Journal of neurointerventional surgery
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Thrombus characteristics, including Hounsfield unit (HU) value to measure density and thrombus volume and length, can predict successful recanalization following IV thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Conflicting and limited data exist regarding the value of assessing thrombus properties in acute stroke cases treated with endovascular IA approaches. ⋯ In acute stroke treated with Solitaire stent retriever thrombectomy, higher thrombus HU values are predictive of successful recanalization. Such information can be used in decision making when estimating recanalization success rate with different endovascular treatment approaches.
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DSA remains the gold standard imaging method for the evaluation of many cerebrovascular disorders, in particular cerebral aneurysms and vascular malformations. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of modifying DSA frame rate, fluoroscopic and roadmap pulse rates, and flat panel detector (FPD) position on the radiation dose delivered during routine views for a cerebral angiogram in a phantom model. ⋯ Replacing femoral arterial access evaluations by DSA with fluoroscopy, utilizing lower pulse rates during fluoroscopy and roadmap guidance, and choosing variable frame rates for DSA are simple techniques that may be considered by operators in their clinical practices to lower radiation dose during cerebral angiography procedures.
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Cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Intra-arterial administration of calcium channel blockers or intracranial angioplasty may be performed when non-invasive medical management fails to prevent neurologic deterioration. Technical improvements in balloon catheters are expected to improve the success and safety of cerebral angioplasty. ⋯ The Scepter XC balloon catheter is safe and effective in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm following SAH. The excellent trackability and stability of the balloon catheter and the extra compliant design of the balloon represent technical advancements in the endovascular armamentarium in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.
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Periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage secondary to intranidal flow redirection may develop after arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolization. We hypothesized that continuous draining vein pressure monitoring may identify clinically relevant hemodynamic changes during devascularization. Our goal was to characterize the draining vein pressures in a swine rete mirabile AVM model during embolization with Onyx. ⋯ The draining vein pressure response during Onyx embolization in the swine AVM model is heterogeneous. Continuous draining vein pressure monitoring is feasible and may potentially identify clinically relevant hemodynamic changes during AVM embolization.
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Variability in response to clopidogrel therapy is increasingly being recognized as an important factor in thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications encountered after neurointerventional procedures. This study aims to determine the variability in response to clopidogrel therapy and associated complications in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. ⋯ We found wide and dynamic variability in response to clopidogrel therapy in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms, which was significantly associated with thromboembolic and major hemorrhagic complications in our cohort.