Microsurgical Treatment Strategy of Vertebral Artery Fusiform Aneurysm—From the Standpoint of Hemodynamic Integrity and Perforator Preservation

During treatment of vertebral artery (VA) fusiform aneurysms, it is critical to preserve peripheral perforators and anterograde blood flow of the VA and to reduce hemodynamic load to the contralateral VA. Even in the era of endovascular treatment, there are still many benefits to using microsurgical treatments with appropriate clip application and preservation of the perforators around the aneurysm, in conjunction with various bypass techniques. The ideal microsurgical technique involves reconstructive clipping that obliterates the aneurysm but preserves anterograde blood flow of the VA, followed by isolation of the aneurysm and VA reconstruction. If these two methods are unavailable, proximal clipping of the aneurysm combined with flow-augmentation bypass to the distal branch can be considered as an alternative surgical management. We discuss the microsurgical treatment of unruptured VA fusiform aneurysms in our surgical cases on the basis of a review of the current literature.

LVIS-within-enterprise double-stent procedure without coiling beneficial as treatment of unruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms

Stenting of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) may promote mural apposition of intimal flaps, preserving the patency of injured vessels. Moreover, stent deployment may serve to alter intra-aneurysm flow, inducing saccular thrombus formation, neointimal development, and remodeling of injured vessels. Although an overlapping multistent strategy with coiling has proven successful in this setting, yielding good anatomic and clinical outcomes, coiling may be technically infeasible in some VADAs with unfavorably configured circumferential elevations. Herein, we describe three patients with VADAs for whom coiling was deemed technically problematic. Each underwent double stenting (LVIS within Enterprise), without coil insertion, using local anesthesia. Conventional angiographic follow-up regularly disclosed excellent saccular occlusion and subsequent remodeling of stented arteries. LVIS-within-Enterprise double stenting may be of particular benefit in patients with VADAs, the Enterprise providing outer support to minimize stent bulging (as a fusiform aneurysm) as the inner LVIS reinforces flow diversion.

Perforator preservation technologies (PPT) based on a new neuro-interventional classification in endovascular treatment of perforator involving aneurysms (piANs)

Background Treatment of perforator involving aneurysm (piAN) remains a challenge to open and endovascular neurosurgeons. Our aim is to demonstrate a primary outcome of endovascular therapy for piANs with the use of perforator preservation technologies (PPT) based on a new neuro-interventional classification. Methods The piANs were classified into type I: aneurysm really arises from perforating artery, type II: saccular aneurysm involves perforating arteries arising from its neck (IIa) or dome (IIb), and type III: fusiform aneurysm involves perforating artery. Stent protection technology of PPT was applied in type I and III aneurysms, and coil-basket protection technology in type II aneurysms. An immediate outcome of aneurysmal obliteration after treatment was evaluated (satisfactory obliteration: the saccular aneurysm body is densely embolized (I), leaving a gap in the neck (IIa) or dome (IIb) where the perforating artery arising; fusiform aneurysm is repaired and has a smooth inner wall), and successful perforating artery preservation was defined as keeping the good antegrade flow of those perforators on postoperative angiography. The periprocedural complication was closely monitored, and clinical and angiographic follow-ups were performed. Results Six consecutive piANs (2 ruptured and 4 unruptured; 1 type I, 2 type IIa, 2 type IIb, and 1 type III) in 6 patients (aged from 43 to 66 years; 3 males) underwent endovascular therapy between November 2017 and July 2019. The immediate angiography after treatment showed 6 aneurysms obtained satisfactory obliteration, and all of their perforating arteries were successfully preserved. During clinical follow-up of 13–50 months, no ischemic or hemorrhagic event of the brain occurred in the 6 patients, but has one who developed ischemic event in the territory of involving perforators 4 h after operation and completely resolved within 24 h. Follow-up angiography at 3 to 10M showed patency of the parent artery and perforating arteries of treated aneurysms, with no aneurysmal recurrence. Conclusions Our perforator preservation technologies on the basis of the new neuro-interventional classification seem feasible, safe, and effective in protecting involved perforators while occluding aneurysm.