Two year follow-up of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with a surface modified flow diverter under prasugrel monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A new generation of modified surface flow diverters (FDs) and monotherapy using new antiplatelets may reduce both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications during the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Previous preliminary safety analysis of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with the FD p48 MW HPC (phenox-Wallaby, Bochum, Germany) under antiplatelet monotherapy with prasugrel showed promising results. However, the long term outcomes of distal intracranial aneurysms treated with FDs under antiplatelet monotherapy are not known. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, pivotal, open single arm study. The primary (safety) endpoint was absence of any new neurological deficits after treatment until the 24 month follow-up. The primary (efficacy) endpoint was the incidence of complete aneurysm occlusion 24 months after treatment. The secondary (efficacy) endpoints were any incidence of aneurysm dome reduction 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: 21 patients harboring 27 distal aneurysms of the anterior circulation were included. No patient had neurologic deficits in the time from treatment to the 24 month follow-up. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 20 (74%) of 27 aneurysms at the 24 month follow-up. Four aneurysms (14.8%) had dome reduction, and three aneurysms (11.1%) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot trial, treatment of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms with an FD under monotherapy with prasugrel, followed by monotherapy with aspirin, appeared to be safe and effective. Randomized studies with long term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Stroke in a Witnessed Late Time Window Versus Early Time Window.

Introduction: Thrombectomy is the standard treatment for anterior circulation stroke due to large vessel occlusions in a late time window (6 to 24 hours) for patients selected based on perfusion imaging. Most patients treated in late time window studies presented as unwitnessed or wake-up strokes. Whether patients presenting with unwitnessed stroke have an actual time window greater than 6 hours is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of thrombectomy in the treatment of patients presenting with anterior circulation large vessel stroke in an actual late time window of more than 6 hours. Methods: This single-center registry of thrombectomy in the treatment of stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) included 430 patients treated between 2011 and 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: an early time window (≤ 6 hours) group and a late time window group (> 6 hours). Results: Outcomes of the early and the late time window groups, respectively, were recanalization of 86.8% vs 82.7% (P = .29), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage of 8.2% vs 5.7% (P = .40), good clinical outcome of 45.4% vs 41.3% (P = .46), and mortality of 20.2% vs 25% (P = .30) at 3 months. Conclusions: Thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusions after 6 hours of symptoms onset seems to be as safe and effective as the standard thrombectomy within 6 hours from symptoms onset, even without perfusion analysis. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

What the radiologist should know about the role of percutaneous gastrostomy: a pictorial essay.

The image-guided gastrostomy techniques, as transoral and transabdominal, can be performed when there is a failure of the endoscopic procedure or in some specific clinical scenarios. This pictorial essay intends to show the percutaneous gastrostomy techniques, indications, technical approaches, post-procedure care, and complications.

As técnicas de gastrostomia guiadas por imagem, por via transoral e transabdominal podem ser realizadas quando há falha na técnica endoscópica ou em cenários clínicos em que a endoscopia não pode ser realizada. Este ensaio iconográfico pretende mostrar as técnicas de gastrostomia percutânea, suas indicações, aspectos técnicos, cuidados pós-procedimento e complicações.

O que o radiologista deve saber sobre o papel da gastrostomia percutânea: ensaio iconográfico / What the radiologist should know about the role of percutaneous gastrostomy: a pictorial essay

Resumo As técnicas de gastrostomia guiadas por imagem, por via transoral e transabdominal podem ser realizadas quando há falha na técnica endoscópica ou em cenários clínicos em que a endoscopia não pode ser realizada. Este ensaio iconográfico pretende mostrar as técnicas de gastrostomia percutânea, suas indicações, aspectos técnicos, cuidados pós-procedimento e complicações.

Abstract The image-guided gastrostomy techniques, as transoral and transabdominal, can be performed when there is a failure of the endoscopic procedure or in some specific clinical scenarios. This pictorial essay intends to show the percutaneous gastrostomy techniques, indications, technical approaches, post-procedure care, and complications.

Analysis of 565 thrombectomies for anterior circulation stroke: A Brazilian registry.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of patients with acute stroke due to large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have been extensively demonstrated by randomized trials and registries in developed countries. However, data on thrombectomy outside controlled trials are scarce in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy, and to investigate the predictors for good and poor outcomes of thrombectomy for treatment of AIS due to anterior circulation LVOs in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center registry of thrombectomy in the treatment of stroke caused by anterior circulation LVOs. Between 2011 and 2019, a total of 565 patients were included. RESULTS: the mean baseline NIHSS score on admission was 17.2. The average baseline ASPECTS was 8, and 91.0% of patients scored ≥6. Half of the patients received intravenous thrombolysis. The mean time from symptom onset to arterial puncture was 296.4 minutes. The mean procedure time was 61.4 minutes. The rates of the main outcomes were recanalization (TICI 2b-3) 85.6%, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) 8,1%, good clinical outcome (mRS=0-2) 43,5%, and mortality 22.1% at three months. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of patients with AIS of the anterior circulation in real-life conditions under limited facilities and resources. The results of the present study were relatively similar to those of large trials and population registers of developed countries.

Transarterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate for the treatment of active abdominopelvic bleeding in the polytraumatized patient.

PURPOSE: An increasing number of polytraumatized patient presenting with active abdominal pelvic bleeding (APB) have been treated by endovascular selective embolization. However, reports on evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications caused by this technique have been limited. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of embolization of APB using N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue (NBCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study, that included consecutive 47 patients presenting with traumatic APB treated by embolization with NBCA between January 2013 and June 2019. The efficacy endpoint was defined as the absence of contrast extravasation immediately after procedure and clinical stabilization in the following 24 h after procedure. Clinical stabilization was defined as no rebleeding after embolization or the need for a surgical approach until the patient is discharged. Safety endpoint were any technical or clinical complications related to the embolization procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 38.6 years (3-81), with a predominance of males (87.2%). The major causal factor of APB being involvement in a car accident, accounting for 68% of cases. Of the 47 cases, 29.8% presented pelvic trauma and the remaining (70.2%) presented abdominal trauma. The efficacy rate was 100%, while no complications related to the procedure were observed. The mortality rate was 14.8% (7/47) due to neurologic decompensation and other clinical causes. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization of traumatic abdominopelvic bleedings appear to be a highly safe and effective treatment, while avoiding emergent exploratory open surgeries.

Treatment of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms using a surface-modified flow diverter under prasugrel monotherapy: a pilot safety trial.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters (FDs) are effective in the treatment of carotid aneurysms. Compared with carotid aneurysms, the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with FDs has been associated with a relatively high incidence of complications. Low thrombogenic modified-surface FDs may reduce ischemic complications and allow for the use of a single antiplatelet medication. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the p48 MW HPC Flow Modulation Device (Phenox GmbH, Bochum, Germany) to treat distal intracranial aneurysms used in combination with prasugrel monotherapy. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, pivotal, open, single-arm study. Patients were included in this study from December 2019 to September 2020. The primary endpoints were the incidence of any neurologic deficit after treatment until 1 month of follow-up, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥1, and the incidence of acute ischemic lesions in magnetic resonance imagin (MRI) images 48 hours after treatment. The secondary endpoint was the rate of complete occlusion of the aneurysms at the 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients harboring 27 distal aneurysms of the anterior circulation were included. Mean age was 57.8 (SD 9.7) years, and 16 patients were female (80%). No patient had neurologic symptoms at the 1-month follow-up. Four patients (20%) had asymptomatic acute brain ischemic lesions on MRI. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 9/27 (33.3%) aneurysms at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this pilot safety trial, treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with p48 MW HPC under monotherapy with prasugrel appeared to be safe.

Aspirin monotherapy in the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with a surface modified flow diverter: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters (FDs) result in high occlusion rates of aneurysms located distally to the carotid artery. However, the complications reported are not negligible. New modified surface FDs have low thrombogenic properties that may reduce ischemic complications related to the treatment. In addition, a modified surface FD may allow for the use of a single antiplatelet medication to reduce hemorrhagic risk during the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the p48 MW HPC (phenox, Bochum, Germany) to treat distal intracranial aneurysms under the use of aspirin monotherapy. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the incidence of any neurologic deficit after treatment after 6 months of follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the rate of the complete occlusion of the aneurysms at the 6-month follow-up. Enrollment of 20 patients was planned, but after inclusion of seven patients the study was stopped due to safety issues. RESULTS: Seven patients with eight aneurysms were included. Among the seven patients, three (42.8%) had ischemic complications on the second day after FD deployment. Two patients experienced complete recovery at discharge (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score=0), while one patient maintained mild dysarthria at discharge (NIHSS score=1) which improved after 6 months (NIHSS score=0). All three patients had no new symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in six (75%) of the eight aneurysms at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet monotherapy with aspirin for the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with this modified surface FD resulted in a significant incidence of ischemic complications after treatment.

The use of dual-lumen balloon for embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with non-adhesive liquid agents (NALA) injected by dual-lumen balloons (DLB). METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study between January 2017 and June 2019, including patients with peripheral AVM embolized with NALA by DLB. Fourteen patients were included. The AVM classification, technical and clinical success were evaluated, as were nidus size, liquid agent used, volume and time of injection in DLB, complications, follow-up and need of surgical intervention. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 37±22.5 years (range, 6-82 years). The mean nidus size was 5.2±2.4 cm (range, 3.0-12.0 cm). By Schobinger classification, 11 AVMs were classified in stage 3 and 3 AVMs were classified in stage 2. By Cho's classification, 2 AVMs were in stage II, 4 AVMs were in stage I, 4 AVMs were in stage IIIa and 4 AVMs were in stage IIIb. Onyx was used in 11 patients (78.6%), while Squid, PHIL, and both Onyx and Squid were used in one patient each (7.1%). Seven patients (50%) required one session of embolization, 4 patients (28.6%) required two, 2 patients (14.3%) required three and 1 patient (7.1%) required four sessions. Complete nidus exclusion was achieved in 11 patients (78.6%), optimal clinical response in 12 patients (85.7%). Four patients (28.6%) exhibited minor complications, all controlled. No major complications were seen. Four patients underwent surgical intervention (28.6%). CONCLUSION: The embolization of peripheral AVM with NALA in DLB appears to be safe and feasible, achieving high rates of technical and clinical success.

Thrombectomy for Posterior Circulation Stroke: Predictors of Outcomes in a Brazilian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Acute basilar artery occlusion is a devastating life-threatening condition. Early recanalization is the therapeutic goal in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Despite the high rates of recanalization achieved with modern devices for basilar occlusions, many patients have had poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictors of good and poor outcomes among patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with thrombectomy. METHODS: A consecutive registry of 80 patients was included in this retrospective study. The primary end point was to access variables associated with neurologic outcomes defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 86.2%, and the sICH rate was 8.7%. A good neurologic outcome (mRS score 0-2) was observed in 26.2% and a moderate outcome (mRS score 0-3) in 32.5% of patients. The mortality was 38.7% at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: After thrombectomy for posterior circulation strokes, young patients, V4-proximal basilar occlusion, (high) baseline posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and complete recanalization were independent predictors of good neurologic outcomes. Failure to recanalize was strongly related to sICH and mortality. In addition, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥10 had an independent association with mortality. This study contributes to the knowledge required to optimize recanalization treatments for posterior circulation strokes and may help to improve future clinical studies.

Casper vs. Closed-Cell Stent : Carotid Artery Stenting Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to compare the efficacy of closed-cell stents with Casper stents during carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS). METHODS: This was a randomized superiority trial in which 88 patients were enrolled. The primary end points were the incidence, number, and size of new ischemic brain lesions after CAS under distal embolic protection devices (EPD). The secondary end points included stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and myocardial infarction (MI). Ischemic brain lesions were assessed by a diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image (DW-MRI). Neurological outcomes were evaluated by means of the National Institutes of Health scale score (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRS). RESULTS: Compared with closed-cell stents (n = 47), Casper stents (n = 41), resulted in no significant reduction in the incidence (44.7% versus 39%, P = 0.592), number (1.3 ± 1.8 versus 0.9 ± 1.5, p = 0.444), and size (3.9 ± 5.8 mm versus 2.8 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.353) of new ischemic brain lesions. The global rate of stroke/TIA/MI was (2/88, 2.3%). Two TIA occurred during the hospitalization period, one in each group (1/41, 2.4% vs 1/47, 2.1%). One patient of the Casper group had an asymptomatic in-stent thrombosis. One patient of the control group had a MI (1/47, 2.1%) after discharge. CONCLUSION: The Casper stents did not show superiority in the rate of incidence, number and size of new silent ischemic brain lesions detect by DW-MRI when compared to close cell stents during CAS under distal EPD.

Performance evolution over 645 acute stroke thrombectomies in a public Brazilian healthcare institution.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the impact of the thrombectomy learning curve on clinical outcomes is essential for developing healthcare system protocols. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of thrombectomy case volume on procedural and clinical outcomes in a Brazilian registry. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by thrombectomy were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups regarding the period of treatment: the early period group and the late period group. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, treatment in the late period was an independent predictor of recanalization (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.28-2.86) and excellent neurologic outcomes at three months (odds ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.01). Treatment in the late period had no significant association with mortality (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.55-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in thrombectomy case volume for the treatment of AIS over time was an independent predictor of recanalization and excellent neurologic outcome.

Extended Time Window Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation within 6 hours of symptoms onset and can be performed with an extended window up to 24 hours in selected patients. Nevertheless, the outcomes of MT with extended window are unknown in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: Explore the safety and efficacy of MT for AIS performed beyond 6 hours from symptoms onset in Brazil. METHODS: We reviewed data from AIS patients treated with MT beyond 6 hours of stroke onset, from 2015 to 2018 in a Brazilian public hospital. Patients had an occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery. CT Perfusion mismatch was evaluated using the RAPID® software. We evaluated the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days, and rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 65.6 ± 16.1 years, 55.6% were male, and the median NIHSS score at presentation was 17. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b to 3) was obtained in 92.6% of patients and sICH rate was 11.1%. Overall, 34% of the patients had a good outcome (mRS ≤2) at 90 days and the mortality rate was 20.3%. CONCLUSION: Our study, the first series of MT for AIS treated with extended window reported in Latin America, shows that MT can be performed with safety and lead to adequate functional outcomes in this context. Further studies should explore the barriers to broad implementation of MT for AIS in Latin America.

Safety of ultrasound-guided distal radial artery access for abdominopelvic transarterial interventions: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate ultrasound-guided distal radial artery (DRA) access to perform abdominopelvic endovascular procedures. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was carried out in a single center between December 2017 and February 2019. Forty-two abdominopelvic endovascular procedures were performed by the same operator in 37 patients with DRA access using a 5 F sheath. Most patients were male (67.6%) with a mean age of 62.0±11.4 years (age range, 27.6-82.8 years). Patient characteristics, including Barbeau's test classification, radial and ulnar sizes and technical success, were evaluated. Patients with a DRA smaller than 1.7 mm could not be safely punctured and were not included. RESULTS: Procedures included chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma in 35 cases (83.3%), embolization of hepatic metastasis in neuroendocrine tumors in 4 cases (9.5%) and other embolization procedures in 3 cases (7.1%). The mean diameters of the DRA, proximal radial artery and proximal ulnar artery were 2.31, 2.63, and 2.09 mm, respectively. Out of 42 DRA puncture attempts, 97.6% (41/42) were successfully performed. There were no postoperative complications related to the access site, such as pain, palsy, paresthesia, occlusion, finger ischemia, bleeding, hematoma, and pseudoaneurysm. Transient forearm discomfort was reported in 7.1% of patients (3/42); one occurrence was associated with kinking rectification, and two occurrences were attributed to small arteries and/or vasospasm. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided DRA access seems to be feasible and safe to perform in abdominopelvic endovascular procedures in patients with a DRA considered amenable to be safely punctured, with high technical success rates.

Endovascular Reperfusion for Acute Isolated Cervical Carotid Occlusions: The Concept of "Hemodynamic Thrombectomy".

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endovascular treatment improves the outcomes of patients presenting with acute large vessel occlusions. Isolated proximal carotid occlusions presenting with hemodynamic ischemic stroke may probably also benefit from endovascular treatment. We aimed to assess the clinical and radiological data findings on patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke related to an isolated cervical carotid artery occlusion. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 223 patients who were admitted with acute ische-mic stroke and were treated by thrombectomy, we included 9 patients with isolated cervical internal carotid occlusions. RESULTS: The mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 11.8. Complete carotid recanalization was achieved in 5 of the 9 patients (55.5%). In 2 patients, vertebral angioplasty was performed to improve the collateral flow. All patients had a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 3 at the end of the procedures. A good neurological outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at the 3-month follow-up, was observed in 6 patients (66.7%). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages or deaths occurred during the 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular recanalization of isolated cervical carotid occlusions presenting with acute ischemic stroke symptoms is feasible. Because isolated cervical carotid occlusions are associated with hemodynamic ischemic symptoms, if carotid recanalization cannot be achieved, stenting other cervical arteries' stenoses, with a focus on intracranial flow improvement, appears to be a reasonable strategy. Large controlled studies are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of recanalization of acute isolated cervical carotid occlusions.

BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF HEPATOLOGY UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) published in 2015 its first recommendations about the management of HCC. Since then, new data have emerged in the literature, prompting the governing board of SBH to sponsor a single-topic meeting in August 2018 in São Paulo. All the invited experts were asked to make a systematic review of the literature reviewing the management of HCC in subjects with cirrhosis. After the meeting, all panelists gathered together for the discussion of the topics and the elaboration of updated recommendations. The text was subsequently submitted for suggestions and approval of all members of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology through its homepage. The present manuscript is the final version of the reviewed manuscript containing the recommendations of SBH.

Transarterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate for the treatment of abdominal wall hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) in the context of the transarterial embolization (TAE) of abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases admitted from January 2008 to December 2017 in the emergency unit of our institution revealed 11 patients with abdominal wall hemorrhage who underwent digital subtraction angiography and TAE with n-BCA. We analyzed the sex, age, hemorrhagic risk factors, etiology, embolized vessel, technical success (no rebleeding in the embolized area), clinical success (hemoglobin level control and hemodynamic stability after the procedure), complications inherent to the procedure, and clinical outcome (mortality in 30 days). RESULTS: The mean age was 63.4 years (52-83 years), with a predominance of the female sex (64%). The majority (91%) of patients presented hemorrhagic risk factors (chronic hepatopathy and anticoagulation drug usage). Spontaneous hemorrhage was present in 18% of patients, and the other 82% had an iatrogenic etiology. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients, which required the embolization of inferior epigastric artery in 10 patients (91%), circumflex iliac artery in 2 (18%), and superior epigastric artery in 1 (9%). Five patients were hemodynamically unstable, and despite achieving technical success, 4 (36%) died in less than 30 days due to decompensation of their clinical comorbidities caused by the acute phase. There were no complications inherent to the procedures. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that TAE with n-BCA is a safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario, with high rates of technical and clinical success.

Can the combination of internal iliac temporary occlusion and uterine artery embolization reduce bleeding and the need for intraoperative blood transfusion in cases of invasive placentation?

OBJECTIVES: Women with invasive placentation (IP) are at high risk of life-threatening hemorrhage. In the last two decades, less invasive surgical approaches combined with endovascular procedures have proven to be safe. Most case series describe the use of temporary balloon occlusion and embolization, either combined or not. Concerning hemorrhage rates, each separate interventional approach performs better than surgery alone does, yet it is not clear whether the combination of multiple interventional techniques can be beneficial and promote a lower incidence of intrapartum bleeding. We aim to evaluate whether combining temporary balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery and uterine artery embolization promotes better hemorrhage control than do other individual interventional approaches reported in the scientific literature in the context of cesarean birth followed by hysterectomy in patients with IP. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with confirmed IP who underwent temporary balloon occlusion and embolization of the internal iliac arteries followed by puerperal hysterectomy. We compared patient results to data extracted from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature that focused on interventional procedures in patients with IP. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients underwent the procedure during the study period in our institution. The mean volume of packed red blood cells and the estimated blood loss were 487.9 mL and 1193 mL, respectively. Four patients experienced complications that were attributed to the endovascular procedure. CONCLUSION: The combination of temporary balloon occlusion and uterine artery embolization does not seem to promote better hemorrhage control than each procedure performed individually does.

Thrombectomy for M2 occlusions and the role of the dominant branch.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of thrombectomy for occlusion of M2 segments remain controversial. The aim of this study is to assess thrombectomy's efficacy and safety in patients with M2 segment occlusion and associations between occlusion sites and anatomic variations of M1 division. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective series of 30 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) resulting from M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) who underwent thrombectomy was analyzed. The primary endpoint was assessed by the Extended Treatment in Cerebral Infarction scale (eTICI). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sICH), mortality and good functional outcome at three months. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 69.2 years. The mean National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) upon hospital admission was 16. The recanalization rates were eTICI 2b/3 in 90% and 2c/3 in 60% of the patients. Total recanalization of the M2 branch was achieved in 53% of patients. sICH incidence was 6.6%, the mortality rate was 30%, and a good functional outcome (mRS ≤2) was observed in 50% of the patients. Twenty-seven patients (90%) had a dominant M2 branch and all were occluded. Regarding the site of M2 occlusions, 74% of patients had proximal M2 occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of acute M2 segment occlusions of the MCA. Most of the cases had a dominant M2 branch, and all of them were occluded. Larger studies are needed to verify the benefits of thrombectomy for different settings of M2 occlusions.

The routes for embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistulas when the endovascular approach is indicated as a first-line strategy.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple ways to access the dural carotid cavernous fistula have been described. The aim of the present study was to assess the results of embolization of a dural carotid cavernous fistula via different routes using endovascular accesses as a first-line strategy. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive series of 63 patients presenting with dural carotid cavernous fistula was performed. RESULTS: The dural carotid cavernous fistula was accessed by an endovascular approach in 58 patients (92.1%) and by direct puncture in five patients (7.9%). The inferior petrosal sinus was the main route accessed (65%). A recanalization of an occluded inferior petrosal sinus was obtained in 20.6% of cases. The access via either facial ophthalmic veins or the superior petrosal sinus was obtained in 20.6% and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Complete angiographic occlusion of a dural carotid cavernous fistula immediately after treatment was achieved in 53 patients (84.1%), whereas 10 patients (15.9%) displayed a partial occlusion. Treatment-related complications were observed in two patients (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the endovascular approach allowed dural carotid cavernous fistula embolization in most patients. The inferior petrosal sinus, even when thrombosed, was the main route used to access the dural carotid cavernous fistula, followed by the facial vein, direct cavernous sinus puncture, and the superior petrosal sinus.