scholarly journals The safety of Pipeline flow diversion in fusiform vertebrobasilar aneurysms: a consecutive case series with longer-term follow-up from a single US center

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabareesh K. Natarajan ◽  
Ning Lin ◽  
Ashish Sonig ◽  
Ansaar T. Rai ◽  
Jeffrey S. Carpenter ◽  
...  

OBJECT Pessimism exists regarding flow diversion for posterior circulation aneurysms because of reports of perforator territory infarcts and delayed ruptures. The authors report the results of patients who underwent Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) flow diversion using novel strategies for treatment of fusiform posterior circulation aneurysms, and compare these results with those from previously reported series. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of data from consecutive patients with fusiform vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms treated with the PED. RESULTS This review resulted in the identification of 12 such patients (mean [± SD] age 55.1 ± 14.1 years). Eleven patients had symptoms; 1 had a dissecting aneurysm identified on imaging for neck pain. The average aneurysm size was 13.25 ± 4.5 mm. None of the aneurysms were ruptured or previously treated. The average clinical follow-up duration was 22.1 ± 10.7 months and radiological follow-up was 14.5 ± 11.1 months from the index PED treatment. One patient suffered a perforator stroke and had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4 at last follow-up. Another patient had a retained stent pusher requiring retrieval via surgical cut-down but recovered to an mRS score of 0 at last follow-up. Eleven (91.7%) of 12 patients recovered to an mRS score of 0 or 1. Two patients had aneurysmal remnants at 7 and 10 months, respectively, after the index PED, which were retreated with PEDs. At last follow-up, all 12 aneurysms were occluded and PEDs were patent. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months from the index PED treatment; no patient experienced delayed hemorrhage, stroke, or in-stent stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Flow diversion with selective adjunctive techniques is evolving to become a safer treatment option for posterior circulation aneurysms. This is the longest clinical follow-up duration reported for a single-center experience of flow-diversion treatment of these aneurysms.

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Sweid ◽  
Robert M Starke ◽  
Nabeel Herial ◽  
Nohra Chalouhi ◽  
Somnath Das ◽  
...  

Introduction: Flow diversion has introduced a paradigm shift in the endovascular field by providing a more physiological approach to treat aneurysms. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of flow diversion in treating a diverse large cohort of aneurysms with up to 5 years follow up. Methods: This is an analysis of a prospectively maintained database at a single-institution. Patients included in the analysis were consecutively treated patients between 2010 and 2019. Results: A total of 598 aneurysms were treated during a period extending from 2010-2019 (84.28% females, mean age 55.5 years, av. size 8.49mm). Adequate aneurysm occlusion rates were 63%(376), 73%(436), and 79%(472) at 6 ,12 and 24-month follow-up, respectively. The complete occlusion rate was 75% at a mean duration of 9 months. Of all patients, 8%(48) required retreatment. On multivariate analysis decreasing PED length (0.35,p=0.01), decreasing PED width (0.63,p=0.01), decreasing dome size (0.46,p=0.01), decreased neck width (0.46,p=0.01), absence of wall irregularity (0.60,p=0.01), lack of branching vessel (0.57,p=0.01), and previous treatment (0.56,p=0.05) were independent predictors of aneurysm occlusion.Morbidity rate occurred at a rate of 5.8% and morality at a rate of 2.2%. Ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 3%. Delayed aneurysmal rupture and distal intraparenchymal hemorrhage occurred at a rate of 3.7%. On multivariate analysis; predictors of stroke were aneurysm size > 15mm. Predictors of DAR/DIPH were increasing aneurysm size, an increasing number of PED used, subjects presenting with a symptomatic aneurysm. Predictors of in-stent stenosis was balloon angioplasty. While increasing age and previous treatment were negatively associated with in-stent stenosis. Predictors of Morbidity were posterior circulation aneurysms, symptomatic presentation, increasing aneurysm size, and hypertension. While, predictors of unfavorable outcome were age > 75, acute SAH, increasing aneurysm size, and posterior circulation aneurysms. Conclusion: At a high-volume center with experienced operators, treatment with PED was associated with durable aneurysm occlusion and low risk of complications. The results support the increasing use of flow diverters.


2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Hyun Suh ◽  
Byung Moon Kim ◽  
Sung Il Park ◽  
Dong Ik Kim ◽  
Yong Sam Shin ◽  
...  

Object A ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar artery (VBA-DA) is a well-known cause of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with a high rate of early rebleeding. Internal trapping of the parent artery, including the dissected segment, is one of the most reliable techniques to prevent rebleeding. However, for a ruptured VBA-DA not suitable for internal trapping, the optimal treatment method has not been well established. The authors describe their experience in treating ruptured VBA-DAs not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) followed by a stent-within-a-stent (SWS) technique. Methods Eleven patients—6 men and 5 women with a mean age of 48 years and each with a ruptured VBA-DA not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery—underwent an SAC-SWS between November 2005 and October 2007. The feasibility and clinical and angiographic outcomes of this combined procedure were retrospectively evaluated. Results The SAC-SWS was successful without any treatment-related complications in all 11 patients. Immediate posttreatment angiograms revealed complete obliteration of the DA sac in 3 patients, near-complete obliteration in 7, and partial obliteration in 1. One patient died as a direct consequence of the initial SAH. All 10 surviving patients had excellent clinical outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale Score 5) without posttreatment rebleeding during a follow-up period of 8–24 months (mean follow-up 15 months). Angiographic follow-up at 6–12 months after treatment was possible at least once in all surviving patients. Nine VBA-DAs showed complete obliteration; the other aneurysm, which had appeared partially obliterated immediately after treatment, demonstrated progressive obliteration on 2 consecutive follow-up angiography studies. There was no in-stent stenosis or occlusion of the branch or perforating vessels. Conclusions The SAC-SWS technique seems to be a feasible and effective reconstructive treatment option for a ruptured VBA-DA. The technique may be considered as an alternative therapeutic option in selected patients with ruptured VBA-DAs unsuitable for internal trapping of the parent artery.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Vidal ◽  
James Milburn ◽  
Garrett Bennett ◽  
Vivek Sabharwal ◽  
Mustafa Al Hasan

Background and objectives: Approximately 25% of patients who present with acute ischemic stroke are wake-up strokes. These patients are often not treated with IV thrombolytics because of unclear onset of symptoms. Little data exists on endovascular therapy as acute treatment for this population, particularly with an aspiration technique. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of patients who presented with wake-up strokes due to large vessel occlusion treated with neuroendovascular procedures versus those who received conservative treatment, based on a 2-year (2012-2013), single center experience at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. Method: 24 consecutive patients, who presented with wake-up strokes, were outside the IV tPA window, and had both CTA confirmed intracranial LVO and CT-perfusion data upon arrival to our institution were retrospectively studied. Patients with hemorrhages, tandem lesions, or high-grade carotid stenosis were excluded from this analysis. Decision to perform endovascular treatment was made by the vascular neurologist and neuro-interventionalist based on stroke severity and CTA/perfusion data. Patients in group 1 (n = 8) underwent endovascular revascularization procedures; patients in group 2 (n = 16) were treated conservatively (medical management alone). Presentation NIHSS, risk factors, mortality, discharge NIHSS, discharge mRS, and follow up mRS were compared. Results: There were no statistical differences in patient population regarding age, gender, and risk factors. There was no statistical difference in their initial NIHSS (16.8 vs. 21.8, p=0.05162), or mortality (0% vs 21%, pr=0.262). The two groups were statistically different in their discharge NIHSS (7.25 vs 21.81, p<0.00045), discharge mRS (2 vs 5, p<0.00001), clinic follow up mRS (1.37 vs 4.94, p<0.00001), and good outcome at discharge (mRS 0-2)(75% vs 0%, pr<0.0002). Conclusion: Patients with wake-up strokes, LVO, and favorable CT-perfusion data who underwent neuroendovascular reperfusion treatment had significantly better outcomes in our population, despite similar stroke severity at presentation. This suggests that with careful selection, neuroendovascular therapy for wake-up strokes may lead to improved outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee-Anne Slater ◽  
Cathy Soufan ◽  
Michael Holt ◽  
Winston Chong

Alterations in aneurysm size and mass effect can result in alleviation or aggravation of symptoms. We assessed the effects of flow diversion with SILK stents on aneurysm sac size and associated factors. A retrospective evaluation of 14 aneurysms treated with SILK stents alone with MRI follow-up was performed. Aneurysm sac size was measured using the sequence best demonstrating the sac. Aneurysm characteristics and flow-related enhancement on time of flight images were documented. Clinical histories were reviewed for evolution of symptoms. Complete collapse of the aneurysm sac was demonstrated at three and 18 months in 2/14 aneurysms. Increase in size was observed in 2/14 aneurysms with associated persistent flow on time of flight MRA. Blister formation with aggravation of symptoms was observed in one aneurysm, and subsequent decrease in size occurred after treatment with a second SILK. The other aneurysm which increased in size initially continued to enlarge asymptomatically despite retreatment with a second SILK, however at 24 months thrombosis of the sac and decrease in size was observed. The remaining 10/14 aneurysms decreased in size. Nine had corresponding MRA occlusion and the tenth demonstrated decreased but persistent flow on the time of flight MRA. No aneurysm with MRA occlusion increased in size. Decrease in sac size was associated with MRA occlusion in our study. Persistence of flow and blistering were associated with increased sac size. As previously demonstrated flow diversion may be effective in the treatment of large aneurysms presenting with mass effect, however rates of sac obliteration in this small series were not as high as previously reported.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Patella ◽  
Alessandro Comi ◽  
Giuseppe Coppolino ◽  
Nicolino Comi ◽  
Giorgio Fuiano ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) may require a prolonged multi-drug therapy with risk of drug toxicity and renal failure. Rituximab (RTX) treatment has been found to be helpful in reducing the steroid dosage and the need for immunosuppressants (ISs), but little data are currently available regarding very long-term outcomes in adults. We herein describe a long-term, single-center experience of RTX use in a large series of adults with SDNS. Method We studied 23 adult patients with SDNS (mean age 54.2±17.1 y; 65% male; BMI 28.5±4.7), mostly consequent to membranous (47.8%) or focal glomerulonephritis (30.2 %) who were eligible to start a RTX regimen. Before entering the RTX protocol, proteinuria and eGFR were 7.06±3.87 g/24h and 65.9±28.2 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively; albumin and CD19/CD20 ratio were 2.9±0.9 g/L and 0.99±0.01 respectively; the mean number of ISs was 2.39±0.89 and the mean annual rate of relapses was 2.2±0.9. Results Patients were followed over a mean follow-up of 64 months (range: 12-144). After RTX (mean dose: 1202.1±372.4 mg) the rate of relapses was virtually nullified (p&lt;0.001). eGFR remained roughly stable (62.1±19.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p=NS), while proteinuria, albumin, CD19/CD20 and BMI all significantly improved (p ranging from 0.01 to 0.001). The mean number of additional ISs was also reduced (0.44±0.12; p&lt;0.001) and RTX enabled discontinuation of steroids in 13/23 (56.5%) patients. No major adverse events related to therapy were recorded. Conclusion Findings from this large case-series with a remarkable very long follow-up reinforce the role of RTX as an efficient and safe weapon to improve outcomes in adult patients suffering from SDNS.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eytan Raz ◽  
Maksim Shapiro ◽  
Razvan Buciuc ◽  
Peter Kim Nelson ◽  
Erez Nossek

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe treatment of selected wide-neck and fusiform posterior circulation aneurysms is challenging for clipping as well as for endovascular route.OBJECTIVETo describe an endovascular approach for vertebral artery aneurysm treatment using transradial access (TRA) instead of the conventional transfemoral access.METHODSWe collected cases from two institutions in which TRA was used for posterior circulation Pipeline Embolization Device (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) deployment.RESULTSA total of four patients were treated. TRA was useful in the setting of extreme vessel tortuosity. We utilized 5F Terumo Glidesheath (Terumo Medical, Somerset, New Jersey), intermediate catheter, and a 027 microcatheter for Pipeline deployment. TRA was not associated with any access or deployment difficulties.CONCLUSIONSEarly experience suggests that TRA for Pipeline Embolization Device placement for posterior circulation aneurysm is a safe and efficient alternative to standard transfemoral access. While this approach was initially applied to patients with vascular anatomy that may not allow for safe femoral access or navigation, experience so far argues for considering a radial approach towards some posterior circulation aneurysm treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsunari Namba ◽  
Ayuho Higaki ◽  
Naoki Kaneko ◽  
Shigeru Nemoto ◽  
Kensuke Kawai

Background Inventing an optimal curve on a microcatheter is required for successful intracranial aneurysm coiling. Shaping microcatheters for vertebrobasilar artery aneurysm coiling is difficult because of the vessel’s long, tortuous and mobile anatomy. To overcome this problem, we devised a new method of shaping the microcatheter by using the patient’s specific vessel anatomy and the highly shapable microcatheter. We report our preliminary results of treating posterior circulation aneurysms by this method. Methods An unshaped microcatheter (Excelsior XT-17; Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA) was pretreated by exposure to the patient’s vessel for five minutes. The microcatheter was placed in the vicinity of the targeted aneurysm and was left in contact with the patient’s vessel before extraction. This treatment precisely formed a curve on the microcatheter shaft identical to the patient’s vessel anatomy. Following the pretreatment, the tip of the microcatheter was steam shaped according to the long axis of the target aneurysm. Five consecutive vertebrobasilar aneurysms were treated using this shaping method and evaluated for the clinical and anatomical outcomes and microcatheter accuracy and stability. Results All of the designed microcatheters matched the vessel and aneurysm anatomy except in one case that required a single modification. All aneurysms were successfully catheterized without the assistance of a microguidewire, and matched the long axis of the aneurysm. All microcatheters retained stability until the end of the procedure. Conclusions A precise microcatheter shaping for a vertebrobasilar artery aneurysm may be achieved by using the patient’s actual vessel anatomy and the highly shapable microcatheter.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-305
Author(s):  
Mostafa Mahmoud ◽  
Ahmed Farag ◽  
Mostafa Farid ◽  
Ahmed Elserwi ◽  
Amr Abdelsamad ◽  
...  

Introduction The treatment of aneurysms in the internal carotid bifurcation region (ICABR), including aneurysms of the true internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus, those inclined on the proximal A1 or M1 segments or at the most distal pre-bifurcation (ICA) segment, is often challenging in microsurgical clipping and endovascular surgery. Few reports had discussed flow diversion as a therapeutic option for this group. Methods This was a retrospective study analysing flow diversion in treating ICABR aneurysms. Seven patients harbouring eight aneurysms in the ICABR were treated with flow diversion. Five aneurysms were inclined on the proximal A1 segment, and three were located at the most distal pre-bifurcation segment. Patients’ demographics, presentation, procedure technical description, angiographic and clinical follow-up were recorded. PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE were also reviewed for articles published in English, including case series or case reports, for ICABR aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Results All patients except one underwent angiographic follow-up. The Karman–Byrne occlusion scale was used to determine the occlusion rate. All six patients with documented angiographic follow-up had a class IV occlusion score. No permanent or transient neurological or non-neurological complications were encountered in this study. Conclusion Treating ICABR aneurysms using flow diversion is feasible, with a promising angiographic occlusion rate. Further studies are needed to analyse long-term clinical and angiographic results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 809-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Xu ◽  
Min Li ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Qin Yin ◽  
Xuan Shi ◽  
...  

BackgroundIntracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis is an important cause of ischemic stroke. With its high resolution, intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed assessment of vessel wall features. It is widely applied to identify high-risk plaque in the cardiovascular system, but its use in the intracranial artery has been limited.ObjectiveTo explore, in this pilot study, the usefulness of OCT in imaging of the intracranial artery wall.MethodsBetween November 2017 and July 2018, four patients with severe intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis were enrolled for preintervention OCT evaluation of the lesion artery. Stenosis was present in the basilar artery in one case and in the intracranial vertebral artery in three cases.ResultsOCT images of the lesions showed various features of plaque vulnerability, such as intraluminal thrombus, lipid-rich plaque with plaque rupture, thin fibrous cap, macrophage accumulations, and a mixed lesion with dissecting aneurysm. In view of the OCT findings, all patients received balloon angioplasty and stent implantation.ConclusionsThese cases describe the successful implementation of OCT in intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. No side effects were seen during the OCT imaging. This technology may help in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.


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