Efficacy of endovascular intratumoral embolization for meningioma: assessment using dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging

BackgroundIn preoperative embolization for intracranial meningioma, endovascular intratumoral embolization is considered to be more effective for the reduction of tumorous vascularity than proximal feeder occlusion. In this study, we aimed to reveal different efficacies for reducing tumor blood flow in meningiomas by comparing endovascular intratumoral embolization and proximal feeder occlusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI).Methods28 consecutive patients were included. DSC-PWI was performed before and after embolization for intracranial meningiomas. Normalized tumor blood volume (nTBV) of voxels of interest of whole tumors were measured from the DSC-PWI data before and after embolization. ΔnTBV% was compared between the cases that received intratumoral embolization and proximal feeder occlusion.ResultsΔnTBV% in the intratumoral embolization group (42.4±29.8%) was higher than that of the proximal feeder occlusion group (15.3±14.3%, p=0.0039). We used three types of embolic materials and ΔnTBV% did not differ between treatments with or without the use of each material: 42.8±42.4% vs 28.7±20.1% for microspheres (p=0.12), 36.1±20.6% vs 28.1±41.1% for n-butyl cyanoacrylate (p=0.33), and 32.3±37.3% vs 34.1±19.0% for bare platinum coils (p=0.77).ConclusionsThe flow reduction effect of intratumoral embolization was superior to that of proximal feeder occlusion in preoperative embolization for intracranial meningioma in an assessment using DSC-PWI.

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.

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.

Final results of the US humanitarian device exemption study of the low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device

IntroductionThe low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is a new, braided, intracranial microstent designed for stent-assisted coiling.ObjectiveTo present the results of a single-arm, prospective, multicenter trial of the LVIS for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.Methods31 patients with unruptured, wide-necked (neck ≥4 mm or dome:neck ratio ≤2) intracranial aneurysms were treated with the LVIS device and bare platinum coils at six US centers (investigational device exemption G110014). Clinical follow-up was conducted at 30 days and 6 months. Angiographic follow-up was performed at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was any major stroke or death within 30 days or major ipsilateral stroke or neurological death within 6 months. ‘Probable benefit’ was defined as ≥90% angiographic occlusion at 6 months. An independent core laboratory adjudicated the angiographic results. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated the clinical endpoints.ResultsAverage aneurysm size was 7.2 mm (SD 3.8) and average neck width was 4.6 mm (SD 1.8). 68% of patients had a dome:neck ratio ≤2. LVIS placement was technically successful in 29/31 patients (93.5%). No primary safety endpoints occurred during the study (0%). No patient had a higher modified Rankin Score at 6 months than at baseline. 26/28 (92.9%) treated aneurysms with 6-month angiographic follow-up demonstrated ≥90% angiographic occlusion. 21/28 (75%) were completely occluded at follow-up.ConclusionsThe LVIS device facilitated the coil embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with high rates of technical success, an excellent safety profile, and very high rates of complete and near-complete occlusion at follow-up.Trial registration numberNCT01541254.

Bioactive versus bare platinum coils for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BackgroundBioactive coils were introduced in 2002 in an attempt to improve aneurysm healing and durability of angiographic results. Evidence demonstrating superior efficacy to justify the routine use of bioactive coils over bare coils is limited. We compared the periprocedural and clinical outcome after bioactive and bare platinum coiling for intracranial aneurysms.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Knowledge Conference Proceedings Citation Index—Science were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing bioactive and bare coils. The methodological quality was evaluated to assess bias risk. Periprocedural outcomes and mid-term outcomes were compared.ResultsFive independent RCTs comparing bioactive (n=1084) and bare coils (n=1084) were identified. Periprocedural outcome was similar for both groups. Bioactive coiling increased the rate of complete aneurysm occlusion (47% vs 40%; RR 1.17 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.31); p=0.006) and reduced the rate of residual aneurysm neck at 10 months compared with bare coiling in the mid-term (26% vs 31%; RR 0.82 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.96); p=0.01). There were no differences in aneurysm recurrence, aneurysm rupture, stroke, neurological death, modified Rankin Scale score and reinterventions. Subgroup analysis for the three RCTs on hydrogel coils demonstrated reduction of residual aneurysms compared with bare coiling (25% vs 34%; RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.99); p=0.04).ConclusionsBioactive coils ensure a higher rate of medium-term complete aneurysm occlusion while reducing the rate of residual neck aneurysms compared with bare coiling in the mid-term. Hydrogel coils reduce residual aneurysms compared with bare coils. While there is level 1a evidence to show more complete aneurysm occlusion, longer term follow-up is needed to determine if this translates into clinical significance.