Analysis of feasibility and safety of endovascular recanalization of chronic occlusion of large intracranial artery / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of endovascular recanalization of chronic occlusion of large intracranial artery.Methods From January 2009 to January 2017,the clinical and imaging data of 15 patients with chronic occlusion of large intracranial artery admitted to the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology,Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University for endovascular recanalization were analyzed retrospectively.Twelve patients were V4 segment occlusion of vertebral artery and 3 were internal carotid artery occlusion.Preoperative whole brain digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used to assess the occlusion length and location.High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the nature of occlusion and the feasibility of recanalization.The intraoperative bilateral femoral artery sheath placement was conducted in 13 cases,one side was used for recanalization and stenting,and the other side was compensated by filling the distal occlusion of the artery through collateral circulation as the reference path map,and increased the feasibility of recanalization.According to the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grades after procedure,the forward flow after recanalization was systematically evaluated,and grade ≥2b was defined as the success of recanalization.Results The median time between the first onset of symptoms and recanalization was 50 (range,18-365) days.The occluded recanalization sites included intracranial segment of vertebral artery in 12 cases and intracranial segment of internal carotid artery in 3 cases.Recanalization was successful in 13 cases and recanalization failure of the intracranial segment of vertebral artery was in 2 cases.Recanalization was successful in 13 cases,and intracranial vertebral artery recanalization failed in 2 cases.Of the 13 patients of successful recanalization,the forward flow of angiography returned to grade TICI 3 in 12 cases after recanalization,and returned to TICI 2b in 1 case;the symptoms of 7 cases were improved,the symptoms of 4 cases did not have any change,and the symptoms of 2 patients aggravated after procedure and developed transient ischemic attack or stroke.After 11 patients were followed up for a median of 39 (3-89) months,the median mRS score was 1 (0-2).Conclusion For recanalization of chronic large intracranial artery occlusion,using preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and intraoperative bilateral sheath placement technique may increase the patency rate and reduce the perioperative complications.

High-resolution MRI identifying the terminal segment of the intracranial vertebral artery fine and atherosclerotic lesions / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To evaluate the terminal segment of the intracranial vertebral artery (tICVA) fine and atherosclerotic lesions using high-resolution MRI (HRMRI) in order to guide endovascular interventional therapy.Methods From October 2015 to October 2016,4 patients with bilateral tICVA diagnosed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and admitted to Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed retrospectively.At the same time,time of flight (TOF) and black blood imaging were used.The bilateral tICVA imaging features in 4 patients were analyzed.Congenital dysplasia of vertebral artery and atherosclerotic lesions were identified.Results DSA revealed that bilateral tICVA fine or occlusion.HRMRI evaluation of the vascular wall structure showed that vascular dysplasia in 4 cases were all located on the right sides,showing no obvious thickening of the wall thickness,and the diameter was less than 1/2 of the contralateral side.One patient had atherosclerotic stenosis on the left and 3 had occlusion,showing local wall thickening,plaque formation,and resulting in the narrowing of the corresponding lumen and even occlusion.Three of the patients were treated with endovascular intervention.Conclusion HRMRI is helpful to differentiate hypoplasia in terminal intracranial vertebral artery and atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion,identifying the dominant side of the vertebral artery and providing image basis for endovascular treatment of vertebral artery.

Diagnosis of cerebral artery fenestration with digital subtraction angiography / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical incidence of cerebral artery fenestration and its digital subtraction angiography (DSA) characteristics in order to improve the understanding of the clinical significance of the cerebral artery fenestration. Methods Whole cerebral angiography with DSA was employed in a total of 6 432 patients. The imaging material was retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of cerebral artery fenestration and the associated cerebral artery diseases were analyzed. Results Among the 6 432 patients, cerebral artery fenestration was detected in 283 with 296 fenestrations in total (4.60%, 296/6 432). The cerebral artery fenestration of internal carotid was seen in 19 cases with 21 fenestrations (9 on the left side and 12 on the right side), and the detection rate was 0.33%. The fenestration of anterior cerebral artery was found in 46 cases with 51 fenestrations (25 on the left side and 26 on the right side), and the detection rate was 0.79%. The fenestration of middle cerebral artery was found in 54 cases with 57 fenestrations (29 on the left side and 28 on the right side), and the detection rate was 0.89%. The fenestration of vertebral artery was revealed in 68 cases with 71 fenestrations (37 on the left side and 34 on the right side), and the detection rate was 1.10%. The fenestration of basilar artery was demonstrated in 95 cases with 95 fenestrations, and the detection rate was 1.37%. Besides, 17 fenestrations were accompanied with aneurysms and 5 fenestrations were complicated by arteriovenous malformations. Transient cerebral ischemia occurred in 37 cases with fenestrations, and ischemic symptoms were consistent with the blood supply region of the fenestration structures. Among the 37 cases , cerebral infarction at the distal region of the fenestration characteristics of the cerebral fenestrations is of great clinical significance for its diagnosis and for the selection of therapeutic scheme.

Endovascular mechanical recanalization of subclavian artery total occlusion / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the skills and effects of several endovascular mechanical techniques for the recanalization of subclavian artery total occlusion. Methods Endovascular mechanical recanalization of subclavian artery total occlusion was performed in 32 patients with symptomatic subclavian artery total occlusion. The re-open rate and the therapeutic results were observed and analyzed. Results Several endovascular mechanical techniques, including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, were employed in treating 32 patients with subclavian artery total occlusion. After the procedure, the ischemic 8ymptoms of posterior circulation and/or upper extremity were markedly relieved. Conclusion It is safe and feasible using appropriate endovascular mechanical technique for re-canalizing the occluded subclavian artery.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting for carotid stenosis in high-risk symptomatic NASCET-ineligible patients / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of carotid angioplasty and stenting for carotid stenosis in high-risk symptomatic NASCET-ineligible patients. Methods Twenty patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis at high risk ineligible for NASCET were treated with carotid angioplasty and stenting,12 of them were men,and 8 wre women,the patients ranged in age from 62 to76 years (mean age,69 years). Eleven patients had transient ischemic attack and 9 had cerebral infarction. Digital subtraction angiography showed that the degree of carotid stenosis in all patients was ＞ 70% (NASCET criteria). Among them,9 patients had unilateral carotid artery severe stenosis (2 had restenosis after endarterectomy),6 had bilateral carotid artery severe stenosis,5 had unilateral carotid artery occlusion with contralateral severe sentoses (1 had undergone cervical radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma). The embolic protection devices,predilation,and self-expandable stents were used in all patients. Results The success rate of the procedure was 100%. The residual stenosis rate was ＜ 30%. The different levels of a transient decline in heart rates and blood pressure occurred in all the patients during the procedure. One patient was complicated with microembolic embolism. No ischemic stroke occurred in the remaining patients in the periprocedure. The postoperative examination with carotid ultrasound showed that the stenoses were improved significantly. No ipsilateral ischemic stroke and coronary ischemic events were observed at 1 and 3 months follow-up after the procedures. Conclusions Carotid artery stenting is less invasive,and the perioperative complications are fewer,The treatment of symptomatic carotid stenosis with high surgical risks is safe and effective.

Clinical efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolsis for basilar artery occlusion / 中华放射学杂志

n The intra-arterial thrembolysis could improved the prognosis of basilar artery occlusion.

Treatment and Short-Term Follow-up of Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Intracranial Artery Stenosis by Stent-Assisted Angioplasty.

SUMMARY: Atherosclerotic intracranial artery stenosis can cause hypoperfusion of brain tissues and embolus formation, causing stroke. Conservative medical treatment seemed to have little effect on the natural history and prevent the stroke attack caused by artery stenosis. The purpose of stent-assisted angioplasty is to reconstruct the damaged vessels: the indications, feasibility, effectiveness, complications and follow-up for this new treatment method are discussed. A series of 32 cases with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis were accepted from 1998 to 2002. The mean age was 42 yrs (31 ~ 76 yr), male/female ratio=23/9. All patients were refractory to optimal medical therapy. Lesions included 12 middle cerebral arteries (37.5%), six basilar arteries (18.75%), three distal ICAs (9.38%) and 12 intracranial Vas (37.5%). All patients were treated by methods of transluminal stent-assisted angioplasty under general anesthesia. Patients were premedicated with Aspirin (300mg/per day) and Ticlopidine (250mg/per day), this was continued for six weeks after the procedure. Medical history, anamnesis, and treatment protocol were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively, shortterm follow-up (2mths ~ 1 yr) was also obtained. Primary clinical presentations were TIAs (21/32, 65.63%), minor stroke ( 8/32, 25%) and severe stroke (3/32, 9.38%). 31 cases (96.86%) were successfully implanted with coronary stents within the stenosed vessels; technical success rate was 96.86%. Instant angiographic results showed the stenosed extent had decreased from 72.36% +/- 5.69 to 10.16% +/- 6.94. One vessel ruptured during the procedure, the patient recovered after surgical repair of the ruptured vessel. Clinical follow-up demonstrated symptoms resolved in most patients (30/32, 93.75%) within the follow- up period, two cases with MCA stenosis had TIAs within two months after the procedure. 12 cases accepted angiographic follow-up.Velocities of stented vessels of five cases (5/21, 23.81%) increased compared to instant results, suggesting restenosis, three of them were confirmed by angiography which included two cases with MCA stenosis (figure 3) and one with distal VA, one of the five cases had recurred TIAs. With the newer generation of coronary stent, this technique seemed safe, feasible and effective to prevent stroke attack, but the indication is very important for the technical success. Restenosis remains a common problem as with coronary stenting. Long-term follow-up will be needed.

Experience with transluminal stent-assisted angioplasty for intracranial vascular diseases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of stent-assistant angioplasty for intracranial vascular diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen patients with intracranial vascular diseases were treated consecutively by stent-assistant angioplasty for different purposes. Of these patients 7 had symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis, 3 intracranial wide-neck aneurysms, 2 intracranial pseudoaneurysms, and 1 bilateral transverse sinus stenosis. Clinical procedures and technical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 7 patients, the degree of intracranial artery stenosis reduced from 83% to 5%. Three months after the operation they exhibited good patency of stented lesions. Intracranial wide neck aneurysms (with 2 pseudoaneurysms) were successfully embolized with GDC in 5 patients. The patients with bilateral transverse sinus stenosis were implanted a self-expanded stent in the right transverse sinus. One patient failed because of the tortuous configuration of the left jugular bulb, but the patient's symptoms were improved quickly after the procedure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Stent-assistant angioplasty is a useful technique for selected intracranial vascular diseases, and it needs further investigation.</p>

Multiple modality endovascular treatment for intracranial venous thrombosis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To review the experience of multiple modality endovascular treatment for intracranial venous thrombosis, and to evaluate the efficacy and risk of endovascular thrombolysis for intracranial venous thrombosis.Methods From October, 2000 to October, 2001, 12 patients with intracranial venous thrombosis confirmed by CT, MRI, MRV, and/or DSA were treated with multiple modality endovascular thrombolysis including intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombus maceration, intraarterial thrombolysis, and stenting.After thrombolysis, treatment aimed at the primary diseases was continued and warfarin was used for 6 months.The patients were followed-up for 17-29 months, averaged 23 months.Results Of the twelve patients, all underwent transvenous thrombolysis, ten underwent combined transvenous thrombolysis and clot maceration, seven underwent transvenous infusion of urokinase combined with transarterial infusion of urokinase.Two underwent transvenous infusion of urokinase combined with transarterial infusion of urokinase.The thrombolysis duration was from one to three days.The infusion dose of urokinase was 800 000 to 2 900 000 IU, the averaging dosage of urokinase was less than 1 000 000 IU per day.All patients achieved from recanalization of sinuses as confirmed on postprocedural angiography, MRI, and MRV studies prior to hospital discharge.At discharge, all the patients improved neurologically, and GCS improved from averaged 12 of pre-operation to 14 of post-operation.During the averaging 23 months follow-up, no patient recurred. Conclusion Combined multiple modality endovascular treatment is an effective and safe procedure for potentially catastrophic intracranial venous thrombosis.

Complications of stent-assisted angioplasty of carotid artery stenosis:an analysis of 23 cases / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the mechanism,prevention and prognosis of complications after stent angioplasty in the treatment of carotic artery stenosis. Methods[WT5”BZ] From 1997 to 2003,312 cases of carotid artery stenosis were treated by transluminal stent-assistant angioplasty. Results Procedure-related complication developed in 23 cases including 19 cases of transient mild complications such as transient arrhythmia and hypotension in 10 cases (3.2%) during deploying stent or balloon dilation,transient cerebral ischemia symptoms in 6 cases after balloon dilation,hypotension in 3 cases after the procedure. Severe complications occurred in 4 cases after the procedure,including embolus detachment,stent migration,carotic artery occlusion and fatal cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion Although stent-assistant angioplasty are effective for treatment of carotid artery stenosis,severe complications could develop.