Safety and Efficacy of the Double Microcatheter Technique for Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of saccular splenic artery aneurysms. METHODS: From November 2013 to October 2020, 56 patients with saccular splenic artery aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment with the double microcatheter technique at our institution. Technical success was defined as embolization of the aneurysmal cavity with no obstruction of the parent artery. Clinical success was defined as no deaths due to splenic artery aneurysms, and no reintervention, recrudescence or organ dysfunction at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. No major complications related to angiography or embolization were observed. Minor complications included fever, pain, and nausea, and 13 patients developed minor complications. At 1 month, the rate of clinical success was 96.4%. At 6 and 12 months, the clinical success rate was 92.9%. There were no aneurysmal recurrences or necessities of reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization with the double microcatheter technique is a safe and effective modality for treating saccular splenic artery aneurysms and offers a reasonable choice for patients who want to retain their original hemodynamics.

Detachable coil embolisation for iatrogenic femoral arteriovenous fistula in patients with CHDs.

We present two cases of patients with iatrogenic femoral arteriovenous fistula who underwent successful embolisation using three-dimensional shape detachable coils. A 49-year-old male with Tetralogy of Fallot had arteriovenous fistula which developed from the common femoral artery to the femoral vein with an aneurysm and a 17-year-old female with single ventricle after total-cavo-pulmonary-connection had two arteriovenous fistulas which developed from the internal iliac artery to the femoral vein. A total of six and seven pieces of detachable coils were necessary for complete occlusion, respectively. No complications were recorded. The advantage of the detachable coil is a wide variation and repositioning until the coil achieves good stabilisation and an ideal configuration.

Role of pregnancy and female sex steroids on aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Women have been shown to have a higher risk of cerebral aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture than men. The authors present a review of the recently published neurosurgical literature that studies the role of pregnancy and female sex steroids, to provide a conceptual framework with which to understand the various risk factors associated with cerebral aneurysms in women at different stages in their lives. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for "("intracranial" OR "cerebral") AND "aneurysm" AND ("pregnancy" OR "estrogen" OR "progesterone")" between January 1980 and February 2019. A total of 392 articles were initially identified, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 papers were selected for review and analysis. These papers were then divided into two categories: 1) epidemiological studies about the formation, growth, rupture, and management of cerebral aneurysms in pregnancy; and 2) investigations on female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms (animal studies and epidemiological studies). RESULTS: The 20 articles presented in this study include 7 epidemiological articles on pregnancy and cerebral aneurysms, 3 articles reporting case series of cerebral aneurysms treated by endovascular therapies in pregnancy, 3 epidemiological articles reporting the relationship between female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms through retrospective case-control studies, and 7 experimental studies using animal and/or cell models to understand the relationship between female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms. The studies in this review report similar risk of aneurysm rupture in pregnant women compared to the general population. Most ruptured aneurysms in pregnancy occur during the 3rd trimester, and most pregnant women who present with cerebral aneurysm have caesarean section deliveries. Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms in pregnancy is shown to provide a new and safe form of therapy for these cases. Epidemiological studies of postmenopausal women show that estrogen hormone therapy and later age at menopause are associated with a lower risk of cerebral aneurysm than in matched controls. Experimental studies in animal models corroborate this epidemiological finding; estrogen deficiency causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which may predispose to the formation and rupture of cerebral aneurysms, while exogenous estrogen treatment in this population may lower this risk. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this work is to equip the neurosurgical and obstetrical/gynecological readership with the tools to better understand, critique, and apply findings from research on sex differences in cerebral aneurysms.

FRED Italian Registry: a multicenter experience with the flow re-direction endoluminal device for intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of flow-diverter devices (FDDs) has revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here the authors present their Italian multicenter experience using the flow re-direction endoluminal device (FRED) in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, evaluating both short- and long-term safety and efficacy of this device. METHODS: Between February 2013 and December 2014, 169 consecutive aneurysms treated using FRED in 166 patients were entered into this study across 30 Italian centers. Data collected included patient demographics, aneurysm location and characteristics, baseline angiography, adverse event and serious adverse event information, morbidity and mortality rates, and pre- and posttreatment modified Rankin Scale scores, as well as angiographic and cross-sectional CT/MRI follow-up at 3-6 months and/or 12-24 months per institutional standard of care. All images were reviewed and adjudicated by an independent core lab. RESULTS: Of the 169 lesions initially entered into the study, 4 were later determined to be extracranial or nonaneurysmal by the core lab and were excluded, leaving 165 aneurysms in 162 patients treated in 163 procedures. Ninety-one (56.2%) patients were asymptomatic with aneurysms found incidentally. Of the 165 aneurysms, 150 (90.9%) were unruptured. One hundred thirty-four (81.2%) were saccular, 27 (16.4%) were fusiform/dissecting, and the remaining 4 (2.4%) were blister-like. One hundred thirty-seven (83.0%) arose from the anterior circulation.FRED deployment was impossible in 2/163 (1.2%) cases, and in an additional 4 cases (2.5%) the device was misdeployed. Overall mortality and morbidity rates were 4.3% and 7.3%, respectively, with rates of mortality and morbidity potentially related to FRED of up to 2.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Neuroimaging follow-up at 3-6 months showed complete or nearly complete occlusion of the aneurysm in 94% of cases, increasing to 96% at 12-24 months' follow-up. Aneurysmal sac shrinkage was observed in 78% of assessable aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience using FRED for endovascular treatment of complex unruptured and ruptured aneurysms showed a high safety and efficacy profile that is comparable to those of other FDDs currently in use.

A Stepwise Embolization Strategy for a Bronchial Arterial Aneurysm: Proximal Coil and Distal Glue with the Optional Use of a Microballoon Occlusion System.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to demonstrate a transcatheter embolization strategy for bronchial artery aneurysms (BAAs) using coils for the proximal lesion and glue (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) embolization for the distal lesion with or without the use of a microballoon occlusion catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with BAAs presenting with hemoptysis were enrolled in this study. A bronchial angiogram indicated a mediastinal BAA near the orifice, accompanied by dilated distal branches with or without intrapulmonary BAA. A stepwise procedure was performed. First, the intrapulmonary branches were embolized with glue, with or without the use of a microballoon catheter depending upon the anatomical and local flow hemodynamic conditions. Second, the mediastinal BAA was tightly packed with detachable coils. RESULTS: Glue embolization of intrapulmonary abnormal branches successfully controlled hemoptysis in all patients; microballoon catheters were used in five of the 10 arteries. The volume embolization ratio of coils within the mediastinal BAA ranged from 28 to 59%, and neither coil compaction nor signs of recanalization were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The stepwise embolization procedure with the sequential use of glue (with or without a microballoon occlusion system) and detachable coils may represent a possible endovascular strategy for the treatment of complex BAAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Level 4: Case Series.

Use of Detachable Coils Without the Need of a Double Marker Microcatheter: Technical Note.

When using detachable coils for cerebral aneurysm embolization, it is necessary to place a microcatheter with radiopaque markers at 2 sites (tip and 3 cm proximal from the tip) in most cases. Detachable coils that can be positioned independently from the proximal marker may facilitate new applications utilizing their characteristics. Herein, we report 2 cases that were treated with new applications. Detachable coils that function to electrically detect the moment they come out of the microcatheter were used. In one patient with a large aneurysm with an irregular shape, coil embolization was applied by advancing the catheter more than 3 cm from the aneurysm neck to the caudally protruded compartment near the proximal end of the neck, which was difficult to reach with the coil. In the other patient with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), microcatheters for AVM without a proximal marker were used for coil embolization before Onyx injection: Coil embolization was applied through one microcatheter to a site more proximal than the tip of the other microcatheter, followed by Onyx injection through the distal catheter, by which the nidus was continuously penetrated from the initiation of injection, obtaining an effect similar to that of the plug and push technique. Through the use of detachable coils, which are not dependent on the visibility of the proximal marker, the limitation of catheter positioning is reduced and the applicable types of catheter increase, which may facilitate to enable its use for new clinical indications.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different devices used for the closure of small-to-medium-sized patent ductus arteriosus in pediatric patients.

AIMS: In this study, we examined the differences in cost and effectiveness of various devices used for the closure of small to medium sized patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). SETTING AND DESIGN: We retrospectively studied 116 patients who underwent closure of small PDAs between January 2010 and January 2015. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three types of devices were used: the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) II, the cook detachable coil and the Nit Occlud coil (NOC). Immediate and late complications were recorded and patients were followed up for 3 months after the procedure. STATISTICAL METHODS: All statistical calculations were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science software. P <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We successfully deployed ADO II devices in 33 out of 35 cases, cook detachable coils in 36 out of 40 cases and NOCs in 38 out of 41 cases. In the remaining nine cases, the first device was unsuitable or embolized and required retrieval and replacement with another device. Eleven patients (9.5%) developed vascular complications and required anticoagulation therapy. Patients who had hemolysis or vascular complications remained longer in the intensive care unit, with consequently higher total cost (P = 0.016). Also, the need for a second device increased the cost per patient. CONCLUSIONS: The cook detachable coil is the most cost-effective device for closure of small-to medium-sized PDAs. Calculations of the incremental cost-effectiveness. (ICE) revealed that the Cook detachable coil had less ICE than the ADO II and NOC. The NOC was more effective with fewer complications.

Prophylactic Temporary Occlusion of the Cystic Artery Using a Fibered Detachable Coil During 90Y Radioembolization.

PURPOSE: To address the feasibility of prophylactic temporary occlusion of the cystic artery using a detachable coil during 90Y radioembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to October 2016, nine patients underwent temporary occlusion of the cystic artery during 90Y radioembolization. Based on the planning hepatic angiography, a detachable coil was deployed into the cystic artery, which arose from a more distal level (e.g., right anterior hepatic artery) than its usual origin, but the proximal 1 cm was left inside the microcatheter. 90Y microspheres were infused proximal to the cystic artery where the 99mTc-MAA had been infused, and then the coil was retrieved. Afterward, the patients underwent PET/CT imaging. Medical records were reviewed, and the differences in the uptake of 99mTc-MAA and 90Y microspheres in the gallbladder were evaluated using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS: Temporary placement of a detachable coil was feasible in all cases. On the angiograms obtained after detachable coil placement, the distal cystic artery and gallbladder were partially identifiable in eight of the nine (88.8%) patients, but fully restored after the removal of the coils in all cases. The proportional uptake of 99mTc-MAA (mean, 4.35%) and 90Y (mean, 0.90%) in the gallbladder was significantly different due to the temporary occlusion of the cystic artery (p = 0.004). No clinical complications were identified for three months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Temporary occlusion of the cystic artery using a detachable coil appeared to be feasible and effective in reducing 90Y uptake in the gallbladder.

Dual origin multiple plexus-like coronary to pulmonary artery fistulas - Consideration of their etiology and therapeutic strategy.

BACKGROUND: Multiple plexus-like coronary to pulmonary fistulas (CAPFs) originating from bilateral coronary arteries are a rare type of coronary artery fistula (CAF). Their etiology and therapeutic strategy are discussed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three patients were diagnosed with dual origin plexus-like CAFs drained to the pulmonary artery trunk. Their ages ranged from 40 to 78 years. Enhanced computed tomography could clearly demonstrate three-dimensional anatomy of CAPFs. Four catheter interventions were performed in all 3 patients. Antegrade approach was applied in 2 procedures and retrograde approach in 2 procedures. A detachable coil was used in 3 procedures and a combination of a vascular plug and detachable coils for 1 procedure. The effective occlusion was achieved in all patients without complications. Follow-up myocardial scintigraphy showed no perfusion defect in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: CAPFs in our cases, which developed in their adulthood, anatomically correspond with the vasa vasorum of the proximal of the great arteries. The dual origin multiple plexus-like CAPFs might develop from the vasa vasorum of the proximal portion of the great arteries with age. The antegrade approach would be effective because even dual origin multiple plexus-like CAFs converged and drained to a single major exit of the pulmonary trunk. Catheter occlusion could be feasible and safe for dual origin multiple plexus-like CAPFs.

Endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal puncture of the cavernous sinus for embolization of carotid-cavernous fistula in a neurosurgical hybrid operating suite.

Endovascular embolization is the treatment of choice for carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs), but failure to catheterize the cavernous sinus may occur as a result of vessel tortuosity, hypoplasia, or stenosis. In addition to conventional transvenous or transarterial routes, alternative approaches should be considered. The authors present a case in which a straightforward route to the CCF was accessed via transsphenoidal puncture of the cavernous sinus in a neurosurgical hybrid operating suite. This 82-year-old man presented with severe chemosis and proptosis of the right eye. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a Type B CCF with a feeding artery arising from the meningohypophyseal trunk of the right cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. The CCF drained through a thrombosed right superior ophthalmic vein that ended deep in the orbit; there were no patent sinuses or venous plexuses connecting to the CCF. An endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal puncture created direct access to the nidus for embolization. Embolic agents were deployed through the puncture needle to achieve complete obliteration. Endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal puncture of the cavernous sinus is a feasible alternative to treat difficult-to-access CCFs in a neurosurgical hybrid operating suite.

The falling rates of hospital admission, case fatality, and population-based mortality for subarachnoid hemorrhage in England, 1999-2010.

OBJECTIVE In this study, the authors examined trends in population-based hospital admission rates, patient-level case fatality rates (CFRs), and population-based mortality rates for nontraumatic (spontaneous) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in England. METHODS Population-based admission and mortality data (59,599 people admitted to a hospital with SAH, 1999-2010; 37,836 people whose death certificates mentioned SAH, 1995-2010) were analyzed. RESULTS Hospital admission rates for SAH per million population declined by 18.3%, from 100.4 (95% CI 97.6-103.1) in 1999 to 82.0 (95% CI 79.7-84.4) in 2010. CFRs at less than 30 days per 100 patients decreased by 18.2%, from 29.7 (95% CI 28.5-31.0) in 1999 to 24.3 (95% CI 23.2-25.5) in 2010. Population-based mortality rates per million population, where SAH was recorded as underlying cause of death on the death certificate, declined by 39.8%, from 41.2 (95% CI 39.5-43.0) in 1999 to 24.8 (95% CI 23.6-26.1) in 2010. CONCLUSIONS Population-based hospital admission rates, patient-level CFRs, and population-based mortality rates all declined between 1999 and 2010. Part of the decline in mortality rates for SAH is likely to be attributable to a decline in incidence. It is also, in part, attributable to increased survival after SAH. The available data do not allow us to compare the effects of different treatment methods for SAH on case fatality and mortality. During the period of study, mortality rates declined by almost 40%, and it is likely that there are a number of factors contributing to this substantial improvement in outcomes for SAH patients in England.

Rosuvastatin for enhancement of aneurysm neck endothelialization after coil embolization: promotion of endothelial progenitor cells in a rodent model.

OBJECT Coil embolization is a safe, efficient, and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, coil embolization is associated with a higher risk of recurrence than clip ligation. In this study, the authors explore a new approach through the promotion of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to optimize endothelialization of the aneurysm neck and reduce the risk of recurrence. METHODS A coiled aneurysm model was created in 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats via microsurgery. Half of these animals were treated with rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg) in saline via gavage for 10, 20, or 30 days. The other half were administered saline without rosuvastatin. An additional 15 rats underwent "mock surgery" (identical anesthesia and saline gavage but no surgery). The endothelial repair process in the coiled aneurysms was evaluated via flow cytometry, im-munostaining, and electronic microscopy. The mock surgery group was used for comparison in flow cytometry studies. The effects of rosuvastatin on viability and functioning of Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow-derived EPCs were also explored via MTT, migration, and tube formation assays. RESULTS The aneurysm neck repair score was significantly higher in the rosuvastatin-treated rats than in the untreated rats (p < 0.05). The circulating EPC count was increased and maintained at a higher level in rosuvastatin-treated rats compared with the aneurysm rats that did not receive rosuvastatin (p < 0.05). Immunostaining showed that the aneurysm neck endothelium was more integrated and the number of kinase insert domain receptor-positive cells was increased in the rosuvastatin-treated rats. Further study demonstrated that rosuvastatin promoted EPC proliferation, migration, and tube formation. CONCLUSIONS Rosuvastatin promoted endothelialization of the coiled aneurysm neck via induction of EPCs, suggesting that promoting endothelialization provides an additional therapeutic opportunity during vascular endothelium repair.

Endovascular coiling of small intracranial aneurysms using a very soft bare platinum coil: A comparison of the packing performance of new and old HyperSoft® helical coils.

AIMS: Soft and small coils are known to be appropriate for the treatment of small aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the new HyperSoft® helical coil, which is softer and smaller than its predecessors, has any effect on the packing performance in a matched-pair study with an old HyperSoft® helical coil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients harboring 43 cerebral aneurysms treated with new HyperSofts were included in this study. Forty-one aneurysms treated with old HyperSofts were identified from our database as matched controls based on similar volumes and locations. Packing attenuation, adverse events during the procedures, and angiographic occlusions were observed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean packing density was significantly higher in the new HyperSoft® group compared to the control group (35.5% vs. 26.9%), and a larger proportion of the aneurysms embolized with the 1.5 mm size coil, which has higher packing density. There was no difference in immediate and midterm angiographic outcomes. There was no difference in the rate of intraprocedural perforation, but there was no intraprocedural rupture related to the 1.5 mm coil. CONCLUSIONS: The use of new HyperSoft® helical coils allows higher packing density comparable with the old technology. New HyperSoft® coils, especially those with 1.5 mm loop diameter, can be expected to fill smaller residual spaces in small aneurysms and may be helpful in preventing recanalization.

Evaluating innovation. Part 2: Development in neurosurgery.

OBJECT Patients, practitioners, payers, and regulators are advocating for reform in how medical advances are evaluated. Because surgery does not adhere to a standardized developmental pathway, how the medical community accepts a procedure remains unclear. The authors developed a new model, using publication data and patterns, that quantifies this process. Using this technique, the authors identified common archetypes and influences on neurosurgical progress from idea inception to acceptance. METHODS Seven neurosurgical procedures developed in the past 15-25 years were used as developmental case studies (endovascular coil, deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-l-nitrosourea wafer, and 3 radiosurgery procedures), and the literature on each topic was evaluated. A new metric the authors termed "progressive scholarly acceptance" (PSA) was used as an end point for community acceptance. PSA was reached when the number of investigations that refine or improve a procedure eclipsed the total number of reports assessing initial efficacy. Report characteristics, including the number of patients studied, study design, and number of authoring groups from the first report to the point of PSA, were assessed. RESULTS Publication data implicated factors that had an outsized influence on acceptance. First, procedural accessibility to investigators was found to influence the number of reports, number of patients studied, and number of authoring groups contributing. Barriers to accessibility included target disease rarity, regulatory restrictions, and cost. Second, the ease or difficulty in applying a randomized controlled trial had an impact on study design. Based on these 2 factors, 3 developmental archetypes were characterized to generally describe the development of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Common surgical development archetypes can be described based on factors that impact investigative methods, data accumulation, and ultimate acceptance by society. The approach and proposed terminologies in this report could inform future procedural development as well as any attempts to regulate surgical innovation.

Face, content, and construct validity of human placenta as a haptic training tool in neurointerventional surgery.

OBJECT The development of neurointerventional treatments of central nervous system disorders has resulted in the need for adequate training environments for novice interventionalists. Virtual simulators offer anatomical definition but lack adequate tactile feedback. Animal models, which provide more lifelike training, require an appropriate infrastructure base. The authors describe a training model for neurointerventional procedures using the human placenta (HP), which affords haptic training with significantly fewer resource requirements, and discuss its validation. METHODS Twelve HPs were prepared for simulated endovascular procedures. Training exercises performed by interventional neuroradiologists and novice fellows were placental angiography, stent placement, aneurysm coiling, and intravascular liquid embolic agent injection. RESULTS The endovascular training exercises proposed can be easily reproduced in the HP. Face, content, and construct validity were assessed by 6 neurointerventional radiologists and 6 novice fellows in interventional radiology. CONCLUSIONS The use of HP provides an inexpensive training model for the training of neurointerventionalists. Preliminary validation results show that this simulation model has face and content validity and has demonstrated construct validity for the interventions assessed in this study.

Sinus pericranii: diagnosis and management in 21 pediatric patients.

OBJECT: Sinus pericranii (SP) is a rare venous anomaly abnormally connecting the intracranial dural sinuses with the epicranial veins. In the present study the authors aimed to clarify this clinicoradiological entity, define the role of angiography in its preoperative assessment, and suggest a diagnostic-therapeutic flow chart for management purposes. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts and neuroimages of 21 patients with SP. All patients underwent brain MRI, MR venography, and craniocerebral CT. Diagnostic digital subtraction angiography was performed in 19 of 21 patients, and the SPs were categorized as dominant (draining the majority of the intracranial venous outflow) or accessory (draining only a minority of the intracranial venous outflow). RESULTS: SP was median or paramedian in 20 patients and lateral in 1 patient. There were 5 dominant and 14 accessory SPs. The dominant SPs were not treated. Among the patients with accessory SP, 4 were not treated, 2 underwent surgical ligature, and 8 were treated endovascularly (with either transvenous or percutaneous embolization). No complications were observed, and symptoms disappeared after treatment in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Accepted guidelines or recommendations concerning the management, diagnosis, and treatment of SP are still lacking. The authors define here a diagnostic-therapeutic flow chart, in which angiography plays a crucial role in the classification of SP and choice of the optimal treatment. Only accessory SP is amenable to treatment, whereas dominant SP must be preserved. The endovascular approach is becoming increasingly relevant and has proven to be safe and effective.

Interventional treatment of coronary artery fistulas by using Guglielmi detachable coils：analysis of feasibility and safety with single center experience / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To summarize the experience in treating coronary artery fistula (CAF) by using Guglielmi detachable coils. Methods During the period from July 2009 to November 2014 at the Affiliated Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, interventional treatment of CAF by using Guglielmi detachable coils was performed in 40 patients. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. The feasibility, safety and effectiveness of this technique were evaluated. Results Successful transcatheter closure of CAF with Guglielmi detachable coils was achieved in all 40 patients; the average Guglielmi detachable coils used in each patient was(2.33±1.38) coils. No procedure-related complications occurred. Intra-operative angiography showed that residual shunt completely disappeared in 12 patients (30%) and blood flow was significantly decreased in 28 patients (70%). All the patients were followed up for 1-65 months, neither complications such as recurrent bleeding and ischemia nor stenosis and occlusion of related arteries, or fistula cavity rupture occurred. Conclusion The use of Guglielmi detachable coil in interventional treatment of CAF is safe and effective, although its long-term effect needs to be further verified.

Thromboembolic Events Associated with Electrolytic Detachment of Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Target Coils : Comparison with Use of Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the incidence of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesions between the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) and the Target coil for treating unruptured intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: From 2010 to 2011, consecutive 222 patients with an intracranial aneurysm underwent coil embolization. Inclusion criterias were : 1) unruptured intracranial aneurysm, 2) one or more GDC or Target coils used with or without other coils, 3) DWI examination within 24 hours after coiling, and 4) coiling performed without a balloon or stent. RESULTS: Ninety patients (92 cases) met the inclusion criteria. DWI lesions were detected in 55 (61.1%) of 90 patients. In the GDC group (n=44), DWI lesions were detected in 31 (70.5%). The average number of DWI lesions was 5.0±8.7 (mean±SD; range, 1-40) in aneurysm-related territory. In the Target coil group (n=48), DWI lesions were detected in 24 (50.0%). The number of DWI lesion was 2.1±5.4 (range, 1-32) in aneurysm-related territory. There was no significant correlation between a number of coils and DWI lesions. No significant differences were also observed in the number of DWI lesions in each group. CONCLUSION: The GDC and Target coils, which have an electrolytic detachable system, showed no differences in the incidence of DWI lesion.

In vitro studies for stent-assisted coiling of terminus aneurysms by straight-on intra-aneurysmal stent deployment.

OBJECTIVE: Deployment of a Neuroform microstent (NFM; Boston Scientific/Target, Freemont, California, USA) within acutely angled geometry may result in substantial deformations. This in vitro study was conducted to validate a novel alternative technique, consisting of intentional deployment of a NFM straight on into a terminus aneurysm, by assessing the mechanics, feasibility, and stability of the coils. METHODS: Silicon models of wide-neck terminus aneurysms were constructed. Straight-on deployment of a NFM from the afferent vessel into the aneurysm was compared with conventional cross-neck deployment at a right angle position followed by Guglielmi detachable coil embolization simulation. The supporting forces of the two different methods of deployment were compared by the use of side-wall eccentric and en-face compression tests. RESULTS: Straight-on deployment of a NFM at a wide-neck terminus aneurysm was a relatively simple technique compared with cross-neck right angle deployment. Good stability of the coil mass was consistently achieved with adequate preservation of the parent vessel lumen. A larger residual neck space at the side without the stent and much coil mass protruding into the parent vessel were observed in cross-neck stent deployment. Compression tests revealed a larger supporting force of the NFM with straight-on deployment compared with the side-wall radial force (P < 0.05). A potential problem with this technique is the possible inability or difficulty in retrieving a partially deployed coil. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-assisted coiling of wide-neck terminus aneurysms with straight-on deployment of NFM consistently achieved a stable NFM-coil complex. The NFM also had a better supporting force in a straight position. Some technical difficulties may be encountered during subsequent coiling. This alternative technique to conventional cross-neck bridging appears to be another strategy for wide-neck terminus aneurysm coiling.

Thromboembolic Events Associated with Electrolytic Detachment of Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Target Coils : Comparison with Use of Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the incidence of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesions between the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) and the Target coil for treating unruptured intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: From 2010 to 2011, consecutive 222 patients with an intracranial aneurysm underwent coil embolization. Inclusion criterias were : 1) unruptured intracranial aneurysm, 2) one or more GDC or Target coils used with or without other coils, 3) DWI examination within 24 hours after coiling, and 4) coiling performed without a balloon or stent. RESULTS: Ninety patients (92 cases) met the inclusion criteria. DWI lesions were detected in 55 (61.1%) of 90 patients. In the GDC group (n=44), DWI lesions were detected in 31 (70.5%). The average number of DWI lesions was 5.0+/-8.7 (mean+/-SD; range, 1-40) in aneurysm-related territory. In the Target coil group (n=48), DWI lesions were detected in 24 (50.0%). The number of DWI lesion was 2.1+/-5.4 (range, 1-32) in aneurysm-related territory. There was no significant correlation between a number of coils and DWI lesions. No significant differences were also observed in the number of DWI lesions in each group. CONCLUSION: The GDC and Target coils, which have an electrolytic detachable system, showed no differences in the incidence of DWI lesion.