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Medium-vessel occlusions (MeVO) are emerging as a new target for endovascular treatment (EVT). Primary MeVO occur de novo, while secondary MeVO arise from large vessel occlusion (LVO) through clot migration or fragmentation - spontaneously, following intravenous thrombolysis or EVT. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of EVT in primary and EVT-induced secondary MeVO. Retrospective single-center study on consecutive EVT-treated acute ischemic stroke, from 2019-to-2021. We considered: (1) exclusive-LVO, patients with LVO and – in case of residual distal occlusion – no rescue endovascular procedure; (2) primary MeVO: initial A2, A3, M2 non-dominant, M3, P2, P3 occlusions; (3) EVT-induced secondary MeVO, presenting LVO with subsequent (treated) EVT-induced MeVO. We compared (univariable/multivariable logistic regression) EVT efficacy (eTICI≥2b, 3-month modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) and safety (EVT-complications [vessel dissection, perforation, persistent-SAH], symptomatic ICH) in all MeVO versus exclusive-LVO, primary MeVO versus exclusive-LVO, EVT-induced secondary MeVO versus exclusive-LVO and EVT-induced secondary MeVO versus primary MeVO. We included 335 patients: 221 (66.0 %) exclusive-LVO and 114 (34.0 %) MeVO (55 [48.2 %] primary, 59 [51.8 %] secondary). Compared to exclusive-LVO, primary MeVO had higher rates of EVT complications (aOR 3.77 [95%CI 1.58-9.00],p=0.003), lower rates of eTICI≥2b (aOR 0.32 [95%CI 0.12-0.88],p=0.027) and mRS 0-2 (aOR 0.28 [95%CI 0.13-0.63],p=0.002). EVT-induced secondary MeVO had no major differences in efficacy and safety outcomes compared to exclusive-LVO, but a better mRS 0-2 (aOR 8.00 [95%CI 2.12-30.17],p=0.002) compared to primary MeVO. Primary and EVT-induced secondary MeVO showed different safety/efficacy EVT-related profiles. Dedicated randomized data are needed to identify the best acute reperfusion strategy in the two categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is considered among the most severe medical emergencies, with very high morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study are to present 5 years experience of 12 centers in Lombardy region on BAO endovascular treatment and to evaluate prognostic factors that may improve clinical outcomes and recanalization rates.Materials and Methods: Registro Endovascolare Lombardo Occlusione Basilar Artery (RELOBA) registry is a retrospective multicentric collection of patients with acute BAO who underwent endovascular treatment between 2010 and 2015. A total of 102 patients (mean age 65 years) were included. Clinical, procedural, and neuroradiological data were collected. Angiographic results (Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia scale [TICI] score 2b-3) were assessed by each center's interventional neuroradiologist. Good clinical outcome was considered as a modified Rankin Scale score ranging between 0 and 2 in a 3-month follow-up.Results: Thirty-nine percent of patients showed good clinical outcome at 3 months. Mortality rate was 30%. TICI 2b-3 was achieved in 62% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at onset, time to recanalization, and TICI score were all statistically significant clinical outcome predictors (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that time to recanalization, age, and NIHSS at onset were significant independent predictors of good outcome.Conclusions: BAO treatment needs more efforts to assure patients better clinical outcomes. Mechanical thrombectomy is feasible and effective in patients with acute BAO. These results must be confirmed by further prospective studies within randomized controlled settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, the authors retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and the safety of non-surgical middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms treated via the implantation of a flow diverter device (FDD).Methods: Clinical, procedural and follow-up data were analyzed in order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the treatment with the FDD in complex MCA aneurysms. Safety was assessed recording (intra-procedural, peri-procedural and delayed) complications in order to determine the morbidity and mortality rates. Functional outcome was evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) prior and after the endovascular procedure. To assess the efficacy, midterm and long-term clinical, angiographic and cross-sectional imaging follow-ups were recorded.Results: 47 patients (21 males; 26 females) with MCA aneurysms were treated with FDD. 7 were ruptured. 21 aneurysms were saccular, 19 dissecting, 3 fusiform, 2 blood blister-like and 2 were pseudo-aneurysms. 14 aneurysms were small, 23 large and 10 giant, with a mean size of 15.3 mm. 8 aneurysms were recurrent (Raymond-Roy class III): 2 patients had an aneurysmal sac recanalization after being treated with simple coiling and 6 after being treated with microsurgical clipping. In 4 cases (8.5%), more than one FDD was telescopically positioned in order to treat the aneurysm, for a total of 54 FDDs used. The overall mortality rate was 2.1% (1/47) and the overall morbidity rate was 8.6% (4/47). Midterm neuroimaging follow-ups showed the complete occlusion of the aneurysm in 63% cases, which became 91% at the end of the follow-up.Conclusions: FDD is a safe and effective tool that can be used in the treatment of complex MCA aneurysms, where conventional neurosurgical treatments can be challenging or ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. For patients with large vessel occlusion stroke, endovascular treatment is now the most effective treatment. We aimed to assess the outcome of patients undergoing endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke in a real-world setting, comparing our results with data from randomized clinical trials, and recognizing the factors associated with prognosis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data on endovascular procedures performed in one comprehensive stroke center in consecutive patients presenting with large vessel occlusion stroke from January 2017 to January 2020. Data on baseline clinical, imaging, and treatment-related characteristics were recorded. Selection of patients and treatment approach was not standardized but followed current guidelines for ischemic stroke. Functional outcome was evaluated 3 months after endovascular treatment. Clinical, imaging and treatment-related variables associated to outcome were evaluated with univariate and multivariable analyses.Results: Four hundred twelve patients were included in our study. Three-month functional independence was achieved in 50.5% of patients (50.3% in the anterior stroke and 52.1% in the posterior stroke subgroup). Successful arterial reperfusion was observed in 84.3% of patients. Age (odds ratio [OR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.87, p = 0.020]), severe stroke at onset (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.19-0.83), procedure related complications (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.20-0.99), and good collateral circulation (OR 2.69, 95%CI 1.17-6.16) were associated with 3-month functional independence in multivariable model.Conclusions: Our real-world outcome results are in line with data from large randomized clinical trials on endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic greatly influenced the overall quality of healthcare. The purpose of this study was to compare the time variables for acute stroke treatment and evaluate differences in the pre-hospital and in-hospital care before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as well as between the first and second waves.Materials and Methods: Observational and retrospective study from an Italian hospital, including patients who underwent thrombectomy between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2020.Results: Out of a total of 594 patients, 301 were treated in 2019 and 293 in 2020. The majority observed in 2019 came from spoke centers (67,1%), while in 2020 more than half (52%, p < 0.01) were evaluated at the hospital's emergency room directly (ER-NCGH). When compared to 2019, time metrics were globally increased in 2020, particularly in the ER-NCGH groups during the period of the first wave (N = 24 and N = 56, respectively): "Onset-to-door":50,5 vs 88,5, p < 0,01; "Arrival in Neuroradiology - groin":13 vs 25, p < 0,01; "Door-to-groin":118 vs 143,5, p = 0,02; "Onset-to-groin":180 vs 244,5, p < 0,01; "Groin-to-recanalization": 41 vs 49,5, p = 0,03. When comparing ER-NCGH groups between the first (N = 56) and second (N = 49) waves, there was an overall improvement in times, namely in the "Door-to-CT" (47,5 vs 37, p < 0,01), "Arrival in Neuroradiology - groin" (25 vs 20, p = 0,03) and "Onset-to-groin" (244,5 vs 227,5, p = 0,02).Conclusions: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, treatment for stroke patients was delayed, particularly during the first wave. Reallocation of resources and the shutting down of spoke centers may have played a determinant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Symptomatic intracranial vertebro-basilar stenoses (SIVBS) are associated with high risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, even in patients receiving the best medical treatment. Although medical treatment is still the standard of care, non-responding patients may require endovascular treatment; balloon-mounted coronary stents (BMCS) could be successfully employed. This study aims to retrospectively analyze our high volume Interventional Neurovascular center ten-year experience in the off-label use of BMCS for the treatment of SIVBS, in order to assess its feasibility and safety.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients with SIVBS treated with BMCS in the last ten years in our center. Data collected included patient demographics, stenosis location and characteristics, early (<30 days) and late (>30 days) stroke and death rates, pre-symptomatic and post-treatment modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.Results: 42 patients (35 males, average age 65,7 ± 10,7, range 37-85) with SIVBS were treated with BMCS. Thirty-four (80,9%) patients were symptomatic despite ongoing best medical therapy; eight (19,1%) patients were treated in emergency for large vessel occlusion, due to an underlying stenosis. BMCSs were successfully deployed in all cases. The incidence of stroke and death at one month was 7,1% (3/42). The incidence of TIA, stroke and death at long-term follow-up (average time of 3 years) was 14,3% (4,7 per 100 person-years). At long-term follow-up, mRS improved in 82% of patients who underwent elective treatment.Conclusions: In our experience, the off-label use of BMCS in the endovascular treatment of SIVBS resistant to medical treatment is feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of general anesthesia (GA) versus conscious sedation/local anesthesia (CS/LA) on the outcome of patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing immediate mechanical thrombectomy (iMT). The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 who received iMT. Propensity score matching was used to estimate the effect of GA versus CS/LA on clinical outcomes and procedure-related adverse events. The primary outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1. Secondary outcome measures were a 90-day mRS score of 0–2 and all-cause mortality, successful reperfusion, procedural-related symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraprocedural dissections, and new territory embolism. Of the 172 patients who were selected, 55 received GA and 117 CS/LA. After propensity score matching, 47 pairs of patients were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome, rates of efficient reperfusion, and procedural-related complications between patients receiving GA or LA/CS (mRS score 0–1, P = 0.815; mRS score 0–2, P = 0.401; all-cause mortality, P = 0.408; modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score 2b–3, P = 0.374; symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, P = 0.082; intraprocedural dissection, P = 0.408; new territory embolism, P = 0.462). In patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing iMT, the type of anesthesia does not affect clinical outcome or the rate of procedural-related complications. Our results agree with recent data showing no benefit of one specific anesthesiologic procedure over the other and confirm their generalizability also to patients with minor baseline symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We evaluated the reliability of a rotational angiographic unit (RA) with flat-panel detector as a single technique to guide percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and for post-procedure assessment by 2D and 3D reformatted images. Fifty-five consecutive patients (104 vertebral bodies) were treated under RA fluoroscopy. Rotational acquisitions with 2D and 3D reconstruction were obtained in all patients for immediate post-procedure assessment. In complex cases, this technique was also used to evaluate the needle position during the procedure. All patients underwent CT scan after the procedure. RA and CT findings were compared. In all cases, a safe trans-pedicular access and an accurate control of the bone-cement injection were successfully performed with high-quality fluoroscopy, even at the thoracic levels and in case of vertebra plana. 2D and 3D rotational reconstructions permitted CT-like images that clearly showed needle position and were similar to CT findings in depicting intrasomatic implant-distribution. RA detected 40 cement leakages compared to 42 demonstrated by CT and showed overall 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to CT for final post-procedure assessment. Our preliminary results suggest that high-quality RA is reliable and safe as a single technique for PVP guidance, control and post-procedure assessment. It permits fast and cost-effective procedures avoiding multi-modality imaging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Cerebrovascular imaging is critical for safe and accurate planning of Stereo-ElectroEncephaloGraphy (SEEG) electrode trajectory. We developed a new technique for Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Three-Dimensional Digital Subtraction Angiography (3D DSA). Methods The workflow core is the acquisition of computed tomography datasets without (bone mask) and with selective injection of contrast medium in the main brain-feeding arteries, followed by dataset registration and subtraction. The images were acquired with the O-armTM 1000 System (Medtronic). Images were postprocessed with FSL software package. We retrospectively analyzed 191 3D DSA procedures and qualitatively analyzed the quality of each 3D DSA dataset. Results The quality of 3D DSA was good in 150 procedures, sufficient in 37, and poor in 4. 3D rendering of the vascular tree was helpful for both SEEG implantation and resective surgery planning. Angiography complications occurred in only one procedure that was aborted due to a major allergic reaction to contrast medium. No other complications directly related to 3D DSA occurred. Minor intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 2/191 patients after SEEG implantation, with no permanent sequelae. Conclusions CBCT 3D DSA is a safe diagnostic procedure for SEEG electrode trajectory planning and for 3D reconstructions of the vascular tree in multimodal scenes for resections. The high fidelity and geometric accuracy contribute to the safety of electrode implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M2 occlusions represent 16%–41% of all middle cerebral artery occlusions, with >50% of functional independence achieved. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2018 guidelines suggest that, with a level of evidence B-R, thrombectomy with stent retrievers may be appropriate for selected patients with M2 or M3 occlusions. The purpose of this study is to illustrate a new technique of distal (M2-M3) thrombectomy. Eight patients from May 2018 to February 2019 underwent a thrombectomy procedure for a M2 or M3 occlusion with a 3MAX or 4MAX intermediate aspiration catheter, a Headway Duo 167 cm microcatheter, and a Catchview Mini stent retriever. All thrombectomies were technically successful, defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score ≤2b. Five out of the 8 patients attained a good functional outcome at 3 months, defined as modified Rankin scale score ≤2. This technique allows a safe and effective distal thrombectomy for M2-M3 occlusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]