J Neurosurg Sci
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Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major complication that afflicts approximately 30% of patients who suffer an aneursymal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). DCI is often associated with neurological infarction, poor outcome and mortality. Though the pathogenesis of DCI is not yet clear, it is traditionally been attributed to angiographic vasospasm. ⋯ More recently, increasing concern that vasospasm could not fully account for DCI development has incited novel proposals as to the pathogenesis of DCI. A general theme exists among these theories (microcirculatory constriction, cortical spreading depression, blood brain barrier breakdown, microthrombosis) in that a majority seems to revolve around dysfunction and changes to the microvasculature. This purpose of this review was then to juxtapose macrovascular and microvascular changes after SAH, and provide an overview of current and prospective treatments.
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There has been a substantial increase in the number of neuroendovascular procedures performed over the last 15 years. Although rare, complications of cerebral angiography and neuroendovascular procedures have the potential to be devastating. Fortunately, dedication to careful patient selection, meticulous attention to technical detail, and standardization of endovascular treatment protocols results in an acceptably low complication rate. ⋯ Neuroendovascular interventions are more invasive, take longer to perform, and have higher rates of complication. Procedure specific complications include aneurysm rupture, arterial dissection, stroke, hemorrhage, thromboembolism, and microembolism, and rates of neurologic deficit are higher than those for diagnostic angiography. With knowledge of the common complications, strategies to minimize them, and a meticulous attention to the technical detail of the procedure, complications of neuroendovascular interventions can be minimized.
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Review
Intra-arterial thrombolysis and thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: technique and results.
Endovascular intraarterial (IA) strategies have emerged as important treatment options for patients with acute ischemic stroke who are ineligible for intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or in whom such therapy has failed. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of percutaneous IA endovascular techniques aimed at revascularization in the setting of acute ischemic stroke from IA thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, and primary intracranial stenting to retrievable-stent technology. For each modality, we focus on the existing clinical data, including our institutional experience and techniques.
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Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass remains an important revascularization technique for management of complex cerebrovascular disease. Despite evolving endovascular techniques, the role of bypass for the purpose of flow replacement prior to planned vessel sacrifice remains relevant for treatment of complex and fusiform aneurysms. The role of bypass for purposes of flow augmentation in the setting of cerebral ischemia is limited based on current data, but remains an important option for selected cases of athero-occlusive disease, in addition to a primary treatment for symptomatic moyamoya disease. An objective flow-based approach to EC-IC bypass can enhance decision-making in preoperative patient selection, intraoperative graft assessment, and postoperative follow-up.
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Based on findings from the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT), coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms is associated with the lowest immediate morbidity and mortality rates compared to other treatment options.1, 2 Whenever anatomy permits, coiling is the preferred method for repair. Unfortunately, not all cerebral aneurysms are suitable for coiling, and the best treatment for aneurysms that cannot be coiled remains unclear. Adjunctive techniques such as surgical clipping, balloon remodeling,3 use of two microcatheters,4 and intracranial stents 5 can increase the likelihood of aneurysm thrombosis and parent vessel patency. The goal of this article is to describe our current practice using intracranial stents in appropriately selected patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as a result of aneurysm rupture.