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In the treatment of an intracranial aneurysm with the flow diverter, the combined use of coil embolization can help promote subsequent progressive thrombosis within the aneurysm sac and reduce the risk of delayed aneurysm rupture. This study retrospectively reviewed outcomes of patients who had undergone the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) with adjunctive coil embolization (PED/coil) at a single center to determine its safety and efficiency. Patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms following an intradural component were selected for PED/coil between 2015 and 2020. All patients were premedicated with dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin plus clopidogrel or prasugrel. A minimal number of PEDs were deployed, with coils inserted using a stent-jail technique, avoiding dense packing. A total of 46 aneurysms (43 patients; median dome size, 11.6 mm; median neck width, 6.3 mm) were treated with PED/coil. The median volume embolization ratio was 14.8%. The degree of angiographic filling at the 6-month and latest angiography showed complete occlusion in 60.5% (26/43) and 70.5% (31/44), respectively. Small ( 10 mm) aneurysms achieved a higher complete occlusion rate in the early period; a lower cumulative incidence of aneurysm occlusion was observed in large and giant (≥ 10 mm) aneurysms (P = .024). The median clinical follow-up was 22 months, and no aneurysm ruptures occurred. Favorable clinical outcomes were achieved, with permanent neurological morbidity of 4.7% and no mortality. PED/coil demonstrated a high angiographic occlusion rate at an early stage. Loosely packed coils are sufficient to obliterate aneurysms effectively.

Vasospasm, initial neurological damage, rebleeding, and periprocedural complications are associated prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this study, factors related to delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) are evaluated using data from our institute for the last 18 years. Data from 2001 to 2018 of patients with aneurysmal SAH who underwent surgical clipping (SC) or endovascular coiling (EC) within 7 days of onset were retrospectively analyzed. Cases of mortality within 5 days after treatment were excluded. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors for DIND. In total, 840 cases of SAH were assessed; among these cases, 384 (45.7%) and 456 (54.3%) were treated with SC and EC, respectively. The frequency of DIND in the EC group was significantly less than that in the SC group (11.8% vs. 17.7%; p = 0.016). In the results of multivariate analysis, internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm and hemorrhagic complications were the risk factors for DIND. Cilostazol administration and EC were significant factors for vasospasm prevention after aneurysmal SAH (odds ratio of ICA aneurysm: 1.59, hemorrhagic complications: 1.76, SC: 1.51, and cilostazol administration: 0.51, respectively). Cilostazol administration was also a significant factor in patients who were treated with EC. ICA aneurysm, treatment strategy, hemorrhagic complications, and cilostazol administration were associated with DIND. Oral administration of cilostazol and avoiding hemorrhagic complications were effective in DIND prevention. If both treatments are available for ruptured aneurysms, clinicians should choose EC on the basis of its ability to prevent DIND.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recanalization after coil embolization is widely studied. However, there are limited data on how recanalized aneurysms rupture. Herein, we describe our experience with the rupture of recanalized aneurysms and discuss the type of recanalized aneurysms at greatest rupture risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 426 unruptured aneurysms and 169 ruptured aneurysms underwent coil embolization in our institution between January 2009 and December 2017. Recanalization occurred in 38 (8.9%) of 426 unruptured aneurysms (unruptured group) and 37 (21.9%) of 169 ruptured aneurysms (ruptured group). The Modified Raymond-Roy classification on DSA was used to categorize the recanalization type. Follow-up DSA was scheduled until 6 months after treatment, and follow-up MRA was scheduled yearly. If recanalization was suspected on MRA, DSA was performed. RESULTS: In the unruptured group, the median follow-up term was 74.0 months. Retreatment for recanalization was performed in 18 aneurysms. Four of 20 untreated recanalized aneurysms (0.94% of total coiled aneurysms) ruptured. In untreated recanalized aneurysms, class IIIb aneurysms ruptured significantly more frequently than class II and IIIa (P = .025). In the ruptured group, the median follow-up term was 28.0 months. Retreatment for recanalization was performed in 16 aneurysms. Four of 21 untreated recanalized aneurysms (2.37% of total coiled aneurysms) ruptured. Class IIIb aneurysms ruptured significantly more frequently than class II and IIIa (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The types of recanalization after coil embolization may be predictors of rupture. Coiled aneurysms with class IIIb recanalization should undergo early retreatment because of an increased rupture risk.

BACKGROUND Trapping an aneurysm after the establishment of an extracranial to intracranial high-flow bypass is considered the optimal surgical strategy for ruptured blood blister–like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA). For high-flow bypass surgeries, a radial artery graft is generally preferred over a saphenous vein graft (SVG). However, SVGs can be advantageous in acute-phase surgeries because of their greater length, easy manipulability, ability to act as high-flow conduits, and reduced risk of vasospasms. In this study, the authors presented five cases of ruptured BBAs treated with high-flow bypass using an SVG followed by BBA trapping, and they reported on surgical outcomes and operative nuances that may help avoid potential pitfalls. OBSERVATIONS After the surgeries, there were no ischemic or hemorrhagic complications, including symptomatic vasospasms. In three of the five cases, postoperative modified Rankin scale scores were between 0 and 2 at the 3-month follow-up. In one case, the SVG spontaneously occluded after surgery while the protective superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass became dominant, and the patient experienced no ischemic symptoms. LESSONS High-flow bypass using an SVG with a protective STA-MCA bypass followed by BBA trapping is a safe and effective treatment strategy.

IntroductionIn our institute, most cases of carotid artery stenosis are treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS) with an open-cell stent and double-balloon protection, even if plaques are unstable. This study was performed to examine the outcome of CAS with an open-cell stent and double-balloon protection for unstable plaques.MethodsA total of 184 CAS procedures in our institute between October 2010 and February 2018 were assessed. Ultrasonography findings of low-echo plaques, plaque ulceration, or both were defined as unstable plaques. A plaque-to-muscle ratio (PMR) of >1.8 on T1-weighted black blood imaging using spin-echo was also defined as an unstable plaque. Seventy-four unstable plaques on ultrasonography and 86 unstable plaques evaluated by PMR were included. Open-cell stents and double-balloon protection (proximal balloon protection during lesion crossing and distal balloon protection after lesion crossing) were used in all cases.ResultsOn ultrasonography, perioperative asymptomatic thromboembolization was significantly more frequent in the unstable plaque group (39/74, 52.7%) than in the stable plaque group (41/110, 37.3%, p=0.0384). Asymptomatic thromboembolization was also significantly more frequent in the PMR >1.8 group (44/86, 51.2%) than in the PMR ConclusionsThe outcomes of CAS with an open-cell stent and double-balloon protection are acceptable. This method is effective and safe, even if carotid artery stenosis comprises unstable plaques.

Background Stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) for treating anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms is safe and effective. Straightening of parent vessels by stent placement can lead to progressive thrombosis. We describe our experience with SAC for AcomA aneurysms and demonstrate the effect of straightening the parent vessels. Methods A total of 26 patients with AcomA aneurysms were treated using SAC in our institute between July 2010 and December 2017. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography was performed 6 months after treatment, magnetic resonance angiography was performed every year, and outcomes were analyzed. Results From all aneurysms (n = 24), 12 (50.0%) were neck remnant, and 12 (50.0%) were dome-filling types immediately after the procedure. At the 6-month digital subtraction angiography follow-up (n = 22), 13 (59.1%) aneurysms were complete obliteration, 8 (36.4%) were neck remnant, and 1 (4.5%) was dome filling. The median parent vessel angle was measured preoperatively at 98.1°, increased to 124.8° immediately after stent deployment, and further increased to 149.6° at the 6-month follow-up. Progressive thrombosis was observed in 13 of 22 (59.1%) aneurysms. The parent vessel angle change immediately after stent deployment in the progressive thrombosis group tended to be larger than that observed in the no thrombosis group; this change was significant at the 6-month follow-up. The median follow-up term was 18 months. No patients required retreatment. Conclusions Good SAC outcomes were achieved for AcomA aneurysms, and hemodynamic changes related to straightening of the parent vessels is a consideration in SAC.

IntroductionWe have observed that aneurysms treated by insufficient coil embolization and filled with contrast agent immediately after the procedure are often completely occluded at follow-up. However, there are limited studies showing progressive thrombosis of aneurysms after coil embolization. Herein, we describe our experience with coil embolization for aneurysms, and discuss the factors involved in progressive thrombosis.MethodsA total of 255 aneurysms treated by coil embolization in our institute between January 2011 and June 2017 and observed >6 months were included. ‘Progressive thrombosis’ indicated that aneurysms that were neck remnant (NR) or dome filling (DF) immediately after coil embolization changed to complete obliteration (CO) at the 6-month follow-up digital subtraction angiography. The factors involved in progressive thrombosis were assessed.ResultsIn all aneurysms (n=255), 24 (9.4%) were CO, 82 (32.2%) were NR, and 149 (58.4%) were DF immediately after the procedure. At 6-month digital subtraction angiography, 123 (48.2%) were CO, 95 (37.3%) were NR, and 37 (14.5%) were DF. Retreatment for major recanalization was performed in eight cases (3.1%). One hundred and three aneurysms showed progressive thrombosis. There were significant differences in aneurysm location (P=0.0002), aneurysm dome diameter (P=0.0015), aneurysm neck diameter (P=0.0068), volume embolization ratio (P=0.0054), and endovascular procedure with stent (P=0.0264) between the progressive thrombosis and no thrombosis groups.ConclusionsProgressive thrombosis can occur in aneurysms after coil embolization depending on aneurysm location and size, and stent use. Thus, the degree of coil embolization and combination with a stent should be adjusted depending on aneurysm type.

Vertebral artery (VA) injuries following trauma to the neck are uncommon. We treated a case of VA injury in an 82-year-old man presented to a hospital with penetrating neck injuries caused by broken glass and underwent surgery for retrieval of the pieces. After the surgery, he complained about hoarseness, computed tomography scan showed glass remnants in his neck, damaging the right VA and forming a pseudoaneurysm. Thereafter, he came to our hospital seeking treatment for the injured VA. Severe bleeding may have occurred during exploration around the pseudoaneurysm; hence, we performed interventional angiography and occluded the right VA, followed by neck surgery. Five days after embolization, we performed the surgery to remove the glasses. There was no bleeding during and after the operation, and the patient was discharged without any complication. In this case report, we discuss the management of VA injury and review the relevant medical literature.

Background Copolymer (Onyx) embolization is an effective treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), however, some dAVFs have multiple, high-flow feeding vessels, resulting in insufficient embolization. For the treatment of such patients, we have developed a novel flow-control technique, the ‘damp-and-push technique’. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency and safety of this technique. Methods Seven patients who had been diagnosed with intracranial dAVF were treated by transarterial Onyx embolization using the damp-and-push technique between 2016 and 2019. This technique was designed to reduce blood flow to the shunt site using a balloon catheter in the major feeding vessel other than the one injected with Onyx, leading to better Onyx penetration and enabling more controlled embolization of complex dAVFs. Retrospectively collected data were reviewed to assess the occlusion rates and clinical outcomes. Results The dAVF was at a transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus junction in four patients, in the superior sagittal sinus in two, and in the tentorium in one. Five cases were Cognard type Ⅱb and two cases were Cognard type Ⅳ. All the patients were treated by transarterial Onyx injection via the main feeding vessel, combined with flow reduction in the other main feeding vessel using a balloon catheter. Complete occlusion was achieved in six patients and elimination of cerebral venous reflux was achieved in all the patients. There were no immediate or delayed post-interventional complications. Conclusions Transarterial Onyx embolization of dAVF using the damp-and-push technique is safe and yields a high complete occlusion rate.

Background We experienced two cases of ischemic stroke resulting from carotid artery occlusion associated with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), in which carotid artery stenting before the surgery for ATAAD resulted in good clinical outcomes. Case 1 description: A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized for conscious disturbance, right hemiparesis, and total aphasia. Computed tomography of the head showed no abnormal findings. Computed tomography angiography showed ATAAD and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Surgery was not indicated for ATAAD because of a poor prognosis of ischemic stroke. However, carotid artery stenting of the left common carotid artery occlusion was successfully performed, and her neurological findings improved. The patient underwent hemiarch replacement for ATAAD on the day after carotid artery stenting. Her final modified Rankin Scale was 1. Case 2 Description: A 57-year-old woman was hospitalized for mild left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed right watershed infarction and right common carotid artery occlusion. Computed tomography angiography showed ATAAD. After hospitalization, conscious disturbance appeared and left hemiparesis worsened. Ischemic stroke indicated a poor prognosis for revascularization by surgery for ATAAD. Thus, carotid artery stenting of the right common carotid artery occlusion was performed. The patient’s neurological findings improved and she underwent hemiarch replacement for ATAAD at 19 days after carotid artery stenting. Her final modified Rankin Scale was 1. Conclusions In the present cases, although ischemic stroke was serious and precluded surgical indication for ATAAD, carotid artery stenting before surgery for ATAAD resulted in good clinical outcomes. Performing carotid artery stenting before surgery for ATAAD is challenging but achievable, and is a valid treatment option depending on the individual cases.

Surgical treatments for moyamoya disease (MMD) include direct revascularization procedures with proven efficacy, for example, superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass, STA to anterior cerebral artery bypass, occipital artery (OA) to MCA bypass, or OA to posterior cerebral artery bypass. In cases with poor development of the parietal branch of the STA, the posterior auricular artery (PAA) is often developed and can be used as the bypass donor artery. In this report, the authors describe double direct bypass performed using only the PAA as the donor in the initial surgery for MMD.In the authors’ institution, MMD is routinely treated with an STA-MCA double bypass. Some patients, however, have poor STA development, and in these cases the PAA is used as the donor artery. The authors report the use of the PAA in the treatment of 4 MMD patients at their institution from 2013 to 2016. In all 4 cases, a double direct bypass was performed, with transposition of the PAA as the donor artery. Good patency was confirmed in all cases via intraoperative indocyanine green angiography and postoperative MRA or cerebral angiography. The mean blood flow measurement during surgery was 58 ml/min. No patients suffered a stroke after revascularization surgery.

Background Trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is rare and challenging to treat. Some authors have reported techniques for treating trigeminal neuralgia caused by VBD using various kinds of objects including clips, Proline slings, and titanium plates. Methods Here, we report the effectiveness of cutting and splitting of the tentorium in 3 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Results The clinical results were good, the pain disappeared in all patients without medication, and no complications occurred. Conclusions In cases of trigeminal neuralgia caused by VBD, this technique may be as useful as traditional microvascular decompression around the trigeminal nerve root entry zone.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a simplified treatment relative to shunting for several types of hydrocephalus. The fatal complication of ETV is intraoperative hemorrhage due to arterial injury of the basilar artery, posterior cerebral arteries, and their perforators.Here, we present a modified technique of ETV by using a transendoscopic pulse-waved microvascular Doppler probe and videoscope head to avoid vascular injury behind the tuber cinereum (TC). The microvascular Doppler probe can detect the basilar artery complex through the TC.Ventriculostomy with the probe head helps prevent vascular injury by informing the presence of invisible vessels under endoscopic view during perforation, and the method introduced here is certain to prove invaluable for enhancing the safety of ETV.