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Brain Sciences Jan 2024Surgical treatment of neurovascular lesions like intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous dural fistulas is still associated with high... (Review)
Review
Surgical treatment of neurovascular lesions like intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous dural fistulas is still associated with high morbidity. Several recent studies are providing increasing insights into reliable tools to improve surgery and reduce complications. Inadvertent vessel compromise and incomplete occlusion of the lesion represent the most possible complications in neurovascular surgery. It is clear that direct visual examination alone does not allow to identify all instances of vessel compromise. Various modalities, including angiography, microvascular Doppler and neurophysiological studies, have been utilized for hemodynamics of flow vessels in proper clipping of the aneurysm or complete obliteration of the lesion. We intended to review the current knowledge about the intraoperative microvascular Doppler (iMDS) employment in the most updated literature, and explore the most recent implications not only in intracranial aneurysms but also in neurovascular lesions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous dural fistulas (AVDFs). According to the PRISMA guidelines, systematic research in the most updated platform was performed in order to provide a complete overview about iMDS employment in neurovascular surgery. Twelve articles were included in the present paper and analyzed according to specific research areas. iMDS employment could represent a crucial tool to improve surgery in neurovascular lesions. The safety and effectiveness of the surgical treatment of neurovascular lesions like intracranial aneurysm and other neurovascular lesions like AVMs and AVDFs requires careful and accurate consideration regarding the assessment of anatomy and blood flow. Prognosis may depend on suboptimal or incomplete exclusion of the lesion.
PubMed: 38248271
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010056 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Sep 2023The outcomes of leadless pacemaker (LP) implantation after transvenous lead removal (TLR) of infected cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are not...
The outcomes of leadless pacemaker (LP) implantation after transvenous lead removal (TLR) of infected cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are not well-established. This study sought to describe the outcomes of LP implantation after TLR of infected CIED. We conducted a literature search using PubMed and Embase for a combination of terms including LP implantation, transvenous lead extraction, TLR, transvenous lead explant, infected CIED, infected pacemaker, and infected implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The inclusion criterion was LP implantation after TLR of infected CIED. The exclusion criterion was TLR for noninfectious reasons. Study end points included procedural complications and LP infection during follow-up. Of 132 publications reviewed, 13 studies with a total of 253 patients (74 ± 14 years of age, 174 [69%] males) were included. The most common indication of the initial device implantations was a high-degree atrioventricular block (n = 100 of 253, 39.5%). Of the 253 patients included, 105 patients (41.5%) underwent concomitant LP implantation during the TLR procedure, and 36 patients (14.2%) had temporary transvenous pacing as a bridge from TLR to LP implantation. Of the 148 patients with data on the type of CIED infection, 56.8% had systemic CIED infection and 43.2% had isolated pocket infection. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism in 33% of the reported patients. The LP was implanted an average of 5.4 ± 10.7 days after TLR of infected CIED. During the LP implantation, 1 patient (0.4%) had unsuccessful implantation because of an intraprocedural complication requiring sternotomy. After LP implantation, 2 patients (0.8%) developed groin hematoma, 2 patients (0.8%) developed femoral arteriovenous fistula, and 1 patient (0.4%) developed pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis. During a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 10.6 months, 3 patients (1.2%) developed pacemaker syndrome, 1 patient (0.4%) developed acute on chronic heart failure exacerbation, and only 1 patient (0.4%) developed LP-related infection requiring LP retrieval. This study suggests that LP implant is feasible and safe after removal of infected CIED with cumulative adverse events at 4% and a reinfection rate of 0.4%. Large prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the best timing of LP implantation after TLR of an infected CIED.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Treatment Outcome; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Device Removal; Pacemaker, Artificial; Defibrillators, Implantable; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37542954
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.07.071 -
The Journal of Vascular Access Jan 2024The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate the effect of pre-operative arm exercise on patients' superficial vein caliber of patients. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible articles. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. In the Meta-analysis, Risk ratios (RRs) of clinical maturation and ultrasonographic maturation were pooled from studies focused on post-operative exercise program; Mean difference (MD) of venous caliver was pooled from those studied pre-operative exercise. Nine studies (six for post-operative exercise; three for pre-operative exercise) were included in the review. Among the AVFs created in distal region (158 patients in exercise group and 144 patients in control group), there was a significantly superior clinical maturation (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48, = 0.001; = 0), and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59, = 0.009; = 0) in the exercise group in comparison to the control group. For the AVFs created in proximal region (93 and 96 patients in exercise group and control group respectively), there is no significant difference in clinical maturation (RR:1.25, 95% CI: 0.88-1.78, = 0.27, = 74%) and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.97-1.40, = 0.11, = 43%) between the exercise group and controls. For pre-operative exercise, the mean difference of 0.34 mm (95% CI: 0.23-0.46, < 0.001, = 87% ) was found for vein size. In conclusion, existing upper extremity exercise programs appear to be useful in facilitating maturation of AVFs created in distal region, while its effect on fistulas created in proximal region is less certain. However, more robust trials are warranted to establish these findings.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Veins; Upper Extremity; Arteriovenous Fistula
PubMed: 35633081
DOI: 10.1177/11297298221100446 -
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Aug 2023The impact of the type of vascular access on the outcomes in the elderly haemodialysis patients is still unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare survival...
The impact of the type of vascular access on the outcomes in the elderly haemodialysis patients is still unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare survival outcomes in elderly haemodialysis patients who received either arteriovenous graft (AVG) or arteriovenous fistula (AVF). A systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases for papers published from January 1954 until January 2022. Risk of bias in the selected publications was assessed by Newcastle Ottawa scale or Cochrane risk of bias tool depending on the study design. Meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model. Data were reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 12 studies were included in the analysis. The majority of the studies had poor quality. Elderly patients receiving AVG had significantly worse survival rate compared with patients that received AVF for the haemodialysis access, with a pooled HR of 1.38 (95% CI, 1.24-1.53; I=79.9%). Pooled HR for access survival was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.54-1.66; I=0%). Pooled OR for primary patency rate, maturation failure and infections were 1.81 (95% CI, 0.73-4.49; I=79.2%), 0.33 (95% CI, 0.12-0.91; I=70.4%) and 9.74 (95% CI, 2.60-36.49; I=52.4%), respectively. These results suggested that in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis, AVG was associated with reduced overall survival and access survival, and higher infection rate, compared with AVF. Notably, AVG was also associated with a lower risk of maturation failure, presenting a potential advantage in specific patient populations (study registration: PROSPERO, no. CRD42022313199).
PubMed: 37522056
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12098 -
Neurosurgical Review May 2024Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) are uncommon but carry a high risk of hemorrhage and pose substantial treatment challenges.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis with a subanalysis for Onyx.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) are uncommon but carry a high risk of hemorrhage and pose substantial treatment challenges. Recent advancements in endovascular treatment (EVT), including the introduction of novel liquid embolic agents, have markedly bolstered EVT's role in managing ACF-dAVFs, with notable series published in the last five years. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EVT for ACF-dAVFs. We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included those with ≥ 5 patients undergoing embolization of ACF-dAVFs, detailing both angiographic and clinical outcomes. We used single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model, I to assess heterogeneity, and Baujat and sensitivity analysis to address high heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by funnel-plot analysis and Egger's test. Outcomes included complete occlusion following embolization, unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts, incomplete occlusion following embolization, symptom resolution or clinical improvement following embolization, recurrence; procedure-related complications, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, a subanalysis for studies exclusively utilizing Onyx™ embolic system was done. Eighteen studies comprising 231 ACF-dAVF were included. Unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts rate was 2%. Complete occlusion rate was 85%, with 4% of complications. Incomplete occlusion rate was 10%. Successfully embolized patients experienced either symptom resolution or clinical improvement in 94% of cases. Morbidity and mortality rates were 1% and 0%, respectively. Onyx subanalyses showed an overall rate of 0% for unsuccessful attempts, 95% for complete occlusion, and 5% for incomplete occlusion. Symptom resolution or clinical improvement was 98% and recurrence rate was 0%. EVT for ACF-dAVF is highly feasible, effective, and safe, with a low rate of complications, morbidity, and mortality. The subanalyses focusing on Onyx embolizations revealed superior efficacy and safety outcomes compared to the findings of the primary analyses involving all included studies.
Topics: Humans; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Embolization, Therapeutic; Endovascular Procedures; Polyvinyls; Cranial Fossa, Anterior; Treatment Outcome; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Feasibility Studies
PubMed: 38736006
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02446-5 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Few studies have discussed the disease nature and treatment outcomes for bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). This study aimed to investigate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Few studies have discussed the disease nature and treatment outcomes for bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF. Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library were searched for studies that specified the outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF from inception to April 2022. The classification, clinical presentation, angiographic feature, surgical approach, and treatment outcomes were collected. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Eight studies reporting 97 patients were included. The clinical presentation was mainly orbital (n = 80), cavernous (n = 52) and cerebral (n = 5) symptoms. The most approached surgical route was inferior petrosal sinus (n = 80), followed by superior orbital vein (n = 10), and alternative approach (n = 7). Clinical symptoms of 88% of the patients (95% CI 80-93%, I = 0%) were cured, and 82% (95% CI 70-90%, I = 7%) had angiographic complete obliteration of fistulas during follow up. The overall complication rate was 18% (95% CI 11-27%, I = 0%). Therefore, endovascular treatment is an effective treatment for bilateral CSDAVF regarding clinical or angiographic outcomes. However, detailed evaluation of preoperative images and comprehensive surgical planning of the approach route are mandatory owing to complexity of the lesions.
Topics: Humans; Cavernous Sinus; Cerebral Angiography; Embolization, Therapeutic; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Cranial Sinuses
PubMed: 37528115
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31864-6 -
Neurosurgical Focus Mar 2024Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been established as a safe and alternative treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). While embolization alone is the most... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been established as a safe and alternative treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). While embolization alone is the most commonly used modality for the treatment of dAVFs, the adjunctive use of embolization with SRS, with the growing use of SRS, has gained increasing interest in the past few years. However, the relative efficacy and safety of SRS combined with embolization versus SRS alone for dAVFs remains uncertain. Hence, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SRS with adjunctive embolization for intracranial dAVFs.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to August 2023. All studies evaluating the utilization of adjunctive embolization and SRS for dAVFs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was conducted on the suitable outcomes.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies involving 715 patients were included. The mean age of the participants in the study was 64.30 years in the adjunctive embolization group and 60.51 years in the SRS-alone group. In the adjunctive embolization group 41.3% of patients were female, compared with 47.1% in the SRS-only group. The dAVF obliteration rates were 64.7% and 65.7% in the adjunctive embolization and SRS-alone groups, respectively. These obliteration rates were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.96), as were the symptom improvement rates (p = 0.35). Adverse events were rare, and were more commonly associated with the adjunctive embolization procedure, although further causal analysis was not possible.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence that adjunctive embolization plus SRS provides similar obliteration and symptom improvement rates compared with SRS alone, with both having very limited SRS-related adverse events. Considering the added burden and adverse events of additional endovascular treatment, the authors recommend embolization be reserved for more complex dAVFs or when embolization can potentially be curative alone or provide more rapid symptomatic relief or protection during the radiosurgical latency period.
Topics: Humans; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Databases, Factual; Embolization, Therapeutic; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38427988
DOI: 10.3171/2023.12.FOCUS23797 -
Neurosurgical Review May 2024Surgery and endovascular therapy are the primary treatment options for spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Due to the absence of a consensus regarding which... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Surgery and endovascular therapy are the primary treatment options for spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Due to the absence of a consensus regarding which therapy yields a superior outcome, we conducted a comparative analysis of the surgical and endovascular treatment of SDAVF through a multicenter case series and a systematic literature review. Patients with SDAVF, surgically or endovascularly treated at four neurosurgical centers from January 2001 to December 2021, were included in this study. Level of SDAVF, primary treatment modality, baseline and post-procedural neurological status were collected. The primary outcomes were failure, complication rates, and a newly introduced parameter named as therapeutic delay. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA-P guidelines. The systematic review identified 511 papers, of which 18 were eligible for analysis, for a total of 814 patients, predominantly male (72%) with a median age of 61 and mainly thoracic SDAVFs (65%). The failure rate was significantly higher for endovascular therapy (20%) compared to surgery (4%) (p < 0.01). Neurological complications were generally rare, with similar rates among the two groups (endovascular 2.9%; surgery 2.6%). Endovascular treatment showed a statistically significantly higher rate of persistent neurological complications than surgical treatment (2.9% versus 0.2%; p < 0.01). Both treatments showed similar rates of clinical improvement based on Aminoff Logue scale score. The multicenter, retrospective study involved 131 patients. The thoracic region was the most frequent location (58%), followed by lumbar (37%). Paraparesis (45%) and back pain (41%) were the most common presenting symptoms, followed by bladder dysfunction (34%) and sensory disturbances (21%). The mean clinical follow-up was 21 months, with all patients followed for at least 12 months. No statistically significant differences were found in demographic and clinical data, lesion characteristics, or outcomes between the two treatment groups. Median pre-treatment Aminoff-Logue score was 2.6, decreasing to 1.4 post-treatment with both treatments. The mean therapeutic delay for surgery and endovascular treatment showed no statistically significant difference. Surgical treatment demonstrated significantly lower failure rates (5% vs. 46%, p < 0.01). In the surgical group, 2 transient neurological (1 epidural hematoma, 1 CSF leak) and 3 non-neurological (3 wound infections) complications were recorded; while 2 permanent neurological (spinal infarcts), and 5 non-neurological (inguinal hematomas) were reported in the endovascular group. According to the literature review and this multicenter clinical series, surgical treatment has a significantly lower failure rate than endovascular treatment. Although the two treatments have similar complication rates, endovascular treatment seems to have a higher rate of persistent neurological complications.
Topics: Humans; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Endovascular Procedures; Neurosurgical Procedures; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Postoperative Complications; Embolization, Therapeutic
PubMed: 38713376
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02443-8 -
Clinical Radiology Apr 2024To compare the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To compare the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled proportions and subgroup analysis were calculated for primary and secondary patency rates, technical success, clinical success, major and minor complications rates.
RESULTS
This systematic review identified a total of 6,492 studies of which 17 studies were included for analysis. A total of 1,089 patients comprising 451 (41.4 %) and 638 (58.6 %) patients who underwent thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures, respectively, were analysed. No significant differences were observed between thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures in terms of technical success, clinical success, major and minor complications rates, primary and secondary patency rates; however, subgroup analysis of overall arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) demonstrated a significantly higher rate of major complications within the AVF group (p=0.0248).
CONCLUSION
The present meta-analysis suggests that pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures are similarly effective and safe; however, AVFs are subject to higher major complications compared to AVGs.
Topics: Humans; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Vascular Patency; Renal Dialysis; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Retrospective Studies; Thrombosis; Thrombectomy; Arteriovenous Fistula; Thrombolytic Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38320944
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.12.028 -
Neurosurgical Focus Mar 2024Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are often associated with cortical venous drainage (CVD) and a higher incidence of hemorrhage compared with DAVFs in other... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are often associated with cortical venous drainage (CVD) and a higher incidence of hemorrhage compared with DAVFs in other locations. They may be treated with open surgical disconnection or with endovascular treatment (EVT). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors compare the outcomes of ethmoidal DAVFs treated with open microsurgery versus EVT and report four additional cases of ethmoidal DAVFs treated with open microsurgery in their institution.
METHODS
A literature search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 to identify relevant articles published between 1990 and 2021 using the PRISMA guidelines. References were reviewed and screened by two authors independently, and disagreements were resolved through consensus. Exclusion criteria included non-English-language studies, those with an incorrect study design, those reporting DAVFs in a nonethmoidal location, and studies whose outcomes were not stratified based on DAVF location. Inclusion criteria were any studies reporting on ethmoidal DAVFs treated by either microsurgery or EVT. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The authors performed a pooled proportional meta-analysis to compare patient outcomes.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included for analysis. Of 224 patients, 142 were treated with surgery, while 103 were treated with EVT. Seventy percent (148/210) of the patients were symptomatic at presentation, with hemorrhage being the most common presentation (48%). CVD was present in 98% of patients and venous ectasia in 61%. The rates of complete DAVF obliteration with surgery and EVT were 89% and 70%, respectively (95% CI -30% to -10%, p < 0.03). Twenty percent (21/103) of endovascularly treated fistulas required subsequent surgery. Procedure-related complications occurred in 10% of the surgical cases, compared with 13% of the EVT cases. The authors' case series included 4 patients with ethmoidal DAVFs treated surgically with complete obliteration, without any postoperative complications.
CONCLUSIONS
The complete obliteration rates of ethmoidal DAVF appear to be higher and more definitive with microsurgical intervention than with EVT. While complication rates between the two procedures seem similar, patients treated with EVT may require further interventions for definitive treatment. The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, the quality of studies included, and the continued evolving technologies of EVT. Future studies should focus on the association between venous drainage pattern and the proclivity toward venous ectasia or rate of hemorrhage at presentation.
Topics: Humans; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Dilatation, Pathologic; Embolization, Therapeutic; Hemorrhage; Treatment Outcome; Microsurgery
PubMed: 38428011
DOI: 10.3171/2023.12.FOCUS23801