High mechanical thrombectomy procedural volume is not a reliable predictor of improved thrombectomy outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the United States
The volume of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) performed at hospitals is used as one of the criteria for advanced-level designation for stroke care.
Accelerated aspiration with Q™ catheter: An study
Thrombectomy in distal, medium vessels is a topic of increasing interest. To date, there are few studies focused on performance of ≤5F catheters in medium vessels. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of the 3F, 4F, and 5F MIVI Neuroscience Q Catheters versus Penumbra 3F, 4F, and MicroVention Sofia 5F Catheters.
Transradial versus transfemoral access for mechanical thrombectomy: A single institution experience
There has been debate in the literature regarding the adoption of a "radial-first" approach for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Conflicting reports suggest that transradial access (TRA) may allow for shorter times to reperfusion while others conclude that long-term functional outcomes may favor transfemoral access (TFA). Here, we report a single-institution experience with the adoption of TRA as the primary route for acute stroke intervention.
Validity of Woven EndoBridge sizing based on the device-to-aneurysm volume ratio
The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a treatment modality available for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, specifically beneficial in wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. Conventional sizing methods rely on the manipulation of aneurysm width and height measurements. This results in frequent need for re-sizing after initial WEB insertion attempts. Previous studies have suggested that volume-based sizing may decrease this rate.
Balloon angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm in preschool children
Subarachnoid hemorrhage evolving with cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia may increase morbidity and mortality. Treating vasospasm with balloon percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) in adults is well known, but data in preschool children are scarce. In addition, the smaller diameters and fragility of the vessels in childhood might lead to serious complications. This study presents two cases of cerebral vasospasm in preschool children treated with balloon PTA. Therefore, it may contribute to a better understanding of the role of that technique as an effective treatment modality in this population.
Circulating miRNA profiles as predictive biomarkers for aneurysm healing following endovascular treatment: a prospective study
Aneurysm treatments are crucial to minimize the rupture risk. The underlying molecular processes mediating cellular remodeling, endothelialization, and aneurysm healing following endovascular treatment are poorly understood. The current study aims to explore circulating miRNA as a treatment and outcome-associated biomarkers in patients undergoing endovascular treatment.
Bevacizumab: The future of chronic subdural hematoma
Bevacizumab (BCZ), commercially known as Avastin, is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Initially recognized as a breakthrough in oncology, it has since gained FDA approval for various ocular conditions and more recently, for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Bevacizumab's ability to inhibit excessive neovascularization suggests it may have a potential role in treating chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Recent studies have shown that the pathophysiology of cSDH is more complex than previously understood, with VEGF concentrations in subdural fluid significantly exceeding those in serum, contributing to the high recurrence rates. Intra-arterial administration of bevacizumab has shown promising results in recent case series against chronic subdural hematoma, and may be a viable alternative to middle meningeal artery embolization. If successful, this treatment could significantly decrease the rate of recurrence and result in lower rates of severe neurological complications such as visual loss. This literature review explores the connection between bevacizumab and cSDH, focusing on the pharmacological, safety, and delivery aspects of this approach while summarizing the current evidence supporting its use.
Soft partial release of non-aggressive stent retriever technique for very distal arterial occlusion stroke
Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for very distal vessel occlusion (DVO) stroke is increasingly performed but there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of distal EVT techniques. We hypothesized that the technique of soft partial release of non-aggressive stent retrievers (SPORNS) reduces friction on the perforating vessels during thrombectomy and thereby reduces bleeding complications.
Corrigendum to "Occipital venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus: A case series"
Impact of D-dimer on the outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
There has been growing data about the association between D-dimer levels and thrombectomy outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) with no cumulative evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to discuss and analyze the findings of the current studies to provide more robust evidence in this regard.
Use of Onyx Frontier for intracranial stenting in stroke patients: A multicenter retrospective study
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) carries a high risk of recurrence despite aggressive medical management. The aim of our study is to present our initial experience with the Onyx Frontier™ balloon-mounted drug-eluting stent (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA) for AIS due to ICAD.
Carotid artery stenting for symptomatic carotid near occlusions: Feasibility, safety and outcome analysis
Extracranial internal carotid stenosis (EICS) is a well-established cause of stroke. Carotid near-occlusion (CNO), either distally collapsed or not, is a rare sub-type of EICS with conflicting data regarding the necessity for treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for patients with symptomatic CNOs.
Safety and efficacy of newer liquid embolic agents Squid and PHIL in endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A wide range of liquid embolic agents has been used in endovascular treatment (EVT) of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (cAVMs). Newer liquid embolics, Squid (Balt) and PHIL (MicroVention), aim to improve the safety and efficacy of EVT of dAVFs and cAVMs.
"Chopperlysis": The effect of helicopter transport on reperfusion and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes
In large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for thrombectomy, spontaneous reperfusion may occur during transport, and anecdotally more frequently in patients transferred via helicopter than by ground. This pattern has been more often observed in conjunction with tenecteplase (TNK) treatment prior to helicopter transport. We aim to explore the "chopperlysis" effect-how helicopter transport, particularly with thrombolytics, may affect reperfusion and clinical outcomes.
Effects of reperfusion grade and reperfusion strategy on the clinical outcome: Insights from ESCAPE-NA1 trial
We evaluated the association of reperfusion quality and different patterns of achieved reperfusion with clinical and radiological outcomes in the ESCAPE NA1 trial.
Recognition of dural to pial supply in high-grade dural arteriovenous fistula: A technical note
High-grade dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are known to demonstrate classical dural supply and can demonstrate pre-existing dural supply and 'pure' arterial supply from pial branches. The latter two are examples of congenital versus acquired pial to dural shunting, respectively. We describe the recognition of dural to pial supply during combined transarterial and transvenous embolization of a high-grade DAVF with holocephalic venous reflux, stressing the importance of careful assessment of this condition with micro catheter injections.
DWI lesions after intracranial aneurysm treatment with contour or WEB-does the device matter?
In this study, we report our experience with the occurrence of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions following aneurysm treatment with Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device and Contour Neurovascular System in elective settings. We compared both techniques in a retrospective single-center analysis, to investigate whether there are significant differences in the incidence of microemboli depending on the device used.
Analysis of selective neurocritical care admission costs following elective endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms
No consensus exists on the necessity of neurocritical care unit (NCU)-level care following unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) treatment. We aim to identify patients requiring NCU-level care post-treatment and determine potential cost savings utilizing a selective NCU admission protocol.
The use of balloon guide catheters during venous sinus stenting: A case series
Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is a safe and effective treatment strategy for pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Although complications are rare, the morbidity associated with the complications is high. Navigating through the venous sinuses poses unique challenges to the interventionalist. There is limited literature regarding device selection to maximize safety and efficiency. We report on the safety and advantages of using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) for venous access in VSS.
The Vecta 46 intermediate catheter for mechanical thrombectomy of distal medium vessel occlusions: A single-center experience
With emerging evidence supporting the clinical efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs), MT devices specifically designed to navigate through smaller caliber and more delicate tortuous distal cerebrovasculature are required. This study describes our single-center experience using the AXS Vecta 46 intermediate catheter for first-line thromboaspiration of DMVOs.
Does Ischemic Core Volume Modify the Treatment Effect of Endovascular Thrombectomy?
Imaging-based selection has become integral in guiding endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusive stroke, driven by positive trial outcomes incorporating parenchymal and perfusion imaging criteria. While small-moderate core trials transformed acute reperfusion therapy, uncertainties persisted for large ischemic strokes. This was recently addressed in several treatment trials which demonstrated a benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic strokes, defined by parenchymal and/or perfusion imaging. Although individual trials suggest treatment benefits regardless of core size, patient-level meta-analyses are essential to clarify this relationship. Our aim was to summarize the imaging ramifications of the major endovascular thrombectomy trials of the past decade focusing on the interaction between the core and the treatment effect, to assist in the design of future meta-analyses. The core-treatment relationship that will be investigated in these meta-anlalyses will likely have major implications in our systems of care designs and in determining the utility of imaging-based selection.