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World Neurosurgery Jun 2024When it comes to intracranial aneurysms, the quest for more effective treatments is ongoing. Flow diversion represents a growing advancement in this field. This review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
When it comes to intracranial aneurysms, the quest for more effective treatments is ongoing. Flow diversion represents a growing advancement in this field. This review seeks to compare two variants of the endovascular flow diversion method: the Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) and the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED).
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, using appropriate terms to compare PED and FRED in double-arm studies from conception until October 8, 2023.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis encompassed 1,769 patients, with a predominance of females (75.5%), among whom 973 patients underwent FRED procedures, while 651 received PED interventions. At six months, complete occlusion rates were 0.62 for FRED and 0.68 for PED (P = 0.68). At one year and the last follow-up, no significant differences were observed between FRED and PED, respectively. Adequate occlusion rates were similar between FRED and PED (0.82 vs 0.79, P = 0.68). FRED showed a statistically significant higher rate of good mRS scores at follow-up (1.00 vs. 0.97, P = 0.03). Hemorrhage and re-treatment rates were higher in PED (P < 0.01) without considering the rupture status of the aneurysms due to the lack of data.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests comparable efficacy but different safety profiles between FRED and PED in treating intracranial aneurysms. FRED demonstrated a higher rate of good mRS scores, while PED showed increased hemorrhage and re-treatment rates. Understanding these differences is crucial for informed decision-making in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38925243
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.100 -
Cureus May 2024Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality globally, and mechanical CPR devices like the LUCAS system are designed to improve outcomes by enhancing consistency and...
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality globally, and mechanical CPR devices like the LUCAS system are designed to improve outcomes by enhancing consistency and reducing rescuer fatigue. However, this case report of a 76-year-old female who suffered cardiac arrest post-flight reveals significant complications associated with mechanical CPR. Despite achieving initial resuscitation, she developed extensive liver damage and additional complications, which ultimately led to her death. This case underscores the importance of precise training and strict adherence to guidelines when using mechanical CPR devices. It highlights that while these devices offer potential benefits, they also pose risks, especially for vulnerable patients, necessitating careful consideration and ongoing evaluation to optimize safety and effectiveness.
PubMed: 38919228
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61107 -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Jun 2024Spinal metastases can significantly affect quality of life in patients with cancer and present complex neurosurgical challenges for surgeons. Surgery with...
OBJECTIVE
Spinal metastases can significantly affect quality of life in patients with cancer and present complex neurosurgical challenges for surgeons. Surgery with instrumentation is often indicated to alleviate pain, preserve neurological function, and ensure mechanical stability. However, distortions in the bony anatomy due to oncological disease can decrease the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Robotic-assisted surgery may offer an opportunity to increase screw accuracy and improve navigation of spinal lesions compared to conventional techniques. Therefore, we presented our institutional experience evaluating robotic-assisted surgical fixation for spinal metastases.
METHODS
Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery at a large tertiary care center between January 2019 - January 2023 for the treatment of spinal metastases were identified. Patient characteristics, including demographics, tumor pathology, surgical complications, and post-operative outcomes were extracted. The Gertzbein Robbins classification system (GRS) was used to assess pedicle screw placement accuracy in patients with post-operative computed tomography.
RESULTS
Twenty patients were identified, including 7 females (35 %), with an overall median age of 66 years (range: 39-80 years) and median BMI of 25 kg/m (range: 17-34 kg/m). An average of four spinal levels were instrumented, with metastases located primarily in the thoracic (n=17, 85 %) spine. Common primary tumor types included prostate (n=4), lung (n=2), and plasma cell (n=2) cancers. Most pedicle screws (92 %) were classified as GRS A in patients with postoperative imaging. Post-operative complications were unrelated to the use of the robot, and included pulmonary embolism (n=1), deep vein thrombosis (n=2), and gastric symptoms (n=3). Three patients were readmitted at 30 days, with one reoperation due to tumor recurrence. Four patients were deceased within 6 months of surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the inherent high-risk nature of these surgeries, this study underscores the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted surgery in the management of spinal metastases. Robots can be helpful in ensuring accuracy of pedicle screw placement in patients with metastatic disease.
PubMed: 38917745
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108393 -
Stroke Jul 2024Tandem lesions consist of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion, most commonly of atherosclerosis or dissection etiology, plus a large vessel...
BACKGROUND
Tandem lesions consist of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion, most commonly of atherosclerosis or dissection etiology, plus a large vessel occlusion. In this study, we compare outcomes in patients with atherosclerosis versus dissection of the cervical ICA.
METHODS
This multicenter retrospective cohort study includes data from tandem lesion patients who underwent endovascular treatment from 2015 to 2020. Atherosclerosis was defined as ICA stenosis/occlusion associated with a calcified lesion and dissection by the presence of a tapered or flame-shaped lesion and intramural hematoma. Primary outcome: 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2); secondary outcomes: 90-day favorable shift in the modified Rankin Scale score, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma type 2, petechial hemorrhage, distal embolization, early neurological improvement, and mortality. Analysis was performed with matching by inverse probability of treatment weighting.
RESULTS
We included 526 patients (68 [59-76] years; 31% females); 11.2% presented dissection and 88.8%, atherosclerosis. Patients with dissection were younger, had lower rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking history. They also exhibited higher rates of ICA occlusion, multiple stents (>1), and lower rates of carotid self-expanding stents. After matching and adjusting for covariates, there were no differences in 90-day functional independence. The rate of successful recanalization was significantly lower in the dissection group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.16-0.91]; =0.031), which also had significantly higher rates of distal emboli (adjusted odds ratio, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.15-5.55]; =0.021). There were no differences in other outcomes. Acute ICA stenting seemed to increase the effect of atherosclerosis in successful recanalization.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reveals that among patients with acute stroke with tandem lesions, cervical ICA dissection is associated with higher rates of distal embolism and lower rates of successful recanalization than atherosclerotic lesions. Using techniques to minimize the risk of distal embolism may mitigate this contrast. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to fully understand these associations.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Endovascular Procedures; Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection; Carotid Stenosis; Treatment Outcome; Embolism
PubMed: 38913799
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.046148 -
Current Cardiology Reports Jun 2024Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been previously linked to left circulation thromboembolism and stroke. This review article aims to discuss the latest evidence, updated... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been previously linked to left circulation thromboembolism and stroke. This review article aims to discuss the latest evidence, updated societal guidelines, diagnostic algorithms and novel therapeutic devices for PFO closure.
RECENT FINDINGS
PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke and systemic embolization is supported by a large body of evidence and has a strong societal recommendation. Limited data are available for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, although closure appears to be beneficial. Current data do not support routine closure for migraines and decompression Illness. Development of heart-brain teams can improve identification of patients most likely to benefit from closure, utilizing a combination of imaging test and risk score algorithms. Multiple novel devices aiming at reducing complications and improving the long-term impact of current available devices are being evaluated. PFO closure has significantly progressed over the last years, with new data supporting its superiority in reducing risk of recurrent embolic stroke in patients with PFO-related stroke. Additional clinical data are required to provide further refinements on patient selection and guidance on treatment of specific subgroups.
PubMed: 38913234
DOI: 10.1007/s11886-024-02073-y -
Journal of Neuroendovascular Therapy 2024Carotid artery stenting embolic protection devices offer various options, among which distal filter protection is the simplest and easiest to handle. However, compared...
OBJECTIVE
Carotid artery stenting embolic protection devices offer various options, among which distal filter protection is the simplest and easiest to handle. However, compared to balloon protection systems, distal filter protection has more embolic complications. Therefore, we explored the risk factors of distal filter protection, intending to achieve a safer carotid artery stenting. This retrospective study was conducted to identify prognostic factors following carotid artery stenting with only distal filter protection from July 2010 to June 2021.
METHODS
Information on patient background, procedures and devices, and complications was collected using medical records. The data pertaining to 187 patients were analyzed after excluding the data of patients in whom other protection devices (8 cases) were used. We used FilterWire EZ as the first choice for embolic protection device and SpiderFX when the patients had difficult-to-cross lesions.
RESULTS
The patients' mean age was 71.9 ± 6.9 years, and 72 (38.5%) were symptomatic. Symptomatic (odds ratio: 2.02, p = 0.035) and difficult-to-cross lesions (odds ratio: 3.63, p = 0.0013) were factors independently associated with symptomatic complications.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective single-center study established independent prognostic factors for carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection. For patients with symptomatic lesions and severe stenosis or bends that are difficult to pass through, it is necessary to be careful when performing carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection.
PubMed: 38911486
DOI: 10.5797/jnet.oa.2023-0096 -
Cardiology Clinics Aug 2024Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) are two types of interatrial communications with unique clinical presentations and management strategies. The... (Review)
Review
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) are two types of interatrial communications with unique clinical presentations and management strategies. The PFO is a normal part of fetal development that typically closes shortly after birth but may persist in as many as 25% to 30% of adults. The communication between atria may result in paradoxic embolism and embolic stroke. On the other hand, ASDs (anatomically defined as secundum, primum, sinus venosus, and coronary sinus in order of prevalence) typically result in right heart volume overload and are often associated with other congenital defects. The diagnostic methods, treatment options including surgical and percutaneous approaches, and potential complications are described. Both conditions underline the significance of precise diagnosis and appropriate management to mitigate risks and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Foramen Ovale, Patent; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Cardiac Catheterization; Septal Occluder Device; Global Health
PubMed: 38910025
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2024.02.019 -
Cardiology Clinics Aug 2024The left atrial appendage (LAA) has gained increasing attention in the field of cardiology as a potential site for intervention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)... (Review)
Review
The left atrial appendage (LAA) has gained increasing attention in the field of cardiology as a potential site for intervention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of thromboembolic events. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, especially in individuals who are unsuitable candidates for long-term anticoagulation therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of LAAO, encompassing its anatomic considerations, procedural techniques, clinical outcomes, and future directions.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Appendage; Atrial Fibrillation; Stroke; Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Septal Occluder Device; Thromboembolism; Left Atrial Appendage Closure
PubMed: 38910023
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2024.02.018 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024To investigate the effect and safety of percutaneous endovascular angioplasty (PEA) with optional stenting for the treatment of severe stenosis or occlusion of...
To investigate the effect and safety of percutaneous endovascular angioplasty (PEA) with optional stenting for the treatment of severe stenosis or occlusion of subclavian artery, patients with severe stenosis ≥ 70% or occlusion of subclavian artery treated with PEA were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical data were analyzed. A total of 222 patients were retrospectively enrolled, including 151 males (68.0%) and 71 females (32.0%) aged 48-86 (mean 63.9 ± 9.0) years. Forty-seven (21.2%) patients had comorbidities. Subclavian artery stenosis ≥ 70% was present in 201 (90.5%) patients and complete subclavian occlusion in 21 (9.5%) cases. Angioplasty was successfully performed in all (100%) patients. Balloon-expandable stents were used in 190 (85.6%) cases, and self-expandable stents in 20 (9.0%) cases. Only 12 (5.4%) cases were treated with balloon dilation only. Among 210 patients treated with stent angioplasty, 71 (33.8% or 71/210) cases underwent balloon pre-dilation, 139 (66.2% or 139/210) had direct deployment of balloon-expandable stents, and 2 (1.0% or 2/210) experienced balloon post-dilation. Distal embolization protection devices were used in 5 (2.3% or 5/222) cases. Periprocedural complications occurred in 3 (1.4%) patients, including aortic dissection in 2 (0.9%) cases and right middle cerebral artery embolism in 1 (0.5%). No hemorrhage occurred. Among 182 (82.0%) patients with 6-month follow-up, restenosis > 70% occurred in 1 (0.5%) patient, and among 68 (30.6%) patients with 12-month follow-up, restenosis > 70% took place in 11 (16.2%) patients. Percutaneous endovascular angioplasty can be safely and efficiently performed for the treatment of severe stenosis ≥ 70% or occlusion of subclavian artery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Subclavian Artery; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Subclavian Steal Syndrome; Endovascular Procedures; Angioplasty; Constriction, Pathologic; Angioplasty, Balloon; Arterial Occlusive Diseases
PubMed: 38906992
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65302-y -
Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery Jun 2024To investigate associations between individual embolic protection device (EPD) use and respective center policy with periprocedural outcomes after carotid artery...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations between individual embolic protection device (EPD) use and respective center policy with periprocedural outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS).
METHODS
This analysis is based on the nationwide German statutory quality assurance database and was funded by Germany's Federal Joint Committee Innovation Fund (G-BA Innovationsfonds, 01VSF19016 ISAR-IQ). According to their policy towards EPD use, hospitals were categorized as (>90%), (10-90%), or (<10%) . Primary study outcome was in-hospital stroke or death. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Overall, 19 302 patients who had undergone CAS between 2013 and 2016 were included. The highest in-hospital stroke or death rate was found in centers, followed by and centers (3.1% vs 2.9% vs 1.8%; P<0.001). Across the whole cohort, EPD use was associated with a lower in-hospital stroke or death rate (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.72). In the multivariate regression analysis, EPD use was independently associated with a lower in-hospital stroke rate (aOR=0.66; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.94). Regarding center policy, centers showed a significantly lower in-hospital mortality compared with centers (aOR=0.44; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.88).
CONCLUSIONS
In a contemporary real-world cohort with low risk of selection bias, EPD use was associated with a lower in-hospital risk of stroke. A center policy of routine EPD use was associated with lower mortality. These data support routine use of EPD during CAS to enhance patient safety.
PubMed: 38906691
DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2024-021722