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OBJECTIVE Pediatric patients are candidates for head and neck endovascular procedures less frequently than adults. Data on utilization, feasibility, safety, and technical details of head and neck angiography in the pediatric population are scarce. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of their center’s endovascular database to identify all patients ≤ 18 years of age who underwent diagnostic or interventional catheter-based angiography of the head and neck. Procedure-related variables for identified patients were compared across infancy (birth to 2 years), childhood (> 2–11 years), and adolescence (> 11–18 years). RESULTS One hundred twenty-one pediatric patients who underwent 274 angiogram procedures were included in this study. Of these angiograms, 197 were diagnostic and 118 were interventional (including 41 of the diagnostic angiogram procedures that were performed concurrently with the intervention). The most common indications for diagnostic angiograms were suspected vascular malformations in 52 cases (26.4%) and aneurysms in 23 (11.7%). The rate of positive findings on diagnostic angiograms ranged from 27.3% to 80% according to the indication. Access site–related complications were observed after 2 punctures (0.7%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (1.1%). In adolescents, the rates of general anesthesia use and sheathless access were significantly lower (each p < 0.001), and the rates of radial artery access (p < 0.001); 5-French (5F) (p = 0.01), 6F (p < 0.001), and 8F (p = 0.03) access; and closure device usage (p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In infants, the rates of ultrasound guidance, 4F access, and failure of the primary puncture site were significantly higher (each p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Head and neck angiograms in the pediatric population were feasible and safe in the authors’ overall experience. Technical differences were observed across the infant, childhood, and adolescent groups, but safe outcomes were similar throughout these age ranges.

The use of modern transfemoral balloon guide catheters (BGC) for flow reversal during carotid artery stenting is scarcely described in the literature but represents a promising and efficient technique for embolic protection.To describe a flow-reversal technique using the Walrus BGC (Q'Apel Medical Inc.) and report our center's experience.We performed a retrospective analysis of data for consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective carotid artery stenting with the use of flow reversal through the Walrus BGC between July 2020 and September 2021. Patient characteristics, procedural details, and clinical follow-up were evaluated.One hundred and five patients were included. Mean age was 69.8 ± 9.4 years, and 36 (34.3%) were women. The most common comorbidities were hyperlipidemia (76.2%) and hypertension (57.1%). Fifty-nine (56.2%) patients were symptomatic. Ninety-nine (94.3%) patients had stenosis ≥70%. Contralateral stenosis ≥50% was present in 44 patients (41.9%). Distal filters were used after flow reversal was established in 90 patients (85.7%). Angioplasty was performed in 85 patients (80.9%). Stenting was successful in 100% of cases. No periprocedural transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes occurred. Stroke occurred in 2 patients (1.9%) during the 30-day follow-up period, resulting in 1 (0.9%) death.In our experience, this technique was safe, feasible, and efficient, with 100% technical success and no periprocedural thromboembolic complications. More extensive studies are needed to establish the role of proximal protection with flow reversal using modern BGCs.

Studies about the transradial technique and experience with this approach abound in the neurointerventional literature, but studies focusing on patient perspectives and preferences with respect to transfemoral or transradial access are scarce.Patients from our center who underwent both transradial and transfemoral approaches for diagnostic and interventional cerebral angiograms on distinct occasions between January 2016 and January 2021 were identified and interviewed by phone regarding their experience with these access approaches. The first question was regarding the choice for an eventual next procedure (radial, femoral, or no preference). The second question addressed reasons (pain, bruising, complications, recovery time, mobility, failure of one approach, and comfort associated with puncture of the respective area).Forty-four patients were interviewed. Thirty-one (70.4%) preferred radial, 9 (20.5%) preferred femoral, and 4 (9.1%) had no preference. Most frequent reasons for radial preference were recovery time (67.7%), bruising (51.6%), and pain (48.4%). Most frequent reasons in femoral preference were pain (55.6%), mobility (33.3%), and failure of the other approach (33.3%). Recovery time (67.7% vs. 22.2%; P = 0.023) and comfort of puncturing the area (45.2% vs. 0%; P = 0.015) were significantly more frequent reasons for radial preference, whereas failure of the other approach (0% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.008) was a significantly more frequent reason for femoral preference.Most patients preferred the transradial approach. Evaluating the reasons behind their preference can help operators to better understand patient perspectives and improve quality of care.

BackgroundFew studies have explored the association between stroke thrombectomy (ST) volume and hospital accreditation with clinical outcomes.ObjectiveTo assess the association of ST case volume and accreditation status with in-hospital mortality and home discharge disposition using the national Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) database.MethodsRates of hospital mortality, home discharge disposition, and hospital stay were compared between accredited and non-accredited hospitals using 2017–2018 MEDPAR data. The association of annual ST case volume with mortality and home disposition was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Median rate of mortality and number of ST cases at hospitals within the central quartiles were estimated.ResultsA total of 29 355 cases were performed over 2 years at 847 US centers. Of these, 354 were accredited. There were no significant differences between accredited and non-accredited centers for hospital mortality (14.8% vs 14.5%, p=0.34) and home discharge (12.1% vs 12.0%, p=0.78). A significant positive correlation was observed between thrombectomy volume and home discharge (r=0.88; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.97, p=0.001). A significant negative relationship was found between thrombectomy volume and mortality (r=−0.86; 95% CI −0.97 to −0.49, p=0.002). Within the central quartiles, the median number of ST cases at hospitals with mortality was 24/year, and the median number of ST cases at hospitals with home discharge rate was 23/year.ConclusionA higher volume of ST cases was associated with lower mortality and higher home discharge rate. No significant differences in mortality and discharge disposition were found between accredited and non-accredited hospitals.

The Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield technology (PED-Shield [Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland]) is a third-generation flow diverter. Surface modification of the mesh with phosphorylcholine covalently bound to the metal struts aims to reduce thrombogenicity. In the present study, we report the results from the first U.S. series of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the PED-Shield and a comprehensive systematic literature review.We retrospectively collected the patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and periprocedural complications from our prospectively maintained endovascular database (April 2021 to July 2021). Our literature review encompassed 3 databases (PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE).Ten patients with 11 anterior circulation unruptured wide-necked aneurysms (10 saccular, 1 fusiform) were included. The average patient age was 64.7 years (range, 45-86 years), and 9 were women. One device demonstrated insufficient distal opening. No other technical issues or intraprocedural complications had occurred. After the procedure, 1 patient had developed a groin hematoma and 1 had experienced a small intracranial hemorrhage, with no clinical repercussions. All patients were discharged with dual-antiplatelet therapy. In the review, we identified 15 studies. Most had been conducted in Europe and South America and 3 were U.S. case reports of compassionate use of the device.In our initial periprocedural experience with the PED-Shield for intracranial aneurysm treatment, the device demonstrated an excellent performance and no major complications. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term follow-up results and the safety of different antiplatelet regimens.

Background The transradial approach (TRA) for endovascular procedures has become a frequent practice in neurointervention. Advantages of the TRA include less access-site complications, early ambulation, and less postprocedural pain. The Rist 079 radial access guide catheter (Medtronic) is the first device designed specifically for neurointerventions performed through the TRA. In this study, we report our initial experience with the Rist catheter in a variety of neurointerventional procedures, aiming to evaluate the performance of this device and discuss its limitations. Methods A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively searched to identify patients who underwent procedures using the Rist catheter. Information on demographics, procedural details, and complications was recorded. Results Seventy-eight patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 60.3 years (range, 25–92 years); 45 (57.7%) were men. The interventional or diagnostic procedure was successfully completed in 77 patients (98.7%). The radial artery was the primary access-site choice in 71 patients (91%). The most frequent type of procedures performed were coiling or stent-assisted coiling (16.7%) and angioplasty and stenting (16.7%), followed by middle meningeal artery embolization (14.1%). Crossover to femoral artery access while maintaining use of the Rist was done in 5 cases (6.4%). Reasons for access or procedural failure included anatomical anomaly of the target vessel, unfavorable geometry of the great vessels, and proximal tortuosity of the supra-aortic vessels. Conclusion We demonstrated a high success rate with use of the Rist catheter system for a variety of procedures.

Background Acute isolated posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions account for 5–10% of all ischemic events. Due to peculiar patient presentation, the potential benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains controversial. We evaluated the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of MT in our patients and compared our results with the literature review conducted. Methods Charts were reviewed retrospectively for consecutive patients diagnosed with acute PCA stroke who underwent MT. Demographics, procedural, and follow-up details were noted. For the literature review, a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases was conducted for the keywords “posterior cerebral artery” and “thrombectomy” for articles published between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2021. Estimated rates for recanalization, favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality were extracted. Results Our cohort included 21 patients. Mean age was 71.2 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 10.2). Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) presentation score was 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–15), with visual symptoms reported in 12(57.1%) patients. Overall, final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b-3 was achieved in 17 patients (80.9%) with first-pass mTICI 2b-3 attained in 8 (38.1%). Postprocedure sICH occurred in 1 (4.8%) patient. Fifteen (71.4%) patients had a 0–2 mRS score at 90 days. Visual symptoms resolved in 10 of 12(83.3%) patients. Mortality occurred in 2 (9.5%) patients. For the systematic review, cohorts from 4 articles plus ours were included, totaling 222 patients. The estimated rate of successful recanalization was 85.25% (95% confidence interval[CI], 73.05%–97.45%), sICH was 3.60% (95% CI, 1.11%–6.09%), and mortality was 10.51% (95% CI, 5.88%–15.15%). Conclusion The results of our series and systematic review indicate MT as a potentially safe and effective treatment modality for acute PCA stroke. These results also indicate that patient selection and assessment may be the key in obtaining favorable outcomes.

Cerebral aneurysms are a serious clinical challenge, with ∼half resulting in death or disability. Treatment via endovascular coiling significantly reduces the chances of rupture, but the technique has failure rates between 25-40%. This presents a pressing need to develop a method for determining optimal coil deployment strategies. Quantification of aneurysm hemodynamics through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has the potential to significantly improve the understanding of the mechanics of aneurysm coiling and improve treatment outcomes, but accurately representing the coil mass in CFD simulations remains a challenge. We have used the Finite Element Method (FEM) for simulating patient-specific coil deployment based on mechanical properties and coil geometries provided by the device manufacturer for n=4 ICA aneurysms for which 3D printedin vitromodels were also generated, coiled, and scanned using ultra-high resolution synchrotron micro-CT. The physical and virtual coil geometries were voxelized onto a binary structured grid and porosity maps were generated for geometric comparison. The average binary accuracy score is 0.836 and the average error in porosity map is 6.3%. We then conduct patient-specific CFD simulations of the aneurysm hemodynamics using virtual coils geometries, micro-CT generated oil geometries, and using the porous medium method to represent the coil mass. Hemodynamic parameters of interest including were calculated for each of the CFD simulations. The average error across hemodynamic parameters of interest is ∼19%, a 58% reduction from the average error of the porous media simulations, demonstrating a marked improvement in the accuracy of CFD simulations using FEM generated coil geometries.

Collateral circulation is associated with improved functional outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who undergo reperfusion therapy. Assessment of collateral flow can be time consuming, subjective, and difficult because of complex neurovasculature. This study assessed the ability of multiple artificial intelligence algorithms in determining collateral flow of patients with AIS.Two hundred patients with AIS between March 2019 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Peak arterial computed tomography perfusion volumes were used to assess collateral scores. Neural networks were developed for dichotomized (≥50% or50%) and multiclass (0% filling, 0%-50% filling, 50%-100% filling, or 100% filling) collateral scoring. Maximum intensity projections from axial and anteroposterior (AP) views were synthesized for each bone subtracted three-dimensional volume and used as network inputs separately and together, along with three-dimensional data. Training:testing:validation splits of 60:30:10 and 20 iterations of Monte Carlo cross-validation were used. Network performance was assessed using 95% confidence intervals of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).The axial and AP input combination provided the most accurate results for dichotomized classification: accuracy, 0.85 ± 0.01; sensitivity, 0.88 ± 0.02; specificity, 0.82 ± 0.03; PPV, 0.86 ± 0.02; and NPV, 0.83 ± 0.03. Similarly, the axial and AP input combination provided the best results for multiclass classification: accuracy, 0.80 ± 0.01; sensitivity, 0.64 ± 0.01; specificity, 0.85 ± 0.01; PPV, 0.65 ± 0.02; and NPV, 0.85 ± 0.01.This study reports one of the first artificial intelligence-based algorithms capable of accurately and efficiently assessing collateral flow of patients with AIS. This automated method for determining collateral filling could streamline clinical workflow, reduce bias, and aid in clinical decision making for determining reperfusion-eligible patients.

ImportanceRandomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. The benefit of EVT in acute stroke with distal, medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains unclear.ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy and safety outcomes associated with EVT in patients with primary DMVO stroke when compared with a control cohort treated with medical management (MM) alone.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter, retrospective cohort study pooled data from patients who had an acute stroke and a primary anterior circulation emergency DMVO, defined as any segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) or distal middle cerebral artery, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Those with a concomitant proximal occlusion were excluded. Outcomes were compared between the 2 treatment groups using propensity score methods. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2021.ExposuresPatients were divided into EVT and MM groups.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMain efficacy outcomes included 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores, 0-2) and 3-month excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1). Safety outcomes included 3-month mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsA total of 286 patients with DMVO were evaluated, including 156 treated with EVT (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [13.7] years; 90 men [57.6%]; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score, 13.5 [IQR, 8.5-18.5]; intravenous tissue plasminogen activator [IV tPA] use, 75 [49.7%]; ACA involvement, 49 [31.4%]) and 130 treated with medical management (mean [SD] age, 69.8 [14.9] years; 62 men [47.7%]; median NIHSS score, 7.0 [IQR, 4.0-14.0], IV tPA use, 58 [44.6%]; ACA involvement, 31 [24.0%]). There was no difference in the unadjusted rate of 3-month functional independence in the EVT vs MM groups (151 [51.7%] vs 124 [50.0%]; P = .78), excellent outcome (151 [38.4%] vs 123 [31.7%]; P = .25), or mortality (139 [18.7%] vs 106 [11.3%]; P = .15). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in the EVT vs MM groups (weighted: 4.0% vs 3.1%; P = .90). In inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity analyses, there was no significant difference between groups for functional independence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36; 95% CI, 0.84-2.19; P = .20) or mortality (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.63-2.43; P = .53), whereas the EVT group had higher odds of an excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1) at 3 months (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02-2.87; P = .04).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this multicenter cohort study suggest that EVT may be considered for selected patients with ACA or distal middle cerebral artery strokes. Further larger randomized investigation regarding the risk-benefit ratio for DMVO treatment is indicated.

Big data studies are on the rise in vascular neurosurgery. Advanced computer processing power combined with vast amounts of digitized data collected and stored by electronic medical records have led to studies using machine learning, deep learning algorithms, and their applications-artificial intelligence. Big data is challenging the gold standard model of randomized controlled trials introducing more pragmatic research designs including registries and registry-based randomized trails. There is a maturation of cerebrovascular disease studies. Studies have larger patient sample sizes allowing for more compelling conclusions that we reach with higher confidence. This pertains to diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and a more nuanced understanding of less common presentations of illnesses. The following review will critically discuss big data applications in vascular neurosurgery as well as its implications in quality improvement, innovation, and global neurosurgery.

Background The ability of the patient specific 3D printed neurovascular phantoms to accurately replicate the anatomy and hemodynamics of the chronic neurovascular diseases has been demonstrated by many studies. Acute occurrences, however, may still require further development and investigation and therefore we studied acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The efficacy of endovascular procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO), can be improved by testing the performance of thrombectomy devices and techniques using patient specific 3D printed neurovascular models. Methods 3D printed phantoms were connected to a flow loop with physiologically relevant flow conditions, including input flow rate and fluid temperature. A simulated blood clot was introduced into the model and placed in the proximal Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) region. Clot location, composition, length, and arterial angulation were varied and MTs were simulated using stent retrievers. Device placement relative to the clot and the outcome of the thrombectomy were recorded for each situation. Digital subtraction angiograms (DSA) were captured before and after LVO simulation. Recanalization outcome was evaluated using DSA as either ‘no recanalization’ or ‘recanalization’. Forty-two 3DP neurovascular phantom benchtop experiments were performed. Results Clot angulation within the MCA region had the most significant impact on the MT outcome, with a p-value of 0.016. Other factors such as clot location, clot composition, and clot length correlated weakly with the MT outcome. Conclusions This project allowed us to gain knowledge of how such characteristics influence thrombectomy success and can be used in making clinical decisions when planning the procedure and selecting specific thrombectomy tools and approaches.

Background The use of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) for proximal flow arrest during neurointerventional procedures has been limited owing to the incompatibility of BGCs with large-bore aspiration catheters and difficulty in device navigation. The objective of our study was to describe the use of the Walrus catheter (Q'Apel Medical, Fremont, California, USA), a new 8F BGC, with a variety of aspiration catheters and procedures requiring flow arrest. Methods Consecutive cases using Walrus BGCs for proximal flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke cases were recorded. The procedure indication, vessel occlusion site, technique, first-pass effect (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2C or 3 after the first recanalization attempt), and complications were recorded and evaluated statistically. Results Our study included 57 patients who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. In addition to mechanical thrombectomy, the Walrus BGC was used in conjunction with the following techniques: stent retrieval in 2 patients (3.5%), stent retrieval followed by aspiration (Solumbra technique) in 41 (71.9%), and aspiration followed by stent retrieval in 14 patients (24.6%). Eight different aspiration catheters were used in 56 of these 57 procedures. The first-pass effect (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2C and 3) was achieved in 36 (63.2%) of 57 procedures. Two patients (3.5%) had experienced intraoperative complications (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage) and one patient (1.8%) had died in-hospital. Conclusions Our results have demonstrated that the Walrus BGC is a highly navigable 8F guide catheter compatible with most available aspiration catheters. Owing to its compatibility with most available aspiration catheters and ease of use, the Walrus BGC is a valuable addition to the tools available for mechanical thrombectomy.

Statins have been reported to reduce the rates of recurrence and improve the resolution of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) treated surgically or conservatively. No studies have investigated the effect of statins in patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization.We performed a retrospective search of our cSDH database to identify patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization alone. Only patients with at least 1 noncontrast computed tomography scan obtained 3-12 weeks after embolization were included. Hematoma volumes were measured at baseline and last noncontrast computed tomography available. The volumes, volume reduction, speed of resolution, and recurrence were compared between patients already receiving statin therapy when admitted and those who were not.Forty-six patients with 50 cSDHs were included (statins, 17 patients with 18 cSDHs vs. nonstatins, 29 patients with 32 cSDHs). The statin group had a significantly higher rate of hyperlipidemia (statin, 64.7% vs. nonstatin, 31%, P = 0.03) but similar demographics, remaining comorbidities, medications, and hematoma thickness, axial and coronal lengths, and baseline volumes. The time between procedure and last noncontrast computed tomography scan was similar between groups. There were no differences between the groups regarding volume reduction, final volume, speed of resolution, complete resolution, and recurrence.Patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization alone who were on statin therapy had no differences in cSDH resolution or recurrence compared to those who were not on statin therapy. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory effects of statins may not be relevant when supply to the dura is interrupted by treatment with embolization.

Background Surface modification of flow diverters (FDs) has been explored as a solution for reducing thrombotic risk of these devices, without necessarily using dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). If effective, this could pose a promising alternative for treatment of ruptured aneurysms not amenable to other modalities. Methods We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyzes guidelines. We included articles reporting use of surface-modified FDs for treatment of ruptured aneurysms. Demographics, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) severity, aneurysm characteristics, devices used, periprocedural complications, angiographic outcomes, and mortality were extracted for sample size-based weighted analysis. Results Six studies comprising 59 patients with 64 aneurysms were included. Mean patient age was 56.6 ± 6.3 years and 60.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46.7–72.9%) were women. The anterior circulation was the location in 60.4% (95%CI, 45.5–73.5%) of aneurysms; 41.8% of the aneurysms were saccular (95%CI, 29.3–55.4%), 16.7% were fusiform (95%CI, 8.3–30.8%), 29.9% were dissecting (95%CI, 12.8–55.4%), 24.4% were blood-blister (95%CI, 15.2–36.7%), and 5.7% were mycotic (95%CI, 2–15.1%). Poor SAH grade was reported in 46.9% (95%CI, 33.3–60.9%). Adjunctive coiling was used in 33.2% (95%CI, 12.4–63.6%). Periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications occurred in 20% (95%CI, 7.1–45.1%) and 8.8% (95%CI, 3.7–19.5%), respectively. Complete occlusion was achieved in 76.4% (95%CI, 58.1–88.3%); no retreatments during follow-up were reported. Overall mortality was 15.1% (95%CI, 7.7–27.6%). There were no differences between single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) and DAPT regimens with respect to periprocedural thromboembolic complications ( P = 0.09), hemorrhagic ( P = 0.834) complications, and mortality ( P = 0.312). Conclusion Surface-modified FD treatment of ruptured aneurysms resulted in high rates of thromboembolic complications and acceptable rates of hemorrhagic complications. A considerable proportion of aneurysms were nonsaccular. Rates of complete occlusion were high and retreatment were low. Importantly, no statistically significant difference was found between SAPT and DAPT with respect to complications and mortality.

BackgroundThe perception of a steep learning curve associated with transradial access has resulted in its limited adoption in neurointervention despite the demonstrated benefits, including decreased access-site complications.ObjectiveTo compare learning curves of transradial versus transfemoral diagnostic cerebral angiograms obtained by five neurovascular fellows as primary operator.MethodsThe first 100–150 consecutive transradial and transfemoral angiographic scans performed by each fellow between July 2017 and March 2020 were identified. Mean fluoroscopy time per artery injected (angiographic efficiency) was calculated as a marker of technical proficiency and compared for every 25 consecutive procedures performed (eg, 1–25, 26–50, 51–75).ResultsWe identified 1242 diagnostic angiograms, 607 transradial and 635 transfemoral. The radial cohort was older (64.3 years vs 62.3 years, p=0.01) and demonstrated better angiographic efficiency (3.4 min/vessel vs 3.7 min/vessel, p=0.03). For three fellows without previous endovascular experience, proficiency was obtained between 25 and 50 transfemoral angiograms. One fellow achieved proficiency after performing 25–50 transradial angiograms; and the two other fellows, in ConclusionTechnical proficiency improved significantly over time for both access types, typically requiring between 25 and 50 diagnostic angiograms to achieve asymptomatic improvement in efficiency. Reduced access-site complications and decreased fluoroscopy time were benefits associated with transradial angiography.

Background Immediate and accurate detection of intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs) is essential to provide a good clinical outcome for patients with ICH. Artificial intelligence has the potential to provide this, but the assessment of these methods needs to be investigated in depth. This study aimed to assess the ability of Canon's AUTOStroke Solution ICH detection algorithm to accurately identify patients both with and without ICHs present. Methods Data from 200 ICH and 102 non-ICH patients who presented with stroke-like symptoms between August 2016 and December 2019 were collected retrospectively. Patients with ICH had at least one of the following hemorrhage types: intraparenchymal (n = 181), intraventricular (n = 45), subdural (n = 13), or subarachnoid (n = 19). Noncontrast computed tomography scans were analyzed for each patient using Canon's AUTOStroke Solution ICH algorithm to determine which slices contained hemorrhage. The algorithm's ability to detect ICHs was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Percentages of cases correctly identified as ICH positive and negative were additionally calculated. Results Automated analysis demonstrated the following metrics for identifying hemorrhage slices within all 200 patients with ICH (95% confidence intervals): sensitivity = 0.93 ± 0.03, specificity = 0.93 ± 0.01, positive predictive value = 0.85 ± 0.02, and negative predictive value = 0.98 ± 0.01. A total of 95% (245 of 258) of ICH volumes were correctly triaged, whereas 88.2% (90 of 102) of non-ICH cases were correctly classified as ICH negative. Conclusions Canon's AUTOStroke Solution ICH detection algorithm was able to accurately detect intraparenchymal, intraventricular, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages in addition to accurately determine when an ICH was not present. Having this automated ICH detection method could drastically improve treatment times for patients with ICH.

Background The value of clot imaging in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with thrombectomy is unknown. Methods We performed retrospective analysis of clot imaging (clot density, perviousness, length, diameter, distance to the internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus and angle of interaction (AOI) between clot and the aspiration catheter) of consecutive cases of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and its association with first pass effect (FPE, TICI 2c-3 after a first attempt). Results Patients ( n = 90 total) with FPE had shorter clot length (9.9 ± 4.5 mm vs. 11.7 ± 4.6 mm, P = 0.07), shorter distance from ICA terminus (11.0 ± 7.1 mm vs. 14.7 ± 9.8 mm, P = 0.048), higher perviousness (39.39 ± 29.5 vs 25.43 ± 17.6, P = 0.006) and larger AOI (153.6 ± 17.6 vs 140.3 ± 23.5, P = 0.004) compared to no-FPE patients. In multivariate analysis, distance from ICA terminus to clot ≤13.5 mm (odds ratio (OR) 11.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.65–46.15, P = 0.001), clot length ≤9.9 mm (OR 7.34; 95% CI 1.8–29.96, P = 0.005), perviousness ≥ 19.9 (OR 2.54, 95% CI 0.84–7.6, P = 0.09) and AOI ≥ 137°^ (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.55–29.8, P = 0.011) were independent predictors of FPE. The optimal cut off derived using Youden’s index was 6.5. The area under the curve of a score predictive of FPE success was 0.816 (0.728–0.904, P Conclusions Clot imaging predicts the likelihood of achieving FPE in patients with MCA ELVO treated with the aspiration-first approach.

Background Coiling of wide-necked aneurysms requires high-density packing of coils within the aneurysm, which necessitates adequate microcatheter access and navigability. The Comaneci device, introduced in the United States in 2019, is a retrievable stent that can be used as an adjunct to coiling of a wide-necked aneurysm without limiting flow. We present a case series and systematic review of use of this device. Methods All cases involving use of the device at our institute between May 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020, were reviewed. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE and a review of eligible article bibliographies. Results Five patients underwent Comaneci-assisted wide-necked aneurysm coiling during the study period; 4 were treated via a radial artery approach, and 1 was treated via a femoral artery approach. Two patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage: 1 had a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm (Hunt-Hess 5, Fisher 4), and 1 had a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm (Hunt-Hess 2, Fisher 1). Mean aneurysmal neck size was 4.4 ± 0.8mm; mean aspect ratio was 1.2 ± 0.3. Raymond-Roy 1 occlusion was achieved in all aneurysms except the posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Systematic literature review identified 4 articles that found use of the Comaneci device to treat wide-necked aneurysms to be effective. Conclusions This device can be used with transfemoral and transradial approaches, allowing for continued flow through the parent vessel during the coiling procedure while providing a scaffold for dense coiling of the aneurysm and its neck.

Background and Purpose: The degree to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected systems of care, in particular, those for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke, remains poorly quantified. We sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the overall screening for acute stroke utilizing a commercial clinical artificial intelligence platform. Methods: Data were derived from the Viz Platform, an artificial intelligence application designed to optimize the workflow of patients with acute stroke. Neuroimaging data on suspected patients with stroke across 97 hospitals in 20 US states were collected in real time and retrospectively analyzed with the number of patients undergoing imaging screening serving as a surrogate for the amount of stroke care. The main outcome measures were the number of computed tomography (CT) angiography, CT perfusion, large vessel occlusions (defined according to the automated software detection), and severe strokes on CT perfusion (defined as those with hypoperfusion volumes >70 mL) normalized as number of patients per day per hospital. Data from the prepandemic (November 4, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1 to May 10, 2020) periods were compared at national and state levels. Correlations were made between the inter-period changes in imaging screening, stroke hospitalizations, and thrombectomy procedures using state-specific sampling. Results: A total of 23 223 patients were included. The incidence of large vessel occlusion on CT angiography and severe strokes on CT perfusion were 11.2% (n=2602) and 14.7% (n=1229/8328), respectively. There were significant declines in the overall number of CT angiographies (−22.8%; 1.39–1.07 patients/day per hospital, P P P P P =0.9) and comprehensive stroke center hospitalizations (18.8% versus 11.0%, P =0.4). Conclusions: A significant decline in stroke imaging screening has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis underscores the broader application of artificial intelligence neuroimaging platforms for the real-time monitoring of stroke systems of care.

Background and Purpose: The Tigertriever is a novel, radially adjustable, fully visible, stentriever that permits the operator to align radial expansion with target vessel diameters. This multicenter trial compared the Tigertriever’s effectiveness and safety compared with established stent retrievers. Methods: Single arm, prospective, multicenter trial comparing the Tigertriever to efficacy and safety performance goals derived from outcomes in 6 recent pivotal studies evaluating the Solitaire and Trevo stent-retriever devices with a lead-in and a main-study phase. Patients were enrolled if they had acute ischemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥8 due to large vessel occlusion within 8 hours of onset. The primary efficacy end point was successful reperfusion, defined as core laboratory-adjudicated modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score 2b-3 within 3 passes of the Tigertriever. The primary safety end point was a composite of 90-day all-cause mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Secondary efficacy end points included 3-month good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and first-pass successful reperfusion. Results: Between May 2018 and March 2020, 160 patients (43 lead-in, 117 main phase) at 17 centers were enrolled and treated with the Tigertriever. The primary efficacy end point was achieved in 84.6% in the main-study phase group compared with the 63.4% performance goal and the 73.4% historical rate (noninferiority P P P =0.004; superiority P =0.57). Good clinical outcome was achieved in 58% at 90 days. Conclusions: The Tigertriever device was shown to be highly effective and safe compared with Trevo and Solitaire devices to remove thrombus in patients with large-vessel occlusive stroke eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03474549.

Background Acute strokes involving complete, isolated occlusion of the extracranial cervical internal carotid artery (EC-ICA) with no intracranial clot burden account for a minority of stroke cases that are managed variably. Here we present our two-decade experience and a systematic review of endovascular management of acute isolated EC-ICA strokes in the hyperacute phase (Methods Our prospectively maintained database was retrospectively searched for patients who presented between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2022 with acute cervical ICA stroke confirmed on angiography. Only patients who had an isolated 100% occlusion of the cervical ICA segment and attempted acute stenting with/without angioplasty within the first 48 h of time since last known well were included. Demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were recorded. For the systematic review, a search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted. Results Forty-six patients with acute, isolated EC-ICA occlusive stroke were included. Median presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 8 (interquartile range 3–10) with a perfusion deficit in 78.3% of the 40 cases assessed with computed tomography perfusion imaging. Median time from symptom onset to intra-arterial puncture was 14.4 h. Immediate recanalization was achieved in 82.6% cases. Two cases (4.3%) of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) occurred postprocedure. Outcome measures were stable or improved discharge NIHSS score in 86.9% of cases, functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin scale score ≤2) in 78.3%, and mortality in 6.5%. The systematic review included 167 patients from four articles. The estimated rate of immediate recanalization was 92.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 88.77–96.77%), favorable outcome was 62.01% (95% CI, 55.04–69.87%), and sICH was 6.2% (95% CI, 3.41–11.32%). Conclusion Stenting and angioplasty for acute cervical ICA occlusive strokes during the hyperacute phase can be performed successfully with favorable clinical outcomes and an acceptable recanalization rate.