Introduction : Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) is a minimally invasive procedure used as an alternative or adjunctive treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). The benefits of MMA embolization have been attributed to targeting of the pathophysiology of cSDH which currently favors a process of increasing inflammatory response causing immature and leaky neovascularization. The major dural arteries and hazards associated with their embolization have been thoroughly described in past literature. The unintended embolization of orbital arteries leading to blindness is the most significant hazard associated with MMA embolization. The purpose of this study is to present 5 cases demonstrating the success of our technique in the treatment of cSDH while preventing the possibility of blindness by coiling the anastomotic vessel between MMA and Ophthalmic Artery (OA) branches prior to particle embolization. Methods : After doing an Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) run and ensuring the origination of the OA from the ICA and observing retinal blush, we routinely infused 10–20mcg of Nitroglycerine into the main trunk of MMA through a microcatheter to dilate and better visualize the MMA branches including anastomosis. If the meningeo‐ophthalmic collaterals were visualized during the follow‐up microcatheter run, we coil embolized the proximal segment of those collaterals through the same microcatheter. We then infused 100–300µm particles through the main branches of the MMA supplying the dura. Results : Of the 39 patients who underwent MMA embolization for cSDH, 5 received MMA/OA collateral variants coil embolization followed by successful particle embolization of all MMA branches supplying the dura without complication. Conclusions : In our cSDH patients, the collaterals from MMA to Ophthalmic or Lacrimal branches were safely coil embolized before complete particle embolization of the MMA dural branches. In a few patients these collaterals became obvious after inducing vasodilatation. None of these patients had major complications. This technique may be safer, more effective and cheaper than wedging, gluing or low pressure infusion. Our literature search did not find a similar technique used in this application.
Background: Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) is a minimally invasive procedure used as an alternative or adjunctive treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). The benefits of MMA embolization have been attributed to targeting of the pathophysiology of cSDH which currently favors a process of increasing inflammatory response causing immature and leaky neovascularization. The major dural arteries and hazards associated with their embolization have been thoroughly described in past literature. The unintended embolization of orbital arteries leading to blindness is the most significant hazard associated with MMA embolization. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present 5 cases demonstrating the success of our technique in the treatment of cSDH while preventing the possibility of blindness by coiling the anastomotic vessel between MMA and Ophthalmic Artery (OA) branches prior to particle embolization. Methods: After doing an Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) run and ensuring the origination of the OA from the ICA and observing retinal blush, we routinely infused 10-20μg of Nitroglycerine into the main trunk of MMA through a microcatheter to dilate and better visualize the MMA branches including anastomosis. If the meningeo-ophthalmic collaterals were visualized during the follow-up microcatheter run, we coil embolized the proximal segment of those collaterals through the same microcatheter. We then infused 100-300μm particles through the main branches of the MMA supplying the dura. Results: Of the 39 patients who underwent MMA embolization for cSDH, 5 received MMA/OA collateral variants coil embolization followed by successful particle embolization of all MMA branches supplying the dura without complication. Conclusion: In our cSDH patients, the collaterals from MMA to Ophthalmic or Lacrimal branches were safely coil embolized before complete particle embolization of the MMA dural branches. In a few patients these collaterals became obvious after inducing vasodilatation. None of these patients had major complications. This technique may be safer, more effective and cheaper than wedging, gluing or low pressure infusion. Our literature search did not find a similar technique used in this application.
Introduction : Approximately 20% of all acute ischemic strokes occur in the vertebrobasilar (VB) circulation. Similar to carotid stenosis, symptomatic vertebral artery (VA) stenosis is associated with a high risk of stroke recurrence. The use of embolic protection devices for recanalization in the setting of carotid stenosis in order to improve clinical outcomes is well established. Recent randomised trials have failed to demonstrate improvement of clinical outcomes in VB stroke patients treated with stenting. To our knowledge, these studies did not require the use of embolic protection devices or techniques. This may be due to several factors. Firstly, since the caliber of the stenotic segment of VA is not large enough to safely allow the protection device delivery system to pass through, initial angioplasty without protection is needed. Secondly, the most common segment of VA to become stenotic is its origin, and usually after stenting of this segment, the edge of the stent is protruding into the SCA. When the angle of the VA relative to the SCA is acute, passing the filter capture catheter through this protruded stent is very difficult and dangerous. Methods : We are introducing a VA reversal blood flow technique for prevention of emboli through the VB system in the setting of symptomatic extracranial VA stenosis. In this technique, we used a balloon tip guide catheter in order to transiently occlude the proximal segment of the SCA, causing flow arrest. We then evaluated the presence of blood flow reversal in the VA. Theoretically, this induction of blood flow reversal in the VA can be considered protective because it washes the embolic particles into the distal SCA. Results : Of the 11 cases of VA origin symptomatic stenosis, 4 had desirable VA blood flow reversal after balloon occlusion trial. These patients had successful angioplasty‐stenting of the VA origin using balloon mounted stent without major complications such as ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation territory. Conclusions : This study demonstrates the feasibility of proximal SCA balloon occlusion to cause transient flow reversal in the VA during angioplasty +/‐ stenting of the proximal VA. Future studies are required to determine the effectiveness of this approach in the setting of extracranial VA stenosis due to atherosclerosis, especially at its proximal segment.
Introduction : Hospital medical emergencies are prone to inefficiencies related to delayed dissemination of information, communication error, role confusion, and delayed decision making. The use of medical codes is intended to convey emergent and essential information quickly while preventing stress and mismanagement. The more complex, critical, and time sensitive an event is, the greater the need to establish a Code. Major mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials published in 2015 and 2016 proved emergent MT to be more effective compared to IV tPA in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). It has been proven that time to reperfusion with MT is directly proportional to severity of patient outcomes, coining the phrase, “save a minute, save a week”. When compared to the use of percutaneous intervention (PCI) in the treatment of STEMI, the number needed to treat for MT is estimated at 5 compared to 16 for PCI. Despite this fact, most hospitals have yet to adopt a code specific to MT. Our Purpose is to emphasize the importance of establishing a dedicated Code NI (Neuro‐Intervention) for stroke patients who require MT by sharing our Methods : After defining the problems, measuring the need, and analyzing the process, we identified the urgency for improvements in our facility. The administration was persuaded to support us in implementation of improvements after realizing the success of MT trials in patient outcomes, length of stay, hospital rankings, Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification, and insurance company compensation. Results : In early 2018, after many presentations and meetings, it was decided to implement “Code NI” for acute stroke patients who met MT criteria. Many teams and individuals including Neurointervention, Neuroradiology, Angio Suite, Anesthesia, ICU, Bed management, and transport were alerted. Following these implementations, from 2018 to 2021, our Door to Puncture Time and Puncture to Recanalization Time has been trending down from 219 to 120; and 261 to 147 minutes respectively. Conclusions : Approximately 70% of stroke patients with LVO have the potential of a meaningful recovery if treated efficiently and effectively. Establishing a “Code NI” for this time sensitive medical emergency helps the patients, their families, hospitals, and society.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.