Anticoagulation therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Endovascular therapy may be considered in selected patients with clinical deterioration despite optimal medical treatment. However, conventional mechanical thrombectomy using aspiration and/or stent-retrievers might be inadequate in extensive CVST because of large and organized thrombi and non-availability of venous thrombectomy devices. We present a technical modification using an angioplasty non-compliant (NC) balloon as an adjunct to suction thrombectomy for venous sinus mechanical thrombectomy in a case of extensive CVST. Conventional methods of thrombectomy failed to recanalize the sinuses; hence, an angioplasty NC balloon was used to decimate the clot with simultaneous suction thrombectomy to achieve near-complete recanalization of the affected sinuses with good clinical outcome. We name this the "pipeline-pigging" technique. The pipeline-pigging method of using a normal angioplasty NC balloon for venous sinus mechanical thrombectomy may serve as an effective and economical technical adjunct for extensive CVST refractory to conventional methods. This approach facilitates thrombus fragmentation, aspiration and improved delivery of thrombolytics and may expand the endovascular armamentarium for extensive CVST.
Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs), with a focus on endovascular protocols tailored to different anatomical subtypes.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 consecutive patients with ruptured VADAs treated from December 2014 to October 2024. Treatment strategies were guided by aneurysm location: parent artery occlusion (PAO) was used for lesions in non-dominant VAs, while stent-assisted coiling (SAC) reconstruction was used for aneurysms in dominant VAs. Patients were stratified by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3-month follow-up (favorable: mRS 0–2; unfavorable: mRS 3–6).Results: All procedures were technically successful, including 12 single SAC, 13 overlapping SAC, and 19 with PAO (2 involving posterior inferior cerebellar artery preservation). Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 50.0% of single SAC cases, 76.9% overlapping SAC, and 100% in the PAO group. Six (13.6%) procedure-related complications occurred, including 2 hemorrhagic and 4 ischemic events. Thirty patients (68.2%) had favorable outcomes, and the unfavorable outcomes group showed a higher incidence of ischemic events (P=0.012). An initial poor Hunt–Hess grade (≥IV) was an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio 6.35, 95% confidence interval 1.24–32.59; P=0.027). Angiographic follow-up was performed for 34 aneurysms, with complete occlusion achieved in 32 (94.1%); the remaining 2 patients were retreated.Conclusion: Endovascular management is safe and effective for ruptured VADAs. Anatomical stratification—PAO for non-dominant VA lesions and SAC for dominant VA aneurysms—may help achieve favorable outcomes.
PURPOSE:Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has improved outcomes for acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, patients with renal failure remain at elevated risk for adverse events. Sex-based differences in outcomes following thrombectomy have been reported in heterogeneous stroke populations, but data specific to renal failure patients are limited. Understanding whether sex influences in-hospital mortality and discharge disposition in this high-risk subgroup is clinically important. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2019-2022 National Inpatient Sample to identify renal failure patients undergoing MT for AIS. Patients were stratified by sex. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between sex and in-hospital mortality and non-routine discharge, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and hospital-level covariates. RESULTS:The study included 3,280 unweighted hospitalizations (1,675 males; 1,605 females). After adjustment, female sex was independently associated with higher odds of non-routine discharge (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.536, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.391-1.696; P<0.001) but not with in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.953, 95% CI 0.874-1.038; P=0.266). Increasing age and select comorbidities were associated with both outcomes. CONCLUSION:Female sex was associated with increased odds of non-routine discharge but not in-hospital mortality among renal failure patients undergoing MT. These findings support equitable application of thrombectomy across sexes while highlighting the importance of sex-aware discharge planning in this high-risk population.
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) are rare, and the optimal therapeutic modality for these lesions remains controversial. Surgical resection and covered stents may be limited to selected cases. While the concept of using flow diversion is appealing for large aneurysms, the application of flow diverters in extracranial carotid lesions may face restrictions due to off-label use, reimbursement challenges, and factors related to the devices themselves. We report our experience with multiple overlapping Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stents as a reconstructive option for selected ECAAs. Five patients with large ECAAs were treated with multiple overlapping LVIS stents. The primary goal was parent-artery reconstruction and reduction of intra-aneurysmal flow reduction by increasing local metal coverage across the neck of the aneurysm. Double overlapping LVIS stents were used in 3 cases, whereas triple or more extensive overlapping constructs were used in 2 cases. During a mean radiologic follow-up of 24 months, complete occlusion in 2 cases, partial occlusion in 3 cases, and adjunctive procedures in 3 cases were required, and no major thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications were documented. Adjunctive or staged treatment was required in 3 cases, including balloon angioplasty, additional LVIS stenting, flow-diverter placement, stent-graft placement, or coil embolization. Multiple overlapping LVIS stenting is a feasible and relatively safe reconstructive option for selected large or clinically significant ECAAs, particularly when primary flow-diverter treatment is constrained by off-label indication or reimbursement issues. However, they have limited standalone efficacy, particularly in large or complex aneurysms, often requiring adjunctive or staged treatment.
PURPOSE:Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an established alternative to carotid endarterectomy for selected patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Although predictors of periprocedural ischemic lesions detected on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) have been described, the relationship between these lesions and long-term functional outcomes remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify factors associated with early ischemic lesions after CAS and to evaluate whether these lesions are associated with 1-year clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 190 patients who underwent CAS for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis at a single tertiary center. The primary outcome was the occurrence of new ischemic lesions on DWI within 24 hours after CAS. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural ischemic or hemorrhagic complications, recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events within 1-year, restenosis at 1-year, and functional outcome at 1-year assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of early embolic lesions and good functional outcome (mRS 0-2). RESULTS:New ischemic lesions on DWI were identified in 52 patients (27.4%). In multivariable analysis, atrial fibrillation was independently associated with early ischemic lesions (odds ratio, 4.747; 95% confidence interval, 1.133-19.888; P=0.033), whereas lesion severity and procedural factors were not. Periprocedural ischemic stroke with neurological deterioration occurred in 2.1% of patients, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1.1%. Good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 1-year was achieved in 82.1% of patients. New ischemic lesions were not independently associated with 1-year functional outcome, whereas baseline neurological severity was the primary determinant. CONCLUSION:New ischemic lesions on DWI were frequently observed after CAS but were not associated with long-term functional outcome. CAS was associated with low periprocedural complication rates and favorable 1-year outcomes in symptomatic patients treated at an experienced center.
Purpose Flow-diverting stents (FDs) provide a reconstructive option for complex ruptured aneurysms, including blister-like, fusiform, and small saccular lesions. Their use in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is limited by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and hemorrhagic risk, with scarce data from resource-limited settings. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with FDs within 7 days of ictus at a single tertiary center (July 2021–June 2025). Exclusion criteria included adjunctive coiling/clipping, FD placement >7 days, and aneurysms >5 mm. Outcomes included 90-day functional status (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]), angiographic occlusion (O’Kelly–Marotta grading), and procedural complications. Results Mean age was 47.3±12.1 years; 61.5% were male. Aneurysm types were saccular (42.3%), blister-like (34.6%), and fusiform/dissecting (23.1%). FD placement occurred at a mean of 3.9±1.8 days post-ictus, with 100% technical success and no intraprocedural complications. Favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–2) was achieved in 84.6%, and mortality was 15.4%, all secondary to SAH. Complete angiographic occlusion was observed in all 21 patients with imaging follow-up. Procedure-related ischemic complications occurred in 11.5%, mostly transient or minimally disabling, with 1 disabling infarct (mRS 3); no hemorrhagic events related to DAPT or aneurysm rebleeds were observed. Conclusion Early FD implantation in carefully selected ruptured aneurysms, including small saccular and morphologically complex lesions can achieve high functional recovery and complete angiographic occlusion, even in a resource-limited environment. Ideal case selection and standardized DAPT and hemodynamic protocols are critical. These findings support broader use in challenging aneurysms, but larger prospective studies are warranted to validate outcomes and refine management strategies.
Purpose Acute intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has high clot burden and poor outcomes. No consensus exists on optimal first-line mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), stent retriever (SR) alone, or combined thrombectomy (non-ADAPT). We compared outcomes between ADAPT and non-ADAPT strategies for ICA occlusion. Materials and Methods Data were collected from a comprehensive stroke center between January 2019 and August 2024. Patients with intracranial ICA occlusions were divided into ADAPT and non-ADAPT groups. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcomes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score at 24 hours and modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at 3 months) were compared. Good functional outcome was defined as a mRS score of 0–2. Results Of 85 patients (mean age, 75 years; 47% females), 60 (70.6%) received ADAPT and 25 (29.4%) non-ADAPT (18 with aspiration and SR combined and 7 with SR alone). ADAPT achieved successful recanalization with shorter procedure time (median, 32 minutes vs. 60 minutes, P=0.001), higher modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) recanalization rates (final mTICI 2c-3, 75% vs. 52%; P=0.038; mTICI 2b-3, 98.3% vs. 88%; P=0.074), and better outcomes at 3 months (mRS ≤2, 47% vs. 22%; P=0.039). Multivariate analysis showed NIHSS at discharge as the only significant predictor of good functional outcome at 3 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, P<0.001), while ADAPT exhibited a trend toward significance (OR 5.10, P=0.075). Conclusion ADAPT exceeded other strategies for intracranial ICA occlusion as first-line technique, achieving faster recanalization and potentially impacting long-term functional outcome.
Basilar artery pseudoaneurysm (BAPA) is an extremely rare yet life-threatening intracranial vascular lesion, characterized by insidious clinical onset and a remarkably high mortality risk upon rupture. In this case report, we describe a patient who was admitted to our department with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Emergency digital subtraction angiography performed on admission revealed no vascular anomalies. One month after SAH onset, a comprehensive multimodal imaging evaluation ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of BAPA. Given the technical challenges in conventional management for this specific case, Traxcess-14 microguidewire-assisted endovascular electrocoagulation was performed as a last-resort therapy. Finally, follow-up imaging at 6 months demonstrated complete resolution of BAPA. Thus, we propose that Traxcess-14 microguidewire-assisted endovascular electrocoagulation may serve as a potential salvage treatment for highly selective BAPA cases in which conventional therapeutic approaches are unfeasible or have failed.
Achieving adequate wall apposition is a crucial technical goal when deploying flow diverters to treat wide-neck cerebral aneurysms. The socalled J-wiring technique is a common method used to optimize flow diverter wall apposition. However, the frictional interaction between the shaping device and the microguidewire tip during the formation of the J-loop, as well as the interaction between the J-loop and the flow diverter during J-wiring, may potentially cause damage to the guidewire's coating. Three frequently used guidewires were tested in vitro in a silicone aneurysm model. Manual J-shaping of guidewire tips, along with the J-wiring technique (including J-shaping), caused damage to the surface coating of guidewires, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, both mechanisms may contribute to the generation of polymer micro-fragments in patients treated with flow diversion.
We reviewed our experience using transulnar access (TUA) to obtain intraoperative cerebral angiography during prone surgery for vascular pathology, where conventional transfemoral and transradial access can be difficult. Ten consecutive patients treated between April 2020 and August 2025 were included. Ulnar artery access was obtained in the supine position before the patient was turned prone for surgery, and angiography was performed after the procedure without repositioning. Eight patients had arteriovenous malformations and 2 had dural arteriovenous fistulas. In all cases, intraoperative angiography was successfully completed through the ulnar artery. The mean ulnar artery diameter was 2.4 mm, indicating adequate vessel size for catheterization, and mean fluoroscopy time was 7.5 minutes. No immediate access-site complications occurred, and no case required conversion to another access route. These findings suggest that TUA is technically feasible and may provide a practical option for intraoperative cerebral angiography when prone positioning limits access to traditional arterial sites. Although the study is limited by its small sample size and retrospective design, the consistent procedural success supports further investigation.
Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided retrograde internal jugular venous (IJV) puncture in neurointerventional procedures.Materials and Methods: This single-centre retrospective study evaluates data collected over 20 years. All punctures were performed under general anaesthesia using ultrasound guidance. The data were analyzed to assess patient demographics, indications and potential advantages, the technique of puncture, safety, outcomes, and complications associated with such punctures.Results: The study included 60 patients (males: n=38, 63%; females: n=22, 37%). The median age was 33 years (range 13–73 years). A total of 74 retrograde jugular punctures were performed. Isolated right-sided punctures were done in 31 patients (52%), isolated left-sided punctures in 18 (30%), and 11 patients (18%) underwent bilateral punctures. The preferred access needle was an 18G needle; however, micropuncture access was used in some patients. No inadvertent arterial punctures were encountered. The most common indication was mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral venous thrombosis (62%). Other indications included transvenous embolization of carotid-cavernous fistulae (16%), embolization of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulae (8%), inferior petrosal sinus sampling (8%), and cerebral venous sinus angioplasty or stenting (6%). In all procedures, the expected technical outcome was achieved.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided retrograde IJV puncture is a safe and effective method for accessing neurovascular pathologies requiring a transvenous approach. Based on our experience, this access has been routinely used without any major complications. We foresee the technique being accepted on a larger scale in the future.
