Contour-Assisted coiling with jailed microcatheter May result in better occlusion (CoCoJaMBO) in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: Proof of principle and immediate angiographic results

Purpose Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms, partially thrombosed, and recurrences of large and giant aneurysms are challenging to treat. We report our preliminary experience with a Contour-assisted coiling technique and discuss the periprocedural safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of the approach. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms with an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor (Contour) at two neurovascular centres between October 2018 and December 2020 and identified patients treated with a combination of Contour and platinum coils. Clinical and procedural data were recorded. Results For this analysis, 8 patients (5 female) aged 60.1 ± 9.2 years on average were identified. Three of 8 aneurysms were associated with previous acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The mean average dome height was 12.8 ± 7.6 mm, mean maximum dome width 10.3 ± 5.4 mm, and neck width 5.5 ± 2.5 mm. The mean dome-to-neck ratio was 1.9 ± 1.0. Immediate complete occlusion of the aneurysm was seen in 5 of 8 cases. In one SAH patient, a parent vessel was temporarily occluded but could be reopened rapidly. One device detached prematurely without any sequelae. No other procedural adverse events were recorded. Conclusion From this initial experience, Contour with adjunctive coiling is a safe and technically feasible method for endovascular treatment of large, wide-necked, partially thrombosed, recurrent, or ruptured bifurcation aneurysms. Further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

Use of 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils in super-selective embolization through the 1.6-Fr. microcatheter of the triaxial system

Background A triple-coaxial (triaxial) system, which consists of a small microcatheter, a large microcatheter, and a 4-Fr. catheter, has been reported to allow super-selective catheterization. A 1.6-Fr. microcatheter has recently become available as the small microcatheter for the triaxial system, in addition to 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils that may be introduced into the 1.6-Fr. microcatheter. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils in embolization through the 1.6-Fr. microcatheter of the triaxial system. Material and Methods Between November 2015 and October 2019, 19 embolizations were performed on 18 patients, 9 males and 9 females with a median age of 77 years (range, 41–88 years), using 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils through the 1.6-Fr. microcatheter of the triaxial system. The technical success rate, clinical success rate, and complications associated with the procedure were assessed. Technical success was defined as the successful delivery and placement of 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils, and clinical success as the immediate postembolic complete cessation of blood flow confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Results Eighty-four 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils were delivered and 19 arteries were successfully embolized. The median number of 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils was 4 (range, 1–12). The technical success rate was 100% (84/84) and the clinical success rate was also 100% (19/19). There were no complications associated with the procedures. Conclusion The use of 0.014-in. pushable bare platinum coils in super-selective embolization through the 1.6-Fr. microcatheter of the triaxial system appears to be feasible and safe.

Transarterial fiducial marker implantation for CyberKnife radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer: an experience with 14 cases

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transarterial fiducial marker implantation for CyberKnife radiotherapy to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods Fifteen pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled for transarterial marker implantation. Embolization platinum coils were implanted as a fiducial marker within 20 mm of the cancer edge, and preferably within 3 mm. The technical success of the implantation was defined as implantation of at least one fiducial marker within 20 mm of the target tumor. Irradiation was performed using the CyberKnife system. Results For 14 of 15 patients, transarterial implantation was successfully performed, and for 13 of 14 patients, the tracking marker was implanted within 3 mm of the cancer. Tracking instability was observed in two patients, but irradiation was accomplished in all 14 patients. No major complications caused by the implantation procedure were observed. The median overall survival after irradiation was 13.8 months, and the 1- and 2-years survival rates were 62.9% and 32.3%, respectively. Conclusion Transarterial fiducial marker implantation for pancreatic cancer can be safely performed for tracking, and it will be a valuable alternative approach to percutaneous fiducial marker implantation.

Maxillary Artery Pseudoaneurysm as a Complication of Maxillofacial Injuries: Report of three cases and literature review

Traumatic maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommonly reported complication in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is usually discovered incidentally, either early after trauma or weeks-to-months later. Quick recognition and prompt management are essential to avoid devastating consequences. In this paper, we report three uncommon cases of maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm recognised during the surgical management of maxillofacial injuries in Muscat, Oman. All cases presented as sudden brisk bleeding during the intraoperative surgical repair and were subsequently diagnosed and successfully managed by endovascular embolisation with platinum coils. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm, in addition to a brief review of the literature.Keywords: Maxillofacial Injuries; Maxillary Artery; Pseudoaneurysm; Mandibular Condyle; Angiography; Therapeutic Embolization; Case Report; Oman.

Histological and Transmission Electron Microscopy Results after Embolization with HydroSoft/HydroFrame Coils in Experimental Swine Aneurysm

Coiling and clipping are standard treatment strategies for cerebral aneurysms. Regardless of the strategy used, recanalization may affect the patient’s prognosis. The aim of this study was to histologically and morphologically compare the tissue proliferation after coil embolization using bare platinum coils versus second-generation hydrogel coils (HydroSoft/HydroFrame; MicroVention, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA, USA). Endothelial-like cell proliferation was seen in both groups at 2 weeks after surgery. Macroscopic findings showed a tighter layer at 4 weeks in the hydrogel coil group, and histological and immunohistochemical findings revealed endothelial cell proliferation. This layer became much thicker and tighter at 4 weeks after surgery. Aneurysms treated with second-generation hydrogel coils may be more stable and have a lower incidence of recanalization than those treated with bare platinum coils because of the tight endothelial layer proliferation.

Testing the Medina embolization device in experimental aneurysms

OBJECTIVEThe Medina embolization device (MED) is a novel, braided self-expanding endovascular device designed to occlude aneurysms by constructing an in situ intrasaccular flow diverter. Although a single device can be positioned at the neck of simple spherical in vitro aneurysms, the best way to occlude more complex in vivo aneurysms (using multiple MEDs or a combination of MEDs and platinum coils) is currently unknown.METHODSFifty-two aneurysms of 3 different types were created in 31 canines, yielding 48 patent aneurysms. Treatments were randomly allocated by drawing lots: group 1, MEDs alone (n = 16); group 2, MEDs plus standard platinum coils (n = 16); and group 3, control aneurysms treated with coils alone (n = 16). Angiographic results were scored and compared immediately following treatment completion and at 3 months. Specimens were photographed and the extent of neointimal closure of the aneurysmal neck scored, followed by histopathological analyses.RESULTSAngiographic scores of 0 or 1 (occlusion or near occlusion) were initially obtained in 2 of 16 (12.5%, 95% CI 1.6%–38.3%) group 1 (MEDs alone), 3 of 16 (18.7%, 95% CI 4%–45.6%) group 2 (MEDs plus coils), and 10 of 16 (62.5%, 95% CI 35.4%–84.8%) group 3 (coils alone) aneurysms (p = 0.005). At 3 months, scores of 0 or 1 were found in 11 of 16 (68.7%, 95% CI 41.3%–89.0%) group 1, 9 of 16 (56.2%, 95% CI 29.9%–80.2%) group 2, and 8 of 16 (50%, 95% CI 24.7%–75.3%) group 3 aneurysms (p = 0.82). Neointimal scores were similar for the 3 treated groups (p = 0.66).CONCLUSIONEndovascular treatment of experimental aneurysms with MEDs or MEDs and coils showed angiographic occlusion and neointimal scores at 3 months that were similar to those achieved with standard platinum coiling.