resolved or improved in nine of 12 patients treated with parent artery occlusion. All aneurysms treated by carotid occlusion thrombosed. Twelve of the 17 aneurysms treated with GDCs were 100% filled by the coils, four were 80% to 95% filled, and one was only 40% filled. Seven of the 100% filled aneurysms remained completely occluded, two showed slight coil compaction, and in three, follow-up angiography was not available. Among the incompletely filled aneurysms, two remained unchanged, one showed progressive thrombosis, a fourth revealed coil compaction, and in one, follow-up angiography was not available. One thromboembolic stroke and three transient ischemic attacks occurred perioperatively, for a permanent morbidity of 3.5% and a transient morbidity of 9%. There was no mortality. Mean clinical follow-up was 33 months; mean angiographic follow-up of patients treated with GDCs was 11 months.CONCLUSIONSurgically difficult cavernous aneurysms can be obliterated by embolization with excellent clinical results. Detachable coils have become an important endovascular tool, especially for narrow-necked cavernous aneurysms of the C-3 segment, which can be protected against rupture in the subarachnoid space in most cases.     

Guglielmi detachable coil treatment of ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysms: retrospective review of a 10-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed our results with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) for the endovascular occlusion of acutely ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysms over 10 years. METHODS: Between 1991-2000, 83 patients (mean age, 56.1 years) with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were treated with endovascular GDCs. Patients with aneurysms due to trauma or dissection and those with mycotic or fusiform aneurysms were excluded. Mean follow-up in survivors was 19.1 months, and the mean Hunt-Hess grade at admission was 2.2. Angiographic follow-up was performed in 93% of surviving patients (mean interval, 11.6 months). The basilar caput (34 patients) and anterior communicating artery complex (19 patients) were most commonly treated. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (77%) had a Glasgow Outcome Scale score (GOS) of 4 or 5, nine (11%) had a score of 2 or 3, and 10 (12%) died. At follow-up, 24 patients (35%) had complete aneurysm occlusion, 18 (26%) had a dog-ear remnant, 24 (35%) had a residual neck, and two (3%) had residual aneurysm filling. No treated aneurysm rebled. Three patients required surgical repair after incomplete endovascular treatment. Two or more GDC occlusion procedures were required in 28 patients (34%). Major procedural complications occurred in two patients (2%), resulting in serious neurologic disability or death. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms with GDCs has low morbidity, and it facilitates good overall outcomes in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The short-term effectiveness of GDC occlusion in preventing aneurysmal rebleeding was excellent. Durability of the treatment in preventing long-term rebleeding as compared with direct surgical clipping warrants further study. Advances in device technology and technique may improve future outcomes.     

Intraprocedural thrombus formation during coil placement in ruptured intracranial aneurysms: treatment with systemic application of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist tirofiban

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: When using detachable coils to treat intracranial aneurysms, thromboembolism is the most feared and frequently reported complication during or after endovascular therapy. The purpose of this study was to document the therapeutic effect of tirofiban on patency of the parent vessel, rate of rebleedings, and outcome of the patients in the setting of acute subarachnoidal hemorrhage. METHODS: A patient data base was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients in whom thrombus occurred during endovascular treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms within a 34-month period and who were treated with tirofiban. All patients underwent anticoagulation with heparin during endovascular treatment procedures. Sixteen patients (age range, 52.9 +/- 10.7 years; 10 women, 6 men) were identified with intraprocedural thrombus formation. The patency of the parent vessel was assessed in a retrospective analysis blinded to outcome. Eight patients received ventriculostomy and had a follow-up CT. RESULTS: Local nonocclusive thrombus at the coil surface was detected in 5 patients, in all of whom the thrombus was dissolved. In 10 patients, partial or total occlusion of the parent vessel occurred during the intervention; in 8 of these, the vessel was recanalized completely and in 2 drug administration was assisted by mechanical means. In 1 patient, however, the occlusion persisted. No periprocedural rebleedings of the ruptured aneurysm occurred; 3 of 8 ventriculostomies had clinically silent small local bleedings. CONCLUSION: The use of tirofiban in the setting of endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms to dissolve platelet aggregation seems relatively safe and effective.     

介入法制作犬颅内动脉瘤模型

目的运用介入方法建立犬颅内动脉分叉部囊状动脉瘤模型。方法6条犬全麻后,采用血管内介入方法,用冠状动脉球囊导管扩张右颈总动脉近段,再用可脱球囊于扩张段远端将其栓塞,制作成6个分叉部动脉瘤。分别于术后1、2、3d行DSA检查并切除动脉瘤做病理组织学检查。结果6条犬成功获得6个动脉瘤模型。动脉瘤的平均宽度和平均长度在3d内逐渐减少。结论犬动脉瘤模型较好地模拟了人颅内动脉瘤大小、形态及DSA表现,可用于介入治疗新材料、新技术的实验研究。本动脉瘤模型的建立快速、可靠、可重复性强。     

Multimodal approach to endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and the effectiveness of endovascular treatment of visceral arteries aneurysms (VAAs) using a "multimodal approach". MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (mean age 60.1 years) with 29 VAAs (13 splenic, 4 hepatic, 3 gastroduodenal, 6 renal, 2 pancreatic-duodenal, 1 superior mesenteric) were considered suitable for endovascular treatment; 8/29 were ruptured. Saccular aneurysms (9/29) were treated by sac embolization with coils (in 4 cases associated with cyanoacrylate or thrombin) with preservation of artery patency. Fusiform aneurysms (6/29), were treated by an "endovascular exclusion". In 10/29 cases, supplied by a terminal branch, we performed an embolization of the afferent artery, with coils and cyanoacrylate or thrombin. 2/29 cases were treated with a stent-graft and 2/29 cases with a percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection and coils embolization of the afferent artery. The follow-up was performed by ultrasonography and/or CT-angiography 1 week after the procedure and then after 1, 6, and 12 months and thereafter annually. RESULTS: In 29/29 cases we obtained an immediate exclusion. Two patient died for other reasons. Complication rate was 27.6% (7 spleen ischemia and 1 stent-graft occlusion). During the follow-up (range: 7 days-36 months, mean 18.7 months), we observed 3/29 (10.3%) cases of reperfusion in the first month, all treated successfully with a further endovascular procedure. Primary technical success was 89.7%; secondary technical success was 100%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular therapy can be considered a feasible and effective approach for VAAs with good primary and secondary success rates.     

Endovascular treatment of cerebral mycotic aneurysms

PURPOSE: To evaluate the endovascular treatment (EVT) of mycotic aneurysms (MAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiologic data of 18 MAs treated with EVT were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 patients (11 men, three women), ranging in age from 28 to 64 (mean age, 44 years). All patients had endocarditis and positive blood culture. The aneurysms were located within the distal cerebral circulation (n = 13) or in the circle of Willis (n = 5). There were 12 ruptured aneurysms and six unruptured aneurysms. Distal or fusiform aneurysms were treated by means of parent vessel occlusion. Proximal saccular aneurysms were selectively treated. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment was successful for all aneurysms. No aneurysm bled after embolization during clinical follow-up. Follow-up angiograms obtained in 11 of 14 patients 6 months to 2 years after the procedures showed stable occlusions. Transient complications occurred in two cases, with worsening of hemiparesis and quadrantanopia. Five patients underwent surgical cardiac valve replacement within 1 week of EVT without neurologic complications. The late clinical outcome was normal neurologic status (n = 9) or permanent disability that was related to the initial stroke (n = 5). CONCLUSION: EVT is a reliable and safe technique that should be considered at the time of diagnosis of cerebral mycotic aneurysms.