Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: overview and transcatheter embolotherapy.

Pulmonary AVMs are most commonly seen in patients with HHT, a fascinating multi-system disorder that is all too often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Not only a medical curiosity, HHT is a serious condition that causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary AVMs are effectively and safely treated by transcatheter embolotherapy.     

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: techniques and long-term outcome of embolotherapy

Over a 10-year period, 276 pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) were occluded with balloon embolotherapy in 76 patients, 67 (88%) of whom had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Eleven patients (14%) were discovered by means of family screening with measurement of arterial blood gases and chest radiography. Epistaxis, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and hemothorax occurred in 79%, 71%, 13%, and 9% of patients, respectively. Clinical histories of strokes and transient ischemic attacks were present in 18% and 37% of patients, respectively. Computed tomographic scans of 59 patients showed stroke in 36%. Sixty-five percent of PAVMs were located in the lower lobes, which correlated with the finding of more pronounced hypoxemia in the upright position. After embolotherapy, symptomatic hypoxemia was corrected, and serial values have remained constant for 5 years. Complications were minimal, and no patient required surgery. Balloon embolotherapy is effective long-term therapy for PAVMs, and family screening should be pursued because of the possibility of a higher frequency of paradoxical embolization (stroke) than previously recognized.     

血管内支架结合电解可脱弹簧圈治疗颅内动脉瘤

目的 初步总结使用血管内支架结合电解可脱卸弹簧圈（GDC）治疗颅内梭形及宽颈动脉瘤的体会,探讨其适应证、方法、疗效及并发症。方法 5例颅内梭形动脉瘤及12例宽颈动脉瘤,首先将冠脉支架跨动脉瘤颈放置,通过支架的网孔将微导管送入动脉瘤腔,继续填塞GDC。结果 13例动脉瘤致密填塞,3例大部分填塞,1例支架未能送入颅内而单用弹簧圈部分栓塞,载瘤动脉通畅,临床效果优良。结论 联合使用支架及微弹簧圈是治疗颅内梭形及宽颈动脉瘤的有效方法,远期疗效需进一步随访。     

Post-procedure migration of Guglielmi detachable coils and Mechanical detachable spirals

We describe a previously unreported complication of the use of Guglielmi detachable coils and Mechanical detachable spirals in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. We document four cases in which migration of part of a coil into the parent artery occurred after completion of the procedure. Possible mechanisms are discussed. Received: 18 August 1998 Accepted: 26 October 1998     

电解可解脱弹簧圈栓塞颅内动脉瘤

目的　探讨电解可解脱弹簧圈治疗颅内动脉瘤的手术指征、术前评估方法、技术操作要点、手术时机、并发症防治、治疗效果、存在的问题及临床应用前景。方法　 72例患者 ,80枚颅内动脉瘤中 ,6 8例为破裂动脉瘤 ,4例为未破裂动脉瘤。动脉瘤部位在后交通动脉 2 0枚 ,前交通动脉 32枚 ,大脑中动脉 8枚 ,大脑后动脉 5枚 ,眼动脉 3枚 ,颈内动脉分叉处 3枚 ,基底动脉 5枚 ,小脑后下动脉 2枚 ,脉络膜前动脉 2枚。 72例患者中 ,Hunt Hess分级 :Ⅰ级 2 4例 ,Ⅱ级 2 5例 ,Ⅲ级 10例 ,Ⅳ级 9例 ,Ⅴ级 4例。72例患者分别采用单纯弹簧圈栓塞、血管内支架加弹簧圈栓塞、瘤颈重塑形技术栓塞和双导丝技术栓塞。蛛网膜下腔出血 (SAH)后 1周内治疗的患者 18例 ,2～ 3周内治疗的患者 2 9例 ,4周以后治疗的 2 1例。手术采用全麻并在术中适当控制血压 ,使收缩压不超过 110mmHg ,手术全程在DSA动态监视下完成。根据患者SAH的严重程度 ,采用术前或者术后给予脑室外引流、腰椎蛛网膜下腔引流或单纯腰椎穿刺释放血性脑脊液的方法 ,栓塞术后全部病例给予“3H”治疗。结果　动脉瘤完全闭塞 6 8枚 ,占 85 % ,栓塞程度 95 %～ 99%的 8枚 ,占 10 % ,栓塞程度达 90 %的 4个 ,占 5 %。全组死亡 2例 ,占 2 .78%。术中动脉瘤出血 2例 ,经弹簧     

Histopathologic evaluation of aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils or matrix detachable microcoils

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of organization and fibrocellular tissue development in aneurysms treated with bare platinum or biologically active microcoils. METHODS: Twelve aneurysms were removed at autopsy between 1-18 days and another 2 between 2-3 months posttreatment. Four aneurysms were surgically removed between 6 months and 3 years following treatment. One aneurysm removed at 8 days and another at 6 months were treated with bioactive (Matrix) coils; the other 16 with bare platinum (Guglielmi detachable coils; GDCs). All specimens were embedded in plastic, stained with hematoxilin-eosin and elastin and examined by light microscopy. RESULTS: All specimens removed within 3 weeks demonstrated intra-aneurysmal thrombus, without signs of organization or fibrotic tissue formation over the neck regardless of the type of coils used. In the GDC-treated aneurysms, evidence of early thrombus organization was observed within 2-3 months, and completed yet imperfect fibrocellular reaction together with residual thrombus at 2-3 years. In the Matrix-treated specimens, the aneurysm cavity was completely filled with granulation tissue corresponding to still ongoing fibrocellular reaction at 6 months, including newly formed blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and collagen deposition without signs of residual thrombus. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that in aneurysms treated with bare platinum coils thrombus organization does not occur until late after treatment and may remain imperfect for years. In one aneurysm studied 8 days following treatment with Matrix coils, no difference was noted compared to aneurysms treated with bare platinum coils. In another aneurysm examined 6 months following packing with Matrix coils, the histologic changes support the hypothesis that the biologically active polymer may accelerate aneurysm healing.     

Venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: Preliminary experience using interlocking detachable coils

Purpose: To evaluate the indication and advantages of venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using interlocking detachable coils (IDCs). Methods: We performed percutaneous embolization in 12 PAVMs in four patients using IDCs, initially placed in the venous sac or at the feeding artery to prevent systemic migration of additional coils. We placed the IDCs in the venous sac in PAVMs with the following vascular architecture: the draining vein was larger than the feeding arteries and both vessels were interposed with the venous sac or there were short feeding arteries. Results: Complete occlusion was achieved in all 12 PAVMs without significant complications. We deployed IDCs in the venous sac in eight PAVMs and in the feeding artery in four. Conclusion: Venous sac embolization may be beneficial in PAVMs with large out-flow vessels or short feeding arteries. IDCs are suitable for this procedure.     

前交通动脉瘤的栓塞治疗

目的　总结 2 62例前交通动脉瘤栓塞治疗的经验。方法　均采用电解可脱卸弹簧圈(guglielmidetachablecoil,GDC)作动脉瘤内栓塞治疗。对双侧A1正常者应用双侧颈动脉置管技术监测栓塞术中载瘤动脉通畅情况 ,对瘤颈累及双侧A2者采用微导管微导丝辅助技术保持载瘤动脉通畅。发生术中出血者予弹簧圈继续栓塞 ,发生术中血栓形成者予尿激酶溶栓。 3 4例颅内多发动脉瘤均同次手术治愈。结果　动脉瘤完全闭塞 160例 ,>90 %闭塞 5 6例 ,<90 %闭塞 4 6例。术中因过度栓塞造成载瘤动脉闭塞 10例 ,术后脑梗死 16例。术中发生血栓形成 3例 ,经溶栓后恢复通畅。术后死于肺部并发症 1例 ,植物生存 1例。随访 190例 ,3～ 6个月行DSA/MRA复查 ,动脉瘤复发行 2次栓塞 8例 ,复发经手术治愈 1例 ,其余治疗结果稳定。结论　GDC栓塞治疗前交通动脉瘤效果好。采用微导管 /微导丝辅助技术可提高致密栓塞率和减少脑梗死并发症发生     

Cerebral aneurysm perforations complicating therapy with Guglielmi detachable coils: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk of intraprocedural aneurysm perforation in patients with previously ruptured aneurysms tends to be higher than that of patients with previously unruptured aneurysms, but a statistically significant difference has not been shown. Our purpose was to define the rates of occurrence and of morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysmal perforation associated with coil embolization. METHODS: A meta-analysis of the results from 17 published retrospective reports of aneurysm perforations complicating therapy with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) was performed. Rates of perforation and associated morbidity and mortality in previously ruptured and unruptured aneurysms were calculated. The mechanism of perforation was noted. RESULTS: The risk of intraprocedural perforation was significantly higher in patients with ruptured aneurysms compared with patients with unruptured aneurysms (4.1% vs 0.5%; P <.001). The combined risk of permanent neurologic disability and death associated with intraprocedural aneurysm perforation was 38% for ruptured aneurysms and 29% for unruptured aneurysms. The morbidity and mortality rates with perforations caused by coils (39%) and microcatheters (33%) were similar. The morbidity and mortality rate for microguidewire perforations was considerably lower (0%, n = 4) than the rates for coils and microcatheters, but number of cases was too low to indicate statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The risk of aneurysm perforation during GDC therapy is much higher in patients with previously ruptured aneurysms than in those with unruptured aneurysms. The morbidity and mortality rates are substantial for perforations caused by coils and microcatheters, whereas they seem to be much lower for perforations caused by microguidewires.     

Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms associated with fenestration: treatment with Guglielmi detachable coils.

Three patients with vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms and associated fenestration were treated with Guglielmi detachable coils. The structure and hemodynamics of fenestrations may account for their frequent association with aneurysms. The complex hemodynamics of these aneurysms requires evaluation of both vertebral arteries. One treatment complication occurred but resulted in no deficit. All patients have returned to normal activity and remain healthy at 14 to 46 months.     

Endovascular treatment of ophthalmic segment aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils.

PURPOSETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of ophthalmic segment aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), as well as the primary indications for such treatment.METHODSWe conducted a prospective study of 26 patients with 28 aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment in whom treatment with GDCs was attempted. Anatomic results were measured by statistical analysis of variance for such factors as age, sex, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, anatomic type (ophthalmic or superior hypophyseal), size of aneurysmal sac, and width of aneurysmal neck. Clinical evaluation and control angiography were performed at 6 and 18 months.RESULTSOverall, complete occlusion was obtained in 14 aneurysms (50%) and small residual necks were left in 11 aneurysms (39%). Three treatment attempts failed (11%). Complete occlusion was obtained in 76% of small-necked aneurysms as opposed to 9% of aneurysms with a large neck. The best predictor of anatomic result was the size of the aneurysmal neck. Complete occlusion was obtained in 85% of superior hypophyseal aneurysms of the paraclinoid variant. One permanent complication was related to treatment.CONCLUSIONEndovascular treatment with GDCs appears to be a safe and efficient alternative approach for ophthalmic segment aneurysms, especially for paraclinoid variants of superior hypophyseal aneurysms, which tend to have a small neck.     

Procedure-related haemorrhage in embolisation of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils

We reviewed the haemorrhagic complications of the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, in terms of frequency, pre-embolisation clinical status, clinical and radiological manifestations, management and prognosis. In 275 patients treated for 303 aneurysms over 7 years we had seven (one man and six women—2.3%) with haemorrhage during or immediately after endovascular treatment. All procedures were performed with a standardised protocol of heparinisation and anaesthesia. Four had ruptured aneurysms, two at the tip of the basilar artery, and one ach on the internal carotid and posterior cerebral artery, treated after 12, 5, 14, and 2 days, respectively, three were in Hunt and Hess grade 2 and one in grade 1. Bleeding occurred during coiling in three, after placement of at least four coils, and during manipulation of the guidewire to enter the aneurysm in the fourth. Haemorrhage was manifest as extravasation of contrast medium, with a sudden rise in systolic blood pressure in three patients. The other three patients had unruptured aneurysms; they had stable blood pressure and angiographic findings during the procedure, but one, under sedation, had seizures immediately after insertion of four coils, and the other two had seizures, headache and vomiting on the day following the procedure. Heparin reversal with protamine sulphate was started promptly started when bleeding was detected in four patients, and the embolisation was completed with additional coils in three. Emergency ventricular drainage was performed in the two patients with ruptured aneurysm and one with an unruptured aneurysm who had abnormal neurological responses or hydrocephalus. The bleeding caused a third nerve palsy in one patient, which might have been due to ischaemia and progressively improved.     

Cerebral aneurysms treated by Guglielmi detachable coils: evaluation with diffusion-weighted MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The most frequent and serious complications of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) are ischemic lesions caused by thromboembolic events. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging appears to be the most sensitive technique for detecting early ischemic phenomena. We evaluated this technique for the detection of brain changes in patients who underwent GDC treatment of aneurysms. METHODS: Twenty patients with a cerebral aneurysm were studied with diffusion-weighted imaging before and after endovascular treatment with GDCs. Aneurysms were located in the anterior (n = 16) or posterior (n = 4) circulation. Bleeding had occurred in 11 patients. MR studies, including fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted sequences, were scheduled before, 2 to 4 hours after, and 48 hours after treatment. MR images, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, were assessed for the presence of acute ischemic stroke lesions. RESULTS: In all patients, the aneurysm was excluded without neurologic worsening. In 18 patients, diffusion-weighted and FLAIR images showed no evidence of recent ischemic lesions after treatment. In one patient, an asymptomatic frontobasal hyperintense signal on diffusion-weighted images with a drop of ADC values corresponding to an acute ischemic lesion was observed. In another patient, multiple silent lesions were seen on diffusion-weighted images after embolization. These silent lesions were not all located in the vascular territory of the aneurysm's parent artery. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that diffusion-weighted MR imaging is a potentially useful tool for monitoring patients after endovascular treatment of a cerebral aneurysm. While small asymptomatic lesions can be observed on these images after embolization, their exact prevalence should be evaluated in a larger series.     

Embolization of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils augmented by microballoons.

We describe two cases in which balloons were used to aid in the occlusion of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils. In both patients, initial attempts to place coils within the aneurysmal sac failed, as the loops of the coil repeatedly protruded through a wide aneurysmal neck into the parent vessel. Temporary balloons placed across the neck of these small, wide-necked aneurysms, the bridging balloon technique, effectively narrowed the necks, providing support for the formation of a proper coil basket, which was not possible without the balloon. Follow-up studies at 1 year showed good results in both patients.     

Endovascular therapy of arteriovenous fistulae with electrolytically detachable coils

We report our experience in using Guglielmi electrolytically detachable coils (GDC) alone or in combination with other materials in the treatment of intracranial or cervical high-flow fistulae. We treated 14 patients with arteriovenous fistulae on brain-supplying vessels – three involving the external carotid or the vertebral artery, five the cavernous sinus and six the dural sinuses – by endovascular occlusion using electrolytically detachable platinum coils. The fistula was caused by trauma in six cases. In one case Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was the underlying disease, and in the remaining seven cases no aetiology could be found. Fistulae of the external carotid and vertebral arteries and caroticocavernous fistulae were reached via the transarterial route, while in all dural fistulae a combined transarterial-transvenous approach was chosen. All fistulae were treated using electrolytically detachable coils. While small fistulae could be occluded with electrolytically detachable coils alone, large fistulae were treated by using coils to build a stable basket for other types of coil or balloons. In 11 of the 14 patients, endovascular treatment resulted in complete occlusion of the fistula; in the remaining three occlusion was subtotal. Symptoms and signs were completely abolished by this treatment in 12 patients and reduced in 2. On clinical and neuroradiological follow-up (mean 16 months) no reappearance of symptoms was recorded. Received: 17 March 1999 Accepted: 27 April 1999