Salvage treatment with stenting and temporary balloon occlusion for subarachnoid hemorrhage after stent retrieval following acute proximal M3 occlusion treatment

Procedure-related subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after mechanical thrombectomy is known to be a clinically benign presentation. However, the treatment in the presence of definite contrast leakage without vessel rupture is controversial. Here, we report a case in which a salvage technique was performed for procedure-related SAH after mechanical thrombectomy for a proximal M3 occlusion.A 56-year-old female patient presented with global aphasia and right hemiparesis within 2 hours after symptom onset. The initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of the patient was 18 points, and Computed tomography (CT) angiography showed that the superior division of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded. We decided to treat the patient with mechanical thrombectomy. Control angiography showed a left proximal M3 occlusion. We performed mechanical thrombectomy with a partially deployed technique using a Trevo 3 mm stent (Stryker). Control angiography showed recanalization of the occluded vessel but contrast leakage after stent retrieval. We decided to treat the lesion presenting with contrast leakage with stenting using a Neuroform Atlas 3 mm stent (Stryker). Serial control angiography continued to show contrast leakage of the recanalized artery. We decided to treat the lesion with temporary balloon occlusion using a Scepter C balloon catheter (MicroVention). The patient recovered and had a modified Rankin scale score at discharge of 0.Given the results of our case, stenting and subsequent repeat temporary balloon occlusion should be considered for SAH with contrast leakage after mechanical thrombectomy, as spontaneous cessation of the arterial bleeding is unlikely.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in simultaneous anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion

Objective@#Simultaneous anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is rare. We investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with simultaneous ACA and MCA occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy. @*Methods@#We analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 12 patients with simultaneous ACA and MCA occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy from January 2018 to December 2020. The clinical outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Score (mRS) after 3 months of thrombectomy. The radiological outcome was assessed using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score. @*Results@#The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at hospital arrival was 18 (interquartile range, 16–20). M1 was the most common occlusion lesion (n=8), and A3 was the most common lesion in the ACA (n=6). Six patients were first treated for MCA occlusion and later for ACA occlusion (MCA group). Other patients were first treated for ACA occlusion and later for MCA occlusion (ACA group). There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the MCA and ACA groups (p=0.180). Successful recanalization (TICI ≥2b) of MCA was achieved in 10 patients (83.3%). Successful recanalization of ACA was achieved in 10 patients (83.3%). Successful recanalization of both ACA and MCA occlusion was observed in eight patients (66.7%). Three patients (25%) had good clinical outcomes (mRS ≤2). @*Conclusions@#In our series, simultaneous ACA and MCA occlusion showed relatively poor successful recanalization rates and poor clinical outcomes despite treatment with mechanical thrombectomy.

Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm Causing Central Tapia’s Syndrome: A Case Report / 신경중재치료의학

The central type of Tapia’s syndrome is an extremely rare presentation, characterized by unilateral paralysis of the vagal and hypoglossal nerves, contralateral hemiparesis, or hemihypesthesia. This report describes a case of a middle-aged patient who developed central Tapia’s syndrome due to a right vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA). The patient complained about swallowing difficulty and odynophagia. Right vocal cord paralysis, mild tongue deviation to the right side, left hypesthesia, and decreased temperature sensation with left hemiparesis were observed in neurologic exams. A right VADA and compression of the medulla oblongata due to the VADA were diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Endovascular flow diversion of the right VADA was performed. After 1 year, all neurological symptoms and vocal cord paralysis were nearly resolved, but left hypesthesia remained with decreased nociception. We present and discuss how a VADA caused those symptoms and propose endovascular flow diversion as a treatment option.

Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm Causing Central Tapia’s Syndrome: A Case Report / 신경중재치료의학

The central type of Tapia’s syndrome is an extremely rare presentation, characterized by unilateral paralysis of the vagal and hypoglossal nerves, contralateral hemiparesis, or hemihypesthesia. This report describes a case of a middle-aged patient who developed central Tapia’s syndrome due to a right vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA). The patient complained about swallowing difficulty and odynophagia. Right vocal cord paralysis, mild tongue deviation to the right side, left hypesthesia, and decreased temperature sensation with left hemiparesis were observed in neurologic exams. A right VADA and compression of the medulla oblongata due to the VADA were diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Endovascular flow diversion of the right VADA was performed. After 1 year, all neurological symptoms and vocal cord paralysis were nearly resolved, but left hypesthesia remained with decreased nociception. We present and discuss how a VADA caused those symptoms and propose endovascular flow diversion as a treatment option.

Disappearance of a Distal Shunt Catheter: A Case Report of an Unusual Cause of Shunt Malfunction / 대한신경손상학회지

Shunt malfunction is a common complication in patients who undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement for the treatment of hydrocephalus. A plethora of reports regarding shunt malfunctions due to distal catheter migration have been demonstrated in the literature. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports thus far of shunt malfunctions caused by the complete disappearance of a distal catheter. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for progressive gait disturbance beginning approximately 5 months ago. He received a VPS for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and was doing well over the course of 18 months of follow-up. Since no increase in the size of the ventricle was observed on brain computed tomography taken at the outpatient clinic, we tried to readjust the pressure setting of his programmable shunt valve to relieve his symptoms. Without any progression, we discovered later by chance that the distal shunt catheter was missing. Shunt revision surgery was performed. At the 2-year follow-up, a slight improvement in gait was observed. Although it is very rare, the distal catheter can disappear without any noticeable symptoms. If shunt malfunction is suspected, it is important to check whether the entire shunt system is structurally intact.

Advantages and disadvantages of the ENVOY 6F distal access guiding catheter in endovascular coiling for anterior circulation aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Selecting an appropriate guiding catheter to provide both sufficient supportability for working devices and sufficient distal navigability is essential for ensuring the success of a procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using the ENVOY 6F distal access (DA) guiding catheter in coil embolization of anterior circulation cerebral aneurysms.METHODS: We included 98 patients (72 [73.5%] women, median age: 63 [range: 25–84] years) who underwent endovascular coiling with the ENVOY 6F DA guiding catheter from May to November 2016. We analyzed data on patient demographics and the number of co-axial techniques to position the guiding catheter, initial and final location of the catheter, and complications related to the catheter.RESULTS: The co-axial technique was used to position the ENVOY 6F DA guiding catheter in the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 20 cases (20.41%). The initial position of the ENVOY 6F DA guiding catheter involved the cervical ICA (79.6%), horizontal petrous ICA (17.3%), and vertical petrous ICA (3.1%). Final control angiograms after endovascular coiling showed proximal change in the final, compared to the initial, position of the ENVOY 6F DA guiding catheter in 25 cases (25.51%). Procedure-related complications were observed in nine patients (9.18%), involving vasospasm in all cases; however, there was no symptomatic case.CONCLUSION: The ENVOY 6F DA guiding catheter had relatively sufficient distal navigability without symptomatic procedural complications. However, the change in the catheter position after endovascular coiling denoted insufficient supportability.

Recurrence of Small Cerebral Aneurysms (< 4 mm) Treated Endovascularly Using Target® Nano™ Coils

OBJECTIVE: In our series, endovascular coiling with Target® Nano™ coils (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA) with diameters of 1 or 1.5 mm exhibited favorable technical feasibility in the treatment of small cerebral aneurysms (< 4 mm). However, little is known about the recurrence of small cerebral aneurysms treated using Target® Nano™ coils. We investigated recurrence following the treatment of small cerebral aneurysms using Target® Nano™ coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and November 2013, 143 patients with 148 small cerebral aneurysms (< 4 mm) were included our study. A total of 135 cerebral aneurysms (91.2%) were unruptured; 45 cerebral aneurysms (30.4%) were treated by endovascular coiling using Target® Nano™ coils. Follow-up radiological images were obtained for 132 cerebral aneurysms (89.2%) over a range of 3 to 58 months (mean, 34.3 months; standard deviation, 14.2). RESULTS: In the group treated with Target® Nano™ coils, radiological outcomes revealed complete occlusion in 33 (73.3%), residual necks in eight (17.8%), and residual sacs in four (8.9%) cases. Follow-up radiological outcomes revealed complete occlusion in 35 (77.8%) and residual necks in four (8.9%) cases that exhibited stable coil masses. In the group that was not treated with Target® Nano™ coils, radiological outcomes revealed complete occlusion in 69 (67%), residual necks in 18 (17.5%), and residual sacs in 16 (15.5%) cases. Follow-up radiological outcomes revealed complete occlusion in 87 (84.5%) and residual necks (5.8%) in six cases that exhibited stable coil masses. No significant differences were observed in the radiological outcomes or follow-up radiological outcomes between the two groups. No recurrences or retreatments occurred in our series. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment using Target® Nano™ coils may be a robust treatment option for small cerebral aneurysms (< 4 mm).

Considerations in Treating Neonatal and Infantile Patients with a Retrocerebellar Arachnoid Cyst: in the Perspective of Different CSF Dynamics

Arachnoid cysts found under the age of 1 year are more likely to grow in size, relatively short term follow-up is required. Retrocerebellar location predicts a high risk of hydrocephalus, and the time window until irreversible neuronal damage is often narrow if the arachnoid cyst increases in size and becomes symptomatic. However, when and how to treat a neonatal or infantile patient with a retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst is still a controversial subject. We recently experienced 3 differently treated very young pediatric patients with retrocerebellar arachnoid cysts. One patient was treated two weeks after birth by a cystoperitoneal shunt. This patient showed normal development after the surgery. The other patient was treated by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and subsequent cystoventriculostomy at the age of 4 months because of his mother's refusal on 14th day after birth. This one showed developmental delay despite of decreasing size of ventricles after the surgery. The last patient was treated with microscopic fenestration, which failed in its initial attempt. A revision operation by cyst excision succeeded and had no problem after the surgery. Therefore, we suggest that early surgical intervention for retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst can be considered. Although there are concerns of long term complications related to shunts, a cystoperitoneal shunt would be a feasible treatment if we consider the minor cerebrospinal fluid pathway which is the dominant cerebrospinal fluid dynamic at this age.

Self-expandable Graft Stenting in an Iatrogenic Fistula between Common Carotid Artery and Internal Jugular Vein

A 47-year-old woman with stage IV chronic kidney disease developed a fistula between common carotid artery (CCA) and internal jugular vein (IJV) during central catheterization of the right IJV. The patient was treated with a self-expandable graft stent, which achieved successful closure of the carotid-jugular fistula. As demonstrated in our case, self-expandable graft stents could be a feasible treatment option for CCA-IJV fistulas without additional interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty.

Mechanical Solitaire Thrombectomy with Low-Dose Booster Tirofiban Injection / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent has been associated with a high recanalization rate and favorable clinical outcome in intra-arterial thrombolysis. To achieve a higher recanalization rate for mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy, we used an intra-arterial low-dose booster tirofiban injection into the occluded segment after stent deployment. We report the safety and recanalization rates for mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy with a low-dose booster tirofiban injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February and March 2013, 13 consecutive patients underwent mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy with low-dose booster tirofiban injection. The occlusion sites included the proximal middle cerebral artery (5 patients), the internal carotid artery (5 patients), the top of the basilar artery (2 patients) and the distal middle cerebral artery (M2 segment, 1 patient). Six patients underwent bridge treatment, including intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. Tirofiban of 250 µg was used in all patients except one (500 µg). All occluded vessels were recanalized after 3 attempts at stent retrieval (1 time, n=9; 2 times, n=2; 3 times, n=2). RESULTS: Successful recanalization was achieved in all patients (TICI 3, n=8; TICI 2b, n=5). Procedural complications developed in 3 patients (subarachnoid hemorrhage, n=2; hemorrhagic transformation, n=1). Mortality occurred in one patient with a basilar artery occlusion due to reperfusion brain swelling after mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy with low-dose booster tirofiban injection. Favorable clinical outcome (mRS≤2) was observed in 8 patients (61.5%). CONCLUSION: Our modified mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy method using a low-dose booster tirofiban injection might enhance the recanalization rate with no additive hemorrhagic complications.

The Interference Phenomenon of Microcatheters in the Jailing Treatment for Internal Carotid Artery Side Wall Aneurysms with an Open Cell Stent System

OBJECTIVE: Excelsior XT-27 (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA) or Rebar 27 (eV3 Covidien, Irvine, CA, USA) microcatheters have recently been used to overcome the limitations of the Renegade Hi-Flo microcatheter such as interference between two microcatheters (one for stent delivery and the other for cerebral aneurysm coiling) during the jailing technique. We evaluated differences and influential factors related to the interference phenomenon according to these two microcatheters group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2011 and September 2013, the jailing technique was applied to 94 internal cerebral artery (ICA) aneurysms. The jailing technique with the Neuroform EZ stent system was performed using Renegade (n = 22), Rebar (n = 35), and XT-27 microcatheters (n = 37). In the Renegade Hi-Flo microcatheter group, the jailing technique was successful in 19/22 patients (86.4%) and interference between the two microcatheters occurred in 6/21 patients (28.6%). In the Rebar and XT-27 microcatheter group, the jailing technique was successful in 71/72 patients (98.6%) and interference between the two microcatheters occurred in 1/72 patients (1.4%). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the interference between the two delivered microcatheters group (p-value < 0.000) and the carotid siphon angle (p-value: 0.004) in the univariate analysis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the Rebar and XT-27 microcatheter group (odds ratio [OD] [95% confidence interval (CI)]; 31.277 [3.138-311.729], p-value: 0.003) and the carotid siphon angle (OD [95%CI]; 0.959 [0.922-0.997], p-value: 0.035) were found to be influential factors in the interference phenomenon. CONCLUSION: The Rebar 27 and XT-27 microcatheters were more successful and exhibited less interference between the two microcatheters than the Renegade Hi-Flo microcatheter.

Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion after the Coil Embolization of Paraclinoid Aneurysm

The most common complication of coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms is thrombo-embolic stroke; in rare cases, these strokes, can present with central retinal artery occlusion. At our institution, a 53-year-old woman underwent stent-assisted coiling of the aneurysm. The patient's vision was improved immediately after intra-arterial thrombolysis and had further improved 8 months later. This report describes our experience of a rare case of central retinal artery occlusion after coil embolization that was successfully treated by intra-arterial thrombolysis.

Practical Feasibility and Packing Density of Endovascular Coiling Using Target(R) Nano(TM) Coils in Small Cerebral Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Based on the use of Nano(TM) coils, we retrospectively compared the proportion of the coils (< or = 1.5 mm) and packing density in two patient groups with small cerebral aneurysms (< 4 mm diameter) who were treated with or without Nano(TM) coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and November 2013, in 548 cerebral aneurysms treated by endovascular coiling, 143 patients with 148 small cerebral aneurysms underwent endovascular coiling. After March 2013, coiling with Nano(TM) coils was performed on 45 small cerebral aneurysms (30.4%). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the size and locations of the cerebral aneurysms, the age of the patients, and the procedural modalities between the two groups. The proportion of the coil (< or = 1.5 mm) of the group treated with Nano(TM) coils (53.6%) was higher than the proportion of the coil (< or = 1.5 mm) of the group treated without Nano(TM) coils (14.7%) with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The packing density of the group treated with Nano(TM) coils (31.3 +/- 9.69%) was higher than the packing density of the group treated without Nano(TM) coils (29.49 +/- 7.84%), although the difference was not significant. Procedural complications developed in 3 lesions (2 thromboembolisms and 1 carotid dissection) (2.0%). Treatment-related transient neurological deficits due to thromboembolism developed in 1 lesion, which had not been treated with Nano(TM) coils. There was no treatment-related permanent morbidity or mortality in either of the groups. CONCLUSION: In our series, the small cerebral aneurysms treated with Nano(TM) coils showed more packing density with no additive procedural risk or difficulty.

Ultrasonographic features of vascular closure devices: initial and 6-month follow-up results

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasonographic findings for various types of vascular closure devices (VCDs) immediately after the angiographic procedure and at 6-month follow-up. METHODS: We included 18 VCDs including Angio-Seal (n=4), FemoSeal (n=8), ExoSeal (n=3), Perclose (n=2), and StarClose (n=1) in this study. Four patients were implanted with 2 VCDs at the each side of bilateral femoral arteries, while the remaining 8 patients were inserted 1 VCD at the right femoral artery. Ultrasonography was performed within 10 days and at approximately 6 months after the angiographic procedure. Ultrasonographic morphology of the attached VCD and its relationship with the arterial wall were analyzed. RESULTS: Initial ultrasonography revealed the attached VCD as the relevant unique structure with successful deployment and hemostasis. Follow-up ultrasonography demonstrated partial absorption of hemostatic materials in cases of Angio-Seal (n=3), FemoSeal (n=5), and ExoSeal (n=3), changes in the soft tissue surrounding the femoral artery in case of Angio-Seal (n=1), arterial intimal hyperplasia in cases of FemoSeal (n=3), and no gross changes as compared with the initial ultrasonographic findings in cases of Perclose (n=2) and StarClose (n=1). CONCLUSION: Initial ultrasonographic evaluation reflected the unique structure of each VCD, with most of them being easily distinguishable. Follow-up ultrasonography revealed various changes in the affected vessels.

Unexpected Detachment of Solitaire Stents during Mechanical Thrombectomy

OBJECTIVE: Unexpected Solitaire stent detachment can occur during mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the influencing factors causing unexpected Solitaire stent detachment and the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2011 to December 2013, 232 cases of mechanical Solitaire thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were performed in 3 stroke centers. During this period, we encountered unexpected Solitaire stent detachments during mechanical Solitaire thrombectomies in 9 cases. RESULTS: Solitaire stents unexpectedly detached in 9 cases (3.9%) during the retrieval of Solitaire stents. The median patient age was 76 years. The occlusion sites of the unexpected stent detachment were the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 7 cases and the internal carotid artery in 2 cases. The sizes of the stents that unexpectedly detached were 6x30 mm in 7 cases, 5x30 mm in 1 case, and 4x20 mm in 1 case. Four patients had unexpected detachment at the first retrieval, 1 patient at the second, 3 patients at the third, and 1 patient at the fifth. In all of the cases of unexpected detachment at the first retrieval, the stent deployment site was the proximal MCA. After detachment, a proximal marker of the Solitaire stent was observed in 3 patients. However, no marker was visible in the remaining 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Unexpected Solitaire stent detachment should be considered in the first instance of stent retrieval for a relatively large-diameter stent, especially in elderly patients with MCA occlusions.

Reliability of Stereotactic Coordinates of 1.5-Tesla and 3-Tesla MRI in Radiosurgery and Functional Neurosurgery

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to identify interpersonal differences in defining coordinates and to figure out the degree of distortion of the MRI and compare the accuracy between CT, 1.5-tesla (T) and 3.0T MRI. METHODS: We compared coordinates in the CT images defined by 2 neurosurgeons. We also calculated the errors of 1.5T MRI and those of 3.0T. We compared the errors of the 1.5T with those of the 3.0T. In addition, we compared the errors in each sequence and in each axis. RESULTS: The mean difference in the CT images between the two neurosurgeons was 0.48+/-0.22 mm. The mean errors of the 1.5T were 1.55+/-0.48 mm (T1), 0.75+/-0.38 (T2), and 1.07+/-0.57 (FLAIR) and those of the 3.0T were 2.35+/-0.53 (T1), 2.18+/-0.76 (T2), and 2.16+/-0.77 (FLAIR). The smallest mean errors out of all the axes were in the x axis : 0.28-0.34 (1.5T) and 0.31-0.52 (3.0T). The smallest errors out of all the MRI sequences were in the T2 : 0.29-0.58 (1.5T) and 0.31-1.85 (3.0T). CONCLUSION: There was no interpersonal difference in running the Gamma Plan(R) to define coordinates. The errors of the 3.0T were greater than those of the 1.5T, and these errors were not of an acceptable level. The x coordinate error was the smallest and the z coordinate error was the greatest regardless of the MRI sequence. The T2 sequence was the most accurate sequence.

Jailing Technique Using a Catheter-based Open-cell Stent System in Internal Carotid Artery Sidewall Aneurysms Unfeasible to Simple Coiling

OBJECTIVE: An open cell stent system may offer better apposition of cell struts to vessel wall than a closed cell stent system in acute vasculature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of coiling using the jailing technique with the Neuroform EZ stent system. METHODS: The jailing technique using the open-cell stent system of the Neuroform EZ stent was planned in 22 consecutive patients with 22 cerebral aneurysms. We retrospectively evaluated the technical success of the jailing technique and the occurrence of interference between two microcatheters as well as the factors influencing this interference. RESULTS: The jailing technique was successful in 19/22 patients (86.4%), and interference between two microcatheters occurred in 6/21 (28.6%). The jailing technique failed in 3/22 patients, with problems that included failure of the stent delivery system to advance into the positioned microcatheter in one, interference between the microcatheters during the advancement of the stent delivery system in one, and failure of microcatheter insertion into the aneurysm sac in the remaining patient. Interference between the two microcatheters developed during the advance of the stent delivery system into the positioned microcatheter in all cases. One factor that influences interference between two microcatheters more than expected by chance is the carotid siphon angle (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The acuteness of the carotid siphon angle influences the interference between two microcatheters. Therefore, the jailing technique using the Neuroform EZ stent should be performed carefully in cerebral aneurysms with an acute carotid siphon angle because the procedure may possibly fail.

Delayed Symptomatic Thromboembolism After Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Embolization

Endovascular treatment has been increasingly performed for unruptured intracerebral aneurysms. However, thromboembolic complications, which develop mostly within 48 hours after the procedure, are the most common and major complications of endovascular treatment. We present a rare case of delayed symptomatic thromboembolism in an ischemic stroke patient who had undergone coil embolization for unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm.

Endovascular and Microsurgical Treatment of Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are regarded as being as difficult to treat surgically as posterior circulation aneurysms. We describe here a series of 33 of these aneurysms treated with microsurgery or embolization. METHODS: Between June 1997 and August 2007, 33 patients (9 men, 24 women; age, 29 to 76 years) with SCA aneurysms underwent microsurgical (n = 12) or endovascular (n = 21) treatment. Twenty two patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thirty aneurysms were located in the junction between the SCA and the basilar artery (BA), two in the proximal SCA (S1) and one in the distal SCA (S2-3). RESULTS: Of the 29 SCA aneurysms, located in the junction between the SCA and BA, which were available on conventional angiography, 20 were lateral-superior, six lateral-horizontal, two lateral inferior, and one posterior type. Of the 12 patients treated microsurgically, eight had clinically excellent or good outcomes. Causes of poor outcomes included initial poor clinical status (n = 2), infarction due to parent artery compromise (n = 1), and artery of Heubner injury due to surgery for a coexisting anterior communicating artery aneurysm (n = 1). Of the 21 patients treated endovascularly, 17 had clinical good or excellent outcomes. Causes of clinically poor outcomes included initial poor clinical status (n = 2) and infarction due to thrombosis of exposed coil mesh (n = 1). One patient underwent embolization resulted in death due to vasospasm. Three patients required additional embolization for coil compaction. CONCLUSION: There was no morbidity related to perforator injury, regardless of the treatment modality. Embolization or microsurgery is an effective modality, with relatively low procedural morbidity and mortality rates.

Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis Using Double Devices: Mechanicomechanical or Chemicomechanical Techniques

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the recanalization of acute cerebral stroke that were not effectively resolved by conventional intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT), we designed a double device technique to allow for rapid and effective reopening. In this article, we describe the feasibility and efficacy of this technique. METHODS: From January 2008 to September 2009, twenty patients with acute cerebral arterial occlusion (middle cerebral artery : n=12; internal carotid artery terminus : n=5; basilar artery : n=3) were treated by the double device technique. This technique was applied when conventional thrombolytic methods using drug, microwires, microcatheters and balloons did not result in recanalization. In the double device technique, two devices are simultaneously placed at the lesion (for example, one microcatheter and one balloon or two microcatheters). Chemicomechanical or mechanicomechanical thrombolysis was performed simultaneously using various combinations of two devices. Recanalization rates, procedural time, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The initial median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (range 5-26). The double device technique was applied after conventional IAT methods failed. Recanalization was achieved in 18 patients (90%). Among them, 55% (11 cases) were complete (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B, 3). The median thrombolytic procedural time including the conventional technique was 135+/-83.7 minutes (range 75-427). Major symptomatic hemorrhages (neurological deterioration > or =4 points in NIHSS) developed in two patients (10%). Good long term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale < or =2 at 90 days) occurred in 25% (n=5) of the cases. Mortality within 90 days developed in two cases (10%). CONCLUSION: The double device technique is a feasible and effective technical option for large vessel occlusion refractory to conventional thrombolysis.