Retrieval of a migrated coil with a handmade microwire-snare device

Unexpected coil mass migration during transvenous embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula resolved with guidewire-assisted snaring technique

Endovascular embolization is a standard treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Although it is considered relatively safe, intraoperative and postoperative complications can occur. Herein, a rare case of unexpected coil mass migration requiring a retrieval procedure during sinus occlusion for a transverse-sigmoid sinus dAVF (TSdAVF) is described. An 83-year-old man presented with worsening decline in cognitive function. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a TSdAVF. Since his symptoms seemed to be a result of the TSdAVF, transvenous embolization preserving the normal cranial venous circulation was planned. During sinus occlusion, including embolization of the shunted pouch of the TSdAVF, unexpected migration of the coil mass to the confluence of the superior sagittal sinus and the transverse sinus occurred. The migrated coil mass impeded venous circulation in the superior sagittal sinus. Since the presence of the coil mass at the confluence could have had catastrophic sequelae, the coil mass was retrieved using a guidewire-assisted snaring technique. Sinus occlusion was subsequently completed with repositioning of the coil mass at the target site. The TSdAVF resolved, with no recurrence confirmed for 1 year. Clinicians should be aware that coil mass migration can unexpectedly occur during sinus occlusion performed for treatment of a TSdAVF. The guidewire-assisted snaring technique might be effective in resolving this intraoperative complication.

A Unique Technique to Adjust Snare Position for Coil Retrieval in Tortuous Vessel During Aneurysm Coil Embolization: A Technical Case Report

OBJECTIVE

Although snares are useful devices to retrieve an intravascular foreign body, the control of snares is often difficult. We present a safe and effective technique to adjust snare position in the tortuous vessel for coil retrieval during endovascular coil embolization.

METHODS

We describe a case of a protruding coil during coil embolization that was successfully retrieved using a unique technique to adjust snare position and discuss additional intraprocedural bailout strategies for retrieving a coil during endovascular coil embolization.

RESULTS

The patient was a 44-year-old female with unruptured right internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm that had grown over a 1.5-year period. Coil embolization was performed. After detachment of final coil and microcatheter removal, the final coil protruded into the ICA and floated. Coil retrieval using a snare was attempted, but the snare could not be placed around the coil tail and coil retrieval could not be achieved. The following technique was used to allow adjustment of snare position. First, a microguidewire and a microcatheter were guided into the M2 and M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery as monorail guides of the snare, respectively. Next, the snare was advanced over the microcatheter. Around C2 segment of the ICA, the microcatheter and the snare were manipulated as a unit. Thus, the snare could be placed around the protruding coil tail and the coil was retrieved successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique may be widely adapted for various situations when using a snare.

Rescue balloon-assisted remodeling technique for protrusion of coil loop: A case report

RATIONALE

Among the possible complications during endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms, coil protrusion into the parent artery is associated with parent artery occlusion or thromboembolic of the distal arteries. There is no clearly established management strategy for coil protrusion. This report demonstrates our experience with balloon-assisted remodeling to reposition a protruded coil loop.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe bursting headache, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and digital subtraction angiography revealed an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. We decided to obliterate the aneurysm with endovascular embolization using detachable coils.

DIAGNOSIS

A small loop protruded into the parent artery during the removal of the microcatheter.

INTERVENTIONS

We performed successful repositioning of the protruded coil loop using balloon inflation.

CONCLUSION

The rescue balloon-assisted remodeling technique was useful in the management of protrusion of a small coil loop into the parent artery during endovascular coil embolization of an intracranial aneurysm. The procedure was associated with minimal complications.

Snare technique for endovascular retrieval of coil extending to the atrium after embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula

BACKGROUND

No data exist regarding retrieval of displaced or stretched coil extending to the right atrium after endovascular embolization of cerebrovascular diseases. We describe a snare technique for retrieval of a displaced coil extending to the right atrium after embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF).

METHODS

A 35-year-old female with a DAVF underwent transjugular coil embolization that failed with displaced coil extending to the right atrium at an outside hospital. After admission to our hospital, Onyx embolization of the DAVF was performed through left facial vein-inner canthus vein-superior ophthalmic vein to the cavernous sinus. Post-embolization angiography showed complete occlusion of the DAVF. Then we attempted to snare the tip of the displaced coil that extended to the right atrium through femoral vein-inferior vena cava approach. However, current snare techniques failed to retrieve the extended coil after several attempts. Then one week later, we used a modified dual microcatheter and microwire technique to retrieve the displaced coil. One suite of microcatheter and microwire was used to produce a handmade snare device (HMD). The other suite of microcatheter and microwire was used to assist the HMD to snare the displaced coil.

RESULTS

Through transjugular vein approach, we used our modified dual microcatheter and microwire snare technique (handmade snare device system) to retrieve the extended coil. After several attempts, the extended coil in the atrium was successfully retrieved. Post-procedure angiography and cardiac examinations did not show any signs of abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

For displaced coil extending to the right atrium after transvenous embolization, our method of modified dual microcatheter technique with HMD snare device system is an effective method to retrieve the extending coil.

Fracture and Embolization of Distal Guide Catheter During Neuroendovascular Intervention

BACKGROUND

Embolic strokes mainly result from cardiac or vascular origins, but there are instances when they can arise from iatrogenic foreign bodies. Catheter coatings or retained microcatheters are mainly implicated in foreign body embolism following neuroendovascular intervention. However, there are no known descriptions for free-floating and/or dislodged microcatheter fragments in the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the clinical details, imaging findings, and management of a 69-year-old woman who underwent elective pipeline embolization of an incidental right paraophthalmic artery aneurysm and suffered distal embolization of the radiopaque marker from a distal guide catheter (088 Neuron Max, Penumbra, Alameda, California, USA) used during neuroendovascular intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of distal embolism from an unprovoked fracture of a neurointerventional catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of several salvage techniques is essential in preventing major cerebrovascular complications. It is imperative that a multilevel approach should be taken when treating foreign body embolism.