Efficacy and safety of uncovered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction in unresectable non-pancreatic cancer.

Objectives: The efficacy of uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) versus fully covered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction remains controversial. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the disease conditions has been indicated in previous studies because pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancers have different characteristics in clinical course. Therefore, the etiology of biliary obstruction necessitates investigations stratified by primary disease. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of UCSEMS, specifically for non-pancreatic cancer-induced distal malignant biliary obstruction. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective review to evaluate the time to recurrent biliary obstruction and frequency of adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving UCSEMS for unresectable non-pancreatic cancer-induced malignant biliary obstruction. Results: Overall, 32 patients were enrolled in the study between January 2016 and December 2023. The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction was 140 days. AE rates were low at 3.1% for both pancreatitis and cholecystitis, suggesting a potential benefit of UCSEMS in reducing post-procedural AEs. Conclusion: UCSEMS may reduce the risk of post-procedural AEs and should be considered in patients at high risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. However, the patency period may be shorter, necessitating future comparative research with fully covered self-expandable metal stents to determine the optimal stent choice.

Unilateral drainage and chemotherapy prolong the patency of a plastic stent placed above the sphincter of Oddi in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Objectives: To evaluate the results of inside stent therapy for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction and identify factors related to stent patency duration. Methods: Of 44 patients who underwent initial inside-stent placement above the sphincter of Oddi from April 2017 to December 2022, 42 with the resolution of jaundice (clinical success rate, 95.5%) were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with stent patency duration. Results: Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the drainage method (406 days for unilateral drainage vs. 305 days for bilateral drainage of the right and left liver lobes, p = 0.022) with or without chemotherapy (406 days with vs. 154 days without, p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards analysis) revealed similar results, with unilateral drainage (p = 0.031) and chemotherapy (p = 0.048) identified as independent factors associated with prolonged stent patency. Early adverse events were observed in two patients (4.8%; one cholangitis, one pancreatitis). Conclusions: Inside-stent therapy was safely performed in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction. Simple unilateral drainage and chemotherapy may prolong stent patency.

Numerical modeling and analysis of cardiac stent using blood hammer principle.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a condition which disrupts blood flow due to plaque build-up inside the arteries. Under conditions where consecutive plaques are prevailing blood hammer principle is exhibited. OBJECTIVE: The pressure and shear stress produced at an infinitesimal area act as the governing equation for stent modeling. The leading order pressure lays the foundation for the design of cardiac stents with definite dimensions. METHOD: The designed stent was encapsulated inside a crimper validated through ANSYS-static and transient structural simulation to derive the total deformation, equivalent strain, and stress exerted on the stent. Five different biomaterials stainless steel 316, cobalt, chromium, platinum, and Poly lactic acid were selected for the material assessment. RESULT: Static and Transient structural analysis for a period of 1 and 10 secs was implemented for a stent with and without a crimper. The material performance in terms of total deformation, equivalent stress, and strain are analyzed. CONCLUSION: The paper envisions the dynamics of blood hammer in atherosclerosis that provides the changes in the pressure and clotting process. It shows the promising results of the stent behavior in varied forces which gives valuable insights for future improvement in stent design and material selection.

Does Colorectal Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Increase Perineural Invasion?

Objectives: To clarify whether self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) increases perineural invasion (PNI), thereby worsening the prognosis. Methods: In total, 1022 patients with pathological T3 or T4 colon or rectosigmoid cancer who underwent resection were retrospectively reviewed. The study patients were divided into a no obstruction group (n=693), obstruction without stent group (n=251), and obstruction with stent group (n=78), and factors demonstrating an independent association with PNI, the difference in PNI incidence and severity between groups, and the association between PNI and the duration from SEMS placement to surgery were investigated. Survival analysis was performed for each group. Results: On multivariate analysis, SEMS placement (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.08) was independently associated with PNI whereas SEMS placement was not. PNI occurred in 39%, 45%, and 68% of the no obstruction, obstruction without stent, and obstruction with stent group, respectively. In the obstruction with stent group, the proportion of PNI was not associated with the duration from SEMS placement to surgery. Extramural PNI, an advanced form of PNI, demonstrated no increase with increasing interval. The five-year OS was 86.3%, 76.7%, and 73.1% in no obstruction, obstruction without stent, and obstruction with stent group, respectively. On multivariate analysis, obstruction was an independent risk factor of decreased OS (HR: 1.57) whereas SEMS placement was not. Conclusions: The prognosis was comparable between patients with SEMS placement and those with an obstruction who did not undergo SEMS placement, thus demonstrating that SEMS is a viable, therapeutic option for BTS.

Role of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction.

In this editorial, we discuss the article by Peng et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, focusing on the evolving role of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with electrocautery lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction. Therapeutic endoscopy has rapidly advanced in decompression techniques, with growing evidence of its safety and efficacy surpassing percutaneous and surgical approaches. While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the gold standard for biliary decompression, its failure rate approaches 10.0%, prompting the exploration of alternatives like EUS-BD. This random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated high technical and clinical success of over 90.0% and an adverse event rate of 17.5%, mainly in the form of stent dysfunction. Outcomes based on stent size were not reported but the majority used 6 mm and 8 mm stents. As the body of literature continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique, the challenges of stent dysfunction need to be addressed in future studies. One strategy that has shown promise is placement of double-pigtail stents, only 18% received the prophylactic intervention in this study. We expect this to improve with time as the technique continues to be refined and standardized. The results above establish EUS-BD with LAMS as a reliable alternative after failed ERCP and considering EUS to ERCP upfront in the same session is an effective strategy. Given the promising results, studies must explore the role of EUS-BD as first-line therapy for biliary decompression.

Revolutionizing palliative care: Electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents in endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for malignant obstructions.

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction, following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure could be referred for endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage through electrocautery-enhanced (ECE) lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement. However, the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS in this scenario have remained debatable due to minimal scientific evidence. The current confirmed 91.0% clinical success, 96.7% technical success, 7.3% reintervention rate, and 17.5% adverse events, following the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with ECE-LAMS delivery. Finally, ECE-LAMS proved to be a generalizable strategy for managing biliary obstruction for patients who were excluded from ERCP.

Unveiling the potential of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage.

This editorial delves into Peng et al's article, published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Peng et al's meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS) in ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for alleviating malignant biliary obstruction. Examining 14 studies encompassing 620 participants, the research underscores a robust technical success rate of 96.7%, highlighting the efficacy of ECE-LAMS, particularly in challenging cases which have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography. A clinical success rate of 91.0% underscores its impact on symptom alleviation, while a reasonably tolerable adverse event rate of 17.5% is observed. However, the 7.3% re-intervention rate stresses the need for post-procedural monitoring. Subgroup analyses validate consistent outcomes, bolstering the applicability of ECE-LAMS. These findings advocate for the adoption of ECE-LAMS as an appropriate approach for biliary palliation, urging further exploration in real-world clinical contexts. They offer valuable insights for optimizing interventions targeting malignant biliary obstruction management.

In-silico analysis of hemodynamic indicators in idealized stented coronary arteries for varying stent indentation.

In this work, we investigate the effects of stent indentation on hemodynamic indicators in stented coronary arteries. Our aim is to assess in-silico risk factors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and thrombosis after stent implantation. The proposed model is applied to an idealized artery with Xience V stent for four indentation percentages and three mesh refinements. We analyze the patterns of hemodynamic indicators arising from different stent indentations and propose an analysis of time-averaged WSS (TAWSS), topological shear variation index (TSVI), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). We observe that higher indentations display higher frequency of critically low TAWSS, high TSVI, and non-physiological OSI and RRT. Furthermore, an appropriate mesh refinement is needed for accurate representation of hemodynamics in the stent vicinity. The results suggest that disturbed hemodynamics could play a role in the correlation between high indentation and ISR.

Risk and protective factors for secondary procedures after endoscopic dilatation of primary obstructive megaureters.

PURPOSE: High-pressure balloon dilatation (HPBD) of the ureterovesical junction with double-J stenting is a minimally invasive alternative to ureteral reimplantation or cutaneous ureterostomy for first-line surgical treatment of primary obstructive megaureter (POM). The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors associated with the need for secondary procedures due to HPBD failure. METHODS: Prospective data were collected from patients who underwent HPBD for POM between 2007 and 2021 at a single institution. The collected data included patient demographics, diagnostic modalities, surgical details, results, and follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-five ureters underwent HPBD for POM in 50 children, with a median age of 6.4 months (IQR: 4.5-13.8). Nineteen patients (37.25%) underwent secondary ureteric reimplantation, with a median of 9.8 months after primary HBPD (95% CI 6.2-9.9). The median follow-up was 29.4 months (IQR: 17.4-71). Independent risk factors for redo-surgery in a multivariate logistic regression model were: progressive ureterohydronephrosis (OR = 7.8; 95% CI 0.77-78.6) and early removal of the double-J stent. A risk reduction of 7% (95% CI 2.2%-11.4%) was observed per extra-day of catheter maintenance. The optimal cut-off point is 55 days, ROC curve area: 0.77 (95% CI 0.62-0.92). Gender, distal ureteral diameter, pelvis diameter, dilatation balloon diameter and preoperative differential renal function did not affect the need for reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a double-J stent for at least 55 days seems to avoid the need for a secondary procedure. Therefore, we recommend removing the double-J catheter at least 2 months after the HBPD.

Infected stent graft and severe aortitis after transcaval glue embolization of type II endoleak: a case report.

Background: Type II endoleaks are common and embolization is often performed if treatment is necessary. Although transarterial embolization is common, other methods including trans-caval embolization are also utilized. Complications can occur and we report a case of infection that was challenging to diagnose and treat. There is no data regarding the risk of aortic stent graft infection after trans-caval embolization with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) glue of a type II endoleak. Case Description: We report a rare case of infected, Gore Excluder infrarenal stent graft after transcaval embolization with coil and n-BCA glue to treat a type II endoleak in a 71-year-old male. The endoleak caused a rapid sac enlargement. The stent graft was placed 5 years earlier electively. Soon after the endoleak embolization, the patient experienced abdominal pain and malaise. There was an intense inflammatory reaction involving the aneurysm wall and the adjacent bowel mesentery. Our differential included normal inflammation after embolization vs. infection and this was difficult to distinguish. The infection was confirmed by positron emission tomography scan and tissue biopsy. The patient was deemed high-risk for surgery because of his extensive cardiac history, status post coronary bypass and tissue mitral valve replacement, congestive heart failure with residual left ventricular ejection fraction of 36%. He was optimized by correcting fluid status, administration of intravenous antibiotic, and nutrition consultation with dietary supplementation before surgery over the course of 2 weeks. The graft was explanted through a transabdominal approach, and the aorta was reconstructed with cryopreserved allograft. Interestingly, the small and large intestine with their mesentery were found to be plastered to the aneurysm sac. The post-operative course was unremarkable except for a transient acute kidney injury that resolved within 1 week. Follow-up computed tomography scan at 6 months showed widely patent bypass. Conclusions: Glue embolization induces inflammation promoting thrombus formation inside the aneurysm sac. With a transcaval approach to the sac, there is the risk of extravasation of glue outside the sac as well as contamination of the graft with instrumentation. Differentiating between inflammation and infection can be difficult, and tissue biopsy provided the most conclusive diagnosis. Risk minimization considerations include, pre-operative optimization, a transabdominal approach, ureteral stenting, and tissue buttressing of anastomosis.

Treatment of tumor-induced cerebral venous sinus stenosis: Technical note and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors that invade or compress the venous sinuses have the potential to impair venous drainage. Rarely, this may be so severe as to induce intracranial hypertension. Other studies have previously described venous sinus stenting (VSS) for the treatment of these symptomatic lesions. In this report, we present our series of eight cases of VSS for symptomatic tumor-induced venous sinus stenosis and review the existing literature. CASES: Eight patients with mostly intracranial tumors were found to have symptomatic venous sinus stenosis with the most common presenting symptom being elevated intracranial pressure. Six of the eight (75%) patients presented with papilledema on neuro-ophthalmological exam. The most affected locations were the transverse and sigmoid sinuses in four patients, followed by the superior sagittal sinus in three patients. All eight patients underwent VSS with no adverse events. In total, 6 out of 8 (75%) of patients had complete resolution of their symptoms, while the remaining patients experienced at least partial improvement. CONCLUSION: Tumors that cause symptomatic venous sinus stenosis may be successfully managed with VSS to improve venous drainage. This may facilitate continued conservative management of meningiomas or allow for treatment with noninvasive means, such as stereotactic radiosurgery. Depending on the size of the target stenosis, balloon-mounted coronary stents may be a suitable option to treat these lesions.

Study on in vivo and in vitro degradation of polydioxanone weaving tracheal stents.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate degradation characteristics of polydioxanone (PDO) are necessary for the safety and effectiveness of stents. This study aimed to investigate the degradation of PDO weaving tracheal stents (PW stents) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The degradation solution of Staphylococcus aureus (SAU), Escherichia coli (ECO), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE), and control (N) were prepared, and the PW stents were immersed for 12 weeks. Then, the radial support force, weight retention, pH, molecular structure, thermal performance, and morphology were determined. Furthermore, the PW stents were implanted into the abdominal cavity of rabbits, and omentum was embedded. At feeding for 16 weeks, the mechanical properties, and morphology were measured. Results: During the first 8 weeks, the radial support force in all groups was progressively decreased. At week 2, the decline rate of radial support force in the experimental groups was significantly faster compared to the N group, and the difference was narrowed thereafter. The infrared spectrum showed that during the whole degradation process, SAU, ECO and PAE solution did not lead to the formation of new functional groups in PW stents. In vitro SEM observation showed that SAU and ECO were more likely to gather and multiply at the weaving points of the PW stents, forming colonies. In vivo experiments showed that the degradation in the concavity of weaving points of PW stents was more rapid and severe. The radial support loss rate reached more than 70% at week 4, and the radial support force was no longer measurable after week 8. In omentum, multinuclear giant cells and foreign giant cells were found to infiltrate. Conclusions: PW stents have good biocompatibility. The degradation rate of PW stents in the aseptic conditions in vivo was faster than in the bacteriological environment in vitro. .

Endothelial Cell Transcription Modulation in Cerebral Aneurysms After Endovascular Flow Diversion.

PURPOSE: Flow diverting stents (FDS) are used to treat cerebral aneurysms, by promoting thrombosis and occlusion of the aneurysm sac. However, retreatment is required in some cases, and the biologic basis behind treatment outcome is not known. The goal of this study was to understand how changes in hemodynamic flow after FDS placement affect aneurysmal endothelial cell (EC) activity. METHODS: Three-dimensional models of patient-specific aneurysms were created to quantify the EC response to FDS placement. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were used to determine the hemodynamic impact of FDS. Two identical models were created for each patient; into one a FDS was inserted. Each model was then populated with human carotid ECs and subjected to patient-specific pulsatile flow for 24 h. ECs were isolated from aneurysm dome from each model and bulk RNA sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Paired untreated and treated models were created for four patients. Aneurysm dome EC analysis revealed 366 (2.6%) significant gene changes between the untreated and FDS conditions, out of 13909 total expressed genes. Gene set enrichment analysis of the untreated models demonstrated enriched gene ontology terms related to cell adhesion, growth/tensile activity, cytoskeletal organization, and calcium ion binding. In the FDS models, enriched terms were related to cellular proliferation, ribosomal activity, RNA splicing, and protein folding. CONCLUSION: Treatment of cerebral aneurysms with FDS induces significant EC gene transcription changes related to aneurysm hemodynamics in patient-specific in vitro 3D-printed models subjected to pulsatile flow. Further investigation is needed into the relationship between transcriptional change and treatment outcome.

Association between statin intensity and femoropopliteal stent primary patency in peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: Statins are widely used in coronary and peripheral arterial disease, but their impact on patency of stents placed for peripheral arterial disease is not well-studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate femoropopliteal stent primary patency according to statin intensity at the time of stent placement and compare this effect to other covariates that may influence stent patency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review identified 278 discrete femoropopliteal stent constructs placed in 216 patients over a 10-year period; Rutherford categories were 2 (3.6%), 3 (12.9%), 4 (21.2%), 5 (49.6%), and 6 (12.6%). Stent locations were common femoral (1.8%), common femoral/superficial femoral (0.7%), superficial femoral (50.7%), superficial femoral/popliteal (32.7%) and popliteal (14.0%) arteries; 63.3% of stents were paclitaxel-eluting. Primary patency of each stent construct was determined with duplex ultrasound, angiography, or computed tomographic angiography. Greater than 50% restenosis or stent occlusion was considered loss of patency. Cox proportional hazard and Kaplan-Meier modeling were used to assess the effect of statin use and additional covariates on stent patency. RESULTS: Patients on any statin at the time of stent placement were half as likely to undergo loss of primary unassisted patency as patients on no statin therapy (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.87; P = .004). Moderate/high intensity statin therapy conferred 17 additional months of median stent patency compared to the no statin group. Antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, drug-eluting stents (versus bare metal or covered stents), and Rutherford class were not predictive of stent patency (P = 0.52, 0.85, 0.58, and 0.82, respectively). CONCLUSION: Use of statin therapy at the time of femoropopliteal stent placement was the most predictive examined variable influencing primary unassisted patency.

Ascending aorta anastomotic aneurysm exclusion with double-fenestrated PMEG after open repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this case series is to investigate the outcomes of double-fenestrated physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) in patients with distal anastomotic aneurysms following open repair of the ascending aorta or proximal arch replacement. METHODS: All consecutive patients with a distal anastomotic aneurysm following open ascending aorta surgery who underwent aortic arch repair with a homemade double-fenestrated stent-graft from 2017 to 2023 were reviewed. Study endpoints included technical success, 30-day, and long-term follow-up analysis of mortality, morbidity, and re-interventions. RESULTS: 10 patients were treated with double-fenestrated PMEGs for anastomotic aneurysms following open surgery of the ascending aorta. Of these, nine were male with a mean age of 58 years. Nine patients were initially treated for acute dissection, and two had mechanical aortic valves. The mean time between open surgery and the treatment of the pseudoaneurysm was 4.15 years. Technical success was 100%. The proximal landing zone was consistently in zone 0, and all endografts were deployed via femoral access. Early outcomes revealed one endoleak (type 1a), which was successfully treated by prompt reintervention. No deaths or strokes occurred during the early postoperative period. During long-term follow-up (mean time 35 months), no endoleaks requiring intervention occurred, and there were no reports of stent fractures or migrations. No patient died from an aortic-related cause. CONCLUSION: Aortic arch repair with double-fenestrated PMEGs for distal anastomotic aneurysms after open surgery is feasible and represents a promising alternative in patients ineligible for redo surgery.

Factors Affecting Compression of the Left Subclavian Artery Bridging Stent In Zone 2 Fenestrated Endovascular Arch Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Left subclavian artery (LSA) preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been related to low morbidity. This study investigated the incidence of LSA stent compression in patients managed with fenestrated endovascular arch repair (f-Arch) and evaluated the impact of anatomic and technical factors on LSA stent outcomes. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of patients managed with single-fenestration devices (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) for LSA preservation, between January 1, 2012 and November 30, 2023, was conducted. Anatomic (arch type, bovine arch, distance between the LSA and most proximal bone structure, left common carotid artery and aortic lesion, take-off angle, diameter, thrombus, calcification, dissection, tortuosity) and technical parameters (stent type, diameter, length, relining, post-dilation) were evaluated. Stent compression was any ≥50% stenosis (using center luminal line) of the stent compared with its initial diameter. Clinical outcomes included stroke and upper limb ischemia at 30 days and follow-up. Technical outcomes included stent compression and need for reintervention. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases were included. Only balloon-expandable covered stents were used, and relining during the index procedure was performed in 18%. No stroke or arm ischemia was recorded. One stent compression was detected at 30 days. During follow-up, no stroke or arm ischemia was diagnosed. Nine cases (18%) presented stent compression, with a mean time of stent-compression diagnosis at 18 months (interquartile range [IQR]=37, range=1-58 months) after the index procedure. Five (56%) underwent secondary relining. Follow-up after reintervention was uneventful. Lower distance to the nearest bone structure (compression group [CG]: 11.7±8.9 mm vs non-compression group [NCG]: 23.0±7.8 mm, p=0.003) and higher tortuosity index (CG: 1.3±0.4 vs NCG: 1.2±0.1, p=0.03) were associated with LSA stent compression. CONCLUSION: LSA stent compression in patients managed with f-Arch affected 1 in 5 cases, without clinical consequences. Distance to the nearest bone structure and higher tortuosity were associated with LSA stent compression. CLINICAL IMPACT: Fenestrated endovascular arch repair for the preservation of the left subclavian artery (LSA) in patients needing landing within the aortic arch has been performed with encouraging outcomes. This analysis showed that LSA stent compression is met in 18% of patients, without though any clinical consequence. Pre-operative anatomic parameters, as lower distance to the nearest bone structure and higher tortuosity index affect negatively LSA stent performance while stent parameters seem to have no impact.

Repeated Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Possibly Caused by Endoluminal Injury Due to Stent Clot Retriever: A Case Report.

In acute ischemic stroke, various endovascular approaches have been reported with high recanalization rates and good clinical outcomes. However, the best device or technique for the first attempt at mechanical thrombectomy remains a matter of debate. We report a case in which endoluminal injury from initial stent clot retrieval possibly caused repeated middle cerebral artery occlusion. A 74-year-old man presented with left-sided hemiplegia and was diagnosed with a right internal carotid artery occlusion. He underwent endovascular thrombectomy using a stent clot retriever. Although complete recanalization was achieved in the first pass, repeated middle cerebral artery occlusion occurred. Angiography revealed an irregular inner surface and thrombus formation in the superior branch of the second segment of the right middle cerebral artery. There is a risk of endoluminal injury due to stent retrieval, especially using a large sized stent against small branches. Antiplatelet therapy may be effective for preventing recurrent occlusion. Key Messages We report a case in which endoluminal injury from initial stent clot retrieval possibly caused repeated middle cerebral artery occlusion. There is a risk of endoluminal injury due to stent retrieval, especially using a large sized stent against nonvisible small branches.

Endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysm arising from duplicate origin of the middle cerebral artery - A case report and literature review.

Background: Duplicate origin of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a rare variation of MCA, often mislabeled as the fenestration of the M1 segment of MCA. Case Description: The authors treated an unruptured aneurysm, 8 mm in diameter, associated with a duplicate origin of MCA in a 42-year-old woman who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for transient vertigo. Clipping surgery was inapplicable due to the lack of space to insert clip blades between the neck and two origins of MCA. Under stent-assisted maneuver, the aneurysm sac was successfully obliterated using three coils, resulting in Raymond-Roy class 1 occlusion status. Digital subtraction angiography performed 3 months after the embolization showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. So far, only 11 patients with aneurysms associated with duplicate origin of MCA have been reported. We performed a literature review of this very rare combination. The size of aneurysms ranged from 2 to 8 mm, with a mean of 5.2 mm. The neck of the aneurysm is mainly located at the corner between the inferior limb and the internal carotid artery. Ours is the youngest and has the largest aneurysm. Conclusion: Aneurysm can arise from duplicate origin of MCA, for which stent-assisted coiling may be an appropriate treatment modality.

Low-profile versus standard-profile stent grafts in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case-matched study.

Introduction: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is nowadays a widespread method of managing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Low-profile stent grafts (LPSGs) enable treatment of patients with complex and anatomically challenging aneurysms, and facilitate a percutaneous and thus less invasive procedure. Aim: To assess the outcomes of EVAR with low-profile versus standard-profile stent grafts (SPSGs). Material and methods: Thirty-one patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) were treated by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using LPSGs. The control group of patients treated with SPSGs was matched with MedCalc software. The clinical records and the preoperative and follow-up computed tomography angiography of patients who underwent endovascular treatment of AAA were included in this study. Results: Patients in the LPSG group had significantly more often low access vessel diameter (< 6 mm) compared to the SPSG group (38.7% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.003). In 1-year follow-up, there was no rupture, no infection, no conversion to open repair and no aneurysm-related death. Five secondary interventions were necessary in the SPSG group and only 1 in the LPSG group (p = 0.09). Type of stent graft was not a risk factor of perioperative complications, presence of endoleak or reintervention (p > 0.05). Risk factors for perioperative complications were COPD and conical neck (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.5-25, p = 0.01 and OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1-39.76, p = 0.04). The risk factor for endoleak was lower maximal aneurysm diameter. The risk factor for reintervention was proximal neck diameter (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.-0.97, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our study showed that use of LPSGs is a safe and viable method for patients with narrow access vessels who are not eligible for standard-profile systems.

Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction following suprapapillary placement of a plastic stent as preoperative biliary drainage for perihilar biliary malignancy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The usefulness of endoscopic biliary stenting by deploying a plastic stent suprapapillary, called inside-stent (IS) placement, as preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) for perihilar biliary malignancy (PHBM) has been demonstrated. This study investigated risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after IS placement. METHODS: Consecutive patients with potentially resectable PHBM treated with IS placement as PBD between 2017 and 2023 at Nagoya University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were included, with RBO occurring in 34 (22%) patients. The non-RBO rates were 83% at 30 days, 77% at 60 days, and 57% at 90 days. The most common cause of RBO was stent occlusion (n = 14), followed by segmental cholangitis (n = 12) and stent migration (n = 8). Stent migration and occlusion occurred more frequently within and after 1 week post-stenting, respectively. In multivariate analysis, biliary infection before IS was the sole risk factor for RBO, with a hazard ratio of 2.404 (95% confidence interval 1.163-4.972; p = .018). This risk was reduced by temporary endoscopic nasobiliary drainage prior to definitive IS placement. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary infection before IS was identified as an independent risk factor for RBO in patients with PHBM with IS as PBD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000025631.