Endovascular Coiling of Ruptured Tiny Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of endovascular coiling of ruptured tiny saccular intracranial aneurysms (IAs) (≤3 mm) remain unknown. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scorpus databases up to November 15, 2023 was performed. Pooled prevalence was calculated for occlusion rates, recanalization, retreatment, long-term favorable outcome, and procedure-related complications and mortality. Pooled odds ratios were calculated to compare these outcomes between coiling and stent-assisted coiling (SAC). RESULTS: Forty-two studies with 2166 ruptured tiny saccular IAs treated with coiling were included. The follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion rate was 83.9% (95% CI: 77.2-88.9%). The rates of recanalization and retreatment were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.7-10.2%) and 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5-7.5%). The range of median Hunt and Hess grades was 1.4-2.9 and the favorable outcome rate was 85.6% (95% CI: 81.1-89.2%). The rates of thromboembolism, intraprocedural rupture, and mortality were 4.6% (95% CI: 3.6-5.8%), 5.4% (95% CI: 4.1-7.0%), and 5.6% (95% CI: 4.4-7.2%), respectively. Comparison of coiling and SAC revealed no significant difference, except for a higher likelihood of follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion in SAC (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.80) and recanalization in the coiling (OR, 3.21 [95% CI, 1.37-7.51]). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that coiling for ruptured tiny saccular IA is a feasible, effective, and safe approach that is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in both the short and long term for patients with mild to moderate Hunt and Hess grades.

Microsurgical treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: An Ethiopian experience.

Introduction: In this ambispective cohort study, the authors share their experience with surgical outcomes of intracranial aneurysms in a resource-limited setting. Methods: The study spans a 10-year period (January 2010 to December 2022) at Myungsung Christian Medical Center (MCM) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Patient data, aneurysm characteristics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors, along with patient outcomes, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis employed SPSS version 25, utilizing descriptive statistics and Multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of outcomes. The primary outcome measure was the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge. Results: The study included 71 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, with 63 aneurysms clipped in 62 patients. No sex predilection was observed. Aneurysms were predominantly in the anterior cerebral circulation (98.6%), with 60.6% in the anterior communicating artery. Aneurysm size was less than 10 mm in 75.76% of cases. Favorable outcomes were achieved in 83.9% of patients, while 16.10% had unfavorable outcomes. Unfavorable outcomes correlated with a worsening neurological grade assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The occurrence of delayed vasospasm and hemiparesis showed strong predictive value. Conclusion: The study demonstrated acceptable mortality and favorable outcomes. Patient outcomes in ruptured cerebral aneurysms were primarily influenced by non-modifiable factors, such as GCS on admission and neurological deficit. GCS exhibited a superior predictive value for outcomes compared to commonly used WFNS and Hunt-Hess scales in patients with intracranial aneurysms.

Positive Correlation Between Thoracic Aortic Diameter and Intracranial Aneurysm Size-An Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and thoracic aortic diameter. METHODS: This observational cohort study examined thoracic aortic diameters in patients with IA. Patients were categorized by IA size (<7 mm and ≥7 mm) and IA status (ruptured/unruptured) based on radiologic findings. We investigated the association between thoracic aortic diameter and IA size and status using binary and linear regression as univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients were included. Mean age was 60 (±11.7) years and 63% were women. Thoracic aortic diameters were greater among patients who had an IA ≥7 mm versus IA <7 mm (P < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the diameter of the ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.129 per 1 mm; P = 0.002), aortic arch (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.15 per 1 mm; P < 0.001), and descending aorta (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16 per 1 mm; P = 0.003) were associated with IAs ≥7 mm. In the multivariable regression model, larger ascending aorta (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17 per 1 mm; P = 0.018), aortic arch (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.22 per 1 mm; P = 0.013), and descending aorta (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08-1.33 per 1 mm; P < 0.001) were associated with ruptured IA. CONCLUSIONS: Greater thoracic aortic diameters are associated with a higher risk of IA being larger than 7 mm and IA rupture. Exploring the concomitant growth tendency in IA and thoracic aorta provides a basis for future considerations regarding screening and risk management.

Study on prognosis of acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms (SPARTA): a protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured intracranial aneurysms resulting in subarachnoid haemorrhage can be treated by open surgical or endovascular treatment. Despite multiple previous studies, uncertainties on the optimal treatment practice still exists. The resulting treatment variation may result in a variable, potentially worse, patient outcome. To better inform future treatment strategies, this study aims to identify the effectiveness of different treatment strategies in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms by investigating long-term functional outcome, complications and cost-effectiveness. An explorative analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic value of radiological imaging will also be performed. METHODS: This multi-centre observational prospective cohort study will have a follow-up of 10 years. A total of 880 adult patients with a subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm will be included. Calculation of sample size (N = 880) was performed to show non-inferiority of clip-reconstruction compared to endovascular treatment on 1 year outcome, assessed by using the ordinal modified Rankin Scale. The primary endpoint is the modified Rankin Scale score and mortality at 1 year after the initial subarachnoid haemorrhage. Patients will receive 'non-experimental' regular care during their hospital stay. For this study, health questionnaires and functional outcome will be assessed at baseline, before discharge and at follow-up visits. DISCUSSION: Despite the major healthcare and societal burden, the optimal treatment strategy for patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by ruptured intracranial aneurysms is yet to be determined. Findings of this comparative effectiveness study, in which in-between centre variation in practice and patient outcome are investigated, will provide evidence on the effectiveness of treatment strategies, hopefully contributing to future high value treatment standardisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05851989 DATE OF REGISTRATION: May 10th, 2023.

Periprocedural thromboembolic complications of LEO baby stent in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Experience in 149 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report periprocedural thromboembolic complications of LEO Baby stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms and to analyze the possible influencing factors. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 149 patients with aneurysms who underwent LEO Baby stent-assisted embolization between October 2018 and March 2022. Clinical and radiographic data of patients were reviewed to determine whether a thromboembolic event had occurred. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify significant factors associated with thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Successful stent deployment of the stent was achieved in all patients in the target artery. There were 66 patients (44.3%) with acutely ruptured aneurysms and 83 patients (55.7%) with unruptured aneurysms. Fourteen (9.4%, 95% confidence interval: 4.7%-14.1%) patients were confirmed to have developed a thromboembolic event, including nine patients with acute intraoperative thrombosis and five patients with postoperative thromboembolic events. The rate of thromboembolic events was 6.0% (5/83) in patients with unruptured aneurysms and 13.6% (9/66) in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms. There was a trend toward an increased rate of thromboembolic events in patients with acute ruptured aneurysms (p = 0.087). Thromboembolic events were significantly associated with the parent-artery diameter (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a low rate of thromboembolic complications in unruptured aneurysms treated with LEO Baby stent. Thromboembolic events appear to be more common in ruptured aneurysms. A small diameter of the parent artery is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, and more relevant studies are still needed.

Does dual antiplatelet therapy increase the risk of haematoma enlargement in the acute stage? A retrospective study of the use of stent-assisted coiling versus coiling alone or balloon-assisted coiling for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms combined with intracranial haematoma.

This study aims to identify the efficacy and safety of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) combined with intracranial haematoma (ICH) compared to coiling alone or balloon-assisted coiling (non-SAC). A retrospective analysis of 54 consecutive patients receiving endovascular therapy from 2014 to 2020 was performed. The data collected included baseline characteristics, angiographic results, perioperative complications, immediate aneurysm occlusion, clinical outcomes, follow-up at discharge and after 6 months, hospitalisation costs, and inpatient length of stay. Patients were categorised into the SAC group and the non-SAC group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors related to clinical outcomes. Of the 54 patients harbouring RIAs with ICH, 22 (40.74%) and 32 (59.26%) patients were subject to SAC and non-SAC treatments, respectively. Postoperative rebleeding (1 [4.5%] and 3 [9.3%] in SAC and non-SAC groups, respectively, p > 0.05) and Hunt-Hess grade (IV-V) lesions (13.6% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.067) did not differ between the two groups. In total, 10 (45.5%) patients treated with SAC received a Fisher scale score of 0-3 compared with 6 (18.8%) patients treated with non-SAC methods (p = 0.035). Compared with the non-SAC group (7/21.9%), the rate of wide-necked aneurysms was increased in the SAC group (11/50%) (p = 0.031). No differences in poor outcomes (mRS > 2) were noted between the SAC and non-SAC groups (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that ischaemic complication events (p = 0.016) represent the only independent risk factor for adverse outcomes, and a trend towards unfavourable clinical outcomes was noted for patients who smoke (p = 0.087). SAC is a safe and efficient treatment for RIAs combined with ICH when dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is used in the perioperative period. In addition, SAC should be preferentially used in wide-neck RIAs. Ischaemic complications are a risk factor for poor clinical outcomes. Given the small sample size and retrospective bias of this study, these findings should be further verified in a study with a larger sample size or a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Management dilemma in a rare case of pituitary apoplexy with akinetic mutism in the setting of ruptured junctional brain aneurysm: A case report and literature review.

Backgound: Pituitary apoplexy is associated with stroke, head injury, and brain tumors. Still, its presentation due to the ruptured aneurysm is rare and its presentation with akinetic mutism has not been reported. Case Description: The patient in the present study is 21-year-old female who presented in our emergency department in an altered sensorium with Glasgow comma score (GCS) E2V1M1. She was intubated and resuscitated. Routine blood investigations, lipid profile, and hormonal studies were normal. Initial noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) head revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the interhemispheric fissure and evidence of bleeding in the pituitary gland. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain was soon done, which showed an infarct and hemorrhage in the pituitary gland; there was an evidence of an infarct in the bilateral medial frontal gyrus, basal ganglia, and supplementary motor area. MR arteriography revealed an aneurysm at the left A1-anterior communicating artery (Acom) junction directed superomedially with diffuse spasm in a bilateral anterior cerebral artery. Pterional craniotomy was done with clipping of the aneurysm and evacuation of blood clots from the interhemispheric fissure and pituitary gland. Histopathology features suggestive of the non-functioning pituitary tumor with interspersed hemorrhagic necrosis. Intraarterial vasodilation with microcatheter injection was given, but vasospasm did not improve. Postoperatively, Levodopa was started. She used to track objects in front of her eye and started nodding her head in "yes and no fashion," with power in limbs improved to 3/5 at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Pituitary apoplexy with ruptured A1-Acom junction aneurysm with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma is rare, and its presentation with akinetic mutism has not been reported. As there is scarce literature suggesting an association between pituitary apoplexy and ruptured aneurysm, it is challenging to comment regarding its pathogenesis. Although akinetic mutism generally has a poor prognosis, it may respond to Levodopa with a better outcome.

Staged treatment for ruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysm with intentional partial coiling in the acute phase followed by definitive treatment.

Background: Evidence supports endovascular coiling for ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs). However, in some cases, it is difficult to achieve complete occlusion by coiling, such as with wide-neck aneurysms. We report our experience with intentional staged RIA treatment using targeted endovascular coiling at the rupture point in the acute phase, followed by delayed stent-assisted coiling, flow diverter stenting, or surgical clipping. Methods: Consecutive patients with RIAs treated between April 2015 and June 2021 were retrospectively investigated. Clinical characteristics, treatment complications, and patient outcomes data were collected. Results: Among 108 RIAs treated in our hospital, 60 patients underwent initial coiling; 10 patients underwent staged treatment. The aneurysm locations were the anterior communicating artery (n = 5), internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (n = 3), internal carotid-paraclinoid (n = 1), and vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 1). The mean ± standard deviation aneurysmal diameter was 9.6 ± 5.4 mm and the mean aspect ratio was 1.2 ± 0.7. As the second treatment to obliterate blood flow to the neck area, we performed five stent-assisted coiling, two flow-diverter stentings, and three surgical clippings. Only one minor perioperative complication occurred. The median duration between the first and second treatments was 18 days (range, 14- 42 days). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) at 90 days was achieved in 5 (50%) cases. The median follow-up duration was 6.5 months (range, 3-35 months); no rerupture occurred. Conclusion: Intentional staged treatment with a short time interval for RIA was effective and feasible.

Clinical Predictive Models for Delayed Cerebral Infarction After Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Clipping for Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: A nomogram was developed in this work to predict the probability of delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) after ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) clipping. Methods: Clinical data of patients with intracranial aneurysm were obtained from the neurosurgery department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020. A total of 419 patients receiving surgery of ruptured intracranial aneurysm clipping were included and a total of 37 patients with DCI were set as the observation group. The control group consisted of 382 patients without DCI. Risk factors of DCI were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and included in the nomogram. Results: Univariate analysis showed that female (P = 0.009), small aneurysm (P = 0.031), intraoperative aneurysm rupture (P = 0.007) and cerebral vasospasm (P < 0.001) were risk factors for postoperative DCI while smoking history (P = 0.044) were protective factors for postoperative DCI. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that small aneurysm (P = 0.002, OR = 3.332, 95%-7.104), intraoperative aneurysm rupture (P = 0.004, OR = 0.122, 95%-CI, 0.029-0.504)and cerebral vasospasm (P < 0.001, OR = 0.153, 95%-CI, 0.070-0.333) were independent risk factors of postoperative DCI. The calibration curve of the probability of occurrence showed that the nomogram was in good correspondence with the observed results with a C-index of 0.766 (95% CI, 0.684-0.848). Meanwhile, the Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the established predictive model had a good clinical net benefit. Conclusion: The well-established nomogram is expected to be an effective tool to predict the occurrence of DCI after intracranial ruptured aneurysm and can be used to assist clinicians to develop more effective treatment strategies and improve the prognosis of patients.

Incidence of intra-procedural complications according to the timing of endovascular treatment in ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Although endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is well-established, some critical issues have not yet been clarified, such as the effects of timing on safety and effectiveness of the procedure. The aim of our study was to analyze the incidence of intra-procedural complications according to the timing of treatment, as they can affect morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms at three high flow center. For all patients, imaging and clinical data, aneurysm's type, mean dimension and different treatment techniques were analyzed. Intra-procedural complications were defined as thrombus formation at the aneurysm's neck, thromboembolic events, and rupture of the aneurysm. Patients were divided into three groups according to time between subarachnoid hemorrhage and treatment (<12 h hyper-early, 12-36 h early, and >36 h delayed). Results: The final study population included 215 patients. In total, 84 patients (39%) underwent hyper-early, 104 (48%) early, and 27 (13%) delayed endovascular treatment. Overall, 69% of the patients were treated with simple coiling, 23% with balloon-assisted coiling, 1% with stent-assisted coiling, 3% with a flow-diverter stent, 3% with an intrasaccular flow disruptor device, and 0.5% with parent vessel occlusion. Delayed endovascular treatment was associated with an increased risk of total intra-procedural complications compared to both hyper-early (p = 0.009) and early (p = 0.004) treatments with a rate of complications of 56% (vs. 29% in hyper-early and 26% in early treated group-p = 0.011 and p = 0.008). The delayed treatment group showed a higher rate of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events. The increased risk of total intra-procedural complications in delayed treatment was confirmed, also considering only the patients treated with simple coiling and balloon-assisted coiling (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003, respectively, compared to hyper-early and early group) with a rate of complications of 62% (vs. 28% in hyper-early and 26% in early treatments-p = 0.007 and p = 0.003). Also in this subpopulation, delayed treated patients showed a higher incidence of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms more than 36 h after SAH seems to be associated with a higher risk of intra-procedural complications, especially thrombotic and thromboembolic events.

Evidence summary of blood pressure management strategies in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm bleeding / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To estimate and summarize the evidence for the blood pressure in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm bleeding, to provide valuable reference for clinical care and improve the prognosis of patients.Methods:BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, Chinese Guideline Website, Cochrane Library, PubMed, American Stroke Association, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and VIP Database were utilized for screening out evidences of blood pressure management strategies for patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm bleeding from database establishment to December 8, 2020. The source of evidences included guidelines, evidence summarization, information brochure of optimal clinical practice, recommended practice, systematic review and original research. Upon the assessment of the included literature, the evidences meeting the enrollment criterion would be identified and extracted.Results:There were 9 articles involved in this research and 20 evidences possessing clinical applicability were extracted. The evidences involved in clinical assessment, regulation tenets, intervention protocol, and nursing to prevent complications in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm bleeding.Conclusions:To summarize, we suggested strongly to evaluate the individual differences in age, underlying diseases and pharmacological tolerance, and to effectivelly control blood pressure in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm bleeding through scientific nursing methods, which could improve the nursing qualification.

Factors Influencing 1-year Functional Outcome after Surgery in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A Single-center Series.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcome and related factors in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 221 patients who were diagnosed with spontaneous SAH due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm and surgically treated at Vajira Hospital between January 2013 and May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, clinical status at presentation, treatment, and status at discharge and 1 year after discharge were recorded. Outcomes 1 year after surgery were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Patients were divided into two groups according to the GOS score: the favorable outcome group (GOS scores 4 and 5) and unfavorable outcome group (GOS scores 1-3). RESULTS: Among the 221 study patients, 158 were classified in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group. Patient age, Hunt and Hess grade, aneurysm size, use of Vitamin C solution irrigation in the subarachnoid space, and GOS score 1 year after surgery significantly differed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous factors analyzed in this study were significantly associated with 1-year outcome in surgically treated aSAH patients, including subarachnoid Vitamin C irrigation. Further study of subarachnoid Vitamin C irrigation is warranted.

Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors related to ruptured intracranial aneurysms: A comparison of surgical and endovascular options in a propensity score-matched, nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the long-term survival outcomes of and prognostic factors for survival in patients with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA) who underwent endovascular coil embolization or surgical clipping. METHODS: We selected patients who had received a diagnosis of RIA between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. Propensity score matching was performed, and Cox proportional hazards model curves were plotted to analyze all-cause mortality in patients undergoing different treatments. RESULTS: The matching process yielded a final cohort of 8102 patients (4051 and 4051 in endovascular coil embolization and surgical clipping groups, respectively) who were eligible for inclusion. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for endovascular coil embolization compared with surgical clipping were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79-0.97). The aHRs for the ages of 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and ≥85 years compared with the ages of 20 to 64 years were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.60-2.07), 3.35 (95% CI, 2.93-3.84), and 6.99 (95% CI, 5.51-8.86), respectively. Surgical clipping; old age; male sex; treatment during 2011 to 2013; presence of diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage renal disease; history of stroke or transient ischemic attack; Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2; attendance of nonacademic hospitals; and low income were significant independent prognostic factors for poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with surgical clipping, endovascular coil embolization led to more favorable survival outcomes in patients with RIAs.

Comparison of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score and PHASES Score in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients With Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms.

Objective: Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm (UIA) Treatment Score (UIATS) and PHASES score are used to inform treatment decision making for UIAs (treatment or observation). We assessed the ability of the scoring systems to discriminate between ruptured aneurysms and UIAs in a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) cohort with multiple aneurysms. Methods: We retrospectively applied PHASES and UIATS scoring to the aneurysms of 40 consecutive patients with SAH and multiple intracranial aneurysms. Results: PHASES score discriminated better between ruptured aneurysms and UIAs than UIATS. PHASES scores and the difference between the UIATS subscores were higher for ruptured aneurysms compared with UIAs, which reached significance for the PHASES score. PHASES score estimated a low 5-year rupture risk in a larger proportion of the UIAs (≤0.7% in 62.3%, ≤1.7% in 98.4%) than of the ruptured aneurysms (≤0.7% in 22.5%, ≤1.7% in 82.5%). In the 40 ruptured aneurysms, UIATS provided recommendation for treatment in 11 (27.5%), conservative management in 14 (35.0%), and was inconclusive in 15 cases (37.5%). In the 61 UIAs, UIATS recommended treatment in 16 (26.2%), conservative management in 29 (47.5%), and was inconclusive in 16 (26.2%) cases. Conclusion: Similar to previous SAH cohorts, a significant proportion of the ruptured aneurysms exhibited a low-rupture risk. Nevertheless, PHASES score discriminated between ruptured aneurysms and UIAs in our cohort; the lower discriminatory power of UIATS was due to high weights of aneurysm-independent factors. We recommend careful integration of the scores for individual decision making. Large-scale prospective trials are required to establish score-based treatment strategies for UIAs.

Safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coiling for acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: comparison of LVIS stents with laser-cut stents.

BACKGROUND: To compare the safety and efficacy of LVIS stent-assisted coiling with those of laser-cut stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Patients with acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with LVIS stent-assisted coiling (LVIS stent group) and laser-cut stent-assisted coiling (laser-cut stent group) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2014 to December 2017. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for potential differences in age, sex, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, neck width, Hunt-Hess grade, and modified Fisher grade. Perioperative procedure-related complications and clinical and angiographic follow-up outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between procedure-related complications and potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients who underwent LVIS stent-assisted coiling and 93 patients who underwent laser-cut stent-assisted coiling were enrolled after 1:2 propensity score matching. The angiographic follow-up outcomes showed that the LVIS stent group had a slightly higher complete occlusion rate and lower recurrence rate than the laser-cut stent group (92.7% vs 80.6%; 3.7% vs 9.7%, P = 0.078). The clinical outcomes at discharge and follow-up between the two groups demonstrated no significant differences (P = 0.495 and P = 0.875, respectively). The rates of intraprocedural thrombosis, postprocedural thrombosis, postoperative early rebleeding, and procedure-related death were 0.7% (1/142), 1.4% (2/142), 2.8% (4/142), and 2.1% (3/142) in the LVIS stent group, respectively, and 4.3% (4/93), 2.2% (2/93), 1.1% (1/93), and 3.2% (3/93) in the laser-cut stent group, respectively (P = 0.082, 0.649, 0.651, and 0.683). Nevertheless, the rates of overall procedure-related complications and intraprocedural rupture in the LVIS stent group were significantly lower than those in the laser-cut stent group (5.6% vs 14.0%, P = 0.028; 0.7% vs 6.5%, P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis showed that laser-cut stent-assisted coiling was an independent predictor for overall procedure-related complications (OR = 2.727, P = 0.037); a history of diabetes (OR = 7.275, P = 0.027) and other cerebrovascular diseases (OR = 8.083, P = 0.022) were independent predictors for ischemic complications, whereas none of the factors were predictors for hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with laser-cut stent-assisted coiling, LVIS stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms could reduce the rates of overall procedure-related complications and intraprocedural rupture.

Microsurgical and endovascular treatment of un-ruptured cerebral aneurysms by European hybrid neurosurgeons to balance surgical skills and medical staff management.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, aneurysm treatment performed by dually trained neurosurgeons is extremely scarce. We provide outcome data for un-ruptured aneurysm patients treated at a European hybrid center to prove that hybrid neurosurgeons achieve clinical and angiographical results allowing to integrate hybrid neurosurgery into routine aneurysm treatment. This will not only help to maintain neurovascular microsurgical skills but will influence staff costs in related hospitals. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutively treated un-ruptured aneurysm patients between 2000 and 2016. The decision-making took into account the pros and cons of both modalities and considered patient and aneurysm characteristics. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Occlusion rates were stratified into grade I for 100%, grade II for 99-90%, and grade III for <90% occlusion. To account for the introduction of stents, two treatment periods (p1, 2000 to 2008; p2, 2009 to 2016) were defined. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 274 patients (median age 55 years) harboring 338 un-ruptured aneurysms. Microsurgery (MS) was performed in 51.8% and endovascular therapy (EVT) in 43.1%; 5.1% required combined treatment. Overall, 93% showed a favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0-2), 94.3% after MS and 91.5% after EVT. Grade I aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 82.6% patients, 91.9% after MS and 72.9% after EVT. Procedure-related complications occurred after MS in 5.6% and after EVT in 4.4% patients. Mortality was recorded for five (1.8%) patients, one patient after MS and four after EVT. For the EVT cohort, significant improvement from p1 to p2 was seen with clinical outcomes (P=0.030, RR = 0.905, CI: 0.8351-0.9802) and occlusion rates (P=0.039, RR = 0.6790, CI: 0.499-0.923). CONCLUSION: Hybrid neurosurgeons achieve qualified clinical and angiographic results. Dual training will allow to maintain neurovascular caseloads and preserve future aneurysm treatment within neurosurgery. Furthermore economic benefits could be observed in hospital management.

Impact of Neurovascular Comorbidities and Complications on Outcomes After Procedural Management of Intracranial Aneurysm: Part 2, Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to define the dynamic interplay between neurovascular-specific comorbidities and in-hospital complications on outcomes (functional outcome and mortality), length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospital stay. METHODS: The 2012-2015 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for intracranial aneurysm treatment after subarachnoid hemorrhage using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Neurovascular comorbidity index (NCI) was aggregated. NIS-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Severity Score (NIS-SSS) was used as a Hunt-Hess grade proxy. In-hospital complications were medical complications, surgical complications, seizures, and cerebral vasospasm. Outcomes were functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]-equivalent measure), in-hospital mortality, LOS, and cost. Multivariable logistic regression models were built for mRS equivalent and in-hospital mortality. Multivariable linear regression models in log scale were built for LOS and cost. RESULTS: A total of 5353 patients were included. The median NCI was 4.00 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.00-7.00) and 2882 patients (54%) had in-hospital complication. Higher NCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.13 if NCI = 1; OR, 2.05 if NCI = 7; P < 0.001) was associated with any complication, seizure (OR, 1.11, NCI = 1; OR, 1.60, NCI = 7; P < 0.001), medical complication (OR, 1.18, NCI = 1; OR, 2.50, NCI = 7; P < 0.001), surgical complication (OR, 1.13, NCI = 1; OR, 1.91, NCI = 7; P < 0.001), and cerebral vasospasm (OR, 1.09, NCI = 1; OR, 1.49, NCI = 7; P < 0.001). Patients with higher NCI (OR, 1.06, NCI = 1; OR, 1.95, NCI = 7; P < 0.001) or with in-hospital complication (P < 0.001) had poorer mRS equivalent outcome. Similar trends were observed for other outcomes including in-hospital mortality, LOS, and cost. CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular comorbidities are the primary driver of poor mRS equivalent outcome, in-hospital mortality, higher LOS, and higher cost after ruptured intracranial aneurysm procedural treatment. The conditional event of complication influences patients with moderate comorbidities more so than those with low or high comorbidities.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) Versus Conventional Coiling for Treatment of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of Clinical and Angiographic Outcome Data.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional coiling is standard for treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. We compared clinical and angiographic outcomes between intrasaccular flow disruption with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) and conventional coiling in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) using a propensity score-matched analysis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients with aSAH treated with the WEB or conventional coiling between 2010 and 2019. Baseline characteristics, procedural complications, angiographic results, and functional outcome were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients treated with the WEB and 236 patients treated by coiling were included. The WEB group was characterized by a higher patient age (P = 0.024), a wider aneurysm neck (P < 0.001), and more frequent location at the posterior circulation (P = 0.004). Procedural complications were comparable between WEB (19.2%) and coiling (22.7%, P = 0.447). In-hospital mortality rates were higher in the coiling group (WEB: 5.8%, coiling: 17.8%; P = 0.0034). Favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤2) was obtained in 51.3% after WEB embolization and in 55.0% after coiling (P = 0.653). Retreatment was performed in 26.4% of patients after WEB and in 25.8% after coiling (P = 0.935). Propensity score analysis confirmed these results and revealed higher adequate occlusion rates at midterm follow-up for WEB-treated aneurysms (WEB: 93.9%, coiling: 76.2%, P = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional coiling, aSAH patients treated with the WEB have a similar clinical and potentially improved angiographic outcome at midterm follow-up. The WEB might be considered as an alternative to conventional coiling for the treatment of RIAs, in particular for those with wide-necked and thus challenging anatomy.

Clinical analysis of young adult patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-center study of 113 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial aneurysm most frequently occurs in old aged patients; however, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been occasionally reported in young adults. This study aimed to compare patients with intracranial aneurysms younger than 40 years with those ≥40 years and investigates the characteristics of their ruptured aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data of 389 patients (103 patients aged 20 to 39 years; 286 patients aged above 40 years) who were treated for ruptured cerebral aneurysms between January 2008 and December 2018 at our institution. RESULTS: The young adult patients were more often men and were smokers as compared to controls (63.1% vs. 39.2%, 40.5% vs. 36.0%, respectively). The young adult patients showed a tendency for lower Hunt and Hess grade, modified Fisher grade, less postoperative morbidity, and better clinical outcome. Aneurysm ruptures occurred most frequently in the anterior cerebral artery in both groups, but aneurysms ruptures in the internal carotid artery and posterior circulation was infrequent among young adult patients. The aneurysms in young adult patients were more often elongated or irregularly shaped (82.5% vs. 64.0%, respectively) and were significantly smaller (5.9 mm) than that in controls (6.8 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured aneurysms of young adult patients have unique characteristics with regard to its preponderance in male smoker, elongated or irregular shape and relatively smaller size.

Safety of stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of wide-necked ruptured aneurysm: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Stent-assisted coil embolization of ruptured wide-necked aneurysms is a controversial treatment modality due to concerns on the peri-procedural safety of anti-platelet therapy in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on stent-assisted coil embolization of acutely ruptured wide-neck aneurysms to calculate the pooled prevalence of clinical outcome, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complication rates and overall mortality. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published between 2009 and 2019 and stratified selected articles based on risk of publication bias. Data on thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, clinical outcomes and mortality rates were analyzed using quality-effects model and double arcsine transformation. RESULTS: 24 articles were included featuring a total of 1582 patients. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complication rates were witnessed in 9.1% [95% CI: 6.0% - 12.7%; I2 = 72.8%] and 8.7% [95% CI: 5.4 - 12.6%; I2 = 77.2%] of patients, respectively. 245 patients received external ventricular drains, of which 33 (13.5%) had EVD-related hemorrhages. Total complication rate was 20.8% [95% CI: 14.2 - 28.1%; I2 = 87.0%]. 57% of aneurysms were completely occluded and a favorable clinical outcome was reported in 74.7% [95% CI: 66.4 - 82.2%; I2 = 86.0] of patients. Overall mortality rate came at 7.8% [95% CI: 4.8 - 11.6%; I2 = 76.9%]. CONCLUSION: Stent-assisted coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysm is a technically feasible procedure with controlled thromboembolic complication rate but may be associated with higher hemorrhagic and total complication rates compared to coiling alone. While stent-assisted coiling of ruptured wide-necked aneurysm seems to yield a lower rate of favorable clinical outcome, overall mortality is comparable to that of endovascular coiling alone.