Applications of the Columbus steerable guidewire

The Columbus steerable guidewire (Rapid Medical, Israel) is a 0.014 inch guidewire with a remotely controlled deflectable tip intended for neuronavigational purposes. 1 The tip can be shaped by pulling or pushing the handle. Pulling the handle decreases the radius (from 4 mm to 2 mm) and curves the tip, while pushing the handle increases the curvature radius and straightens the tip until it bends in the opposite direction. The amount of deflection is at the discretion of the operator. Video 1 The response of the Columbus guidewire to rotational movements is inferior to that of standard wires, and the tip is very soft and malleable but brings great support when bent. We present two cases where the Columbus guidewire was used. In the first case, the Columbus enabled us to probe a posterior cerebral artery arising from a giant basilar tip aneurysm without wall contact. In the second case, the Columbus was used as a secondary wire to help cannulate the pericallosal artery in a patient with a recurrent anterior complex aneurysm; this subsequently permitted successful stent-assisted coiling of the aneurysm.Video 1

PulseRider Treated Aneurysm with Significant Artifact on Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Angiography: A Case Report and Literature Review

The PulseRider is a neuroendovascular adjunct for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. The decreased metal burden of the PulseRider theoretically reduces artifact on radiologic imaging. However, we report here on a case of a patient who underwent PulseRider-assisted stent-coiling of a basilar tip aneurysm. He returned 19 months later for intermittent diplopia and darkening of vision but was neurologically intact on exam. Both contrast-enhanced and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) demonstrated absence of signal in the basilar artery in the proximal anchors of the PulseRider. Given his lack of reproducible symptoms and high functional status, it is presumed that the imaging reflected artifact and not thrombosis/stenosis. Although the PulseRider is a useful treatment option for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms, the clinician should be aware that even contrast-enhanced MRA can produce artifact that resembles thrombosis/stenosis. Non-angiogram radiologic imaging modalities may be appropriate for evaluation for residual aneurysm but not patency of the parent artery.

Management of a double basilar tip aneurysm

Complex basilar tip aneurysms are still challenging to secure with coils or stent-assisted coiling. Double aneurysms at the basilar bifurcation and the basilar artery-superior cerebellar artery are a rare particular situation that usually requires more appropriate treatment. This case reports details of our experience with a double basilar tip aneurysm treated in two steps by coiling repair and stent-assisted coiling.

Subtemporal, Transapical, and Transcavernous Approach to Clip Low-Lying Basilar Tip Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Basilar tip aneurysm clipping is technically challenging because of the depth of operative corridor, rarity in presentation, and important perforators supplying deep, critical structures. Two major approaches to basilar tip aneurysms include (1) a frontotemporal (transorbital) trans-sylvian approach for most aneurysms and (2) a modified subtemporal approach for aneurysms with low-lying necks. A 53-yr-old woman presented to our institution with a large unruptured basilar tip aneurysm notable for a low, broad neck (6.4 mm). After discussion of risks and benefits of endovascular vs surgical options, the patient consented to operative intervention. She underwent a right frontotemporal craniotomy with zygomatic osteotomy, intradural petrous apicectomy, elective sectioning of the fourth cranial nerve (CN IV), and intracavernous removal of the dorsum sellae and posterior clinoid process to provide more space for aneurysm dissection. After temporary clipping of the basilar artery, the perforating arteries were dissected free from the aneurysm and the aneurysm occluded with 2 fenestrated clips. Important technical nuances of the approach include (1) achieving ample working room for temporary occlusion aneurysm dissection, (2) careful dissection of the perforators and contralateral P1, and (3) utilization of 2 fenestrated clips to accommodate and preserve the ipsilateral P1 segment. Postoperative angiogram showed complete aneur-ysmal occlusion. Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated mild cognitive impairment and a right CN IV palsy. At 6-wk follow-up, cognition recovered to normalcy. More recently, at 12-mo follow-up, the patient noted intermittent diplopia. Formal neuro-ophthalmologic assessment confirmed persistence of a CN IV palsy treated with prism lenses but no other neurological deficits.

Balloon Assisted Endovascular Coiling in Wide Neck Basilar Tip Aneurysm

Basilar tip aneurysms are the commonest aneurysms of the posterior circulation and constitute around 5-8% of all cerebral aneurysms. Ruptured basilar tip aneurysms may present with signs and symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with sudden, extremely severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, seizure, drooping eyelid and loss of consciousness. At times, the hemorrhage could be fatal, reaching mortality beyond 20%. Basilar tip aneurysms have complex anatomy and have always been considered difficult to treat. Two well-known options to treat basilar tip aneurysms include the microsurgical approach and the endovascular approach. Endovascular treatment is now a cost-effective, preferred and logical rationale for the management of intracranial aneurysms. This case reports the first ever coiling procedure that was performed at Ziauddin Hospital (North Campus) for a basilar tip aneurysm and the other major challenge faced at our center was that the neck was wide, hence requiring a supporting balloon.