Project description:Background and purposeStent placement may be an effective and last resort method for recanalization of recalcitrant intracranial artery occlusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-expanding stent for the recanalization of acute embolic or dissecting intracranial artery occlusion.Materials and methodsNine patients (mean age, 66 years; NIHSS score, 10-23) with acute embolic (n = 8) or dissecting occlusion (n = 1) of the intracranial arteries (ICA terminus in 5, MCA in 3, and BA in 1) were treated with a recapturable self-expanding stent. The safety and efficacy of the stent for recanalization were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsThe emboli were entrapped against the vessel wall by the stent, resulting in immediate recanalization (TIMI 2) in all embolic occlusions. The dissecting occlusion was recanalized completely (TIMI 3). Adjunctive thrombolytics (n = 8, urokinase, 100,000-300,000 U) and/or GP IIb/IIIa antagonist (n = 7, tirofiban, 0.5-1 mg) were administered intra-arterially, and the degree of recanalization further improved in 4 embolic occlusions (TIMI 3). Acute in-stent thrombosis occurred in 2 patients, who received only urokinase without GP IIb/IIIa antagonist. Both of the reoccluded arteries were reopened, by stent recapture in 1 and by intra-arterial administration of GP IIb/IIIa antagonist in the other. Recapture was attempted in 7 cases, of which there were 3 successful outcomes. There was 1 asymptomatic hemorrhagic conversion at the infarction site. The mean improvement of the NIHSS score between baseline and discharge was 12.3 (range, 3-22).ConclusionsPreliminary results of this study suggest that a self-expanding stent may be safe and efficient for recanalization of acute embolic or dissecting intracranial artery occlusion.
Project description:ObjectiveThe main aim of the study was to investigate the predictive factors of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) for successful recanalization in patients with chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO).MethodsWe included 41 consecutive patients who had CICAO and underwent recanalization attempts. The demographics, clinical data, and HR-MRI features in relation to the technique success were collected and analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. A score-based prediction model was constructed using a regression coefficient-based scoring method.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in 26 (63.4%) patients, with a complication rate of 12.2% (5/41). Based on multivariate analysis, occlusions involving ophthalmic artery segment (C6) or above (OR: 0.036; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004-0.336) and nontapered stump (OR: 0.064; 95% CI: 0.007-0.591) were identified as independent negative predictors of successful recanalization in patients with CICAO. Point scores were assigned according to the model coefficients, and the patients who scored 0, 1, or 2 points had success rates of 93.33% (14/15), 66.67% (12/18), or 0% (0/8), respectively.ConclusionHR-MRI characteristics may be valuable in identifying candidates for endovascular recanalization in patients with CICAO. Occlusions involving the C6 segment or higher, as well as nontapered stumps, were independent negative predictors of technical success.
Project description:Background and aimsBasilar artery occlusion is a most devastating form of stroke, and the current practice is to reverse it with revascularization therapies. Pharmacological thrombolysis, intravenous or intraarterial, has been adjuncted or replaced with invasive, endovascular thrombectomy procedures. The preferred approach remains unknown and many recanalizations are futile with no clinical benefit. We sought to determine reasons for futility and weigh the existing reports to find whether endovascular mechanical interventions provide superior outcomes over pharmacological thrombolysis alone.MethodsAfter analyzing systematically the reports of outcomes produced by variable basilar artery occlusion recanalization protocols, information was retrieved and reconciled from 15 reports published from year 2005 comprising 803 patients in 17 cohorts. In the largest single-center cohort (162, Helsinki), predictors of futile recanalization (three-month modified Rankin Scale score 4 to 6) were determined.ResultsGood outcome was reported by mechanical approaches either alone or on demand more frequently than by pharmacological, intravenous or intraarterial thrombolysis protocols (35.5% versus 24.4%, p < 0.001), accompanied by higher recanalization rates (84.1% versus 70.9%, p < 0.001). Along with superior recanalization rate at 91%, good outcome was reached by primary thrombectomy in 36% at the cost of substantial futile recanalization rate at 60%, which was lower when using modern stentrievers only (52.8%). In the Helsinki cohort, the single most significant predictor was extensive baseline ischemia, increasing the odds of futility 20-fold (95%CI 4.39-92.29, p < 0.001). Other attributes of futility were ventilation support and history of atrial fibrillation or previous stroke.ConclusionsEndovascular mechanical approaches have been reported to provide superior outcomes over pharmacological thrombolysis in basilar artery occlusion. Stricter patient selection, most notably to exclude victims of already extended ischemia, would assist in translating excellent recanalization rates into improved clinical outcomes and more acceptable futility rates.
Project description:PurposeEvidence regarding the effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke is yet sparse. As successful recanalization has been suggested as major determinant of outcome, the early identification of modifiable factors associated with successful recanalization could be of importance to improve functional outcome. Hyperglycemia has been associated with enhanced thrombin generation and unfavorably altered clot features.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that serum baseline glucose is associated with likelihood of vessel recanalization mediated by collateral quality and clot burden in BAO stroke.MethodsBAO stroke patients who received multimodal CT on admission were analyzed. The association of vessel recanalization defined using modified Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale (mTICI) scores 2b-3, and baseline imaging and clinical parameters were tested in logistic regression analyses. Collateral quality and clot burden were evaluated using the Basilar Artery on CT-Angiography (BATMAN) score.ResultsOut of 117 BAO patients, 91 patients (78%) underwent MT. In 70 patients (77%), successful recanalization could be achieved (mTICI 2b/3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a higher BGL (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.03) and higher BATMAN score (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.11-2.82, p = 0.02) were independently associated with vessel recanalization. Application of alteplase, or time from symptom onset-imaging revealed no independent association with recanalization status.ConclusionHigher BGL was significantly associated with reduced likelihood for recanalization success besides BATMAN score as a measure of collateral quality and clot burden. BGL could be tested as a modifiable parameter to increase likelihood for recanalization in BAO stroke, aiming to improve functional outcome.
Project description:Urinary obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia is a late manifestation of the disease, and a poor prognostic sign for responding to conservative therapies. Prostatic artery embolization - when performed successfully - can be an effective treatment for reducing obstructive urinary symptoms. Outlined in this report is the successful recanalization of a prostatic artery chronic total occlusion prior to embolization in an 89-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who initially presented with urinary obstruction. Prostatic artery recanalization was possible using a specialized crossing technique from peripheral arterial disease interventions, and allowed for more distal embolization of the prostate gland. This technique may be useful when advanced atherosclerotic disease limits the feasibility and clinical success of prostatic artery embolization.
Project description:ObjectiveEndovascular recanalization in patients with non-acute symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion remains clinically challenging. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of endovascular recanalization for non-acute symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion and propose a new patient classification.MethodsBetween January 2019 and December 2021, 88 patients with non-acute symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion underwent prospective endovascular recanalization at our hospital. All patients were divided into three groups according to occlusion length, occlusion duration, occlusion nature, calcification of the occlusion site, and occlusion angulation. The indicators of each group were analyzed, including general baseline data, imaging data, surgical conditions, and follow-up results.ResultsOf the 88 patients, 73 were successfully recanalized and 15 were abandoned because the instruments either could not reach the distal true lumen of the occlusion or broke through the blood vessels. The overall technical success rate was 83.0% (73/88), and perioperative complications occurred in 15 patients. Preoperatively, all patients were divided into three risk groups: low, medium, and high. From the low- to high-risk groups, the recanalization rate gradually decreased (100.0, 91.7, and 16.7%, respectively, P = 0.020), the perioperative complication rate gradually increased (0, 13.9, and 83.3%, respectively, P < 0.001), the proportion of the modified Rankin scale scores >2 at 90 days increased (0, 11.7, and 50.0%, P < 0.001), and the restenosis/reocclusion rates in the 73 cases of successful recanalization increased (0, 16.1, and 100%, P = 0.012) during follow-up.ConclusionEndovascular recanalization may be feasible and safe in well-selected patients with non-acute symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion, especially in the low- and medium-risk groups.
Project description:Most large vessel stroke patients have permanent occlusion, for which there are no current treatment options. Recent case studies have indicated delayed recanalization, that is recanalization outside of the 6-h treatment window, may lead to improved outcome. We hypothesized that delayed recanalization will restore cerebral blood flow, leading to improved function in rats. Male SD rats were subjected to pMCAO or sham surgery. Delayed recanalization was performed on either day 3, 7, or 14 after pMCAO in a subset of animals. Cerebral blood flow was monitored during suture insertion, during recanalization, and then at sacrifice. Neurological function was evaluated for 1 week after delayed recanalization and at 4 weeks post-ictus. After sacrifice, cerebral morphology was measured. Compared to no treatment, delayed recanalization restored cerebral blood flow, leading to sensorimotor recovery, improved learning and memory, reduced infarct volume, and increased neural stem/progenitor cells within the infarction. The data indicate that earlier delayed recanalization leads to better functional and histological recovery. Yet, even restoring cerebral blood flow 14 days after pMCAO allows for rats to regain sensorimotor function. This exploratory study suggests that delayed recanalization may be a viable option for treatment of permanent large vessel stroke.
Project description:Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft is technically challenging, requires special consideration due to association with potential complications and therefore, infrequently performed. Data on in-stent chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI via the LIMA graft is even rarer. Case summary A 59-year-old male with a background history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and previous PCI, presented with progressive chest pain on mild exertion, in the setting of a chronic coronary syndrome. Transradial coronary angiography revealed significant native three-vessel disease with CTO of right coronary, left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex arteries. Left internal mammary artery-LAD was widely patent. The previous LIMA-LAD stent at the anastomosis had a CTO with severe in-stent restenosis (ISR) at the distal end of the stent in the native LAD. The distal LAD was filled from bridging collaterals. Following discussion at the heart team meeting, he underwent successful complex PCI of LAD CTO via the LIMA graft at the site of ISR of previous LIMA-LAD anastomosis stent, which was finally treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Discussion Recurrent angina post-coronary revascularization can be very challenging to manage by medical therapy alone. Percutaneous intervention of complex coronary lesions in these patients requires experience and skill, especially when approaching lesions using the LIMA as a conduit. The use of DCB for ISR management is a well-known strategy; however, adequate lesion preparation is the key to satisfactory outcome.