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Object: Preoperative embolization is viewed by the authors as a useful adjunct in the surgical management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This study was performed to determine the rate of significant complication in patients undergoing this procedure., Methods: Demographic, anatomical, and procedure data were collected prospectively. The treating physician reported complications. In addition, a review of medical records including procedure reports, operative reports, and discharge summaries was performed. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to determine if any of the variables was predictive of a poor outcome of embolization (death or permanent neurological deficit). Endovascular procedures for embolization were performed 339 times in 201 patients during an 11-year period. Female patients comprised 53.7% of the study group and 85.6% of the AVMs were supratentorial. Embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles, N-butyl cyanoacrylate, detachable coils, and/or the liquid polymer Onyx. Analyzed by procedure, a poor result of embolization occurred in 7.7%. Analyzed by patient, 11% died or had a permanent neurological deficit as a result of the embolization. None of the demographic, anatomical, or procedure variables identified were predictive of a poor outcome., Conclusions: Preoperative embolization may gradually reduce flow to an AVM, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and reduce operative time. The risks of this procedure, however, are not insignificant and must be considered in planning treatment for patients with AVMs.

Objective: Aneurysms arising from the internal carotid artery in close relation to the clinoid process have been called paraclinoid aneurysms. The surgical management of these aneurysms poses technical challenges, and such patients are frequently referred for endovascular treatment. We reviewed our experience with endovascular coil embolization of paraclinoid aneurysms to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality., Methods: From December 1993 to May 2002, 70 patients underwent endovascular procedures with detachable coils for 73 paraclinoid aneurysms (8 ruptured, 65 unruptured) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. A retrospective review of the medical records, outpatient charts, and operative reports was performed. Angiographic outcome was determined at the end of each procedure and by review of follow-up angiograms. Clinical assessments and outcomes are reported according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)., Results: Immediate angiographic outcomes for 73 paraclinoid aneurysms demonstrated complete occlusion in 53 (72.6%), near-complete occlusion in 6 (8.2%), and partial occlusion in 14 (19.2%). Nine aneurysms required more than one coiling session to complete treatment; 8 of these aneurysms required two sessions and 1 required four, for a total of 84 endovascular procedures. Follow-up angiograms could be obtained in 49 patients with 52 paraclinoid aneurysms. During the follow-up period, 6 aneurysms demonstrating partial occlusion and 3 demonstrating near-complete occlusion showed spontaneous progression of thrombosis to complete occlusion. Twelve aneurysms initially demonstrating complete occlusion (5 aneurysms), near-complete occlusion (3 aneurysms), or partial occlusion (4 aneurysms) showed coil compaction requiring retreatment. Of these 12 aneurysms that demonstrated coil compaction, 3 were treated with surgery and 9 with coil repacking. The final angiographic outcomes, determined on the last available follow-up angiograms of 49 aneurysms, excluding 3 surgically clipped aneurysms, showed complete occlusion in 43 (87.8%), near-complete occlusion in 3 (6.1%), and partial occlusion in 3 (6.1%). The angiographic follow-up period ranged from 4 to 54 months (mean, 13.9 mo). Morbidity and mortality rates related to 84 endovascular procedures were 8.3 and 0%, respectively. There were no recurrent or new subarachnoid hemorrhages in 63 patients in whom clinical follow-up could be performed during a mean clinical follow-up period of 14.4 months. The final clinical outcomes demonstrated a GOS score of 5 (good recovery) in 56 patients (88.9%), a GOS score of 4 (moderate disability) in 2 (3.2%), and a GOS score of 3 (severe disability) in 1 (1.6%). Four patients (6.3%) died of unrelated causes. The average period of hospitalization was 17.8 days in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms and 3.5 days in patients with unruptured or retreated aneurysms., Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that endovascular treatment is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative in ruptured and unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. The endovascular treatment may also confer a positive impact in terms of the length of hospital stay.

Objective: In this study, the incidence, etiologies, and management with respect to clinical outcome of patients with iatrogenic aneurysmal rupture during attempted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms are reviewed., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 274 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils over a 6-year period from 1994 to 2000. Patient medical records were examined for demographic data, aneurysm location, the number of coils deployed preceding and after aneurysmal rupture, the etiology of the rupture, and the clinical status on admission and at the time of discharge., Results: Of 274 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization, six (2%) had an intraprocedural rupture. Of these six, two were women and four were men. The mean age was 67 years (range, 52-85 yr). Mean follow-up time was 8 months (range, 0-25 mo). Aneurysmal rupture resulted from detachment of the last coil in three patients, detachment of the third coil (of four) in one patient, and insertion of the first coil in another patient. In one patient, the aneurysmal rupture was a result of catheter advancement before detachment of the last coil. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score at last follow-up examination was 1 in two patients, 2 in two patients, and 5 in two patients., Conclusion: The rate of rupture of aneurysms during coil embolization is approximately 2 to 4%. The clinical outcome may be related to the timing of the rupture and the number of coils placed before rupture. If extravasation of contrast agent is seen, which suggests intraprocedural rupture, further coil deposition should be attempted if safely possible.

Objective: Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms is becoming increasingly used to manage certain intracranial lesions based on aneurysm geometry, patient condition, and patient and surgeon preferences. Aneurysm recurrences or incomplete initial treatments are not uncommon, making repeat treatment necessary using either surgical or endovascular techniques., Methods: Between January 1993 and June 1998, 1025 cerebral aneurysms were managed by the authors at a single hospital. One hundred twenty-four of these lesions were treated using Guglielmi detachable coils, and one was managed with nondetachable coils. During the follow-up period, eight patients who underwent embolization at our institution and one who underwent embolization elsewhere received repeat treatment. Five were approached surgically, and four underwent re-embolization. All charts and films were reviewed retrospectively to determine patient outcome and clinical success., Results: No patient in the subgroup of this clinical study suffered a permanent complication from initial aneurysm coiling, no episodes of subsequent bleeding occurred, and no complications resulted from any subsequent therapies. The anatomic results were excellent, and all aneurysms were totally or near totally obliterated., Conclusion: Subtotal initial coil embolization of aneurysms can be managed safely using a variety of surgical and endovascular techniques. Our approach to this predicament, lessons we have learned, and a review of the literature are herein discussed.