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OBJECTIVE: Few studies have reported the impact of telescoping flow diverters in intracranial aneurysm treatment. Our study compared aneurysms treated using telescoping flow diverters to those treated with a single flow diverter and identified predictors of telescoping. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of aneurysms treated with flow diverters (FDs) between 2011 and 2023. All patients who were treated with FDs for intracranial aneurysms were included in the study. RESULTS: The study comprised 750 patients with 750 aneurysms treated using 871 FDs. The study cohort was divided into 85 patients requiring telescoping FDs and 655 who did not. Rates of hemorrhage (7.1% vs 1.8%, p<0.001), symptomatic stroke (5.9% vs 2.6 p<0.001) and asymptomatic stroke (1.2% vs 0.8%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the telescoping cohorts. At final follow-up, the rate of non-occlusion (9.8% vs 5.1%, p=0.029) and the rate of complete occlusion (88.5% vs 81.1%, p=0.029) were significantly higher in the telescoping cohort. On multivariate analysis, fusiform morphology (OR: 2.4, 95%CI 1.0-5.0, p=0.03), increasing aneurysm height (OR: 1.0, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p= 0.034) and the use of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) flow diverter (OR: 2.4, 95%CI 1.3-4.4, p=0.005) were independent predictors of telescoping. CONCLUSION: Aneurysms with fusiform morphology and those that underwent flow diversion using PED had higher odds for telescoping. Significantly higher rates of angiographic occlusion with the use of telescoping FD adds to the literature on its efficacy in treating aneurysms of varying morphology.

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BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most prevalent causes of stroke across the world. Endovascular treatment has gained prominence but remains a challenge with unfavorable results. Recent literature has demonstrated that the Resolute Onyx Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent (RO-ZES) is a technically safe option with low complication rates along with 30-day outcomes associated with intracranial stent placement for ICAD with RO-ZES compared to results from the Stenting Versus Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial. Here, we aim to compare outcomes at one year with the SAMMPRIS trial with a multicenter longitudinal study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases across seven stroke centers were analyzed for adult patients undergoing RO-ZES placement for ICAD between January 2019 and May 2023. The primary endpoint was composite of one-year stroke, ICH, and/or death. These data were propensity score matched using age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and impacted vessel for comparison between RO-ZES and the SAMMPRIS percutaneous angioplasty and stenting groups (S-PTAS). RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included, mean age ± SD: 64.9 ± 10.9 years, 25.5% female. Propensity score match analysis of the 104 patients with S-PTAS demonstrated one-year stroke, ICH, and/or death rate of 11.5% in the RO-ZES group and 28.1% in the S-PTAS group (odds ratio 4.17, 95% CI 2.06-8.96, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The RO-ZES system demonstrates strong potential to reduce long-term complications at one year compared with the S-PTAS group. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to corroborate and build upon these findings.

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BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive steno-occlusive changes in the internal carotid arteries, leading to an abnormal vascular network. Hypertension is prevalent among MMD patients, raising concerns about its impact on disease outcomes. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of MMD patients with and without hypertension. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study involving 598 MMD patients who underwent surgical revascularization across 13 academic institutions in North America. Patients were categorized into hypertensive (n=292) and non-hypertensive (n=306) cohorts. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for baseline differences. RESULTS: The mean age was higher in the hypertension group (46 years vs. 36.8 years, p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (45.2% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) and smoking (48.8% vs. 27.1%, p < 0.001). Symptomatic stroke rates were higher in the hypertension group (16% vs. 7.1%; OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.39-4.40, p = 0.002) before matching. After PSM, there were no significant differences in symptomatic stroke rates (11.1% vs. 7.7%; OR: 1.5; CI: 0.64-3.47, p = 0.34), perioperative strokes (6.2% vs. 2.1%; OR 3.13; 95% CI: 0.83-11.82, p = 0.09), or good functional outcomes at discharge (93% vs. 92.3%; OR 1.1; 95% CI: 0.45-2.69, p = 0.82). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in symptomatic stroke rates, perioperative strokes, or functional outcomes were observed between hypertensive and non-hypertensive Moyamoya patients. Appropriate management can lead to similar outcomes in both groups. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

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BACKGROUND: Despite their asymptomatic occurrence, unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) account for a significant proportion of hospital charges and healthcare resource utilization in the United States. Hospital length of stay (LOS) is a reimbursement metric utilized to incentivize value-based care. Our study identifies predictors of extended LOS (eLOS) after elective treatment of UIAs. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 525 patients who underwent elective treatment of an UIA at a single institution. Data were collected with regard to demographics, clinical presentation, treatment characteristics, and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome, eLOS, was defined as hospital stay in the upper quartile of the median (≥75th percentile). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of eLOS in this cohort. RESULTS: The average age of the cohort was 61.40, standard deviation=11.41. 77.3% of the cohort was female. The median duration of LOS was 2 days (interquartile range: 1-5). 11.6% experienced eLOS (≥5 days). Multivariate logistic regression identified age (OR: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.07), coexistent vascular pathology (OR: 21.33, 95% CI: 8.06-56.39), open surgery (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.85-8.34), and postoperative stroke (OR: 11.72, 95% CI: 3.18-43.18) as independent predictors of eLOS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified predictors of eLOS that could help promote risk stratification prior to treatment of UIAs. Future research that identifies predictors of long-term outcomes based on treatment modality could help identify ways to improve healthcare resource utilization in this cohort.

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BACKGROUND: Double lumen balloon catheters (DLBCs) have emerged as a potential alternative to single lumen balloon catheters for endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). This study describes our preliminary experience with the Eclipse 2L DLBC in treating AVMs and dAVFs. METHODS: Patients who underwent embolization of cranial dAVFs or AVMs at our institution from August 2021 to March 2024 were included. Spinal vascular malformations were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze procedural outcomes, technical nuances, and postoperative outcomes on follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients who underwent 38 embolization procedures (15 AVMs and 23 dAVFs) met criteria for inclusion in this study. The mean age of the cohort was 52.44 (standard deviation = 17.26), and 48% of the overall cohort (n = 13) was female. The average procedure times for AVMs and dAVFs were 80.4 minutes and 96.73 minutes, respectively. There was 1 instance of catheter entrapment. Two patients in the AVM cohort experienced mortality, and 1 experienced postoperative rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience using the Eclipse 2L balloon catheter for Onyx embolization reported procedural outcomes comparable to other DLBCs despite relatively higher procedure times and radiation doses. Further long-term studies on its efficacy as primary modality in treating AVMs and dAVFs are encouraged.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the radial approach is gaining popularity in neurointervention, new radial-specific catheters are being manufactured while taking into consideration the smaller size of the radial artery, different trajectories of angles into the great vessels from the arm, and subsequent force vectors. We compared outcomes of transradial procedures performed using the Armadillo catheter (Q'Apel Medical Inc.) and the RIST radial guide catheter (Medtronic). METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study comparing outcomes of transradial neuroendovascular procedures using the Armadillo and RIST catheters at 2 institutions between 2021 and 2024. RESULTS: The study comprised 206 patients, 96 of whom underwent procedures using the Armadillo and 110 using the RIST. Age and sex were comparable across cohorts. In most procedures, 1 target vessel was catheterized (Armadillo: 94.8% vs 89.1%, P = .29) with no significant difference between cohorts. The use of an intermediate catheter was minimal in both cohorts (Armadillo 5.2% vs RIST: 2.7%, P = .36), and the median number of major vessel catheterization did not significantly differ between cohorts (Armadillo: 1 [1-4] vs RIST: 1 [0-6], P = .21). Failure to catheterize the target vessel was encountered in 1 case in each cohort (Armadillo: 1.0% vs RIST: 0.9%, P = .18), and the rate did not significantly differ between cohorts. Similarly, the rate of conversion to femoral access was comparable between cohorts (Armadillo: 2.1% vs RIST: 1.8%, P = .55). There was no significant difference in access site complications (Armadillo: 1% vs RIST: 2.8%, P = .55) or neurological complications (Armadillo: 3.1% vs RIST: 5.5%, P = .42) between cohorts. CONCLUSION: No significant difference in successful catheterization of target vessels, procedure duration, triaxial system use, complication rates, or the need for transfemoral cross-over was observed between both catheters. Both devices offer high and comparable rates of technical success and low morbidity rates.

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PURPOSE: Intracranial aneurysms present significant health risks, as their rupture leads to subarachnoid haemorrhage, which in turn has high morbidity and mortality rates. There are several elements affecting the complexity of an intracranial aneurysm. However, criteria for defining a complex intracranial aneurysm (CIA) in open surgery and endovascular treatment could differ, and actually there is no consensus on the definition of a "complex" aneurysm. This DELPHI study aims to assess consensus on variables defining a CIA. METHODS: An international panel of 50 members, representing various specialties, was recruited to define CIAs through a three-round Delphi process. The panelists participated in surveys with Likert scale responses and open-ended questions. Consensus criteria were established to determine CIA variables, and statistical analysis evaluated consensus and stability. RESULTS: In open surgery, CIAs were defined by fusiform or blister-like shape, dissecting aetiology, giant size (≥ 25 mm), broad neck encasing parent arteries, extensive neck surface, wall calcification, intraluminal thrombus, collateral branch from the sac, location (AICA, SCA, basilar), vasospasm context, and planned bypass (EC-IC or IC-IC). For endovascular treatment, CIAs included giant size, very wide neck (dome/neck ratio ≤ 1:1), and collateral branch from the sac. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of aneurysm complexity varies by treatment modality. Since elements related to complexity differ between open surgery and endovascular treatment, these consensus criteria of CIAs could even guide in selecting the best treatment approach.

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BACKGROUND: The comparative efficacy and safety of first-generation flow diverters (FDs), Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) (Medtronic, Irvine, California), Silk (Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France), Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) (Microvention, Tustin, California), and Surpass Streamline (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, California), is not directly established and largely inferred. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different FDs in treating sidewall ICA intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases from eighteen academic institutions from 2009-2016, comprising 444 patients treated with one of four devices for sidewall ICA aneurysms. Data on demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed using various imaging modalities and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Propensity score weighting was employed to balance confounding variables. The data analysis used Kaplan-Meier curves, logistic regression, and Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: While there were no significant differences in retreatment rates, functional outcomes (mRS 0-1), and thromboembolic complications between the four devices, the probability of achieving adequate occlusion at the last follow-up was highest in Surpass device (HR: 4.59; CI: 2.75-7.66, p < 0.001), followed by FRED (HR: 2.23; CI: 1.44-3.46, p < 0.001), PED (HR: 1.72; CI: 1.10-2.70, p = 0.018), and Silk (HR: 1.0 ref. standard). The only hemorrhagic complications were with Surpass (1%). CONCLUSION: All the first-generation devices achieved good clinical outcomes and retreatment rates in treating ICA sidewall aneurysms. Prospective studies are needed to explore the nuanced differences between these devices in the long term.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is crucial for improving functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke. Length of stay (LOS) is a reimbursement metric implemented to incentivize value-based care. Our study aims to identify predictors of LOS in patients undergoing MT at a high-volume center in the United States. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent MT at a single institution from 2017 to 2023. Patients who experienced mortality during their course of hospital stay were excluded from this study. Extended LOS (eLOS) was defined as the upper quartile (≥75th) of the median duration of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, with P values < .05 denoting statistical significance. RESULTS: Seven hundred three patients met criteria for inclusion. The median age of the cohort was 72 years (IQR: 61-82), and 57.2% was female. The median LOS was 6, IQR: 4-10. A total of 28.9% of the cohort (n = 203) patients experienced eLOS. The multivariate regression model identified age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.15-2.44), and hemorrhagic transformation of stroke (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 0.39-0.90) as predictors of eLOS, whereas antiplatelet use before admission (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34-0.89) and higher baseline modified Rankin Scale before stroke were associated with lower odds (OR: 0.59 [0.39-0.90]; P < .05) of eLOS. CONCLUSION: By identifying predictors of eLOS, we provide a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at optimizing post-thrombectomy care pathways and improving patient outcomes. The implications of our study extend beyond clinical practice, offering insights into healthcare resource utilization, reimbursement strategies, and value-based care initiatives.

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OBJECTIVE: The paucity of literature comparing Woven EndoBridge (WEB) embolization to microsurgical clipping for anterior circulation wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) underscores the need for further investigation into the optimal management of this patient subpopulation. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of endovascular and microsurgical treatment of WNBAs before and after the introduction of the WEB device. In addition, the authors performed a comparison of demographics, aneurysm characteristics, and treatment outcomes in patients before and after the introduction of the WEB device. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of the usage rate of different treatment modalities for WNBAs before and after the WEB device was approved by the US FDA on September 27, 2018. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 235 patients with anterior circulation WNBAs treated at the authors' institution, including 127 aneurysms treated pre-WEB and 108 treated post-WEB. Generally, the rate of endovascular treatment of anterior circulation WNBAs was significantly higher post-WEB (86.1% vs 46.5%, p < 0.001), while the rate of clipping was significantly lower (13.9% vs 53.5%, p < 0.001). During follow-up, the rate of adequate aneurysm occlusion (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification [RROC] grades 1 and 2) was nonsignificantly higher in the post-WEB cohort (83.9% vs 78.5%, p = 0.34), while the rate of RROC grade 3 was nonsignificantly higher in the pre-WEB cohort (21.5% vs 16.1%, p = 0.34). Additionally, and although nonsignificant, the rates of recurrence (pre-WEB 25.3% vs post-WEB 14.9%, p = 0.12) and retreatment (pre-WEB 22.8% vs post-WEB 14.9%, p = 0.22) were higher in the pre-WEB cohort. Recurrence was assessed before retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: After the introduction of the WEB device, the rate of endovascular treatment of WNBAs increased while the rate of microsurgical clipping decreased. It is essential for neurointerventionalists to become familiar with the indications, advantages, and shortcomings of all these different techniques to be able to match the right patient with the right technique to produce the best outcome.

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BACKGROUND: Dual-lumen balloon microcatheters allow for controlled anterograde flow of Onyx while providing proximal flow arrest, thereby obviating the need for a second microcatheter or Onyx plug formation. We sought to assess the safety and efficiency of the Scepter dual-lumen balloon microcatheter in trans arterial Onyx embolization of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 36 patients with cranial DAVFs in which a Scepter balloon microcatheter was used between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: Our study comprised 36 patients, mostly male (n = 23, 63.8%) with a mean age of 60.8 years. Most DAVFs were in the occipital lobe (n = 24, 66.7%), and 50% had external carotid artery supply from the occipital artery. Eighteen (50%) of DAVFs were Cognard type III and IV, respectively. About one third (33.3%, n = 12) of the DAVFs drained into the transverse sigmoid junction, and 27.7% (n = 10) had direct cortical venous drainage into supratentorial or posterior fossa veins. Complete occlusion was obtained in 22 (61.1%) patients while partial occlusion was observed in 14 (38.9%) patients. One patient (2.8%) developed a retroperitoneal hematoma. At final follow-up, complete occlusion was observed in 21 (77.8%) and partial occlusion was observed in 8 (22.2%). Recurrence was observed in 4/30 (13.3%) patients, and retreatment was required in 6 (18.75%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: At midterm follow-up, our study showed low morbidity and modest complete occlusion rates using the Scepter for transarterial Onyx embolization of high-grade DAVFs.

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OBJECTIVE: Disparities in the epidemiology and growth rates of aneurysms between the sexes are known. However, little is known about sex-dependent outcomes after microsurgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in characteristics and outcomes after microsurgical clipping of UIAs and to perform a propensity score-matched analysis using an international multicenter cohort. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved the participation of 15 centers spanning four continents. It included adult patients who underwent clipping of UIAs between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients were stratified according to their sex and analyzed for differences in morbidities and aneurysm characteristics. Based on this stratification, female patients were matched to male patients in a 1:1 ratio with a caliper width of 0.1 using propensity score matching. Endpoints included postoperative complications, neurological performance, and aneurysm occlusion at discharge and 24 months after clip placement. RESULTS: A total of 2245 patients with a mean age of 57.3 (range 20-87) years were included. Of these patients, 1675 (74.6%) were female. Female patients were significantly older (mean 57.6 vs 56.4 years, p = 0.03) but had fewer comorbidities. Aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (7.1% vs 4.2%), posterior communicating artery (6.9% vs 1.9%), and ophthalmic artery (6.0% vs 2.8%) were more commonly treated surgically in females, while clipping of aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery was more frequent in males (17.0% vs 25.3%; all p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, female patients were found to have had significantly fewer pulmonary complications (1.4% vs 4.2%, p = 0.01). However, general morbidity (24.5% vs 25.2%, p = 0.72) and mortality (0.5% vs 1.1%, p = 0.34), as well as neurological performance (p = 0.58), were comparable at discharge in both sexes. Lastly, rates of aneurysm occlusion at the time of discharge (95.5% vs 94.9%, p = 0.71) and 24 months after surgery (93.8% vs 96.1%, p = 0.22) did not significantly differ between male and female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite overall differences between male and female patients in demographics, comorbidities, and treated aneurysm location, sex did not relevantly affect surgical performance or perioperative complication rates.

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Dural arteriovenous fistulas are rare cerebrovascular lesions arising from abnormal connections between an artery and a vein. Though rare, high-grade aggressive lesions can cause hemorrhagic events and non-hemorrhagic neurologic deficits if left untreated. Treatment options vary based on angioarchitecture, location, and patient characteristics and range from conservative observation to palliative treatment, radiosurgery, endovascular embolization, and open surgery. The main goal of treatment is to obliterate flow through the abnormal connection and prevent further arterial flow to the venous system.

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BACKGROUND: Optimal anesthetic strategy for the endovascular treatment of stroke is still under debate. Despite scarce data concerning anesthetic management for medium and distal vessel occlusions (MeVOs) some centers empirically support a general anesthesia (GA) strategy in these patients. METHODS: We conducted an international retrospective study of MeVO cases. A propensity score matching algorithm was used to mitigate potential differences across patients undergoing GA and conscious sedation (CS). Comparisons in clinical and safety outcomes were performed between the two study groups GA and CS. The favourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 at 90 days. Safety outcomes were 90-days mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Predictors of a favourable outcome and sICH were evaluated with backward logistic regression. RESULTS: After propensity score matching 668 patients were included in the CS and 264 patients in the GA group. In the matched cohort, either strategy CS or GA resulted in similar rates of good functional outcomes (50.1% vs. 48.4%), and successful recanalization (89.4% vs. 90.2%). The GA group had higher rates of 90-day mortality (22.6% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.041) and sICH (4.2% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.001) compared to the CS group. Backward logistic regression did not identify GA vs CS as a predictor of good functional outcome (OR for GA vs CS = 0.95 (0.67-1.35)), but GA remained a significant predictor of sICH (OR = 5.32, 95% CI 1.92-14.72). CONCLUSION: Anaesthetic strategy in MeVOs does not influence favorable outcomes or final successful recanalization rates, however, GA may be associated with an increased risk of sICH and mortality.

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BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remain a challenging neurological diagnosis associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a plethora of microsurgical and endovascular techniques for the treatment of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. There is no definitive consensus as to the best treatment option for this cerebrovascular pathology. The Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Malformation, and Chronic Subdural Hematoma Roundtable Discussion With Industry and Stroke Experts discussed best practices and the most promising approaches to improve the management of brain aneurysms. METHODS: A group of experts from academia, industry, and federal regulators convened to discuss updated clinical trials, scientific research on preclinical system models, management options, screening and monitoring, and promising novel device technologies, aiming to improve the outcomes of patients with IA. RESULTS: Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Malformation, and Chronic Subdural Hematoma Roundtable Discussion With Industry and Stroke Experts suggested the incorporation of artificial intelligence to capture sequential aneurysm growth, identify predictors of rupture, and predict the risk of rupture to guide treatment options. The consensus strongly recommended nationwide systemic data collection of unruptured IA radiographic images for the analysis and development of machine learning algorithms for rupture risk. The consensus supported centers of excellence for preclinical multicenter trials in areas such as genetics, cellular composition, and radiogenomics. Optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging contrast-enhanced 3T vessel wall imaging are promising technologies; however, more data are needed to define their role in IA management. Ruptured aneurysms are best managed at large volume centers, which should include comprehensive patient management with expertise in microsurgery, endovascular surgery, neurology, and neurocritical care. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and preclinical studies and scientific research on IA should engage high-volume centers and be conducted in multicenter collaborative efforts. The future of IA diagnosis and monitoring could be enhanced by the incorporation of artificial intelligence and national radiographic and biologic registries. A collaborative effort between academic centers, government regulators, and the device industry is paramount for the adequate management of IA and the advancement of the field.

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BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy (EVT) dramatically improves clinical outcomes for patients with anterior circulation emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) strokes. With recent publication of two randomized controlled trials in favor of EVT for basilar artery occlusions, the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) Standards and Guidelines Committee provides this focused update for the existing SNIS guideline, 'Current endovascular strategies for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke.' METHODS: A structured literature review and analysis of studies related to posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (basilar or vertebral artery) strokes treated by EVT was performed. Based on the strength and quality of the evidence, recommendations were made by consensus of the writing committee, with additional input from the full SNIS Standards and Guidelines Committee and the SNIS Board of Directors. RESULTS: Based on the results of the most recent randomized, controlled trials on EVT for basilar or vertebral artery occlusion, the expert panel agreed on the following recommendations. For patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke due to an acute basilar or vertebral artery occlusion confirmed on CT angiography, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥6, posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (PC-ASPECTS) ≥6, and age 18-89 years: (1) thrombectomy is indicated within 12 hours since last known well (class I, level B-R); (2) thrombectomy is reasonable within 12-24 hours from the last known well (class IIa, level B-R); (3) thrombectomy may be considered on a case by case basis for patients presenting beyond 24 hours since last known well (class IIb, level C-EO). In addition, thrombectomy may be considered on a case by case basis for patients aged <18 years or >89 years on a case by case basis (class IIb, level C-EO). CONCLUSIONS: The indications for EVT of ELVO strokes continue to expand and now include patients with basilar artery occlusion. Further prospective, randomized controlled trials are warranted to elucidate the efficacy and safety of EVT in populations not included in this set of recommendations, and to confirm long term outcomes.

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OBJECTIVE: With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, endovascular embolization has gained popularity as a first-line treatment option for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (sDAVFs). The authors present their institution's case series of sDAVFs treated endovascularly and surgically, and they performed a systemic review to assess the outcomes of both modalities of treatment. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective observational study of 24 consecutive patients with sDAVFs treated between 2013 and 2023. The primary outcome was the rate of occlusion, which was compared between the surgically and endovascularly treated sDAVFs. They also conducted a systemic review of all the literature comparing outcomes of endovascular and surgical treatment of sDAVFs. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients with 24 sDAVFs were studied. The mean patient age was 63.8 ± 15.5 years, and the majority of patients were male (n = 19, 79.2%). Of the 24 patients, 8 (33.3%) received endovascular treatment, 15 (62.5%) received surgical treatment, and 1 (4.2%) patient received both. Complete occlusion at first follow-up was higher in the surgical cohort but did not achieve statistical significance (66.7% vs 25%, p = 0.52). Recurrence was higher in the endovascular cohort (37.5% vs 13.3%, p = 0.3), while the rate of postprocedural complications was higher in the surgical cohort (13.3% vs 0%, p = 0.52); however, neither of these differences was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular embolization in the management of sDAVFs is an alternative treatment to surgery, whose long-term efficacy is still under investigation. These findings suggest overall comparable outcomes between endovascular and open surgical treatment of sDAVFs. Future studies are needed to determine the role of endovascular embolization in the overall management of sDAVFs.

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OBJECTIVE: Indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunting lesions with a highly variable clinical presentation that depends on the drainage pattern. Based on venous drainage, treatment can be either transarterial (TA) or transvenous (TV). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of indirect CCF embolization via the TA, TV, and direct superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) approaches. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 74 patients admitted to their institution from 2010 to 2023 with the diagnosis of 77 indirect CCFs as confirmed on digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients with 77 indirect CCFs were included in this study. Embolization was performed via the TA approach in 4 cases, the TV approach in 50 cases, and the SOV in 23 cases. At the end of the procedure, complete occlusion was achieved in 76 (98.7%) cases. The rate of complete occlusion at the end of the procedure and at last radiological follow-up was significantly higher in the SOV and TV cohorts than in the TA cohort. The rate of recurrence was highest in the TA cohort (25% for TA vs 5.3% for TV vs 0% for SOV, p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of immediate complete occlusion was higher in the TV and SOV cohorts than in the TA cohort while the rate of complete occlusion at final follow-up was highest in the SOV cohort. The SOV approach was significantly associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Indirect CCFs require careful examination of the fistulous point and the venous drainage to provide the most effective patient-tailored approach.

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OBJECTIVE: Treatment of intracranial aneurysms by flow diversion is safe and effective and is increasingly popular. However, the correct treatment paradigm for aneurysms incompletely treated by initial placement of a flow diverter has not been established, nor have the subsequent natural history and occlusion rates of such aneurysms. The authors sought to outline the natural history of such aneurysms, which to date have been considered partially treated. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases from 6 high-volume neurointerventional services, including all cases in which the first follow-up imaging after placement of a flow diverter showed incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm, and for which subsequent clinical and/or radiological follow-up was available. All included patients were treated with the Pipeline Flex embolization device or the Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology. Subsequent radiographic and clinical outcome data were collected and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients with persistently patent aneurysms on first follow-up imaging after flow diversion were identified. Of these, 204 had clinical follow-up and 152 had additional imaging follow-up. Of this final cohort, 148 aneurysms were unruptured, and 4 were ruptured. The average aneurysm size by maximum dimension was 10.8 mm. The average recorded follow-up was 27.8 months in the cohort, with some patients followed for as long as 9 years from treatment. Over the course of 403 person-years of follow-up, no delayed aneurysm ruptures were recorded. Both with and without retreatment, aneurysms showed a trend toward progressive occlusion over time. Complications related to device placement were low. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysms that have been incompletely treated by flow diversion have a benign natural history with progression toward occlusion over time, with or without retreatment.

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