Team Prenotification Reduces Procedure Times for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion Who Are Transferred for Endovascular Therapy

Background: The clinical benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke is time-dependent. We tested the hypothesis that team prenotification results in faster procedure times prior to initiation of EVT.Methods: We analyzed data from our prospective database (01/2016–02/2018) including all patients with acute ischemic stroke who were evaluated for EVT at our comprehensive stroke center. We established a standardized algorithm (EVT-Call) in 06/2017 to prenotify team members (interventional neuroradiologist, neurologist, anesthesiologist, CT and angiography technicians) about patient transfer from remote hospitals for evaluation of EVT, and team members were present in the emergency department at the expected patient arrival time. We calculated door-to-image, image-to-groin and door-to-groin times for patients who were transferred to our center for evaluation of EVT, and analyzed changes before (–EVT-Call) and after (+EVT-Call) implementation of the EVT-Call.Results: Among 494 patients in our database, 328 patients were transferred from remote hospitals for evaluation of EVT (208 -EVT-Call and 120 +EVT-Call, median [IQR] age 75 years [65–81], NIHSS score 17 [12–22], 49.1% female). Of these, 177 patients (54%) underwent EVT after repeated imaging at our center (111/208 [53%) -EVT-Call, 66/120 [55%] +EVT-Call). Median (IQR) door-to-image time (18 min [14–22] vs. 10 min [7–13]; p < 0.001), image-to-groin time (54 min [43.5–69.25] vs. 47 min [38.3–58.75]; p = 0.042) and door-to-groin time (74 min [58–86.5] vs. 60 min [49.3–71]; p < 0.001) were reduced after implementation of the EVT-Call.Conclusions: Team prenotification results in faster patient assessment and initiation of EVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Its impact on functional outcome needs to be determined.

Intracranial aneurysm treatment with intrasaccular flow disruption: comparison of WEB-21 and WEB-17 systems

BackgroundNew generations of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices (WEB-21 and WEB-17) are available to treat aneurysms with a width <6.5 mm. Limited comparisons between both systems exist in the literature, but mid-term efficacy has not been compared. Our study aimed to compare the indications, feasibility, and safety of both systems and to evaluate their efficacy at mid-term follow-up (12 months).MethodsAneurysms treated with WEB-21 and WEB-17 were extracted from a prospective database. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, complications, and anatomical results were analyzed by an interventional neuroradiologist, independent of the procedures.ResultsFrom June 2015 to November 2019, 87 patients with 92 aneurysms were treated with WEB-21 (38/92, 41.3%) and WEB-17 (54/92, 58.7%). WEB-21 and WEB-17 had high treatment feasibility (97.4% and 94.4%, respectively). A higher percentage of ruptured aneurysms were treated with WEB-17 (9.3%) than with WEB-21 (2.6%; p=0.03). Morbidity and mortality at 1 month were similar in both groups (no morbidity in either group, and mortality 2.7% in the WEB-21 group and 2.0% in the WEB-17 group). The rate of complete and adequate aneurysm occlusion was not significantly higher with the WEB-17 system (59.2% and 95.9%, respectively) compared with the WEB-21 (52.9% and 85.3%, respectively).ConclusionsThis study showed the high feasibility of aneurysm treatment with both the WEB-21 and WEB-17 systems. Indications were relatively similar with both devices except for ruptured aneurysms, which were more frequently treated with the WEB-17 device. Efficacy at 12 months (complete and adequate occlusions) was slightly, but not significantly, better with the WEB-17 device.

Effect of Operator’s Experience on Proficiency in Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Study

Background and Purpose: We aimed to evaluate among trained interventional neuroradiologist, whether increasing individual experience was associated with an improvement in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedural performance metrics. Methods: Individual MT procedural data from 5 centers of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry and 2 additional high-volume stroke centers were pooled. Operator experience was defined for each operator as a continuous variable, cumulating the number of MT procedures performed since January 2015, as MT became standard of care or, if later than this date, since the operator started performing mechanical thrombectomies in autonomy. We tested the associations between operator’s experience and procedural metrics. Results: A total of 4516 procedures were included, performed by 36 operators at 7 distinct centers, with a median of 97.5 endovascular treatment procedures per operator (interquartile range, 57–170.2) over the study period. Higher operator’s experience, analyzed as a continuous variable, was associated with a significantly shorter procedural duration (β estimate, −3.98 [95% CI, −5.1 to −2.8]; P <0.001), along with local anesthesia and M1 occlusion location in multivariable models. Increasing experience was associated with better Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction scores (estimate, 1.02 [1–1.04]; P =0.013). Conclusions: In trained interventional neuroradiologists, increasing experience in MT is associated with significantly shorter procedural duration and better reperfusion rates, with a theoretical ceiling effect observed after around 100 procedures. These results may inform future training and practice guidelines to set minimal experience standards before autonomization, and to set-up operators’ recertification processes tailored to individual case volume and prior experience.

Clinical and angioarchitectural characteristics of spinal vascular malformations of the cervical spine

OBJECTIVEVascular malformations of the cervical spine are exceedingly rare. To date there have been no large case series describing the clinical presentation and angioarchitectural characteristics of cervical spine vascular malformations. The authors report their institutional case series on cervical spine vascular malformations diagnosed and treated at their institution.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with spinal vascular malformations from their institution from January 2001 to December 2018. Patients with vascular malformations of the cervical spine were included. Lesions were characterized by their angioarchitectural characteristics by an interventional neuroradiologist and endovascular neurosurgeon. Data were collected on clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment outcomes, and long-term follow-up. Descriptive statistics are reported.RESULTSOf a total of 213 patients with spinal vascular malformations, 27 (12.7%) had vascular malformations in the cervical spine. The mean patient age was 46.1 ± 21.9 years and 16 (59.3%) were male. The most common presentations were lower-extremity weakness (13 patients, 48.1%), tetraparesis (8 patients, 29.6%), and lower-extremity sensory dysfunction (7 patients, 25.9%). Nine patients (33.3%) presented with hemorrhage. Fifteen patients (55.6%) had modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 at the time of diagnosis. Regarding angioarchitectural characteristics, 8 patients (29.6%) had intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 5 (18.5%) had epidural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), 4 (14.8%) had paraspinal fistulas, 4 (14.8%) had mixed epidural/intradural fistulas, 3 (11.1%) had perimedullary AVMs, 2 (7.4%) had dural fistulas, and 1 patient (3.7%) had a perimedullary AVF.CONCLUSIONSThis retrospective study of 27 patients with cervical spine vascular malformations is the largest series to date on these lesions. The authors found substantial angioarchitectural heterogeneity with the most common types being intramedullary AVMs followed by epidural AVFs, paraspinal fistulas, and mixed intradural/extradural fistulas. Angioarchitecture dictated the clinical presentation as intradural shunts were more likely to present with hemorrhage and acute onset myelopathy, while dural and extradural shunts presented as either incidental lesions or gradually progressive congestive myelopathy.

Unruptured distal anterior cerebral artery mirror aneurysms associated with ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm: Case report

Introduction. Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms, also known as pericallosal aneurysms are rare, while aneurysms in mirror position are extremely rare. These aneurysms have high tendency for rupture (PHASES score is always > 4). In more than a half of the patients with the DACA aneurysm rupture, imaging reveals intracerebral hematoma which is a predictor of poor outcome. Case report. A 49- year-old female patient was treated endovascularly in other institution, due to middle cerebral artery aneurysm (MCA) rupture, when the two small bilateral aneurysms at the distal segments of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were revealed, left one measuring 4.5 mm and the right one measuring 6 mm in size, with the aneurysmal neck width of 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The decision was made by the interventional neuroradiologist only to treat the bleeding MCA aneurysm immediately. The patient was referred to our department six months later, and it was decided to perform microsurgical occlusion of the remaining DACA aneurysms. Unilateral interhemispheric approach was chosen to reach the distal ACAs and aneurysms at pericallosal-callosomarginal junction were clipped and completely excluded from the circulation. Conclusion. Management of DACA aneurysms is a surgical chellenge, even for experienced neurosurgeons. It is controversial whether these should be surgically clipped or coiled endovascularly, especially in cases like this one when a same-stage, endovascular coiling might look like a perfect approach. Surgical treatment should be prompt due to their tendency to early rupture. Careful evaluation for multiplicity is mandatory.

Feasibility, complications, morbidity, and mortality results at 6 months for aneurysm treatment with the Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device: report of SAFE study

Background and purposeFlow diverters are increasingly used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Evaluation of the first devices available for clinical use showed high efficacy of this treatment although safety results were worse compared with coiling or balloon-assisted coiling. The Safety and Efficacy Analysis of FRED Embolic Device in Aneurysm Treatment (SAFE) trial is a single-arm, multicenter, prospective study conducted to precisely analyze the safety and efficacy of the FRED and FRED Jr devices.MethodsUnruptured and recanalized aneurysms located in the anterior circulation treated with FRED and FRED Jr were prospectively included. Adverse events were independently evaluated by a Clinical Event Committee with a vascular neurosurgeon and an interventional neuroradiologist. Primary safety outcome measures were morbidity and mortality rates at 6 months after treatment.ResultsA total of 103 patients/aneurysms were included in 13 interventional neuroradiology (INR) centers. Aneurysm locations were supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) in 71 (68.9%), cavernous ICA in 15 (14.6%), anterior cerebral artery or anterior communicating artery in nine (8.7%), and middle cerebral artery in eight (7.8%). Aneurysms were small (<10 mm) in 71 patients (68.9%). Treatment was successfully performed in 98/103 patients (95.1%). Thromboembolic (TE) complications occurred in 5/103 patients (4.9%), intraoperative rupture in 2/103 patients (1.9%), delayed aneurysm rupture in 1/103 patient (1.0%), and delayed hematoma occurred in 1/103 patient (1.0%). Six-months' mortality and morbidity rates were 1/102 (1.0%) and 2/102 (2.0%), respectively.ConclusionsAneurysm treatment with the FRED device is safe with low mortality (1.0%) and morbidity (2.0%).Clinical trial registrationNCT02921698.

Use of a complete autologous blood recovery system (the Sorin Xtra® Autotransfusion System) during mechanical thrombectomy of extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Background The endovascular therapy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is currently accepted as a second-line treatment for patients who have failed or those in whom systemic anticoagulation is contraindicated or in a subgroup of patients presenting with rapid neurologic deterioration. A number of different mechanical and pharmacologic endovascular strategies have been reported, either as separate or combined approaches. These new catheters and aspiration systems have a high power and vacuum capacity, which carries a risk of anemization of the patient and hypovolemic shock, being necessitating the transfusion of the patient. Material and methods Because of the problems that donor blood transfusion can bring, we describe the use of a Sorin Xtra® Autotransfusion System (ATS). This complete autologous blood recovery system was designed for use in procedures where medium- to high-volume blood loss occurs, such as major surgeries. We have adapted it to recover all the blood aspirated during the mechanical thrombectomy procedures of the dural cerebral venous sinuses, since they are procedures that can cause a significant loss of blood. One advantage to this is the patient receives his or her own blood instead of donor blood, so there is no risk of contracting outside diseases or transfusion reactions. Conclusions This technical note describes a novel and previously unpublished technical approach to CVST that can be immediately applied to clinical practice. It also raises awareness among the interventional neuroradiologist and anesthesiologist communities about novel, potentially lifesaving endovascular treatments in patients with extensive CVST.

4D DSA a new technique for arteriovenous malformation evaluation: a feasibility study

BackgroundThe angioarchitectural features of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) provide key information regarding natural history and treatment planning. Because of rapid filling and vascular overlap, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are often suboptimal for evaluation of these features. We have developed an algorithm that derives a series of fully time-resolved 3D DSA volumes (four-dimensional (4D) DSA) at up to 30 frames/s from a conventional 3D DSA. The temporal/spatial resolution of 4D reconstructions is significantly higher than that provided by current MR angiography and CT angiography techniques. 4D reconstruction allows viewing of an AVM from any angle at any time during its opacification. This feasibility study investigated the potential of 4D DSA to improve the ability to analyze angioarchitectural features compared with conventional 2D and 3D DSA.Methods2D, 3D, and 4D DSA reconstructions of angiographic studies of six AVMs were evaluated by three cerebrovascular neurosurgeons and one interventional neuroradiologist. These observers evaluated the ability of each modality to visualize the angioarchitectural features of the AVMs. They also compared the information provided using the combination of 2D and 3D DSA with that provided by a 4D DSA reconstruction.ResultsBy consensus, 4D DSA provided the best ability to visualize the internal features of the AVM including intranidal aneurysms, fistulae, venous obstructions, and sequence of filling and draining. 2D and 3D images in comparison were limited because of overlap of the vasculature.ConclusionsIn this small series, 4D DSA provided better ability to visualize the angioarchitecture of an AVM than conventional methods. Further experience is required to determine the ultimate utility of this technique.

Abstract WP244: The Stroke Interventional Radiology (SIR) Process for Rapid Transport of the Acute Stroke Patient

Background: Expedient transfer of acute stroke patients is imperative for optimizing stroke treatment. Our aim was to develop and evaluate a new process that would provide rapid accessibility to expert advice, multi modality imaging, and interventional stroke treatments. Methods: In October 2008, members from Interventional Neuroradiology and Stroke neurology identified obstacles that led to delays in acceptance and transfer of patients. the Stroke Interventional Radiology (SIR) processwas developed to streamline the transfer of acute stroke patients. Results: Before implementation of the SIR process, numerous calls were made to arrange for coordination of care. Communication between the referring physician, stroke neurologist and neuro-interventionalist occurred sequentially. Once a decision was made to accept the patient for transfer, checking for bed availability before approval of the transfer created additional delays. In May 2009, the SIR process was developed to improve rapid access. The process involves coordinated care among the neuro-interventionalist, stroke neurologist, transfer center, hospital administration, radiologist, radiology techs, and crisis nurses and has three main components: 1)the neurologist and interventional neuroradiologist are jointly connected via conference call with the referring physician within five minutes, 2) bed availability for acute stroke transfers is guaranteed, and 3) a paging system provides communication to physicians, nurses, radiology technologists, transport team, and respiratory therapist on patient condition and estimated time of arrival. Since implementation, total time to transfer approval has decreased by 75%. Simultaneously, we have increased the volume of patients transferred (38 in 2010, 59 in 2011 and 21 for first quarter of 2012), the number of acute stroke patients treated with intervention (10, 13, 16, 17 for consecutive years from 2008), and, via phone consultation, the number of patients treated with IV tPA at referring hospitals (3, 2, 19, 28, for consecutive years since 2008 and 12 already for first quarter of 2012). Conclusion: A system of coordinated care can markedly reduce acute stroke transfer times.