Jong Kook Rhim

The Limitations of Thrombectomy with Solitaire™ AB as First-line Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single Center Experience

Objective A self-expanding retrievable intracranial stent, such as Solitaire AB, is useful for mechanical thrombectomy, producing novel results in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. On the other hand, difficult situations can arise after a thrombectomy when using as in first-line treatment. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center study of 23 patients with an acute ischemic stroke attributable to a large artery occlusion within the first eight hours from symptom onset. The occlusion sites were the T segment in five patients, proximal middle cerebral artery in six patients, distal middle cerebral artery in three patients, vertebral and/or basilar artery in five patients, proximal internal cerebral artery in one patient and tandem in three patients. All patients underwent a mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire™ stent system as the first-line treatment but required additional procedures due to the unsatisfactory results of a thrombectomy. Results Only six patients achieved complete recanalization by a thrombectomy using the Solitaire. Permanent stent deployment after the thrombectomy was performed in ten patients. Stent and balloon angioplasty was performed after a stent-based thrombectomy in six patients. Balloon angioplasty after thrombectomy was performed in one patient. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire™ stent as a first-line treatment can produce unfortunate results that will require additional procedures.

Endovascular Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula With Ipsilateral Inferior Petrosal Sinus Occlusion: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND Although a transvenous route via the ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is preferred in treating cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSdAVF), this option may be limited if an occluded ipsilateral IPS undermines microcatheter delivery to the cavernous sinus. OBJECTIVE To describe our experience with endovascular treatment of CSdAVF complicated by ipsilateral IPS occlusion. METHODS From January 2003 through September 2014, a total of 49 CSdAVFs with ipsilateral IPS occlusion were identified in 49 patients, who then underwent endovascular treatment. Clinical and radiologic data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Either transvenous (n = 38) or transarterial (n = 11) access was initially elected, the latter reserved for single-hole or dominant arterial feeder fistulas. Access via occluded ipsilateral IPS was usually attempted (n = 34) by transvenous approach, with a 54.3% success rate. Anterior (n = 3) or posterior (n = 1) facial vein was alternatively used. Direct surgical exposure of ophthalmic vein (n = 3) or radiosurgery (n = 4) was performed for access failure or unsuccessful occlusion by other means. In 46 fistulas (93.9%), complete occlusion was achieved, with no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Postprocedural symptom improvement was noted in all but 2 patients, who separately experienced paradoxical worsening of cranial nerve palsy and access failure. CONCLUSION In patients with CSdAVF and ipsilateral IPS occlusion, various treatment strategies may be applied (given angioanatomic suitability), resulting in excellent procedural and short-term follow-up results. Reopening of an occluded IPS is reasonable as an initial access attempt.

Microcatheter Looping to Facilitate Aneurysm Selection in Coil Embolization of Paraclinoid Aneurysms

Objective Described herein is a microcatheter looping technique to facilitate aneurysm selection in paraclinoid aneurysms, which remains to be technically challenging due to the inherent complexity of regional anatomy. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was waived. Microcatheter looping method was employed in 59 patients with paraclinoid aneurysms between January 2012 and December 2013. In the described technique, construction of a microcatheter loop, which is steam-shaped or pre-shaped, based on the direction of aneurysms, is mandatory. The looped tip of microcatheter was advanced into distal internal carotid artery and positioned atop the target aneurysm. By steering the loop (via inner microguidewire) into the dome of aneurysm and easing tension on the microcatheter, the aneurysm was selected. Clinical and morphologic outcomes were assessed with emphasis on technical aspects of the treatment. Results Through this looping technique, a total of 59 paraclinoid aneurysms were successfully treated. After aneurysm selection as described, single microcatheter technique (n = 25) was most commonly used to facilitate coiling, followed by balloon protection (n = 21), stent protection (n = 7), multiple microcatheters (n = 3), and stent/balloon combination (n = 3). Satisfactory aneurysmal occlusion was achieved through coil embolization in 44 lesions (74.6%). During follow-up of 53 patients (mean interval, 10.9 ± 5.9 months), only one instance (1.9%) of major recanalization was observed. There were no complications related to microcatheter looping. Conclusion This microcatheter looping method facilitates safe and effective positioning of microcatheter into domes of paraclinoid aneurysms during coil embolization when other traditional microcatheter selection methods otherwise fail.

Use of Triple Microcatheters for Endovascular Treatment of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience

Objective The dual microcatheter technique is common practice for coil embolization of a wide-necked aneurysm, due to safety and efficacy. However, technical limitations of some complex configurations may necessitate additional microcatheters to bolster coil stability, compact the coil, or for protection. Described herein is a triple microcatheter technique for endovascular management of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods Data accruing prospectively between January 2006 and October 2014 on simultaneously executed triple microcatheter coil embolization procedures done in 38 saccular aneurysms were reviewed. Clinical and morphological outcomes were assessed, with emphasis on technical aspects of treatment. Results The triple microcatheter technique was successfully applied to all 38 saccular aneurysms, involving the posterior communicating artery (n = 13), the middle cerebral artery (n = 10), the basilar tip (n = 7), the anterior cerebral artery (n = 5), and the internal carotid artery (n = 3). Stent protection was added in four patients and balloon remodeling in one. Dual microcatheters (n = 24) were usually deployed to deliver the coil within sacs of aneurysms, with the additional microcatheter used for protection. Otherwise, triple microcatheters were deployed for coil delivery (n = 11) or coils were delivered via a single microcatheter, with dual microcatheters deployed for protection (n = 3). Successful occlusion of aneurysms was achieved in 89.5% of cases, with no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Stable occlusion was maintained in 72.2% (26/36) of the aneurysms at the final follow-up (mean interval, 30.2 ± 22.7 months). Conclusion The outcomes of this limited study suggest that the triple microcatheter technique may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for wide-necked aneurysms, using technical strategies tailored to complex angio-anatomic configurations.

Transvenous microguidewire looping technique for breach of ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus occlusions en route to cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas

Background and purpose Transarterial access to dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) has been popularized by device improvements and novel embolic materials. However, this approach is limited in the cavernous sinus (CS) because of related complications and low cure rates. Although a transvenous approach, via ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), may be more suitable for CS-dAVFs, microcatheter delivery is occasionally impeded by ipsilateral IPS occlusion. Described herein is a microguidewire looping method to breach such occlusions, thus enabling access to CS lesions. Methods A microcatheter is initially advanced into the IPS orifice, and a microguidewire is passed into the occluded IPS. Looping is easily achieved through the resistance met. With greater support of the guiding catheter, the microguidewire (still looped) is then advanced into the CS. When nearing the CS, the microcatheter is further reinforced, and it is navigated along the microguidewire into the CS. Results This technique was applied in 10 instances of CS-dAVF with ipsilateral IPS occlusion, enabling ipsilateral access to the CS. In eight cases (80%), microdevice advancement was successful, culminating in effective transvenous coil embolization. Clinical and radiologic outcomes in all patients were excellent, with no delayed post-procedural cranial palsies. Conclusion This microguidewire looping technique enables safe and effective entry into the CS during transvenous coil embolization of CS-dAVFs with ipsilateral IPS occlusion.

Usefulness of SPAIR Image, Fracture Line and the Adjacent Discs Change on Magnetic Resonance Image in the Acute Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

Objective Osteoporotic compression fracture is an increasing issue in this community and its diagnosis depends on the magnetic resonance images (MRI). Although T1- and T2-weighted images (T1WI and T2WI) have high sensitivity and specificity, the fat suppression technique gives more clear delineation of this abnormalities. Accordingly, we re-evaluated its exact sensitivity and specificity for the imaging diagnosis of osteoporotic compression fractures in our cases. For additional information about the osteoporotic compression fractures, we evaluate the fracture lines, fluid sign and adjacent discs change on the MRI. Methods Retrospectively, total 85 patients who had been diagnosed with acute osteoporotic compression fracture were enrolled. They all had been underwent MRI including T1WI, T2WI and T2-Spectral Adiabatic Inversion Recovery (SPAIR) sequence. Results In this study, the incidence of high signal intensity on T2-SPAIR image was very high (0.9917). The fluid sign was seen in 56.7% on the SPAIR image. The fracture lines were more observed on the T2WI than T1WI (p=0.0062). The adjacent discs change on T2WI and T2-SPAIR image were higher than T1WI (p<0.001). Conclusion For the acute osteoporotic compression fracture, T2-SPAIR image is the most specific sequence of the all sequences. The fluid sign is another suggestive finding when considered other studies. T2WI is more useful to find the fracture line than T1WI. Abnormal signal intensity on the adjacent discs may provide additional information for the acute osteoporotic compression fractures.

Cavernous Hemangioma Occurred Between the Trapezius and Splenius Capitis Muscle

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of soft tissue. They are frequently seen on the trunk and extremities. In addition, most of them exist at the skin and subcutaneous layer, but fewer than 1% does in the intramuscular layer. For the diagnostic images of the intramuscular cavernous hemangioma, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used currently. Multiple therapeutic methods are used, but surgical excision is considered as the most ideal treatment. We describe the recurred cavernous hemangioma occurred between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscle. The mass was well demarcated but scattered and infiltrated into the adjacent muscle layer, therefore, extensive resection was unavoidable. When determining a treatment regime for the hemangioma, it is essential to consider the size of the mass, cosmetic and functional aspects of the patient.

The Comparison of Outcome between Thromboaspiration and Aggressive Mechanical Clot Disruption in Treating Hyperacute Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the Republic of Korea. Time is the most important factor in hyperacute stroke. Yet, there had been no protocol for mechanical thrombolysis. We have treated patients with hyperacute stroke by mechanical thrombolysis for 3 years. In current study, we analyzed the outcome of mechanical thrombolysis. METHODS From March 2008 to February 2011, 36 patients were treated with mechanical thrombolysis. Initially we treated the patients by aggressive mechanical clot disruption (AMCD) who were admitted within 6 hours after the symptom onset. If revascularization was not achieved, balloon angioplasty was performed, followed by stenting or temporary endovascular bypass was performed. The result in 15 cases was not so successful. Since then, we started using the thromboaspiration method as the first line treatment of the mechanical thrombolysis. RESULTS After using the thromboaspiration, we had better results in recanalization rate, modified Rankin Score (mRS) and reperfusion injury compared to AMCD. The recanalization rate was 80.85%, mRS is 2.85, and there was only 0.09% hemorrhagic formation. CONCLUSION Even though thromboaspiration is not statistically significant due to the limited numbers of patients enrolled in this study, we think it is a good way in mechanical thronbolysis for hyperacute stroke.

Microguidewire Looping to Traverse Stented Parent Arteries of Intracranial Aneurysms

Objective Stents are widely used in coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, but on occasion, a microcatheter must traverse a stented segment of artery (so-called trans-cell technique) to select an aneurysm, or double stenting may necessary. In such situations, microguidewire passage and microcatheter delivery through a tortuous stented parent artery may pose a technical challenge. Described herein is a microguidewire looping technique to facilitate endovascular navigation in these circumstances. Methods To apply this technique, the microguidewire tip is looped before entering the stented parent artery and then advanced distally past the stented segment, with the loop intact. Rounding of the tip prevents interference from stent struts during passage. A microcatheter is subsequently passed into the stented artery for positioning near the neck of aneurysm, with microguidewire assistance. The aneurysm is then selected, steering the microcatheter tip (via inner microguidewire) into the dome. Results This technique proved successful during coil embolization of nine saccular intracranial aneurysms (internal carotid artery [ICA], 6; middle cerebral artery, 2; basilar tip, 1), performing eight trans-cell deliveries and one additional stenting. Selective endovascular embolization was enabled in all patients, resulting in excellent clinical and radiologic outcomes, with no morbidity or mortality directly attributable to microguidewire looping. Conclusion Microguidewire looping is a reasonable alternative if passage through a stented artery is not feasible by traditional means, especially at paraclinoid ICA sites.

Cerebral infarction caused by a tortuous subclavian artery: a case report.

Tortuous arteries are common clinical observation. Although mild tortuosity is asymptomatic, severe tortuosity can lead to ischemic attack in several organs. With advances in imaging technology, an increasing number of tortuous vessels have been detected. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of acute cerebral infarction due to tortuous subclavian artery and to review the literature.