Semi-jailing technique for coil embolization of complex, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms is performed by placing a microcatheter through a stent\u27s interstices or jailing the microcatheter between the stent and the artery. Both approaches impede manipulation of the microcatheter during coiling. We describe a modified jailing technique that improves catheter maneuverability and report the safety and efficacy of the method for the treatment of complex, wide-necked aneurysms. METHODS: The semi-jailing technique involves the partial deployment of a retrievable stent, bridging part of the aneurysm neck while leaving space to maneuver the microcatheter. Twenty-two complex, wide-necked aneurysms, including 3 ruptured and 5 dissecting, were treated using the semi-jailing technique (15 women; mean age, 55.2 years). RESULTS: The semi-jailing technique was successfully applied in all cases. Immediate posttreatment angiograms showed total occlusion of the aneurysm in 17 cases (77%), neck remnant in 3 cases (14%), and aneurysm dome filling in 2 cases (9%). Follow-up angiography available in 10 patients at an average of 8.5 months showed progressive occlusion in 1 aneurysm and 7 remained occluded. In 2 cases of dissecting aneurysms, retreatment was required. No permanent periprocedural morbidity was encountered. One patient died of complications secondary to intracranial hemorrhage 6 days after treatment. In 2 cases (9%), thromboembolic events after final stent placement were successfully treated with intraarterial thrombolysis. No delayed stent migration was seen. CONCLUSION: Semi-jailing is a safe and effective stent-assisted coiling technique that facilitates treatment of complex, wide-necked aneurysms

Meta-Analysis of Local Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

A meta-analysis was performed to assess randomized controlled trials comparing local endovascular therapy (with and without intravenous thrombolysis) versus standard care (intravenous thrombolysis alone when appropriate) for acute ischemic stroke. Local endovascular therapy showed a significant improvement in functional independence versus standard care (odds ratio, 1.779; 95% confidence interval, 1.262-2.507; P \u3c .001). This benefit strengthened further on subgroup analyses of trials in which a majority of cases used stent retrievers, trials with intravenous thrombolysis use in both arms when appropriate, and trials that required preprocedural imaging of all patients. There were no significant differences between arms in terms of mortality, hemicraniectomy, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral edema rates (P \u3e .05). In conclusion, in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, local endovascular therapy leads to improved functional independence compared with standard care