How I do it: Sternocleidomastoid sparing approach for the right vertebral artery to common carotid artery transposition.

BACKGROUND: Direct surgery is an important option to treat vertebral artery (VA) stenosis. METHOD: A patient with symptomatic stenosis at the origin of the right VA underwent transposition of the right VA to the common carotid artery (CCA). Using the sternocleidomastoid sparing approach, the VA was anastomosed to the posterior wall of the CCA by twisting the CCA to expose its posterior wall to face the operative field. CONCLUSION: This approach, consisting of securing the proximal VA and then following it to its distal end, not only preserves the sternocleidomastoid muscle but also protects the sympathetic chains and thoracic duct.

Occipital artery to vertebral artery bypass for treatment of bilateral vertebral artery occlusion with QMRA as an adjunct to diagnostic assessment.

PURPOSE: Stroke, the second leading cause of death globally, often involves ischemia in the vertebrobasilar territory. This condition is underexplored, despite significant morbidity and mortality risks. The purpose of this study is to present a case of occipital artery to V3 segment vertebral artery bypass, emphasizing the role of quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (qMRA) in assessing flow and guiding surgical intervention. METHODS: A 66-year-old man with bilateral vertebral artery occlusion presented acute symptoms. qMRA was employed to evaluate flow dynamics and determine the feasibility of a flow augmentation bypass surgery. The occipital artery to left vertebral artery bypass (OA-to-VA) was performed, utilizing an inverted hockey-stick incision and an antegrade inside-out technique. The patency of the bypass was confirmed using both Doppler probe and Indocyanine green. RESULTS: Postoperative assessments, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and qMRA, demonstrated the patency of the bypass with improved flow in the basilar artery and left vertebral artery. The patient's condition remained stable postoperatively, with residual peripheral palsy of the left facial nerve. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the presented case illustrates the efficacy of the OA-to-VA bypass in addressing symptomatic bilateral vertebral artery occlusion. The study underscores the pivotal role of qMRA in pre- and postoperative assessments, providing noninvasive flow quantification for diagnostic considerations and long-term follow-up in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Endovascular thrombectomy with versus without intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit and safety of intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains unclear. This article aims to investigate the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular thrombectomy with versus without intravenous thrombolysis in acute BAO stroke patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant literature pertaining to patients with acute BAO who underwent endovascular thrombectomy alone or intravenous thrombolysis bridging with endovascular thrombectomy (bridging therapy), until January 10, 2024. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a score of 0-2 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. The safety outcome was mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 h. Effect sizes were computed as risk ratio (RR) with random-effect models. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023462293). RESULTS: A total of 528 articles were obtained through the search and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Finally, 2 RCTs and 10 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that the endovascular thrombectomy alone group had a lower rate of functional independence compared to the bridging therapy group (29% vs 38%; RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.88, p < 0.001), lower independent ambulation (39% vs 45%; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.98, p = 0.01), and higher mortality (36% vs 28%, RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37, p = 0.001). However, no differences were detected in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between the two groups (6% vs 4%; RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.74-1.71, p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: Intravenous thrombolysis plus endovascular thrombectomy seemed to led to better functional independence, independent ambulation, and lower risk of mortality without increasing the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage compared to endovascular thrombectomy alone. However, given the non-randomized nature of this study, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Influencing factors of futile recanalization after endovascular intervention in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. / æ€¥æ€§åŸºåº•åŠ¨è„‰é—­å¡žæ‚£è€ è¡€ç®¡å† æ²»ç–—åŽå‘ç”Ÿæ— æ•ˆå†é€šçš„å½±å“å› ç´ .

OBJECTIVES: To explore the influence factors for futile recanalization following endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). METHODS: Clinical data of patients with acute BAO, who underwent endovascular treatment within 24 h of onset from January 2017 to November 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The futile recanalization was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade ≥2b or 3 after successful reperfusion, but the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months after EVT. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of futile recanalization. RESULTS: A total of 471 patients with a median age of 68 (57, 74) years were included and 68.9% were males, among whom 298 (63.27%) experienced futile recanalization. Multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant atrial fibrillation (OR=0.456, 95%CI: 0.282-0.737, P<0.01), bridging thrombolysis (OR=0.640, 95%CI: 0.416-0.985, P<0.05), achieving mTICI grade 3 (OR=0.554, 95%CI: 0.334-0.918, P<0.05), arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) grade 3 (OR=0.521, 95%CI: 0.326-0.834, P<0.01), and early postoperative statin therapy (OR=0.509, 95%CI: 0.273-0.948, P<0.05) were protective factors for futile recanalization after EVT in acute BAO patients. High baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR=1.068, 95%CI: 1.049-1.087, P<0.01), coexisting hypertension (OR=1.571, 95%CI: 1.017-2.427, P<0.05), multiple retrieval attempts (OR=1.237, 95%CI: 1.029-1.488, P<0.05) and postoperative hemorrhagic transformation (OR=8.497, 95%CI: 2.879-25.076, P<0.01) were risk factors. For trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification, cardiogenic embolism (OR=0.321, 95%CI: 0.193-0.534, P<0.01) and other types (OR=0.499, 95%CI: 0.260-0.961, P<0.05) were related to lower incidence of futile recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of futile recanalization after EVT in patients with acute BAO is high. Bridging venous thrombolysis before operation and an early postoperative statin therapy may reduce the incidence of futile recanalization.

The application value of 3D ASL in evaluating the effectiveness of stent implantation for vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of stent implantation for vertebrobasilar artery stenosis，by using 3D arterial spin labeling (3D ASL) technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and 3D ASL data of 48 patients who underwent vertebral-basilar artery stenting. Post-labeling delay times (PLD) of 1.5 s and 2.5 s were chosen, and the average regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values were measured in nine brain regions of the posterior circulation: bilateral thalamus, bilateral occipital lobes, bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, midbrain, pons, and medulla. The 48 patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of acute ischemic stroke in the posterior cerebral circulation region detected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The preoperative and postoperative rCBF results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the infarct group, there were significant increases in rCBF values of all nine brain regions at both PLD = 1.5 s and 2.5 s postoperatively compared to preoperatively. At PLD = 1.5 s, statistically significant differences in rCBF values between the preoperative and postoperative periods were found in the right thalamus, left cerebellum, midbrain, and pons regions (P < 0.05). At PLD = 2.5 s, statistically significant differences in rCBF values between the preoperative and postoperative periods were observed in the left occipital lobe, right cerebellum, midbrain, and pons regions (P < 0.05). When analyzing the rCBF values of the brain regions with recent infarcts in the infarct group, there was a significant increase in postoperative rCBF values compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). After excluding the data from brain regions with recent infarcts, the CBF values in the remaining brain regions were also increased postoperatively, and some brain regions showed statistically significant differences in rCBF values between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < 0.05). In the non-infarct group, there were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative and postoperative rCBF values in all brain regions at both PLD = 1.5 s and 2.5 s (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of 3D ASL technology shows significant value in assessing the surgical efficacy of vertebral-basilar artery stenting, especially in patients with acute posterior circulation infarction.

Clinical evaluation of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with posterior circulation occlusion: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Although consensus has been reached regarding the use of mechanical thrombectomy for acute large anterior circulation occlusion, its effectiveness in patients with posterior circulation occlusion remains unclear. This study aimed to establish the determining factors for good clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for posterior circulation occlusion. METHODS: We extracted cases of acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the posterior circulation from a database comprising 536 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at our hospital between April 2015 and March 2021. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for LVO in the posterior circulation were identified. Five patients with simultaneous occlusion of the anterior and posterior circulation were excluded; finally, 47 patients were included in this study. The median patient age was 78 years, and 36% of the patients were women. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission was 31, the median posterior circulation-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS) was 8, and the median Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) score was 6. The rate of good recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale grades 2b and 3) was 96%, and a good prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days) was achieved in 19 patients (40%). The median pc-ASPECTS was significantly higher in the good prognosis group than in the poor prognosis group (10 vs. 7; p = 0.007). The median NIHSS score at presentation was significantly lower in the good prognosis group than in the poor prognosis group (17 vs. 34; p = 0.02). The median BATMAN score was significantly higher in the good prognosis group than in the poor prognosis group (8 vs. 3.5; p = 0.0002). Multivariate analysis showed that an NIHSS score ≦ 20 at presentation was the only independent factor for good prognoses. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of mechanical thrombectomy for posterior circulation LVO was better in patients with lower NIHSS scores at presentation.

Transcervical Vertebral Artery Origin Endarterectomy for Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency.

Vertebral artery (VA) stenosis is a cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and disabling posterior circulation stroke,1 accounting for up to 30% of all strokes.2 Although the natural history of VBI is not as well delineated as that of carotid stenosis, strokes in the basilar circulation can be more disabling than their anterior circulation counterparts. Stenosis exceeding 30% at the origin of the vertebral artery is associated with increased risk of stroke.3 The authors present a case of a female patient with significant peripheral vascular disease who presented with concerns for VBI. The patient was on antiplatelet and anticoagulative medications and a statin at the time of her presentation. Angiography demonstrated bilateral vertebral artery origin stenosis. The left VA was diminutive and arose directly from the arch (Video 1). The right VA demonstrated critical stenosis at its origin. Attempts at endovascular access of the right VA for placement of a balloon-mounted stent were unsuccessful. The patient underwent a transcervical approach for endarterectomy of the VA origin. The VA can be readily accessed using a small supraclavicular incision to isolate the V1 segment of the vessel. The procedure was performed with the patient heparinized and on antiplatelet medications. Alternatives to this strategy include patch grafting in addition to the endarterectomy or use of a short vein graft to bypass the stenosis of the VA beyond the stenotic segment.

Vertebral artery stenosis from osteophyte: A systematic review and case series.

BACKGROUND: Rotational vertebral artery syndrome, also referred to as Bow Hunter's syndrome (BHS), manifests when the vertebral artery (VA) is compressed following head rotation. This compression is often caused by an osteophyte and may lead to symptoms of a posterior stroke. This systematic review aims to shed light on the current management strategies for BHS resulting from osteophytes. Additionally, we present two illustrative cases where the VA compression by an osteophyte was effectively resolved by complete resection of the problematic bone spur. METHODS: A literature search was conducted across Embase, PubMed and Medline in September 2023. Keywords related to vertebral artery [MESH], vertebrobasilar insufficiency [MESH] and osteophyte [MESH] were the focus of this review. Risk of bias in retained studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for Qualitative Research. A narrative synthesis of our findings is presented. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies were included in this review. Vertigo was the most reported symptom by patients (n = 16). On imaging, the VA was often compressed at C4-5 (n = 10) and C5-6 (n = 10) with no evident side predominance observed. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF, n = 13) followed by anterior decompression without fusion (n = 8) were the most performed surgical procedures to manage BHS. CONCLUSION: Surgical decompression of the VA is a safe and effective intervention for patients experiencing symptomatic osteophytic compression during head rotation. This procedure restores normal vascular function and reduces the risk of ischemic events. This review highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention in such cases.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Profile Braided Stents versus Flow Diverters in the Reconstructive Technique in the Treatment of Patients with Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia Aneurysms: A Cohort of 47 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm is a rare type of cerebrovascular disorder with a poor natural history, and endovascular treatment is widely accepted. Whether a high-profile braided stent (flow diverter) could promote occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm without increasing the complications rather than a low-profile braided stent remains uncertain. The aim of the study was to present a single-center experience of the safety and efficacy of a low-profile braided stent versus a flow diverter in treating patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective review was conducted on a total of 432 consecutive patients diagnosed with posterior circulation aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment in our center from August 2013 to December 2021. Among these patients, 47 individuals with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms who were treated with low-profile braided stents or flow diverters were included. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms involving only the vertebral artery were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the low-profile braided stent group and the flow diverter group based on the device used. Safety and efficacy outcomes were subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: There were 25 total patients enrolled in low-profile braided stent group and 22 patients in flow diverter group. The safety of low-profile braided stents and flow diverters in the treatment of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms was evaluated by clinical outcome, a new neurologic deficit due to procedural complications, and neurologic death. The rates of good clinical outcome were similar between the 2 groups (low-profile braided stent, 56%, versus flow diverter, 59.1%; P = .831), and the rates of neurologic death were also similar (low-profile braided stent, 12%, versus flow diverter, 9.1%; P = .747). Higher rates of new neurologic deficits due to procedural complications were observed in the flow diverter group, but the difference was not significant (low-profile braided stent, 24%, versus flow diverter, 40.9%; P = .215). The efficacy was evaluated by angiographic occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms and progression of mass effect resulting from these aneurysms. Significantly higher rates of complete occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms were shown in the flow diverter group (41.2%; P = .028) than in the low-profile braided stent group (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Both low-profile braided stents and flow diverters have similar high risks in reconstructive techniques in the treatment of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms, while a flow diverter is more effective in promoting complete occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm than a low-profile braided stent. A flow diverter may be a better alternative for carefully selected patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms.

Hidden Bow Hunter's Syndrome Diagnosed Using Dynamic Cerebral Angiography and Successfully Treated with Spinal Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Hidden bow hunter's syndrome (HBHS) is a rare disease in which the vertebral artery (VA) occludes in a neutral position but recanalizes in a particular neck position. We herein report an HBHS case and assess its characteristics through a literature review. A 69-year-old man had repeated posterior-circulation infarcts with right VA occlusion. Cerebral angiography showed that the right VA was recanalized only with neck tilt. Decompression of the VA successfully prevented stroke recurrence. HBHS should be considered in patients with posterior circulation infarction with an occluded VA at its lower vertebral level. Diagnosing this syndrome correctly is important for preventing stroke recurrence.

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Syndrome in Extension: Insights into Surgical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Rotational vertebrobasilar artery syndrome, or bow hunter syndrome, is a rare yet well-documented pathology. This study presents a surgical approach to a latent manifestation of dynamic, extension-only, bilateral codominant vertebral artery compression in the V3 segment, associated with craniocervical instability and central canal stenosis. METHODS: The clinical presentation involves the treatment of positional vertigo resulting from left and high-grade right vertebral artery stenosis during neck extension only. Diagnosis was confirmed through a formal angiogram under provocative maneuvers. Surgical intervention, detailed in this section, employed a multidisciplinary approach, including intraoperative angiograms to ensure patent vertebral arteries precraniocervical fusion. RESULTS: The surgical treatment demonstrated success in addressing extension-only vertebrobasilar syndrome and associated complications of C1-2 pannus and craniocervical instability. Intraoperative angiograms confirmed vertebral artery patency pre- and postsurgical positioning, ensuring the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes by highlighting the successful multidisciplinary surgical treatment of a patient with nonunion of a C1 Jefferson fracture, leading to extension-only vertebrobasilar syndrome complicated by C1-2 pannus and craniocervical instability. The importance of considering vertebral artery dynamic stenosis in cases of positional vertigo or transient neurological symptoms following an injury is emphasized. Surgical stabilization, particularly when conservative measures prove ineffective, is recommended, with careful attention to pre- and postsurgical positioning to verify vertebral artery patency and posterior vasculature integrity.

Bow Hunter Syndrome: An Illustrative Case and Operative Management.

The differential for vertebrobasilar insufficiency is wide and can be caused by posterior circulation infarcts, steal-type phenomena, or other systemic causes. In the absence of imaging findings explaining symptomology, the utility of appropriate history gathering and dynamic angiography cannot be understated in identifying Bow Hunter's syndrome, a rare cause of dynamic vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We present a case of a 69-year-old man who complained of presyncope and severe dizziness when turning his head towards the right. On examination he had no radiculopathy but did have objective evidence of myelopathy. Computed tomography imaging and dynamic angiography demonstrated C3-C4 right uncovertebral joint hypertrophy and near complete stenosis of the right vertebral artery with dynamic head position towards the right. Given vertebrobasilar insufficiency and myelopathy, he was taken to the operating room for C3-C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with vertebral artery decompression (Video 1). The patient provided consent for the procedure. Standard anterior cervical neck dissection was undertaken with additional platysmal undermining to facilitate exposure of the right uncovertebral joint and transverse processes. The vertebral artery was first decompressed above and below the area of most significant stenosis at the respective transverse foramina before the hypertrophied uncovertebral joint was removed. Next, discectomy and posterior osteophyte removal were completed in typical fashion followed by graft, plate, and screw placement. Postoperatively the patient had immediate resolution of symptoms and continued so at eight month follow-up. Imaging demonstrated return to normal caliber of the right vertebral artery and successful decompression.

Effect of endovascular treatment on patients with basilar artery occlusion presenting with different pathologic mechanisms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to summarize the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) with different pathologic mechanisms. METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library database up to December 2022, patients with different BAO pathological mechanisms (BAO with in situ atherosclerosis vs. embolism alone without vertebral artery steno-occlusion vs. embolism from tandem vertebral artery steno-occlusion) were collected and analyzed. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the associations between clinical outcomes and BAO pathological mechanisms. RESULTS: A total of 1163 participants from 12 studies were identified. Compared with embolism alone, patients with in situ atherosclerotic BAO had a lower favorable outcome rate (modified Rankin score [mRS] 0-2: 34.5% vs. 41.2%; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.98; P = 0.03) and moderate outcome rate (mRS 0-3: 45.8% vs. 55.4%; OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.90; P = 0.01) at 3 months and a higher risk of mortality (29.9% vs. 27.2%; OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96-1.79, P = 0.09; adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.96). Tandem BAO had a comparable mortality risk to that of in situ atherosclerotic BAO (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.84-2.22; P = 0.48) or embolism alone (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.65-3.21; P = 0.43), and there were no significant differences in favorable or moderate outcomes between tandem BAO and each of the other two BAO mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Among BAO patients with endovascular treatment, embolism mechanism had better clinical outcomes than in situ atherosclerosis, and atherosclerotic mechanism was associated with a higher mortality at 3 months. RCTs are needed to further confirm clinical outcomes of BAO by different mechanisms.

Relationship between serum endothelin-1 and in-stent restenosis following vertebral artery stenting.

The study objective was to investigate the relations between serum endothelin-1 and in-stent restenosis in vertebral artery stenting. Sixty-eight patients undergoing re-examination of vertebral artery stenting in the Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, between April 2019 and October 2022, were invited to participate. According to the presence of vertebral artery stenting, patients were divided into the restenosis (n = 19) or non-restenosis (n = 49) groups. General clinical data and endothelin-1 levels were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relations between endothelin-1 level and risk for in-stent restenosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to test the diagnostic value of serum endothelin-1 level for in-stent restenosis. Compared with the non-restenosis group, restenosis group levels of low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and endothelin-1 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that endothelin-1, stent length, and low-density lipoprotein were independently associated with in-stent restenosis (odds ratio = 1.502, 95% confidence interval: 0.042 ~ 0.212, p = 0.000; odds ratio = 1.899, 95% confidence interval: 1.116 ~ 2.237, p = 0.000; odds ratio = 1.899, 95% confidence interval: 1.228 ~ 3.337, p = 0.001, respectively). Area under the curve for serum endothelin-1 in the diagnosis of vertebral artery in-stent restenosis was 0.938. The best diagnostic cut-off value was 11.94 ng/L. Sensitivity was 89.5%. Specificity was 85.7%. These cumulative data indicate that endothelin-1 level is independently associated with in-stent restenosis.

[Treatment of atherosclerotic lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery]. / Lechenie ateroskleroticheskogo porazheniya pervogo segmenta podklyuchichnoi arterii.

Severe subclavian artery lesion is an important medical and social problem worsening the quality of life and leading to dire consequences. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is the main syndrome of lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery. About 20% of all ischemic strokes occur in vertebrobasilar basin. At present, surgical treatment of asymptomatic patients with severe lesion of the 1st segment of subclavian artery is still debatable. Open surgery is optimal for occlusion of this vascular segment. Carotid-subclavian transposition is a preferable option with favorable in-hospital and long-term results. However, carotid-subclavian bypass is an equivalent alternative in case of difficult transposition following anatomical and topographic features of vascular architectonics. Endovascular treatment is preferable for isolated subclavian artery stenosis and should certainly include stenting.

Superior cerebellar artery occlusion remaining after thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion.

To investigate the incidence and impact of superior cerebellar artery (SCA) occlusion remaining after thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We retrospectively analyzed data from 116 patients who underwent thrombectomy for BAO. The patency of SCA was assessed on final angiograms. Clinical and radiologic data of the patients were retrieved from a prospectively collected database and analyzed. All patients underwent pretreatment and follow-up DWI to detect new infarctions in SCA territory. Ten patients (8.6%) had SCA occlusions on final angiograms. Of these, two patients had bilateral occlusions. A new infarction with a diameter ranged from 4 to 11 mm in corresponding SCA territory occurred in 5 of 10 patients. No patients with SCA occlusions experienced symptomatic cerebellar hemorrhage or malignant cerebellar infarction. Nine of 12 SCA occlusions showed spontaneous recanalization on follow-up CT angiography. Four of 10 patients showed 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0-3) and 90-day mortality occurred in one patient. SCA occlusions remaining after thrombectomy for acute BAO had a benign clinical course. Most of these lesions recanalized spontaneously. Our study suggests that attempts to recanalize remnant SCA occlusion may be unnecessary after basilar artery thrombectomy.

Dynamic and visual nomograms to online predict unfavorable outcome of mechanical thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) was limited. This study aimed to develop dynamic and visual nomogram models to predict the unfavorable outcome of MT in BAO online. METHODS: BAO patients treated with MT were screened. Preoperative and postoperative nomogram models were developed based on clinical parameters and imaging features. An independent dataset was collected to perform external validation. Web-based calculators were constructed to provide convenient access. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were included in the study, and 117 of them were eventually included in the analysis. The nomogram models showed robust discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.841 (preoperative) and 0.916 (postoperative). The calibration curves showed good agreement. The preoperative predictors of an unfavorable outcome were previous stroke, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, and the posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS). The postoperative predictors were previous stroke, NIHSS at 24 h, and pc-ASPECTS. CONCLUSION: Dynamic and visual nomograms were constructed and validated for the first time for BAO patients treated with MT, which provided precise predictions for the risk of an unfavorable outcome. The preoperative model may assist clinicians in selecting eligible patients, and the postoperative model may facilitate individualized poststroke management.

Long-Term Outcomes After Stenting in Extracranial vs. Intracranial Stenosis.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the difference in safety and effectiveness after stenting in patients with extracranial or intracranial vertebral artery stenosis. Methods: The study involved 26 patients treated with stents for ≥70% stenosis between January 1, 2017, and September 8, 2020. The patients were divided into intracranial and extracranial groups based on the location of the target vessel stenosis. The incidence of stroke or death within 30 days, long-term recurrence of ischemic symptoms, and restenosis during follow-up were monitored. Results: Within 30 days, no stroke or death was observed in the 26 patients, During the follow-up period, the risk of recurrence of posterior circulation stroke or transient ischemic attack was 23.1% (6/26). Vascular-related complications were 5.6% vs. 12.5% (P = .529) in the intracranial vs. extracranial stenosis group. After 1 year, stroke or transient ischemic attack of posterior circulation was observed in 12.5% (1/8) vs. 16.7% (3/18) in the intracranial and extracranial stenosis group, respectively. The restenosis rate in the intracranial stenosis group was higher than the extracranial stenosis group (37.5% vs. 28.6%, P > .05). This trend was also found in the asymptomatic restenosis rate (25% vs. 7.1%, P = .527). Conclusions: The study results showed that there was no significant difference in the safety and effectiveness after stenting in extracranial and intracranial vertebral artery stenosis, but intracranial vertebral artery stenosis has a low rate of symptomatic restenosis. Symptomatic restenosis may be an important problem that limits the efficacy of extracranial vertebral artery stenting.

Predictive Value of a Novel Baseline Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Posterior Circulation Score in Endovascular Treatment of Patients with Acute Vertebrobasilar Occlusion.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive value of a novel posterior circulation score (novel-PC score) based on baseline posterior circulation diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for functional independence after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute vertebral-basilar artery occlusion (VBAO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The baseline DWI brain stem score (BSS), posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS), and the novel-PC score were evaluated separately. A modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2 at 90 days was defined as a prognostic indicator of functional independence. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b or 3 was defined as surgical success. RESULTS: A total of 64 eligible patients were enrolled and divided into good and poor functional prognosis groups based on the mRS. The novel-PC score, BSS, and pc-ASPECTS (all P ≤ .001) were significantly better in the good functional prognosis group. The novel-PC score had a higher predictive value than BSS and pc-ASPECTS for 90-day functional independence (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.87 vs. 0.73 vs. 0.71; P < .05). Univariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that age (P = .006), Posterior National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤18 (P < .001), BSS ≤2 (P = .008), pc-ASPECTS >7 (P = .002), and novel-PC score ≤5 (P = .001) were independently associated with function. CONCLUSION: Our novel-PC score, based on DWI, can independently predict functional prognosis in patients with acute VBAO after EVT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The novel-PC score based on baseline DWI was shown to be an independent predictor of function in patients with acute BVAO who are treated with EVT.

Basilar artery stenosis: Technical tips for endovascular revascularization.

The SAMMPRIS Trial concluded that medical treatment of intracranial stenosis was safer than intracranial stenting. The key reasons for a poor outcome with stenting were significantly more perioperative ischemic strokes and higher rates of intracerebral hemorrhages. To the contrary, WEAVE trial showed significantly lower morbidity and mortality when stenting was performed one week following the ictus. We describe the technical approach for safe basilar artery stenting through radial approach. A middle aged male presented with recurrent posterior circulation symptoms despite being on dual antiplatelet therapy. A right radial approach was undertaken. A 5f radial sheath was exchanged for an AXS infinity LS (Stryker Neurovascular, Ireland) 6 f sheath after priming the radial artery. Using a quadri-axial approach, 0.014' Traxcess microwire (Microvention Inc, Tustin, USA), 0.017' Echelon microcatheter (Microtherapeutics.inc. Ev3 Neurovascular, USA), 0.038 DAC (Stryker Neurovascular USA) & 5F Navien (Microtherapeutics.inc. Ev3 USA), the Infinity sheath was taken into the V2 segment of the right vertebral artery. The 5F Navien (tri-axial approach) was taken upto the distal V4 segment of the vertebral artery. The 3d rotational angiography directed runs revealed > 95 % stenosis of mid basilar segment. No significant ostial stenosis of side branch was noted and in view of long segment plaque angioplasty followed by deployment of self-expanding stent was planned. The microcatheter (0.017') and microwire (Traxcess 0.014') was navigated across the stenosis. Thereafter, an exchange maneuver was performed to allow for sequential slow balloon angioplasty with 1.5 mm × 15 (Maverick, Boston Scientific) and 2.5 mm× 15 (Trek, Abbott costa rica) coronary balloon. Following that a CREDO 4 × 20 mm stent (Acandis GmbH., Pforzheim Germany) was deployed across the stenosis. All exchange maneuvers were performed under biplane fluoroscopy and microwire was kept under watch. The patient was on aspirin and clopidogrel and activated clotting time was maintained around 250 s throughout the procedure. A closure device was applied post procedure. Blood pressure was monitored in neurointensive care unit and patient was discharged on the third day following procedure. Right radial approach, distal position of the sheath, distal position of the guiding catheter, careful analysis of the 3d rotational angiography for risk of side branch occlusion, biplane fluoroscopy during exchanges and slow angioplasty were the key safety checks during procedure.