Endovascular treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms in the internal carotid artery using a Willis covered stent

Background Despite the current availability of flow diverter devices(FDD), problems remains regarding optimal endovascular treatment(EVT) for blood blister-like aneurysms(BBAs) of the internal carotid artery(ICA). Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVT of BBAs in the ICA with a Willis covered stent. Methods 20 consecutive patients(5 men and 15 women) with ruptured BBAs underwent EVT using a Willis covered stent in two institutions from March 2013 to March 2018. Clinical observations, angiographic characteristics, and procedural and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results 20 consecutive patients(5 men and 15 women) with ruptured BBAs underwent EVT using a Willis covered stent in two institutions from March 2013 to March 2018. Clinical observations, angiographic characteristics, and procedural and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Conclusion Our initial results demonstrate that reconstructive EVT using a Willis covered stent provides a viable approach to treat ICA BBAs. However, an expanded clinical evaluation and larger cohort are needed to confirm the results.

Reconstructive treatment of symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms with Willis covered stent: Initial experience

Background:Symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm(VADA)is a challenging disease with controversy on treatment strategy due to anatomic configuration and their nature.Moreover,the outcomes of reconstructive treatment have not been well established.Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reconstructive endovascular treatment(EVT)for symptomatic VADAs with Willis covered stent.Methods:We evaluated retrospectively 13 patients with symptomatic VADAs who treated with Willis covered stent,compared with stent-assisted coiling(SAC)on the characteristics,posttreatment course,angiographic and clinical follow-up outcomes at an average of 14.4 months(range,3-48 months).Results:A total of 33 patients with symptomatic VADAs were reviewed,23 of these patients with ruptured VADAs.The technical successful rate is 100%respectively in Willis covered stent(Group A)and SAC(Group B,n=20).The initial complete occlusion rate was significant higher in group A(100%)than group B(30%)(p<0.01).Major procedure-related complications were not significant different in the two groups.Serial follow-up angiograms revealed 5 recurrent VADAs in group B and no recurrence in group A(p>0.05).No obvious in-stent stenosis and no re-hemorrhage and delayed ischemic symptoms during the follow-up period.The final angiograms of all survived patients demonstrated the complete occlusion rate was higher in group A(100%)than group B(80%),but no significant statistical difference(p>0.05).Clinical outcomes were favorable in 31(93.9%),severe disability occurred in one in group B,and only one death in group A.The final clinical outcomes were also not significant difference in the two groups(p>0.05).Conclusions:Our initial result demonstrated reconstructive EVT with Willis covered stent provides a viable approach for selected symptomatic VADAs involving the intracranial and extracranial segments,which is similar to favorable results with SAC.However,an expanded clinical experiences and larger cohort studies are needed.

Willis covered stent in the treatment of a recurrent blood blister-like aneurysm after pipeline implementation:A case report

Blood blister-like aneurysms(BBAs)are fragile and difficult to treat.However,the optimal treatment has yet to be determined.Pipeline embolization devices and Willis covered stent implementation are still controversial strategies for treating BBA.Herein,we report a case of recurrent BBA successfully treated with a Willis covered stent.A long-term follow-up angiography after the procedure indicated complete occlusion of the aneurysm.This case demonstrates the safety and efficacy of applying the Wills cover stent in the treatment of recurrent BBA after Pipeline implantation.

The effects of stent porosity on the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms located near a bifurcation

Intracranial aneurysm occurs when a cerebral artery develops an abnormal sac-like dilatation, and will cause massive bleeding in the subarachnoid space upon rupture. Endovascular stenting is a minimally invasive procedure in which a flow-diverting stent is deployed to cover the aneurysm neck, thereby restricting blood from entering the aneurysm and reducing the risk of rupture. The stent porosity, a crucial factor determining the intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics following treatment, is investigated by computational fluid dynamics techniques. Based on the computational results, a low porosity stent will dramatically reduce the flow velocity and the flow rate inside the side branch vessel. Conversely, a high porosity stent may not provide adequate flow reduction inside the aneurysm, possibly causing treatment failure. An advisable range of optimal stent porosity would be 60% to 75%, which can drastically reduce the flow rate into the aneurysm while preserving enough blood flow for the side branch vessel. Clinically, deployment of two or more flow-diverting stents may not increase treatment efficacy but can potentially lead to adverse effects due to side-branch hypoperfusion. The present quantitative analysis can also provide practical insight for future stent design.

Endoleak management and postoperative surveillance following endovascular repair of internal carotid artery vascular diseases using Willis covered stent

Background:To report the clinical results and experiences of endoleak management and postoperative surveillance following endovascular repair of internal carotid artery vascular diseases(ICAVDs)using Willis covered stents.METHODS:Seventy-three patients with ICAVD who received Willis covered stent implantation between November 2013 and September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.The clinical data of endoleak management and postoperative surveillance were analyzed.RESULTS:Seventy-three cases with ICAVD,including 57 aneurysms,11 carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas(CCF),and 5 surgical injuries,were all successfully installed with covered stents.Total isolation of ICAVDs was achieved in 59 patients(80.8%),and endoleaks were observed in 14 patients(19.2%).Of the 14 patients with endoleaks,12 had type I endoleaks and 2 had type II;13 had aneurysms and one had CCF.10 patients with type I endoleaks received balloon dilatation,and 7 of them underwent a second stent-graft implantation after then.One patient with type II endoleak received embolization of the branch artery,and another one received follow-up observation.Endoleaks resolved in 6 patients and were minimal in 5 patients after balloon dilatation or the second stent implantation.During the follow-up period,minor endoleaks spontaneously resolved in 4 patients and minimal endoleaks were still demonstrated in 4 patients without enlargement of residual lumen and rupture.CONCLUSIONS:Endoleaks are the major complication after endovascular repair of ICAVDs and represent one of the limitations of this procedure.Improving the understanding and management of endoleaks can be beneficial in the clinical setting,including the popularization and application of this technique.

Endovascular treatment of diabetic foot ischemic ulcer–Technical review

This article is a technical review of the common techniques used in the treatment of lower-limb occlusive arterial disease associated with diabetes.The techniques described here reflect the author’s own practice and are methods that the author finds helpful in avoiding complications and in making the technical aspects of the procedures easier.

Endovascular treatment of extracranial vertebral artery stenosis

Percutaneous angioplasty and stenting for the treatment of extracranial vertebral artery(VA) stenosis seems a safe,effective and useful technique for resolving symptoms and improving blood flow to the posterior circulation,with a low complication rate and good long-term results.In patients with severe tortuosity of the vessel,stent placement is a real challenge.The new coronary balloon-expandable stents may be preferred.A large variability of restenosis rates has been reported.Drug-eluting stents may be the solution.After a comprehensive review of the literature,it can be concluded that percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of extracranial VA stenosis is technically feasible,but there is insufficient evidence from randomized trials to demonstrate that endovascular management is superior to best medical management.

Influence of the aspect ratio on the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: A computational investigation

Intracranial aneurysm, a localized dilation of arterial blood vessels in the Circle of Willis and its branches, is potentially life threatening, due to massive bleeding in the subarachnoid space upon rupture. In clinical practice, one minimally invasive surgical procedure is the implantation of a metallic stent to cover the aneurysm neck. This flow diverting device can reduce the flow into the aneurysm and enhance the prospect of thrombosis, a condition expected to reduce the risk of growth and rupture. The biomechanical and haemo-dynamic factors in stented and nonstented situations are studied by computational fluid dynamics. Unlike earlier models with straight or curved parent blood vessels, the aneurysm is now located near an arterial bifurcation. The influence of the aspect (depth to neck) ratio of the aneurysm on the flow dynamics will be emphasized, especially in the post-operation stages. More precisely, the maximum flow velocity, the variations of wall shear stress, the risk of stent migration and volumetric flow rate after endovascular treatment will be studied. Aneurysms with larger aspect ratios (i.e. smaller neck sizes for constant depth) generally pose a greater risk in terms of these flow parameters. These results will assist the applications and design of stents in future neurosurgical therapy. The approach is limited to a nonelastic model, without taking into account of questions like stent expansion and interaction with tissue.

Endovascular stent treatment of the iliac vein stenosis caused by a pelvic lymphocele secondary to gynecologic malignancy

Over the past two years,6 patients had iliac vein stenosis caused by radiation and pelvic lymphocele secondary to gynecologic malignancy.Patients had symptomatic lymphoceles induced lower limb edema.Poor treatment of symptomatic lymphoceles,compression symptoms persist,all patients were performed endovascular stent therapy,clinical symptoms of lower limb were completely relieved.Iliac vein stenosis caused by radiation and pelvic lymphocele secondary to gynecologic malignancy,endovascular stent placement is a nonsurgical alternative for the reestablishment of venous flow and sustained relief of symptoms.

Endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome

To evaluate the effect of endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.Methods Forty-two cases of Cockett syndrome with femoral veins reflux were treated with iliac vein stent implantation or venoplasy,and superficial femoral veins were constricted with ePTFE graft patch at the level of the first valves.Results All the iliac veins were patent after stent implantation.A follow-up of 8 to 45 months revealed that limb swelling disappeared in 38 cases with no varicose.Slight limb swelling was left over in 3 cases.Stent thrombosis,developed in one case two months later,subsided by a successful thrombolysis.Conclusion The procedure is mini-invasive,safe and effective for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.6 refs,1 fig.

Endovascular treatment of pseudo-aneurysm occurring after embolization of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula with detachable balloons

Traumatic carotid-cavemous fistula （CCF） is an abnormal passageway between the intracavemous carotid artery and the cavernous sinus after a head injury. Most CCFs have direct high flow. Clinical presentations primarily depend on the pressure inside the cavernous sinus and on the direction of the venous drainage. The ideal goal for the treatment of direct CCF is the obliteration of the fistula while preserving the internal carotid artery （ICA）. Transarterial embolization of direct CCF with detachable balloons has been proven to be the best option for an initial treatment, although transarterial embolization by detachable balloons is frequently associated with pseudo-aneurysm formation. Many treatment options such as coiling, stent-assisted coiling, and covered stent have been proposed to treat pseudo-aneurysm. However, the best management for a pseudo-aneurysm occurring after an embolization of a CCF with detachable balloons remains unknown. In this article, we will report our successful attempt in treating the said pseudo-aneurysm. We initially dealt with a pseudo-aneurysm occurring after an embolization of a CCF with stent-assisted coiling; then, the pseudoaneurysm recanalized, and eventually a covered stent was placed for the recanalized pseudoaneurysm.

A new endovascular treatment of a recurrent giant proximal basilar aneurysm after coiling

Background:Treatment of giant basilar aneurysms is extremely challenging, especially recurrences after previous coiling.Case presentation:A 20-year-old male was referred for a recurrent giant proximal basilar aneurysm 3 months after coiling, with headache, blurred vision, and brainstem compression symptoms. Angiography showed that the previously placed coils were compacted within the caudal portion of the 43 mm × 31 mm aneurysm, with spontaneous occlusion of the right vertebral artery and absence of the posterior communicating arteries. The diameter of the aneurismal neck, the afferent and efferent arteries was 6 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.1 mm, respectively. A balloon-expandable covered-stent of 3.5 mm × 10 mm was selected, matching the above 3 measurements;and deployed precisely across the aneurismal neck, immediately creating the'sub-complete reconstruction with intentional endoleak distal to aneurismal neck'. Subsequently, 2 self-expanding 4.5 mm × 37 mm stents were telescopically implanted within the covered-stent to adjust the angulation of the proximal basilar artery. After the procedure, the patient's symptoms gradually disappeared. Catheter angiography at 18 days, 3 months and 15 months demonstrated complete aneurismal exclusion from the patent vertebrobasilar artery, with dramatic elimination of aneurismal volume and reconfiguration of the compacted coils. The patient was asymptomatic at 15-month follow-up.Conclusions:Sub-complete reconstruction with intentional endoleak distal to aneurismal neck can be safely achieved after implantation of a covered-stent and conventional stents in the case of a recurrent post-coiling proximal giant basilar aneurysm, with complete vascular reconstruction subsequently.

孤立性髂动脉瘤分型及诊治进展

孤立性髂动脉瘤是临床上罕见的疾病,其起病隐匿,一旦破裂,救治困难,死亡率极高。因此,发现疾病并对其进行合适分型和选择适宜治疗方案极为重要。近年来,腔内治疗逐渐替代传统开腹手术已经成为一线治疗方案,少部分学者提出可根据动脉瘤的解剖形态、影像学检查等将孤立性髂动脉瘤进行临床分型,以便更好地选择合适的腔内治疗方案。因此,回顾现有已发表的文献,对孤立性髂动脉瘤的治疗进展及分型进行综述。

Initial clinical experience with Xpert-Pro peripheral self-expanding stent system for internal carotid artery dissection:Two case reports

Background:The standard treatment for internal carotid artery(ICA)dissection is obscure.Current therapeutic strategies include the use of antiplatelet drugs,anticoagulant drugs,intravenous thrombolysis,and endovascular treatment.Endovascular treatment is important in acute internal carotid artery dissection.This study reports two acute internal carotid artery dissection cases that were treated successfully using the Xpert-Pro peripheral selfexpanding stent system.Case summary:The first case was of a 38-year-old male patient with transient speechlessness and paralysis of the right limb in July 2021.Cervical computed tomographic angiography(CTA)showed ICA occlusion on the left side.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)showed severe stenosis of the C1 segment of the left internal carotid artery with intermural hematoma.The patient subsequently underwent Xpert-Pro peripheral self-expanding stent implantation,and his condition stabilized.The second case was of a 56-year-old male patient with speechlessness and paralysis of the right limb.Cervical CTA showed a dissected left ICA,and DSA showed an occluded left ICA and middle cerebral artery.The patient subsequently underwent stent implantation,and his condition stabilized.

Viabahn Stent Graft for Inadvertent Insertion of a Central Venous Catheter in the Subclavian Artery

Subclavian artery (SCA) injuries associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are uncommon yet lethal complications that typically require surgical treatment. This case report presents the case of a 94-year-old man with an iatrogenic right SCA injury resulting from a misplaced CVC. Computed tomography revealed the catheter piercing the right internal jugular vein to enter the right SCA and then reaching the aortic arch. Emergent endovascular treatment was performed, and a 13-mm × 50-mm self-expanding Viabahn stent graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) was placed via the right brachial artery. The misplaced catheter was successfully removed under simultaneous postdeployment balloon dilatation. This case highlights the utility of the Viabahn stent graft for iatrogenic right SCA injury caused by a misplaced CVC and presents some insights and tips for a safer procedure.

覆膜支架腔内修复术对Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者肝肾功能及炎症因子的影响

目的探讨Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者接受将覆膜支架腔内修复术治疗的临床效果。方法本研究共纳入2021年10月至2023年10月河南省胸科医院收治的110例Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者,将所有患者根据随机数字表法分为对照组(55例,接受药物保守治疗)和研究组(55例,采用覆膜支架腔内修复术治疗)。比较两组患者治疗前、治疗2周后肝肾功能指标、血清炎症因子相关指标,以及两组患者病死率、并发症发生情况。结果治疗2周后,研究组患者丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、血尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)指标水平相较于治疗前均有所降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗2周后,研究组患者血清炎症因子指标肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL-1β)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)相较于治疗前均有所降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者病死率、再次手术或介入率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。研究组患者并发症发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者接受覆膜支架腔内修复术治疗,可对肝肾功能起到改善作用,减轻炎症反应,安全性较高,值得临床应用。

Enterprise stent for symptomatic complex intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: safety and efficiency

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enterprise stent in the treatment of symptomatic complex intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Methods and materials: 20 complex cases among 53 patients with symptomatic ischemic stroke who were treated with balloon angioplasty and enterprise stents in Department of Neuro-interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Jan. 2014 to Dec. 2017 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Diagnostic criteria for complex intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were as follows: 1) intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was ≥70% confirmed by digital subtraction angiography(DSA) using the formulas described by the Warfarin Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease(WASID) method; 2) length of lesion was >10 mm. Basic characteristics of target lesions, technical success rate, perioperative safety, follow-up outcomes were investigated. Results: 20 patients were enrolled in this study, including 15 males and 5 females from 44 to 70 years old with an average age of 57.20 ± 9.25. 20 lesions were treated with 20 enterprise stents. The average preoperative and postoperative residual stenosis was reduced from(77.45 ± 8.44)% to(24.89 ± 16.61)%. The successful rate of operation was 100%. Among the perioperative complications, only 1 case(5%) experienced perforating branch event. The average clinical follow-up period was 13.15 ± 11.33 months(time range: 5–38). There were no ischemic events, no bleeding events and no various causes of death during the follow-up period. 8 lesions(40.0%) underwent DSA follow-up examinations and 12 lesions(60.0%) were checked by CT angiography during the follow-up period. 3 lesions(15.0%) developed ISR without any cerebral ischemia symptoms. Conclusion: This retrospective, single-center study suggests that enterprise stent is effective in the treatment of symptomatic complex intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis with less perioperative complications. Prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are expected.

Endovascular pseudoaneurysm repair after distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection

Erosive hemorrhage due to pseudoaneurysm is one of the most life-threatening complications after pancreatectomy.Here,we report an extremely rare case of rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the common hepatic artery(CHA)stump that developed after distal pancreatectomy with en block celiac axis resection(DP-CAR),and was successfully treated through covered stent placement.The patient is a 66-year-old woman who underwent DP-CAR after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer.She developed an intra-abdominal abscess around the remnant pancreas head 31 d after the surgery,and computed tomography(CT)showed an occluded portal vein due to the spreading inflammation around the abscess.Her general condition improved after CT-guided drainage of the abscess.However,19 d later,she presented with melena,and CT showed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the CHA stump.Because the CHA had been resected during the DP-CAR,this artery could not be used as the access route for endovascular treatment,and instead,we placed a covered stent via the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery.After stent placement,cessation of bleeding and anterograde hepatic artery flow were confirmed,and the patient recovered well without any further complications.CT angiography at the 6-mo follow-up indicated the patency of the covered stent with sustained hepatic artery flow.To our knowledge,this is the first reported case of endovascular repair of a pseudoaneurysm that developed after DP-CAR.

Complications, imaging results, and midterm clinical outcomes of pipeline embolisation device in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms

Background: The introduction of pipeline embolisation device (PED) has improved the feasibility of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The device allows for endoluminal reconstruction across the aneurysm neck but is permeable enough that flow is preserved across the pressure gradients into sidebranch arteries. In spite of higher rates of aneurysm occlusion, there is lack of data concerning medium to long-term clinical and imaging results. Methods: This study was a prospective single center analysis of complications, imaging results, and medium term clinical outcomes after PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms. We included cases over a 17-month period in a tertiary interventional neuroradiology center. We collected data on demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic results post treatment, angiographic follow-up and clinical follow-up. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, 25 females and 8 males, with mean age of 55 years;3 presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and 30 for elective treatment. Thirty-seven aneurysms were treated: 35 Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), 1 basilar trunk fusiform, and 1 vertebral artery intradural dissecting aneurysms. No deaths have occurred. Five patients suffered transient neurological complications (15%). Overall aneurysm occlusion was demonstrated in 85% of patients at the end of one year. Discussion:?Overall, the technique of flow diversion and endoluminal reconstruction differs greatly from the established endosaccular packing techniques of standard coiling, balloon remodeling, or stent assisted coiling. Our midterm follow-up confirms that, the rates of clinically significant complications compare favorably with published data on stent assisted coiling, potentially making these devices a truly revolutionizing technique.

Obstruction of a Popliteal Artery Stent of a Patient with Popoiteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

We encountered a popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) patient who was treated with stent placement for popliteal artery without correcting an abnormal muscular structure that compresses popliteal artery in another institution. The popliteal artery stent was occluded one year after the stent placement. The patient was treated with bypass graft by reversed saphenous vein. Interventionists should be cautious with stent placements for popliteal artery without adjusting the anomalous musculotendinous structure in patients with PAES.