Using Onyx in endovascular embolization of internal carotid artery large or giant aneurysms

Background and purpose

Internal carotid artery (ICA) large or giant saccular aneurysms is challenging for endovascular coil embolization and surgical clipping with a high recanalization and rebleeding rate. We report our results using Onyx in the endovascular treatment of ICA large or giant saccular aneurysms.

Methods

During 2008–2010, 5 patients with 5 large or giant saccular aneurysms in ICA were treated with a liquid embolic agent (Onyx; Micro Therapeutics, Irvine, CA). One aneurysm was small (<10 mm), 2 were large (≥10 mm, <25 mm) and 2 were giant saccular aneurysms (≥25 mm). Of 3 female and 2 male patients, 3 were incidental and 2 had bleeding. Selective embolization was performed with Onyx alone or a combination with coils. Clinical and anatomic outcomes were assessed with the Modified Glasgow Outcome Scale and follow-up angiography was performed at 4–21 months (mean 12.2 months).

Results

Complete aneurysm occlusion was obtained in all of the aneurysms on immediate control angiogram. There was not any procedure-related complication. No recanalization was observed at the follow- up periods. There were 2 ICA occlusions in giant ICA aneurysms. The 5 patients were all clinically asymptomatic at follow-up.

Conclusion

Endovascular embolization with Onyx is a useful treatment for ICA large or giant aneurysms, which is unsuitable for coiling or surgical treatment.     

Late angiographic and clinical follow-up results of 100 consecutive aneurysms treated with Onyx reconstruction: largest single-center experience

We present the long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up results of 100 consecutive intracranial aneurysms treated with Onyx liquid embolic system (MTI, Irvine, Calif.), either alone or combined with an adjunctive stent, in a single center. A total of 100 aneurysms in 94 patients were treated with endosaccular Onyx packing. Intracranial stenting was used adjunctively in 25 aneurysms including 19 during initial treatment and 6 during retreatment. All aneurysms except two were located in the internal carotid artery. Of the 100 aneurysms, 35 were giant or large/wide-necked, and 65 were small. Follow-up angiography was performed in all 91 surviving patients (96 aneurysms) at 3 and/or 6 months. Follow-up angiography was performed at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years in 90, 41, 26, 6 and 2 patients, respectively. Overall, aneurysm recanalization was observed in 12 of 96 aneurysms with follow-up angiography (12.5%). All 12 were large or giant aneurysms, resulting in a 36% recanalization rate in the large and giant aneurysm group. One aneurysm out of 25 treated with the combination of a stent and Onyx showed recanalization. There was also no recanalization in the follow-up of small internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with balloon assistance only. At final follow-up, procedure- or device-related permanent neurological morbidity was present in eight patients (8.3%). There were two procedure-related and one disease-related (subarachnoid hemorrhage) deaths (mortality 3.2%). Delayed spontaneous asymptomatic occlusion of the parent vessel occurred in two patients, detected on routine follow-up. Onyx provides durable aneurysm occlusion with parent artery reconstruction resulting in perfectly stable 1-year to 5-year follow-up angiography both in small aneurysms treated with balloon assistance only (0% recanalization rate) and large or giant aneurysms treated with stent and Onyx combination (4% recanalization rate). Endosaccular Onyx packing with balloon assistance may not be adequate for stable long-term results in those with a large or giant aneurysm. However, the recanalization rate of 36% in these aneurysms is better than the reported results with other techniques, i.e., coils with or without adjunctive bare stents.     

Unruptured large and giant carotid artery aneurysms presenting with cranial nerve palsy: comparison of clinical recovery after selective aneurysm coiling and therapeutic carotid artery occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms may present with cranial nerve dysfunction. Therapeutic ICA occlusion, when tolerated, is an effective treatment resulting in improvement or cure of symptoms in most patients. When ICA occlusion is not tolerated, selective endovascular aneurysm occlusion can be considered. We compare recovery of cranial nerve dysfunction in patients treated with selective coil occlusion and with therapeutic ICA occlusion.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 16 patients with 17 large or giant (11–45 mm) unruptured ICA aneurysms presenting with dysfunction of cranial nerves (CN) II, III, IV, or VI, selective coil occlusion was performed. From a cohort of 39 patients with ICA aneurysms treated with ICA occlusion and long-term follow-up, we selected 31 patients with aneurysms presenting with cranial nerve dysfunction. Clinical recovery at follow-up from oculomotor dysfunction and visual symptoms was compared for both treatment modalities.RESULTS: Of 17 aneurysms treated with selective coiling, symptoms of cranial nerve dysfunction resolved in 3, improved in 10, and remained unchanged in 4. In 9 of 17 patients, additional coiling during follow-up was required. Of 31 aneurysms treated with carotid artery occlusion, cranial nerve dysfunction resolved in 19, improved in 9, and remained unchanged in 3. These differences were not significant. There were no complications of treatment.CONCLUSION: Recovery of ICA aneurysm-induced cranial nerve dysfunction occurs in most patients, both after ICA occlusion and after selective coiling. In patients who cannot tolerate ICA occlusion, selective aneurysmal occlusion with coils is a valuable alternative.

Large and giant aneurysms of the cavernous, ophthalmic, and hypophyseal segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA) frequently present with symptoms of mass effect on the cranial nerves. Compression of the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), or abducens nerve (CN VI) results in ophthalmoplegia and is frequently associated with cavernous sinus aneurysms. Compression of the optic nerve (CN II) results in decreased visual acuity and visual field deficits and is mostly associated with carotid ophthalmic or hypophyseal aneurysms. In general, treatment in unruptured but symptomatic intradural located hypophyseal and ophthalmic aneurysms is indicated to prevent rupture and to alleviate symptoms of mass effect. Treatment of unruptured symptomatic cavernous sinus aneurysms may be indicated to improve cranial nerve function or to discontinue progression of dysfunction.In patients who can tolerate therapeutic ICA occlusion, this therapy is effective in excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. Symptoms of mass effect resolve or improve in most patients. In addition, endovascular balloon occlusion of the ICA is simple to perform, safe, and inexpensive.^1–8 When ICA occlusion is not tolerated, alternative treatments are selective aneurysm occlusion with coils or liquid embolic agent^9,10 and bypass surgery preceding occlusion.¹¹ The effect on cranial nerve dysfunction of selective occlusion with coils of ICA aneurysms in general and large and giant aneurysms specifically is poorly understood.^12–18 In this study, we assess the clinical evolution of aneurysm-induced cranial nerve dysfunction after selective coil occlusion in 16 patients with 17 unruptured large and giant ICA aneurysms and compare the results with historical data of patients with similar aneurysms and symptoms treated with ICA occlusion.     

Primary treatment of ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms with stent-assisted coil embolization: report of two cases

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are among the most hazardous cerebrovascular aneurysms to treat; microsurgical treatment of these small, wide-necked, and exceptionally fragile aneurysms place patients at significant risk of morbidity or mortality. We report two cases of ruptured BBAs attempted to be treated for the first time with stent-assisted coil embolization solely and review the current literature on treatment options. Our patients underwent stent-assisted coil embolization of the aneurysms in the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). One patient was successfully treated without procedure-related complications. The other patient died after surgical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, carried out after intraoperative rerupture of the aneurysm during the endovascular treatment. In the successful case, 8-month and 19-month follow-up angiograms demonstrated incomplete (>90%) occlusion with residual filling of the aneurysm neck, which did not need additional coil embolization. Even though stent-assisted coil embolization of ruptured BBAs in the acute stage appears to be a technically feasible treatment option, the present stent-related endovascular technology has potentially hazardous drawbacks.     

Cerebral Aneurysm Multicenter European Onyx (CAMEO) trial: results of a prospective observational study in 20 European centers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Onyx liquid embolic system in treating a selected population of patients with intracranial aneurysms that presented difficulties for surgical or endovascular alternatives. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 20 European centers enrolling a consecutive series of 119 patients with 123 aneurysms judged suitable for Onyx treatment. The series consists of findings collected in 97 of 119 patients with 100 of 123 aneurysms, because one center declined to provide data to the study sponsor or allow outside audit. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were recorded at discharge, 3 months, and 12 months. All adverse events and re-treatments were recorded. Seventy-nine aneurysms were large or giant. RESULTS: Twelve-month follow-up angiography findings were available for 71 aneurysms. This angiographic follow-up showed complete occlusion in 56 (79%) aneurysms, subtotal occlusion in nine (13%), and incomplete occlusion in six (8%). Procedure- or device-related permanent neurologic morbidity at final follow-up was present in eight of 97 patients. Seven patients died: two deaths were procedure related; one, disease related; and four, unrelated causes. Seventy-five of the 82 patients alive and with follow-up at 12 months were at Rankin 2 or better status. Delayed occlusion of the parent vessel occurred in nine patients; delayed occlusion was asymptomatic in five and resulted in permanent neurologic deficit in two. CONCLUSION: In selected patients with aneurysms that are unsuitable for coil treatment or in whom previous treatment has failed to occlude the aneurysm, Onyx treatment offers an endovascular alternative. Aneurysm occlusion rates are superior to reported rates of coil occlusion, and treatment morbidity is comparable to that of published prospective data on endovascular results for this subgroup of patients.     

Balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery in 40 cases of giant intracavernous aneurysm: technical aspects,cerebral monitoring,and results

Summary We have studied the results of carotid occlusion in the treatment of giant intracavernous carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms in 40 patients. Clinical, angiographic, Doppler and cerebral blood flow (CBF) criteria for tolerance of occlusion are discussed. The patients had headaches (47.5%), cranial nerve compression (87.5%), decreased visual acuity (20%), ruptured aneurysm (15%) and 5% were asymptomatic. Balloon occlusion tests were performed under light sedation anaesthesia: a successful test required perfect clinical tolerance and adequate angiographic collateral circulation in arterial, parenchymatous, and venous phases. Additional criteria include xenon 133 CBF measurements, and transcranial Doppler sonography of the middle cerebral artery. According to these criteria, 5 patients did not tolerate test occlusion and required an extra-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass. Mean follow-up was 4.7 years. All patients were radiologically cured of their ancurysm, and in 35 the symptoms resolved, although 3 had persistent ocular motor nerve palsies, and in 4 visual defects were unchanged. Complications were 1 permanent and 3 transient neurological deficits. Balloon occlusion of the ICA is an effective, reliable form of treatment for intracavernous giant aneurysm and should replace surgical ligation of the cervical carotid artery. With CBF or Doppler monitoring, the risk of neurological deficit is diminished. EC-IC bypass prior to ICA occlusion is indicated if test occlusion is not tolerated.     

Endovascular treatment of a giant intracranial aneurysm with a stent-graft

This report describes a giant intracavernous carotid aneurysm successfully treated by the placement of a single covered stent. A 40-year-old woman was admitted with a progressive diplopia in relation with palsy of the IV and VI cranial nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intracavernous giant aneurysm located at the bifurcation between the origin of a trigeminal artery and the intracavernous portion of the right internal carotid artery. A covered stent was successfully placed, and complete exclusion of the aneurysm was confirmed at 11-month follow-up angiography. The use of covered stents in intracranial vascular structures can now be a feasible way of treating selected cases of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.     

Giant aneurysms of the internal carotid artery: endovascular treatment and long-term follow-up

We report the long-term follow-up of 18 patients with giant aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) referred for endovascular occlusion of the parent vessel. There were 10 aneurysms involving the infra- and/or supraclinoid cavernous segment, six the ophthalmic segment, one the petrous segment and one the bifurcation. One patient who did not tolerate test occlusion was treated medically. Clinical and imaging follow-up were obtained in 16 patients for a mean of 30 months, range 6–80 months. Endovascular treatment led to excellent clinical outcome in 16 patients. One 34-year-old woman, who presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), died from bilateral middle cerebral artery infarcts due to severe vasospasm 4 days after treatment. The patient treated medically died from SAH. Long-term imaging follow-up in 16 patients revealed a markedly smaller aneurysm sac in all cases.     

CT and MR imaging findings and their implications in the follow-up of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with endosaccular occlusion with onyx

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our purpose was to describe the CT and MR features of intracranial aneurysms occluded with the liquid polymer Onyx. METHODS: At two centers, 35 aneurysms in 33 patients and 11 in nine patients were treated with the polymer. In 17 patients, adjunctive stents were placed at the aneurysm neck. All but three aneurysms originated from the internal carotid artery (ICA). Eighteen were giant; 15, large; and 13, small. Patients underwent pre- and postprocedural CT and/or MR imaging; MR angiograms (MRAs) were available in 22. In 35 patients (38 aneurysms), 3-month and/or 1-year follow-up angiograms were obtained for correlation with sectional images. RESULTS: Except in two small aneurysms, polymer filling created beam hardening artifacts on CT scans. In 10 aneurysms, the polymer did not fill the aneurysm sac entirely; five showed recanalization at follow-up. On MR images (all sequences), the polymer appeared hypointense, probably because of its tantalum content; it did not create artifacts. MRAs falsely suggested reduced or absent ICA flow in 11 of 22 patients, nine of whom with stents. In the rest, MRA provided results comparable to those of selective angiography. In 12 patients, postprocedural imaging revealed new lesions. CONCLUSION: Onyx appears hypointense on MR images, with no artifact, and it does not interfere with MRA except in patients with stents. MR imaging may reveal new parenchymal lesions, even in asymptomatic patients. In the immediate control and follow-up of polymer-treated aneurysms, MR imaging and MRA may be preferred. CT may show the degree of filling in the aneurysmal sac, but Onyx creates artifacts that hinder CT evaluation.     

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。     

A new self-expanding nitinol stent (Enterprise) for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: initial clinical and angiographic results in 31 aneurysms

Introduction We report the results of a prospective clinical study using a new self-expanding nitinol stent (Enterprise) designed for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Methods We treated 31 saccular, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in 30 patients. Ten aneurysms had recanalized after prior endovascular treatment without a stent, and 21 aneurysms had not been treated before. Results Stent deployment was successful in all procedures. Additional coil embolization was performed in all aneurysms. Initial complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 6 aneurysms, a neck remnant was left in 18 aneurysms and there were 7 residual aneurysms. Angiographic follow-up examinations of 30 lesions after 6 months demonstrated 15 complete occlusions, 8 neck remnants and 7 residual aneurysms. One patient refused the 6-month angiographic follow-up. Spontaneous occlusion of the aneurysm had occurred in 14 patients, and 6 aneurysms showed recanalization. Four of these residual aneurysms were retreated. At the 6-month follow-up, 29 parent arteries were unaffected, whereas two parent vessels demonstrated minor asymptomatic narrowing at the stent site. Two patients experienced one or more possible or probable device-related serious adverse events during the 6-month follow-up period. There was no procedural morbidity or mortality at 6 months after the procedure. Conclusion The reported results demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the Cordis Neurovascular Enterprise stent in the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Initial clinical and angiographic results are favorable. Werner Weber and Martin Bendszus contributed equally to this work.     

Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with a self-expanding stent system: initial clinical experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Currently available stents for intracranial use usually are balloon-expandable coronary stents that carry the risk of damaging a dysplastic segment of the artery, with potential vessel rupture. We assessed the technical feasibility and efficacy of the combined application of a flexible, self-expanding neurovascular stent and detachable coils in the management of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in humans. METHODS: Four consecutive patients with a wide-necked intracranial aneurysm were treated with a combined approach that consisted of delivery of a flexible self-expanding neurovascular stent through a microcather to cover the neck of the aneurysm and subsequent filling of the aneurysm with coils through the stent interstices. The aneurysms were located at the internal carotid artery (n=2) and the basilar tip encroaching the P1 segment (n=2). Previous attempts with conventional endosaccular coil packing alone failed in all cases. RESULTS: Stent placement in the desired position with complete or nearly complete occlusion of the aneurysms was feasible in all patients. In one patient, aneurysm perforation with the microcatheter occurred and necessitated ventricular drainage, which led to a large parenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage because of the strong anticoagulation regimen. Six-month follow-up demonstrated no focal neurologic sequelae in any of the patients, except slight memory dysfunction in the patient with bleeding. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data demonstrate that this extremely flexible stent is technically easy to deploy and can be easily and safely maneuvered through severely tortuous vessels, enabling the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms. The combination of endovascular reconstruction of the parent vessel with use of a self-expanding stent followed by coil embolization offers a promising therapeutic alternative for wide-necked aneurysms not amenable to coil embolization alone. Although immediate angiographic results are promising, long-term angiographic and clinical follow-up is essential to determine permanent vessel patency and aneurysm occlusion rate.     

Stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms

The endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms with coils poses significant technical challenges, particularly with respect to wide-necked aneurysms. We present the results of our initial experiences in using a stent for endovascular treatment of aneurysms, with an emphasis on potential applications, technical aspects, and associated complications. Twenty-three wide-necked aneurysms from 22 patients were treated during the 13-month study period. Seven patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aneurysms were located at the internal carotid artery (n=14), the vertebral artery (n=3), the basilar artery (n=5), and the middle cerebral artery (n=1). A Neuroform stent² was used for stent-assisted procedures. Premedication with antithrombotic agents was available for unruptured cases. Postprocedural antithrombotic medication was prescribed for all patients. Nineteen aneurysms were primarily stented, followed by coil placement. For five of these aneurysms, stenting was performed subsequent to failure of an attempt to frame with an initial coil. Stenting for the remaining four aneurysms was performed as a rescue procedure to prevent the migration of previously placed coils. Complete occlusion was obtained in ten aneurysms, nearly complete occlusion (95% or more occluded) in 11 aneurysms, and partial occlusion (less than 95% occluded) in one aneurysm. In one aneurysm, we failed to navigate the microcatheter into the aneurysmal sac through the interstices of the stent. Stent thrombosis was noted during the procedure in one patient. Hemorrhagic complication on the 25th day after the procedure was noted in one patient. No procedure-related complications were observed during the procedure or during follow-up in the remaining 20 patients, including seven patients who did not receive antithrombotic agents prior to endovascular treatment owing to recent subarachnoid hemorrhage. To overcome the technical limitation in the coiling of wide-necked aneurysms, stent-assisted coil embolization may be a technically feasible and relatively safe method, even though longer periods of follow-up are required.     

Recanalisation of the internal carotid artery via the vasa vasorum after coil occlusion

Antegrade recanalisation of a completely occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) via the vasa vasorum is extremely rare. Here, we report such a case after proximal endovascular coiling in a case of dissected (i.e. non-atherosclerotic) ICA. A 42-year-old man presented with thromboembolic stroke of the left frontal lobe owing to pseudo-occlusion of the left ICA manifesting as motor aphasia and right hemiparesis. There were abundant floating thrombi in the petrous portion of the left ICA. Because of good collateral flow in the left middle cerebral artery territory through the anterior communicating artery and external carotid artery system, endovascular coil embolisation of the left ICA was performed for prevention of further thromboembolic stroke. The patient showed progressive recovery following endovascular treatment, and was discharged with mild right hemiparesis 1 month later. He maintained a regimen of aspirin and physical rehabilitation. At follow-up, 38 months later, the patient was asymptomatic. Angiography demonstrated occlusion of the left ICA and multiple serpiginous vessels originating from the proximal internal and external carotid arteries and which filled the ICA distal to the occlusion. This case suggests that an ICA occluded by proximal coil embolisation-even in a non-atherosclerotic case-might be recanalised via the vasa vasorum.     

Endovascular treatment of a superior mesenteric artery aneurysm secondary to Behcet's disease with Onyx (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer)

Behcet’s disease is a complex multisystemic chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by oral and genital aphtous ulcers and vasculitis. Aneurysms of major arteries are the most important cause of mortality in Behcet’s disease. Four patients with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysms related to Behcet’s disease have been reported in the literature. We report here the first successful endovascular treatment of a giant, wide-necked SMA aneurysm secondary to Behcet’s disease. We performed a balloon-assisted embolization technique using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx, ev3, Irvine, CA, USA). There were no signs of recurrence during 2-year follow-up.     

Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Aneurysms with Flow Diversion: Results in 44 Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Aneurysms of the cavernous segment of the ICA are difficult to treat with standard endovascular techniques, and ICA sacrifice achieves a high rate of occlusion but carries an elevated level of surgical complications and risk of de novo aneurysm formation. We report rates of occlusion and treatment-related data in 44 patients with cavernous sinus aneurysms treated with flow diversion.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients with cavernous segment aneurysms treated with flow diversion were selected from a prospectively maintained data base of patients from 2009 to the present. Demographic information, treatment indications, number/type of flow diverters placed, outcome, complications (technical or clinical), and clinical/imaging follow-up data were analyzed.RESULTS:We identified 44 patients (37 females, 7 males) who had a flow diverter placed for treatment of a cavernous ICA aneurysm (mean age, 57.2; mean aneurysm size, 20.9 mm). The mean number of devices placed per patient was 2.2. At final angiographic follow-up (mean, 10.9 months), 71% had complete occlusion, and of those with incomplete occlusion, 40% had minimal remnants (<3 mm). In symptomatic patients, complete resolution or significant improvement in symptoms was noted in 90% at follow-up. Technical complications (which included, among others, vessel perforation in 4 patients, groin hematoma in 2, and asymptomatic carotid occlusion in 1) occurred in approximately 36% of patients but did not result in any clinical sequelae immediately or at follow-up.CONCLUSIONS:Our series of flow-diversion treatments achieved markedly greater rates of complete occlusion than coiling, with a safety profile that compares favorably with that of carotid sacrifice.

Aneurysms originating from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery are thought to have a more benign natural history than intracranial aneurysms in other vascular territories, with a substantially lower risk of rupture.^1–3 Treatment is indicated when these aneurysms are symptomatic and/or reach very large and giant size. Due to the dysplastic nature of these aneurysms and typically difficult morphology, achieving complete aneurysm occlusion by using endovascular “reconstructive” techniques is difficult. “Deconstructive” ICA sacrifice for cavernous ICA aneurysms with or without bypass achieves remarkably high rates of complete aneurysm occlusion.⁴ However, ICA sacrifice is associated with several potential disadvantages because many of these patients have contralateral mirror ICA aneurysms and ipsilateral ICA occlusion limits therapeutic options for those contralateral aneurysms in the future. Concerns have been raised about long-term hemodynamic effects of ICA sacrifice in young patients, with resultant de novo aneurysm formation in 4%–11% of patients thought to result from increased flow in the anterior and posterior communicating artery regions.^5–8 Finally, the need for either low- or high-flow bypass in patients who do not tolerate balloon test occlusion may add risk to the overall procedure.Endoluminal flow-diversion devices have been associated with high rates of complete aneurysm occlusion, even in giant aneurysms.⁹ Cavernous ICA aneurysms appear well-suited to treatment by flow diversion, given the sidewall morphology and lack of critical perforating side branches of the aneurysm in the region of the aneurysm cavity. However, given the relatively benign natural history of these aneurysms and the excellent results reported with ICA sacrifice, it remains critical to assess the risk-benefit ratio for treatment by flow diversion compared with alternative approaches. While there are multiple studies demonstrating a single institutional experience treating intracranial aneurysms with flow diverters, to our knowledge, there has been no previous case series published focusing specifically on treatment of cavernous ICA aneurysms by flow diversion. In the current study, we detail the safety and efficacy of flow diversion in 44 patients with cavernous ICA aneurysms.     

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.     

颈内动脉前壁动脉瘤支架结合弹簧圈栓塞术后再出血：病例报道

目的 报道1例应用支架结合弹簧圈栓塞治疗颈内动脉前壁宽颈动脉瘤后发生早期再出血的病例.方法 将球囊膨胀型血管内支架跨动脉瘤颈部位置并准确释放后,微导管超选进入动脉瘤内填塞弹簧圈.结果 支架成功置人,完全覆盖瘤颈,动脉瘤得到人部栓塞(90%以上),载瘤动脉及毗邻的侧支血管保持通畅,患者术后恢复良好,但是术后16 d因动脉瘤再次破裂出血导致死亡.结论 血管内支架结合弹簧圈栓塞治疗颈内动脉前肇宽颈动脉瘤是可行的,但应充分认识动脉瘤早期再次破裂出血的风险,短期随访及再治疗非常必要.     

Parent artery occlusion is not obsolete in giant aneurysms of the ICA. Experience with very-long-term follow-up

Introduction  

The purpose of this study was to present the long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up (FU) in 26 consecutive patients with giant/large aneurysms (G/LAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) treated by parent artery occlusion (PAO).     

A Novel Flow-Diverting Device (Tubridge) for the Treatment of 28 Large or Giant Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:The Tubridge flow diverter is a novel device developed in China and aimed at reconstructing the parent artery and occluding the aneurysm. We conducted this study to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and efficacy for the treatment of large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms, which are still challenging with conventional therapy.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The clinical and angiographic data of 28 patients with 28 large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with Tubridge flow diverters were prospectively collected and analyzed.RESULTS:Thirty-three Tubridge flow diverters were successfully implanted except for 1 poor midstent opening; the result was a technical success rate of 97.0% (32/33). Follow-up angiographies were available for 25 aneurysms; the mean follow-up was 9.9 months (5–24 months). Of the 25 aneurysms, 18 (72.0%) were completely occluded, 6 (24.0%) were improved, and 1 (4.0%) was unchanged. All of the visible covered branches and parent arteries were patent, with no stenosis or obliteration. During a follow-up of 6–30 months (mean, 19 months), symptoms were resolved in 13 patients, improved in 6 patients, and unchanged in 4 patients. Five patients experienced transient clinical deterioration due to a postoperative increased mass effect. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality were both zero.CONCLUSIONS:Our preliminary experience shows that the Tubridge flow diverter is a safe and effective tool for treating large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms. However, multicenter randomized trials and studies involving a long-term follow-up are necessary.

Large and giant aneurysms are associated with much worse outcomes than small ones.¹ The treatment of large and giant aneurysms is challenging for both neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists, either by conventional endovascular treatment or surgery. Deconstructive approaches, such as ICA occlusion, require sufficient compensation from other blood vessels. Even when this criterion is satisfied, the rate of ischemia has been reported to be as high as 4%–15%.² In addition, there is a chance of de novo aneurysm following ICA occlusion.³ Bypass surgery, especially high-flow bypass, preceding ICA occlusion may help to reduce the occurrence of ischemic complications, but operative complications are not uncommon, though the rate varies in different articles.⁴ In contrast, reconstructive approaches aimed at preserving the parent artery were associated with greatly increased recanalization rates that were reported to range from 19.2% to 50%.^2,5The Tubridge is a new type of flow-diversion (FD) device developed by MicroPort Medical Company (Shanghai, China) on the basis of our previous hemodynamic studies of intracranial aneurysms,⁶ aimed at treating complex aneurysms that were difficult to access via clipping or conventional endovascular treatment, such as large and giant aneurysms, and providing more treatment options for neurointerventionalists and neurosurgeons. After demonstrating its efficacy and safety in animal experiments,^7,8 we obtained the consent of the Ethics Committee and China Food and Drug Administration to initiate the present prospective clinical trial, aimed at evaluating its feasibility, safety, and efficacy for the treatment of large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms.