BackgroundThe introduction of flow diverters (FDs) has revolutionized the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms; subsequent surface modifications have extended their indications to ruptured, bifurcation, and distal aneurysms. The aim of this study is to assess the real-world feasibility and safety of HPC surface-modified devices in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.MethodsThis independent, multicenter, prospective observational study evaluated the outcomes of patients treated with implanted Phenox p64 or p48 MW-HPC-FDs between 2020 and 2022. The sub-analysis of the procedures, complications (clinical and technical), and additional treatment requirements assessed the devices' feasibility and safety in the peri-procedural period.ResultsOne hundred and forty aneurysms (35% ruptured and 65% unruptured) were treated in 140 patients (37 females and 103 males) using 153 HPC-FDs (111 p64 and 42 p48): 100 aneurysms were saccular (71%), 22 dissecting (16%), 13 fusiform (9%), and five blister-like (3.6%). The successful deployment rate was 97.9%. The overall peri-procedural mortality rate was 9%, including three device-related deaths (2.2%); the overall morbidity rate was 12.1% (6.4% severe, 3.6% mild, and 2.1% asymptomatic adverse events); 4.4% of the clinical adverse events were certainly device related, and 2.2% were probably device related.ConclusionsThe use of p64 and p48 HPC-FDs is highly feasible and acceptably safe, although further data are needed to assess the impact of the coating on safety in emergency and elective procedures.

Background Carotid web (CaW) and carotid free-floating thrombus (CFFT) are rare yet critical causes of ischemic stroke in young adults. Case presentation A 54-year-old woman presented with a fluctuating right sensory-motor faciobrachial syndrome. A brain MRI scan revealed multiple small recent asynchronous cortico-subcortical ischemic foci in the vascular territory of the left internal carotid artery. A CT angiography identified a CFFT in the left internal carotid artery arising from an underlying CaW. The patient was treated with excellent clinical outcomes with carotid artery stenting and dual antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions We provide a structured pathophysiological rationale connecting CaW and CFFT and highlight pivotal therapeutic implications. Further studies are needed to investigate this relationship and guide assessment and treatment.

Purpose We describe the reorganization carried out during the COVID-19 outbreak at one of the stroke centers in Italy and report on the clinical features and procedural variables of stroke patients in need of endovascular treatment. Methods From 1 March to 10 May 2020, we retrospectively analyzed data from stroke patients in need of urgent neurointerventional treatment. Clinical presentation, demographics, and clinical history were collected along with procedural variables (door-to-needle time, needle-to-mTiCi time). Each patient underwent a nasal swab (polymerase chain reaction test), clinical screening, and chest CT scan to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Technical success, procedural safety (including staff SARS-CoV-2 infection), and clinical outcome at discharge were retrieved. A comparison was made with the same patient population treated between 1 March and 10 May 2019 to highlight possible differences in the characteristics or outcomes of the patients. Results One hundred thirty-six ischemic stroke patients were admitted to our facility from 1 March to 10 May 2020. Of these, 12 patients (9%) were classified as "high risk" for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Radiological suspicion of COVID-19 was confirmed in all cases by pharyngeal swab. Five SARS-CoV-2 patients (42%) needed endovascular therapy. None of the staff members tested positive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Compared to the same period in 2019, an increase in the mean interval from the first symptoms to hospital arrival was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion Endovascular treatment of stroke presented several challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. Within the hospital, special pathways can be used to maintain both procedural safety and procedural times.

BACKGROUND:intraoperative computer tomography (iCT) and advanced image fusion algorithms could improve the management of brainshift and the navigation accuracy. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the performance of an iCT-based fusion algorithm using clinical data. METHODS:Ten patients with brain tumors were enrolled; preoperative MRI was acquired. The iCT was applied at the end of microsurgical resection. Elastic image fusion of the preoperative MRI to iCT data was performed by deformable fusion employing a biomechanical simulation based on a finite element model. Fusion accuracy was evaluated: the target registration error (TRE, mm) was measured for rigid and elastic fusion (Rf and Ef) and anatomical landmark pairs were divided into test and control structures according to distinct involvement by the brainshift. Intraoperative points describing the stereotactic position of the brain were also acquired and a qualitative evaluation of the adaptive morphing of the preoperative MRI was performed by 5 observers. RESULTS:The mean TRE for control and test structures with Rf was 1.81 ± 1.52 and 5.53 ± 2.46 mm, respectively. No significant change was observed applying Ef to control structures; the test structures showed reduced TRE values of 3.34 ± 2.10 mm after Ef (P < .001). A 32% average gain (range 9%-54%) in accuracy of image registration was recorded. The morphed MRI showed robust matching with iCT scans and intraoperative stereotactic points. CONCLUSIONS:The evaluated method increased the registration accuracy of preoperative MRI and iCT data. The iCT-based non-linear morphing of the preoperative MRI can potentially enhance the consistency of neuronavigation intraoperatively.

INTRODUCTION:Flow-diverter stents are becoming a useful tool in treating patients with intracranial aneurysms with suitable anatomical feature. Purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment with flow-diverting stents (FD) in unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS:From May 2009 and May 2014, we treated 49 patients with a total of 58 aneurysms, with FD technique. All patients were treated electively, under general anesthesia and were administered single antiplatelet drug 5 days before the procedure and double antiplatelet therapy for 3 months afterwards. Fifteen of the patients were asymptomatic, eight had headache, thirteen patients presented symptoms due to mass effect of the aneurysm on CNS structures, twelve were treated due to a post-surgical relapse and one patient presented relapsing TIAs due to distal embolization from the aneurysm dome. Choice of FD treatment was done according to aneurysm anatomy (fusiform over saccular, dome/neck ratio < 2) and whenever conventional treatment (coil embolization) appeared difficult (eg. Large aneurysm neck, fusiform aneurysms or difficult sac catheterization). We considered a dome/neck ratio > 2 as the only exclusion criteria. RESULTS:Successful stent deployment was achieved in 50 procedures out of 52 (94.34%) while overall mortality was 2% (1/49). Forty-eight patients were evaluated at long-term follow-up for a total of 56 treated aneurysms. At 3 months, follow-up 75% (42/56) of the aneurysms were excluded from intracranial circulation, at 6 months 80.35% (45/56) and at 12 months 84% (47/56). Stent patency was observed in 100% of patients at short and long-term follow-up, with only two cases of intimal hyperplasia at 3 months, without any further complications. CONCLUSIONS:According to our study FD repair of unruptured intracranial aneurysms appeared to be a safe and effective technique, especially in selected patients with hostile anatomy for traditional embolization.

Poster: ECR 2017 / C-2976 / Treatment of intracranial aneurysms with flow-diverting stents: results of a monocentric study by: B. Del Sette1, G. Guzzardi1, I. Divenuto1, P. Cerini1, C. Stanca1, N. P. Nuzzi2, E. Malatesta1, A. Stecco1, A. Carriero1; 1Novara/IT, 2Rozzano/IT

Poster: ECR 2017 / C-0690 / Computed tomography angiography and interventional radiological treatment (by embolization) of hemoptysis: a single centre experience. by: Leale, P. Cerini, G. Guzzardi, I. Divenuto, C. Stanca, A. Carriero; Novara/IT

Background Experience with the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms using the p64 Flow Modulation Device is still limited. This study discusses the results and complications of this new flow diverter device.Methods 40 patients (30 women, 10 men) with 50 cerebral aneurysms treated in six Italian neurointerventional centers with the p64 Flow Modulation Device between April 2013 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.Results Complete occlusion was obtained in 44/50 aneurysms (88%) and partial occlusion in 3 (6%). In the other three aneurysms (6%), two cases of asymptomatic in-stent thrombosis and one intraprocedural occlusion of the parent vessel occurred. Technical complications were observed in eight procedures (16%). Permanent morbidity due to acute in-stent thrombosis and consequent ischemic stroke occurred in one patient (2.5%). No delayed aneurysm rupture, subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage, or ischemic complications occurred and there were no deaths.Conclusions Endovascular treatment with the p64 Flow Modulation Device is a safe treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, resulting in a high rate of occlusion. As with other flow diverter devices, we recommend this treatment mainly for large-necked aneurysms of the internal carotid artery siphon. However, endovascular treatment with the p64 device should also be encouraged in difficult cases such as aneurysms of the posterior circulation and beyond the circle of Willis.

To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms with hostile neck, comparing the results with those of patients with ideal anatomical conditions.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of a combined computed tomography angiography (CTA) and computed tomography perfusion (CTP) approach in the diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS Nineteen patients with clinical signs of arterial vasospasm and positive transcranial Doppler (TCD) were enrolled and underwent CTP. Mean time transit (MTT), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) values of 20 standardized ROI (regions of interest) were analyzed, and CTA used to measure the gauge of 26 arterial ramifications. CTA measurements were compared with those taken upon hospitalization. Of the 19 patients, 11 were scheduled for digital subtraction angiography (DSA), performed less than 12 hours after execution of the CTA-CTP protocol. The results were compared with findings of DSA and/or clinical follow-up and CT or TCD. RESULTS Computed tomography angiography diagnosis of vasospasm was confirmed in all cases (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity), while CTP yielded 3 false negatives (70% sensitivity and 100% specificity). All patients sent for endovascular treatment had received diagnostic confirmation of vasospasm by angiography. CTP thresholds proved reliable in both diagnosis and indicating treatment. CONCLUSIONS Combined one-shot CT angiography and CT perfusion represents a valid alternative to DSA in the diagnosis and management of cerebral vasospasm.

This paper reviews our experience in endovascular treatment of isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs) with a large number of patients.

Poster: ECR 2015 / B-0086 / Transcranial magnetic stimulation and MR with DTI in ALS patients: combination and correlations of their measurements by: Stecco, M. Perchinunno, I. Divenuto, E. Migazzo, A. Carriero; Novara/IT

Poster: ECR 2015 / B-0576 / Combined PET/CT and DWI by rigid image coregistration increases diagnostic accuracy in head and neck tumours by: Stecco, M. Perchinunno, S. Ciolfi, I. Divenuto, M. Lombardi, A. Carriero; Novara/IT

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). Methods Between September 2005 and December 2012, 44 patients with rAAA suitable for endovascular repair underwent emergency EVAR. We did not consider hemodynamic instability to be a contraindication for EVAR. Results Successful stent-graft deployment was achieved in 42 patients, whereas 2 required open surgical conversion. The overall 30-day mortality was 10 of 44 patients (5/34 in stable patients, 5/10 in unstable patients). Postoperative complications were observed in 7 of 44 patients (16 %): 5 patients developed abdominal compartment syndrome requiring decompressive laparotomy; 1 patient developed bowel ischemia; 1 patient had limb ischemia, and 1 had hemodynamic shock. Mean length of intensive care unit stay was 2.9 (range 2–8) days, and mean length of hospital stay was 8.6 (range 0–18) days. At a mean follow-up of 22.2 (range 1–84) months, the overall incidence of endoleak was 23.5 %: 1 type I and 7 type II endoleaks. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that EVAR of rAAA is associated with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates in dedicated centers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of transcatheter embolisation in the treatment of spontaneous extraperitoneal haemorrhage (SEH).