Transradial versus transfemoral access for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare procedural and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated via transradial access (TRA) mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus conventional transfemoral access (TFA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AIS treated with TRA versus TFA MT at our tertiary comprehensive stroke center. Access choice was individualized based on occlusion site, aortic and arch anatomy. Outcomes were extracted from our institutional stroke registry and included procedural time, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) reperfusion score, NIHSS, 90-day mRS and 90-day mortality. Comparisons were performed using Student t-Test and Fischer's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: 175 mechanical thrombectomies were performed during the study interval; 39 (22%) were performed via TRA and 136 (79%) TFA. Access to reperfusion time was 36.3 ± 24.5 minutes in the TRA group and 21.9 ± 17.6 in the TFA group (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with a TICI reperfusion score of 2b or 3 was similar in both groups (TRA: 34 (87%) vs. TFA: 121 (89%) p=0.559. The median 90-day mRS was similar between both groups (p=0.170), as was the 90-day mortality (p = 0.509). CONCLUSIONS: While TFA is faster in our cohort, TFA and TRA are both safe and effective for MT in acute ischemic stroke. While TFA remains mainstay, TRA can be valuable in variant anatomy despite its technical limitations. Individualizing access based on advanced imaging and patient factors may improve practice; however, updates in catheter and access technology are necessary to optimize outcomes with TRA.

Push and Fluff technique for optimization of clot integration with stent-retriever: An in vitro model.

BACKGROUND: For stent-retriever (SR) thrombectomy, technical developments such as the Push and Fluff technique (PFT) appear to have a significant impact on procedural success. This study aimed to (1) quantify the enhancement in clot traction when using PFT as compared to the standard unsheathing technique (SUT) and (2) to evaluate the performance of PFT in new versus established users of the technique. METHODS: Operators were divided between established PFT and SUT users. Each experiment was labeled according to the SR size, utilized technique, and operator experience. A three-dimensional-printed chamber with a clot simulant was used. After each retriever deployment, the SR wire was connected to a force gauge. Tension was applied by pulling the gauge until clot disengagement. The maximal force was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 167 experiments were performed. The median overall force to disengage the clot was 1.11 pounds for PFT and 0.70 pounds for SUT (an overall 59.1% increment with PFT; p < 0.001). The PFT effect was consistent across different retriever sizes (69% enhancement with the 3 × 32mm device, 52% with the 4 × 28mm, 65% with the 4 × 41mm, 47% with the 6 × 37mm). The ratio of tension required for clot disengagement with PFT versus SUT was comparable between physicians who were PFT versus SUT operators (1.595 [0.844] vs. 1.448 [1.021]; p: 0.424). The PFT/SUT traction ratio remained consistent from passes 1 to 4 of each technique in SUT users. CONCLUSION: PFT led to reproduceable improvement in clot engagement with an average ∼60% increase in clot traction in this model and was found not to have a significant learning curve.

Safety and efficacy of the surpass streamline for intracranial aneurysms (SESSIA): A multi-center US experience pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diversion has established as standard treatment for intracranial aneurysms, the Surpass Streamline is the only FDA-approved braided cobalt/chromium alloy implant with 72-96 wires. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Surpass in a post-marketing large United States cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study of consecutive patients treated with the Surpass for intracranial aneurysms between 2018 and 2021. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were collected. Efficacy endpoint included aneurysm occlusion on radiographic follow-up. Safety endpoints were major ipsilateral ischemic stroke or treatment-related death. RESULTS: A total of 277 patients with 314 aneurysms were included. Median age was 60 years, 202 (73%) patients were females. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in 156 (56%) patients. The most common location of the aneurysms was the anterior circulation in 89% (279/314). Mean aneurysm dome width was 5.77 ± 4.75 mm, neck width was 4.22 ± 3.83 mm, and dome/neck ratio was 1.63 ± 1.26. Small-sized aneurysms were 185 (59%). Single device was used in 94% of the patients, mean number of devices per patient was 1.06. At final follow-up, complete obliteration rate was 81% (194/239). Major stroke and death were encountered in 7 (3%) and 6 (2%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the largest cohort study using a 72-96 wire flow diverter. The Surpass Streamline demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile, making it a valuable option for treating not only large but also wide-necked small and medium-sized intracranial aneurysms.

Combined Decompressive Hemicraniectomy and Port-Based Minimally Invasive Parafascicular Surgery for the Treatment of Subcortical Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Case Series, Technical Note, and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a neurosurgical emergency. Combined decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) and minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) may provide a practical method of managing subcortical ICH. OBJECTIVE: 1) To present a case series of combined DHC-MIPS for the treatment of subcortical-based ICH; 2) to describe technical nuances of DHC-MIPS; and 3) to provide a literature overview of MIPS for ICH. METHODS: The following inclusion criteria were used: 1) Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <3-4; 2) admission within 6 hours of onset; 3) increased intracranial pressure caused by hemorrhage; 4) patient unresponsive to medical management; 5) hemorrhage >30 cm3; 6) subcortical location; and 7) midline shift (mm). Before DHC, sulcal cannulation used the following coordinates: intersection of tragus-frontal bone and midpoint of midpupillary line and midline; coronal suture: 3-4 cm posterior to this point). RESULTS: Three patients were selected: a 62-year old woman, a 45-year old woman, and a 36-year-old man. GCS and ICH scores on admission were 7 and 3, 3 and 4, and 3 and 4, respectively. ICH was located in left basal ganglia in patients 1 and 3 and right basal ganglia in patient 2, all with intraventricular extension. ICH volume was 81.7, 68.2, and 42.3 cm3, respectively. The postoperative GCS score was 11, 10, and 6, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications or mortalities. Evacuation was within 15 minutes in all patients. The modified Rankin Scale score was 3, 4, and 5, respectively, with semi-independence in case 1. CONCLUSIONS: Combined DHC-MIPS, with the use of craniometric points, can provide a unique and simple surgical option for the management of subcortical ICH.

Minimally Invasive Parafascicular Surgical Approach for the Management of a Pediatric Third Ventricular Ependymoma: Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) has evolved into a safe alternative to access deep-seated subcortical and intraventricular pathologies. We present a case of a port-mediated resection of a pediatric third ventricular tumor. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 7-year-old boy who presented with worsening headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unsteady gait, photophobia, and blind spots with positional changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a large isointense mass, with areas of hyperintensities suggestive of intratumoral hemorrhage, centered in the posterior segment of the third ventricle with extension into the aqueduct of Sylvius. The superior frontal sulcus was used as an access corridor for the port to the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle en route to the third ventricle. Intraoperative visualization was aided with a 3-dimensional exoscopic system. After cannulation, the tumor was seen within the foramen of Monro and tethered to the thalamostriate vein. The tumor was removed completely, with the exception of small residual attached to the thalamostriate vein, which was left intentionally. A flexible endoscope was placed through the port to verify the absence of residual along the superior wall of the third ventricle. Intraoperative MRI scan confirmed presence of residual, along with normal postoperative changes, including pneumocephalus. Postoperative MRI scan revealed cortical recovery along the sulcal path and resolution of ventriculomegaly. CONCLUSIONS: The patient improved from baseline, with no remaining visual deficits, headaches, or balance issues. Pathology reported a World Health Organization grade II tanycytic ependymoma. To our knowledge, few cases have reported the utilization of port-based MIPS in pediatric patients.