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Complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms incorporating parent or branching vessels are often not amenable to standard microsurgical clipping or endovascular embolization treatments. We aim to discuss the treatment of such aneurysms via a combination of surgical revascularization and aneurysm exclusion based on our institutional experience. Thirty-four patients with complex MCA aneurysms were treated with bypass and aneurysm occlusion, 5 with surgical clipping or wrapping only, and 1 with aneurysm excision and primary reanastomosis. Bypasses included superficial temporal artery (STA)-MCA, double-barrel STA-MCA, occipital artery-MCA, and external carotid artery-MCA. After bypass, aneurysms were treated by surgical clipping, Hunterian ligation, trapping, or coil embolization. The average age at diagnosis was 46 years. Of the aneurysms, 67% were large and most involved the MCA bifurcation. Most bypasses performed were STA-MCA bypasses, 12 of which were double-barrel. There were 2 wound-healing complications. All but 2 of the aneurysms treated showed complete occlusion at the last follow-up. There were 3 hemorrhagic complications, 3 graft thromboses, and 4 ischemic insults. The mean follow-up was 73 months. Of patients, 83% reported stable or improved symptoms from presentation and 73% reported a functional status (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 4 or 5) at the latest available follow-up. Cerebral revascularization by bypass followed by aneurysm or parent artery occlusion is an effective treatment option for complex MCA aneurysms that cannot be safely treated by standard microsurgical or endovascular techniques. Double-barrel bypass consisting of 2 STA branches to 2 MCA branches yields adequate flow replacement in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare and analyze 2 therapeutic methods, the surgical clipping and endovascular treatment in the clinical efficacy, prognosis, neurological function outcomes, surgical complications and recurrence rate for middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 265 patients receiving treatment for middle cerebral artery aneurysms in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2021. These patients were divided into surgical clipping group and endovascular treatment group according to the therapeutic methods they chose. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the recurrence rate in these 2 groups. Clinical prognosis, neurological function outcomes and surgical complication rates of these 2 groups were analyzed based on propensity score matching. Results A total of 162 patients underwent surgical clipping and 103 patients received endovascular treatment. Propensity score matching(PSM) was used to control the baseline characteristics, and 103 patients who received surgical clipping were matched with 103 patients who received endovascular treatment. The good clinical prognosis rate (99.03% vs 86.41%, P < 0.001) and neurological function recovery rate (88.35% vs 63.11%, P < 0.001) of endovascular treatment were higher than those in the surgical clipping group, which were statistically significant. The clipping group had a greater rate of surgical complications than that in the interventional group, with intracranial infection (24.27% vs 5.83%, P < 0.001) being the most significant. No differences were observed in vasospasm, delayed cerebral infarction, hydrocephalus, intraoperative rupture or epilepsy. The endovascular group had a higher recurrence rate than that in the surgical clipping group (3.33% vs 1.11%, P=0.560). Conclusion Endovascular treatment has better clinical prognosis and neurological function outcomes and has fewer surgical complication rates than that of surgical clipping, but surgical clipping appears to result in lower recurrence rates. Endovascular treatment is recommended when both two therapeutic methods are available.

Background: Ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm (MCAa) can lead to intracerebral hematoma, and surgical evacuation can be performed in these cases. MCAa can be treated by clipping or before by endovascular therapy (EVT). Our objective was to compare the impact on the functional outcome of MCAa in patients with intracerebral hematoma requiring evacuation. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study with nine French neurosurgical units from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020. All participants were adult patients who required evacuation of an intracerebral hematoma. We looked for risk factors for poor outcomes by comparing the baseline characteristics and treatments performed by using the 6-month modified Rankin scale score. Poor outcomes were defined by an modified Rankin scale score of 3–6. Results: A total of 162 patients were included. A total of 129 (79.6%) patients were treated by microsurgery, and 33 (20.4%) patients were treated by EVT. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with poor outcomes included hematoma volume, realization of a decompressive craniectomy, occurrence of procedure-related symptomatic cerebral ischemia, occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia, and EVT. In the propensity score matching analysis (n = 33 per group), poor outcomes were observed in 30% of the patients in the clipping group versus 76% in the EVT group (P < 0.001). These differences may have been related to a longer delay between hospital admission and hematoma evacuation in the EVT group. Conclusions: In the specific subgroup of ruptured MCAa with intracerebral hematoma that requires surgical evacuation, clipping with concomitant hematoma evacuation could provide better functional outcomes than EVT followed by surgical evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neck clipping of the aneurysms arising from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) proximal to the limen insulae is often difficult because of difficulties in securing a bright and wide operative field to observe the aneurysms and surrounding structures, such as the anterior perforated substance, lenticulostriate arteries, and early frontal branch. Our objective was to determine the usefulness of the orbitocranial approach in neck clipping of the aneurysms arising from the MCA proximal to the limen insulae. This prospective study included 7 patients who underwent neck clipping of aneurysms arising from the MCA proximal to the limen insulae through the orbitocranial approach. In addition to conventional pterional craniotomy, the superiolateral orbital rim was resected with a 1-piece fashion. Its procedures, complications, and outcomes were reviewed. Removal of the superolateral orbital rim facilitated a bright and wide observation from the skull base side. It was much easier to identify the anterior perforated substance, lenticulostriate arteries, and early frontal branch around the aneurysm through the orbitocranial approach than through the conventional pterional approach. Neck clipping could be performed completely and safely in all cases. The orbitocranial approach to aneurysms arising from the MCA proximal to the limen insulae provides us a bright and wide operative field compared with the conventional pterional approach, which is useful to secure complete and safe neck clipping by avoiding cerebral contusion and unexpected obstruction of the early frontal branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCAAs) have been considered good candidates for microsurgery. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of complications and the risk factors for complications with microsurgical treatment of MCAAs to better define the indications for microsurgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 3 tertiary neurosurgical units from January 2013 to May 2020. We evaluated the frequency of complications and searched for the risk factors for complications after microsurgery. Complications were defined as a composite criterion with the presence of one of the following: procedural-related death, symptomatic cerebral ischemia, impossible exclusion, incomplete exclusion, or rebleeding of the treated aneurysm and symptomatic surgical site hematoma. A total of 292 MCAAs were treated, with 29 complications (9.9%), including symptomatic cerebral ischemia (4.8%), aneurysm rebleeding (0.3%), surgical site hematoma (1.0%), impossible exclusion (0.3%), and incomplete exclusion (4.1%). Severe complications, defined as death or a modified Rankin scale score of ≥4 at 3 months, were infrequent, occurring in 7 of the 292 patients (2.4%). On multivariate analysis, the risk factors were a ruptured aneurysm, a larger maximum aneurysm size, a larger neck size, and arterial branches passing <1 mm from the aneurysm neck or dome. Microsurgical management of MCAAs can be performed with very low morbidity rates. In some cases, at least for factors that do not result in significant difficulty for endovascular therapy, such as the presence of an en passage artery or ruptured aneurysm, endovascular therapy can be considered to be as safe and effective as clipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of flow disruptors has brought a dynamic transition in the selection of treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms, and the number of MCA aneurysms clipped is acceleratingly decreasing. Still, retreatment after endovascular treatment is still a dilemma, which may necessitate surgical clipping. It is all the more important to elucidate characteristics of MCA aneurysms that make clipping unfavorable. Thus, the practical characteristics of MCA aneurysms treated endovascularly in a clip-favored institution before the usage of flow disruption devices were investigated.This is a retrospective, single-center observational study. The clinical and imaging characteristics of treated MCA aneurysms from January 2012 to May 2022 were analyzed.A total of 83 aneurysms were included; 70 aneurysms (84%) were clipped, and 13 (16%) were treated endovascularly. Eighteen aneurysms (22%) were ruptured (clipping, 12; endovascular, 6). The reasons for an endovascular treatment were as follows: distal (3); subacutely ruptured with burdens of spasm (2); multiple aneurysms (6: another clipped in 3, coiled in 1, and conservatively managed in 2); no access to the operating room due to COVID-19 (1); and retreatment after coiling (1). Endovascular group aneurysms were smaller (maximum diameter 5.2 vs 7.3 mm, p < 0.01, as well as dome, neck, and height) without differences in the dome/neck and aspect (height/neck) ratios. In a subgroup analysis of 78 MCA bifurcation aneurysms, the endovascular group was still smaller (dome 4.4 vs 5.8 mm, p = 0.025; neck 2.8 vs 3.9, p = 0.03).In a limited series from a clip-favored institution before the flow disruption era, factors guided to endovascular treatments on MCA aneurysms were rather anatomical and clinical factors such as distal location, subacutely ruptured, multiple, or retreatment after coiling, than morphological factors such as dome/neck and aspect ratios albeit smaller size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endovascular coiling is usually the first line treatment modality for most ruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, there is still some debate as to whether microsurgical clipping or coiling is the treatment of choice for complex wide-necked ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Our aim was to assess the efficacy, safety and longevity of simple endovascular coiling for ruptured MCA aneurysms Methods: This was a single-centre 10 years retrospective study (2008–2019) of all endovascularly treated patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms (n = 148). Patients were treated with simple coiling (n = 111), balloon-assisted coiling (n = 13), dual micro-catheter coiling (n = 19), balloon-assisted and dual micro-catheter coiling (n = 4) and woven endobridge (WEB) device (n = 1). The standard follow-up protocol consisted of Magnetic Resonance angiography at 6, 12 and 24 months. Our primary endpoints were mortality at 2, 12 and 24 months and dependency at discharge. Secondary endpoints included aneurysm occlusion, complications, re-canalisation, rebleeding and retreatment rates. Results: All-cause mortality at 2, 12 and 24 months was 4.7% (n = 7), 8.1% (n = 12) and 10.8% (n = 16), respectively. 81.3% of patients remained independent in activities of daily livings (ADLs) at the point of discharge. Over a mean follow-up period of 19.7 months, we demonstrated re-bleeding and re-treatment rates of 2.7% (n = 4) and 4.1% (n = 6) respectively. Complete occlusion was achieved in 54% (n = 79) of aneurysms, with recanalisation observed in 18.2% (n = 27) of the patients. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that simple endovascular coiling techniques offer a safe and effective solution in the management of ruptured MCA aneurysms without the requirement for re-treatment either surgically or endovascularly using endoluminal stents or other devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Clipping is still considered the treatment of choice for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms due to their angioarchitectural characteristics as they are often bifurcation dysplasias, needing a complex reconstruction rather than a simple exclusion. Thus, maintaining this surgical expertise is of paramount importance to train of young cerebrovascular surgeons. To balance for the increasingly limited experience due the worldwide general inclination toward the endovascular approaches, it is important to provide to the young neurosurgeons rules and operative nuances to guide this complex surgery. We describe the technical algorithm we use to teach our residents to approach ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms, which may help to develop a procedural memory useful to perform an effective and safe surgery. Materials and Methods We reviewed our last 10 years' institutional experience of about 400 cases of ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms clipping, analyzing our technical refinements and the difficulties in residents and young neurosurgeons teaching, to establish fundamental key-points and design a didactic algorithm that includes operative instructions and safety rules. Results We recognized seven pragmatic technical key points regarding craniotomy, sylvian fissure opening, basal cisternostomy, proximal vessel control, lenticulostriate arteries preservation, aneurysm neck microdissection, and clipping to use as a didactic algorithm for teaching residents, and as operative instructions for inexperienced neurosurgeons. Conclusion In the setting of clipping MCA aneurysms, respect for surgical rules is of paramount importance to perform an effective and safe procedure, ensure the best aneurysm exclusion, and preserve the flow in collaterals and perforators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Middle cerebral artery bifurcation (MCAB) aneurysms are common intracranial aneurysms. Anteroinferior-projecting MCAB aneurysms, with the M1 segment usually embedded into the deep part of the Sylvian fissure, cause some surgical challenges. The distal transsylvian approach (DTSA) allows M1 exposure from the dorsal surface for proximal control in the early step. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of DTSA for clipping anteroinferior-projecting MCAB aneurysms. Materials and Methods: Among 97 patients with MCA aneurysms, 13 with anteroinferior-projecting MCAB aneurysms who underwent aneurysm clipping via the DTSA between June 2018 and January 2021 were retrospectively evaluated for the aneurysm obliteration rate, surgical complications, and outcomes. Results: Ten patients (76.9%) had ruptured MCAB aneurysms and three (23.1%) had incidentally discovered unruptured MCAB aneurysms. Favorable outcome was achieved in 100% of patients with good grade. The complete aneurysm obliteration rate was 100% without intraoperative lenticulostriate artery injury. Twelve (92.3%) patients had early identified distal M1 segment for proximal control, and one (7.7%) patient had premature rupture of aneurysm that achieved favorable outcome at 3 months postoperatively. Difficult M1 exposure and premature rupture occurred in the patient with MCAB located above the Sylvian fissure line. Permanent postoperative neurological deficit was detected in one patient due to severe vasospasm. Conclusions: DTSA, which simplify the early exposure of the dorsal surface of distal M1, is safe and effective for clipping anteroinferior-projecting MCAB aneurysms without extensive Sylvian fissure dissection. High-positioned MCAB requires careful dissection of the aneurysm neck with consideration of tentative clipping preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preservation of the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) is crucial. LSAs usually cannot be spared with LSA aneurysms, when surgical clipping/excision or endovascular embolization of the LSA itself is performed. On the other hand, the LSA should be separated and preserved for proximal middle cerebral artery (M1)-LSA aneurysms. Case Description: We report a case of M1-LSA aneurysm with native radiological examinations suggesting LSA aneurysm. The highlight of this unusual case was that during surgery, the aneurysm orifice was almost covered with thrombus and blood flow in an aneurysm that appeared separate from M1. Partial thrombectomy-clip reconstruction was performed, and M1 and LSAs were well preserved. Conclusion: Even with currently developed radiological modalities, thrombosed intracranial aneurysms may be misdiagnosed, depending on intraluminal flow conditions. Intraoperative findings from craniotomy sometimes contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and decisions on appropriate treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clip reconstruction of morphologically complex aneurysms is challenging. A clipping technique for an atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm extensively involving two M2 branches is presented. Case illustration: A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for treatment of an unruptured left MCA aneurysm. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography showed a middle cerebral artery aneurysm extensively involving two M2 branches. The aneurysm was treated by surgical clipping via a left pterional approach. Due to concern about significant remnant neck and clip slippage due to the wide-neck and atherosclerotic features, two straight fenestrated clips were applied across one M2 branch and in parallel to another M2 branch. The aneurysm was successfully obliterated without a significant remnant neck and narrowing of the efferent arteries. The patient recovered from surgery uneventfully. Conclusion: Parallel clip reconstruction with fenestrated clips may be a useful alternative to reduce the postclipping remnant of wide-neck and atherosclerotic aneurysms.

Background: In recent years, young neurosurgeons have had few opportunities to gain experience with clipping surgeries. The first author was sometimes surprised that she could not predict the anatomical relationships between the aneurysm and vessels during actual surgery. This study investigated the differences between the expected and actual operative findings during clipping surgery for aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery. Methods: Medical records for 15 patients who underwent rotational three-dimensional (3D) digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) before the clipping surgery were analyzed after the surgery. The anatomical relationships between the aneurysm and parent arteries were defined by the intraoperative findings just before clipping. The viewing direction to obtain this definitive perspective (virtual viewing direction) was measured. The angle between this viewing direction and the coordinate axis was denoted as the "virtual angle for clipping (VAC)." Results: The VAC between the X-axis and viewing direction on the XY-plane (VAC-XY) ranged from --43° to +73° (mean, +27°), and the angle between the XY-plane and viewing direction (VAC-Z) ranged from +25° to --34° (mean, 5.5°). The difference between the VAC-XY and mean angle was significantly larger in cases with hidden branches behind the aneurysm. In these cases, the virtual viewing direction visualized the neck of the aneurysm. There is no correlation between M1 length and VAC-XY or VAC-Z discrepancy. Conclusion: 3D-DSA or 3D computed tomography angiography images visualizing the neck of the aneurysm should be obtained in combination with images obtained from the standard oblique angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationship between postoperative motor deficits and the duration of reduced motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. This study included 285 cases of MCA aneurysm treated with clipping surgery with MEP monitoring. The effects of MEP changes on postoperative motor function were assessed, and the key time point for minimizing the incidence of postoperative motor dysfunction was found through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Motor dysfunction was significantly associated with the occurrence of MEP changes, and patients with irreversible changes were more likely to suffer motor dysfunction than were those with reversible changes. The critical duration of MEP changes that minimized the risk of postoperative motor dysfunction was 8.5 min. This study revealed that MEP monitoring is an effective method for preventing ischemic brain injury during surgical treatment of MCA aneurysm and proposes a critical cutoff for the duration of MEP deterioration of 8.5 min for predicting postoperative motor dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage is an emergent condition that leads to profound morbidity and mortality. It is mainly caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Herein we described the relationship of different factors and their impact on the outcome of patients who underwent a surgical clipping exclusively to the ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital (NTH) in Baghdad for the period between January 2017-April 2019 of patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Demographic, clinical, radiological and surgical data were extracted. A univariate analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between the variables and outcome which was assessed using the five scores of the Glasgow Outcome Scale where patients were dichotomized into two groups; favourable (IV + V) and unfavourable (I, II, III). Results: Within this cohort, a total of 50 patients were studied and the analysis revealed that 92% (N=46) had a favourable outcome and 8% (N=4) had an unfavourable outcome at discharge. The in-hospital mortality was 6%(N=3). Factors that were significantly associated with poor outcome were giant aneurysms, the presence of other unruptured aneurysms, post-operative clinical vasospasm, presence of contralateral weakness, lower pre/post-operative Glasgow coma scores, higher Hunt and Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified-WFNS grades. Conclusion: The factors with a significant impact on the outcome of patients with surgically clipped ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms were GCS, WFNS, m-WFNS, H&H, contralateral muscle weakness, size of the aneurysm, presence of other unruptured aneurysms and clinical vasospasm.

目的 比较多学科会诊确定破裂大脑中动脉瘤患者行介入栓塞或手术夹闭动脉瘤的治疗效果。 方法 回顾性分析由神经外科及神经介入科联合会诊确定治疗方案的破裂大脑中动脉瘤患者病历 资料，分析患者围术期缺血性卒中事件、第一次治疗动脉瘤完全闭塞率。统计随访终点时患者动脉瘤 完全闭塞率、治疗相关的永久性缺血性卒中后遗症发生率、二次治疗率、再出血率及死亡率。 结果 研究共入组261例患者，介入栓塞107例，开颅手术夹闭154例。围术期缺血性卒中事件28 例（10.72%），其中24例（0.91%）存在永久的后遗症；第一次治疗动脉瘤完全闭塞介入栓塞组80 例（74.7%）、开颅夹闭组150例（97.4%）；随访终点动脉瘤完全闭塞179例（82.9%）。二次治疗9 例（0.34%）、再出血5例（0.19%），死亡5例（0.19%）。介入栓塞组治疗相关缺血性卒中事件发生率 （6.5% vs 16.8%，P =0.008）及其永久性后遗症（5.8% vs 14.0%，P =0.020）均高于开颅夹闭动脉瘤 组。开颅手术组在治疗后(97.4% vs 74.7%，P＜0.001）及随访期间(95.1% vs 65.2%，P＜0.001）的动 脉瘤完全闭塞率均高于介入栓塞组。开颅夹闭动脉瘤组无二次治疗患者，介入栓塞组有9例（8.4%） 随访过程中动脉瘤复发，继而进行二次治疗。两种治疗方式的再出血率（0.6% vs 3.7%）和死亡率 （1.3% vs 2.8%）差异无统计学意义。 结论 对于破裂大脑中动脉瘤患者，经神经外科及神经介入科联合会诊后确定治疗方案动脉瘤治 愈率较高，其中开颅手术夹闭较介入栓塞动脉瘤治疗相关的并发症较少，动脉瘤治愈率较高。 Abstract: Objective Different treatment strategies for ruptured intracranial aneurysms have been recently developed, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches have been applied in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of multidisciplinary treatment for ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms with surgical clipping or endovascular coil embolization. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms treated by clipping or coil embolization determined by consultation were conducted. The outcome measurement included that perioperative ischemic stroke and the complete occlusion rate after the first treatment; the complete occlusion rate, permanent sequelae of ischemic stroke arising from surgical procedures, retreatment, rebleeding and mortality after the whole follow-up. The average period of follow-up was 17.9 months. Results A total of 261 eligible patients were included in this study, with endovascular coil embolization for 107 cases and surgical clipping for 154 cases. Periprocedural ischemic stroke occurred in 28 patients (10.72%), and 24 cases (0.91%) of them had permanent sequelae associated with ischemic stroke. The complete aneurysm occlusion after the first treatment occurred in 80 patients (74.7%) with endovascular coil embolization, and in 150 cases (97.4%) with surgical clipping. After the completion of follow-up, the complete occlusion occurred in 179 cases (82.9%). 9 cases (0.34%) needed retreatment, 5 cases (0.19%) occurred rebleeding, and 5 cases (0.19%) died. The procedure related ischemic stroke incidence (6.5% vs 16.8%, P =0.008) and permanent sequelae of this kind of stroke (5.8% vs 14.0%, P =0.020) were higher in coil embolization group than that in clipping group. The complete occlusion rate of aneurysms immediately after surgery (97.4% vs 74.7%, P

Background: The safety and efficacy of the TuBridge flow diverter in treating middle cerebral artery aneurysms remains unknown. In this study, we report our preliminary experience treating complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms using the TuBridge flow diverter. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of intracranial aneurysms treated with the TuBridge flow diverter was retrospectively reviewed, and patients with middle cerebral artery aneurysms were included in this study. Demographics, aneurysm features, complications, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were assessed. Evaluation of the angiographic results included occlusion grade of aneurysm (O'Kelly–Marotta grading scale), patency of jailed branch(es), and in-stent stenosis. Results: Eight patients with eight middle cerebral artery aneurysms were included in this study. The mean aneurysm size was 11.8 ± 6.8 mm. There were no procedure-related complications and there was no morbidity or mortality at a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 3.6 months. All patients had follow-up angiograms at a mean of 7.5 ± 4.0 months after surgery. Of the eight patients, there was 1 (12.5%) O'Kelly–Marotta grading scale A, 3 (37.5%) O'Kelly–Marotta grading scale B, 1 (12.5%) O'Kelly–Marotta grading scale C, and 3 (37.5%) O'Kelly–Marotta grading scale D. Of the seven patients with jailed branch, the blood flow of jailed branch was unchanged in 4 (57.1%), decreased in 2 (28.6%), and occluded in 1 (14.3%). In-stent stenosis was mild in 2 (25%) patients and moderate in 1 (12.5%) patient. Conclusion: Midterm results suggest that endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms using the TuBridge flow diverter is safe and associated with good outcomes. The TuBridge flow diverter may be an option for complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms that are difficult to treat with either clipping or coiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm associated with moyamoya disease. A 48-year-old woman with an 8-year history of moyamoya disease developed a de novo aneurysm at the bifurcation of the right middle cerebral artery. The aneurysm showed rapid enlargement in size in 1 year and surgical treatment was performed. Preoperative images could not clearly define the anatomical relationship between the aneurysm and the surrounding vessels. Intraoperative findings indicated that segmental occlusion of normal arteries that was not visualized made it difficult to define the vascular anatomy. In addition, those occlusions accompanied by improved M1 flow after administration of cilostazol was speculated to have increased hemodynamic stress, leading to the relatively rapid progress of the aneurysm. Understanding the complexity of such process may be valuable in proper decision-making in the management of moyamoya disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage is an emergent condition that leads to profound morbidity and mortality. It is mainly caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Herein we described the relationship of different factors and their impact on the outcome of patients who underwent a surgical clipping exclusively to the ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital (NTH) in Baghdad for the period between January 2017-April 2019 of patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Demographic, clinical, radiological and surgical data were extracted. A univariate analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between the variables and outcome which was assessed using the five scores of the Glasgow Outcome Scale where patients were dichotomized into two groups; favourable (IV + V) and unfavourable (I, II, III). Results: Within this cohort, a total of 50 patients were studied and the analysis revealed that 92% (N=46) had a favourable outcome and 8% (N=4) had an unfavourable outcome at discharge. The in-hospital mortality was 6%(N=3). Factors that were significantly associated with poor outcome were giant aneurysms, the presence of other unruptured aneurysms, post-operative clinical vasospasm, presence of contralateral weakness, lower pre/post-operative Glasgow coma scores, higher Hunt and Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified-WFNS grades. Conclusion: The factors with a significant impact on the outcome of patients with surgically clipped ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms were GCS, WFNS, m- WFNS, H&H, contralateral muscle weakness, size of the aneurysm, presence of other unruptured aneurysms and clinical vasospasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although some authors proposed that coil embolization in middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms is a useful and effective alternative, the characteristics of the aneurysms may be different at each location. We compared the results of coil embolization of proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysms with those of other middle cerebral artery aneurysms. Methods: Data from 46 patients with 50 aneurysms were retrospectively evaluated. We defined the aneurysms inside of the insular cortex as proximal MCA (pMCA) aneurysms and those outside of the insular cortex as non-proximal MCA (npMCA) aneurysms. The results of the occlusion were divided into classes 1, 2, and 3 of the Raymond scale. We collected the results of the occlusion from the operative notes supplied by a neuroendovascular specialist. Results: Univariate analysis identified favorable results for pMCA aneurysms (class 1: pMCA = 22 npMCA = 11; P < 0.01). In the radiological follow-up results, we achieved class 1 in 29 patients (69%; pMCA = 21 and npMCA = 8; P < 0.01). Side wall type aneurysms (pMCA = 14, npMCA = 2; P < 0.01) and the number of branches from the neck of ≤1 (pMCA = 14, npMCA = 2; P < 0.01) were significantly recognized at the pMCA. Conclusions: Proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping is difficult because the origin of the lenticulostriate arteries is often hidden behind the aneurysmal dome. In the present study, endovascular coil embolization for pMCA aneurysms obtained better results than that for npMCA aneurysms because of the morphological characteristics. Endovascular coil embolization seems to be efficacious for pMCA aneurysms as compared with npMCA aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  Of the minimally invasive "keyhole" alternatives to the pterional region, the supraorbital eyebrow approach is the most widely adopted. Yet it can prove disadvantageous when a more direct lateral microsurgical trajectory of attack to the Sylvian fissure and anterior middle fossa are needed. Objective  The extended lateral orbital (XLO) approach was designed to be direct and minimally invasive, with the sphenoid ridge at the center of exposure. Methods  Five injected cadaver heads were used for anatomic study of the XLO approach. The anatomic course of the frontalis branch of facial nerve was studied in relation to the XLO incision. Following XLO incision, the bone exposure was measured. The intracranial microsurgical exposure was assessed subjectively. Application of the technique in representative clinical operative cases is provided. Results  The frontalis nerve was protected in the subgaleal fat pad, with an average minimum distance of 2.3 cm from the XLO incision. The mean calvarial area exposure was 4.95 cm 2 and consistently centered on the sphenoid ridge. Excellent access to ipsilateral Sylvian's fissure, perisylvian regions, and supra-/parasellar structures was possible. The main limitations related to exposure of the posterior Sylvian fissure and the expected limitations of microsurgical instrument manipulation from a smaller craniotomy. Conclusions  The XLO approach is a minimally invasive keyhole approach to the pterional region that affords a unique lateral trajectory via a craniotomy centered on the sphenoid ridge. Excellent exposure to properly selected lesions is possible. The incision is at a safe distance from the frontalis branch and shows excellent cosmetic healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical management of bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms is particular challenging clinical situation. For these patients various options of surgical treatment are available as unilateral approach, single stage bilateral craniotomy or two stage bilateral craniotomy. We report our experience with a case of bilateral MCA aneurysm which was managed by single stage bilateral pterional craniotomy.

Objective: Unruptured, wide-necked middle cerebral artery (WN-MCA) aneurysms have traditionally been considered ideal candidates for microsurgery (MS), although endovascular treatment (EVT) has dramatically increased in popularity with the advent of novel devices such as intrasaccular flow disruptors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MS versus EVT for unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms., Methods: The NeuroVascular Quality Initiative Quality Outcomes Database (NVQI-QOD) Cerebral Aneurysm Registry, a multiinstitutional, prospectively collected procedural database, was queried for cases of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms treated with MS or EVT between 2015 and 2022. A wide neck was defined as an aneurysm neck ≥ 4 mm or a dome/neck ratio ≤ 2. Demographics and aneurysm characteristics were queried. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to match aneurysm size, number of aneurysms treated, patient age, and aneurysm status. Safety outcomes were evaluated including intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Aneurysm occlusion status and clinical outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and the last follow-up were also assessed., Results: Of 671 unruptured MCA aneurysms, 319 were wide necked. Thirty cases were excluded, as the aneurysm had been previously treated. Two hundred eighty-nine operations (203 EVT, 86 MS) in 282 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 86 operations in each group for analysis. The mean aneurysm width was 5.0 (EVT) versus 4.9 mm (MS; p = 0.285). Safety data showed similar intraoperative (7.0% EVT vs 3.5% MS, p = 0.496) and postoperative (4.7% vs 7%, p = 0.746) complication rates. The MS patients were more likely to have complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge (90.4% vs 58.8%, p < 0.001). In a limited subset of patients (52.9%) for whom outcome data were available, the EVT patients were more likely to have an mRS score 0 at discharge (50/59 [84.7%] vs 29/54 [53.7%], p < 0.0003] and at the last follow-up (36/55 [65.5%] vs 13/36 [36.1%], p = 0.006)., Conclusions: This study describes a large, modern cohort of propensity score-matched patients who underwent treatment of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms. Safety data on intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar in both treatment groups. MS was more likely to result in complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge. In a subset of patients with available outcome data, EVT was associated with better functional outcomes at discharge and the last follow-up. Given the lack of complete follow-up data and rates of retreatment, these results should be interpreted cautiously.

To study clinical significance of augmentation of intraoperative motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during direct open surgery for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Between 2009 and 2017, 134 MCA aneurysm surgeries were performed with intraoperative MEP monitoring. The frequency and cause of augmentation with >50% increase of MEP amplitude from baseline were studied. Factors associated with MEP augmentation were investigated. MEP augmentation was demonstrated in 9 patients. All 9 events were observed just after application of the temporary clip to the parent artery. The ratio of the maximum amplitude to baseline was 2.6 ± 1.1 at an mean of 2.4 ± 1.1 minutes after parent artery occlusion. Ten patients who did not show MEP augmentation after parent artery occlusion were compared with the patients showing MEP augmentation. The distance of the temporary clip point from the midline was smaller in patients with MEP augmentation compared with patients without MEP augmentation (P = 0.033). MEP augmentation was thought to be an early ischemic sign preceding a significant decrease in MEPs during MCA aneurysm surgery. Transient augmentation of MEPs was more frequently observed in cases with a temporary clip applied to the more proximal part of the MCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) stent and the pipeline embolization device (PED) for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm treatment. Data of patients with MCA aneurysms who received endovascular treatment with LVIS stent or PED added to the hospital's database between August 2016 and March 2018 were retrospectively collected, and the clinical results and angiographic outcomes were evaluated. A total of 43 patients were included in the study, of whom 23 received LVIS stents and 20 received PED. The rate of complete occlusion was similar in the two groups at 6 months post-treatment (90.9 vs. 88.9%; P=0.832). Peri-operative complications were more frequent in the PED group; however, the LVIS group had more ischemic symptoms during the long-term follow-up. A larger aneurysm size (P=0.032) was associated with recanalization in the two groups. In conclusion, the LVIS stent and PED had acceptable rates of complete occlusion and aneurysm size was an independent predictor for recanalization. LVIS is more effective during the peri-operative period, while PED appears to have higher long-term safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Keyhole craniotomy is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome between supraorbital keyhole approach and pterional keyhole approach (PKA) in Chinese patients with MCA aneurysm. Methods Consecutive patients with MCA aneurysms were reviewed between January 2013 and December 2017. Efficacy and safety between PKA and supraorbital keyhole approach were compared. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at discharge. Results This study enrolled 260 patients; 222 (85.4%) had ruptured aneurysm, and 183 (70.4%) received PKA. The distribution of PKA in unruptured and ruptured aneurysms showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). In subgroup analyses, PKA was more likely associated with poor outcome at discharge in patients with unruptured aneurysms (odds ratio = 5.500, 95% confidence interval = 1.013–29.850, P = 0.048), whereas approach selection was not an independent factor predicting poor outcome in patients with ruptured aneurysms (P > 0.05). Conclusions In a Chinese population, supraorbital keyhole approach was superior to PKA in improving outcome in patients with unruptured MCA aneurysms, but the 2 approaches showed comparable outcomes at discharge in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Highlights • In Chinese patients with MCA aneurysm, most surgeons chose PKA rather than SKA. • There was no bias in approach selection between unruptured and ruptured aneurysms. • PKA was associated with poor outcome at discharge for unruptured aneurysms. • Approach selection was not a prognostic factor for ruptured aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms has been historically considered as the almost exclusive domain of microsurgical clipping. This retrospective single-center study assesses whether microsurgical clipping or endovascular treatment (i.e. coiling and/or stenting) for MCA aneurysms yielded better occlusion rates and clinical outcome. Methods We identified patients with a minimum clinical follow-up of 12 months who had undergone MCA aneurysm repair either by clipping or by endovascular treatment between 2005 and 2015. Aneurysm occlusion rates were assessed by the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) and patients’ clinical outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). All patients had been treated in an interdisciplinary treatment concept at a large neurovascular center; both treatment modalities were available at all times. Results Ninety-two eligible patients with MCA aneurysms, of whom 21.7% patients were treated for subarachnoid hemorrhages, were included; 38 patients underwent endovascular therapy and 54 clipping. The median age at treatment was 53.5 years (range, 25–79 years) and the median clinical follow-up was 98.5 months (range, 18–213 months). Occlusion rates were significantly higher in the clipping cohort (RROC = 1: 96.3% vs 78.9%; p = 0.04), long-term clinical outcome was better in the endovascular treatment cohort (mRS ≤ 1: 100.0% vs 90.8%; p < 0.01). Permanent treatment-associated morbidity was seen more commonly in the clipping cohort (9.3% vs 0.0%). Conclusions Both treatment modalities are associated with excellent clinical and radiological outcome if applied within an interdisciplinary treatment concept. Endovascular aneurysm repair appears to be an attractive treatment alternative compared to clipping with low complication rates for well-selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms in a retrospective cohort in a high-volume center. Predictors of complications and recurrence were determined. Retrospectively reviewed our database of prospectively collected information for all patients with unruptured MCA aneurysms that were treated by endovascular approach from March 2008 to December 2020. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of complications and recurrence. Three hundred and fifty-one patients with 370 unruptured MCA aneurysms underwent EVT were included in this study. Seventy-three aneurysms (19.7%) were treated by coiling without stent, 297 (80.3%) with stent-assisted coiling. The procedures were performed with a technical success rate of 100%. Procedure-related neurological complications occurred in 15 patients (4.1%), including 1 patient died from post-procedural stent thrombosis. Age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.039; OR = 3.400; 95% CI, 1.065–10.860) and aneurysm size ≥ 5 mm (P = 0.009; OR = 15.524; 95% CI, 1.988–121.228) were significantly associated with ischemic complications of EVT. Three hundred and six aneurysms were (87.2%) completed image follow-up (235 DSA and 71 CE-MRA). The median angiographic follow-up time were 7.0 ± 4.3 months (range from 1 to 88 months). Follow-up angiograms showed that 249 aneurysms (81.4%) were completed occluded, 29 aneurysms (9.5%) were improved, 17 aneurysms (5.6%) were stable, and 11 aneurysms (3.6%) were recanalized and 10 of them accepted retreatments. Aneurysm size ≥ 10 mm was a predictor of recanalization (P = 0.004; OR = 11.213; 95% CI, 2.127–59.098) and stent-assisted coiling can significantly reduce recanalization (P = 0.004; OR = 0.105; 95% CI, 0.023–0.479). EVT is a safe and effective therapeutics for unruptured MCA aneurysms management, and provides durable aneurysm occlusion rate during follow-up. Large MCA aneurysms have higher recurrence and ischemic complications risk after EVT. Stent-assisted coiling can significantly reduce the recurrence rate without increasing the risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the morphological and hemodynamic parameters associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm rupture. Methods: A retrospective study of 67 consecutive patients was carried out based on 3D digital subtraction angiography data. Morphological and hemodynamic parameters including aneurysm size parameters (dome width, height, and perpendicular height), longest dimension from the aneurysm neck to the dome tip, neck width, aneurysm area, aspect ratio, Longest dimension from the aneurysm neck to the dome tip (Dmax) to dome width, and height-width, Bottleneck factor, as well as wall shear stress (WSS), low WSS area (LSA), percentage of LSA (LSA%) and energy loss (EL) were estimated. Parameters between ruptured and un-ruptured groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics were generated to check prediction performance of all significant variables. Results: Sixty-seven patients with MCA bifurcation aneurysm were included (31 unruptured, 36 ruptured). Dmax (p=0.008) was greater in ruptured group than that in un-ruptured group. D/W (p<0.001) and the percentage of the low WSS area (0.09±0.13 vs. 0.01±0.03, p<0.001) were also greater in the ruptured group. Moreover, the EL in ruptured group was higher than that in unruptured group (6.39±5.04 vs. 1.53±0.86, p <0.001). Multivariate regression analysis suggested D/W and EL were significant predictors of rupture of MCA bifurcation aneurysms. Correlation analyses revealed the D/W value was positively associated with the EL (R=0.442, p<0.01). Conclusion: D/W and EL might be the most two favorable factors to predict rupture risk of MCA bifurcation aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Preservation of the superficial Sylvian veins (SSVs) is essential to prevent neurologic deficits during Sylvian dissection. We describe an appropriate surgical approach for unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms to preserve these veins by using indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA). Methods Between August 2014 and August 2015, we performed microsurgical clipping for 37 unruptured MCA aneurysms in 36 patients. We classified all of the cases into 3 types according to the location between the Sylvian fissure and the SSV. We defined 3 surgical approaches (frontosylvian, intersylvian, and temporo-sylvian) based on the SSV and investigated the proper surgical approach according to the type of case. Results In our study, most SSVs were located above the Sylvian fissure (fissure type, 64.9%). The SSV was located on the temporal lobe in 10 cases (temporal type) and on the frontal lobe in 3 cases (frontal type). The frontosylvian approach (splitting between the SSV and frontal lobe) was performed in all of the patients with temporal type; the temporo-sylvian approach (splitting between the SSV and temporal lobe) was performed in all of the patients with frontal type and single SSV of fissure type. The intersylvian approach (splitting between the frontal and temporal SSV, or among multiple SSVs) was successfully performed in the patients with double or multiple SSVs of fissure type. No venous complications occurred that were related to the surgical approach. Conclusions Correct dissection strategy using intraoperative ICG-VA is greatly useful to define the optimal surgical approach without vein injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the clinical characteristic and operation strategy of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms(MCAA) with brain hematoma by frontal-temperal approach. Methods 24 patients with ruptured MCAA accompanied with intracerebral hematoma were adopted by preoperative emergent CTA to determine the location and size of aneurysm. The patients were exerted by microneurosurgery via frontal-temperal approach within 6 hours of admittance. All cases received aneurysm occlusion and evacuation of hematoma. 4 hours after the opreation, all cases received CT Scan and 320-CTA examination, to determine hematoma clearance and the patency of the parent artery. Results Confirmed by the reexamination, the intracerebral, hematoma clearance rate was 90%~100%. All aneurysms were completely clipped and the parent artery was unobstructed and was not be mistaken clipped. All patients were followed up for 6 months. GOS scale at 6 monthesm showed there were 2 patients with 5 scores, 17 with 4 scores and 5 wih 3 scores. Conclusion According to the patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms accompanied by intracerebral hematoma volume, it would be feasible and effective via extended frontal-temperal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]