Endoscopic Surgery versus External Ventricular Drainage Surgery for Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage

The Usefulness of the 3.1-mm-diameter 4K Rigid Endoscope for Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation

The indication for surgical intervention in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage remains controversial. Although many clinical trials have failed to demonstrate its efficacy over medical treatment, less invasive endoscopic treatment is expected to demonstrate its superiority. A novel endoscopic system for hematoma removal consisting of a 3.1-mm-diameter 4K high-resolution rigid endoscope was used.The system was used in eight cases of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. It provided improved maneuverability of the surgical instrument while maintaining satisfactory image quality. The surgical goal was achieved in all cases without any complications, including perioperative rebleeding.Endoscopic hematoma removal using the 3.1 mm high-resolution endoscope is an alternative minimally invasive approach to spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with improved reliability.

Continuous irrigation with thrombolytics for intraventricular hemorrhage: case-control study

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a complication of a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Standard treatment is with external ventricular drain (EVD). Intraventricular thrombolysis may improve mortality but does not improve functional outcomes. We present our initial experience with a novel irrigating EVD (IRRAflow) that automates continuous irrigation with thrombolysis.Single-center case-control study including patients with IVH treated with EVD compared to IRRAflow. We compared standard demographics, treatment, and outcome parameters between groups. We developed a brain phantom injected with a human clot and assessed clot clearance using EVD/IRRAflow approaches with CT imaging.Twenty-one patients were treated with standard EVD and 9 patients with IRRAflow. Demographics were similar between groups. Thirty-three percent of patients with EVD also had at least one dose of t-PA and 89% of patients with IRRAflow received irrigation with t-PA (p = 0.01). Mean drain days were 8.8 for EVD versus 4.1 for IRRAflow (p = 0.02). Days-to-clearance of ventricular outflow was 5.8 for EVD versus 2.5 for IRRAflow (p = 0.02). Overall clearance was not different. Thirty-seven percent of EVD patients achieved good outcome (mRS ≥ 3) at 90 days versus 86% of IRRAflow patients (p = 0.03). Assessing only t-PA, reduction in mean days-to-clearance (p = 0.0004) and ICU days (p = 0.04) was observed. In the benchtop model, the clot treated with IRRAflow and t-PA showed a significant reduction of volume compared to control.Irrigation with IRRAflow and t-PA is feasible and safe for patients with IVH. Improving clot clearance with IRRAflow may result in improved clinical outcomes and should be incorporated into randomized trials.

Combination of Conventional EVD and Ommaya Drainage for Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

Background

The effect of Ommaya reservoirs on the clinical outcomes of patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to determine the effect of combining the Ommaya reservoir and external ventricular drainage (EVD) therapy on IVH and explore better clinical indicators for Ommaya implantation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with IVH who received EVD-Ommaya drainage between January 2013 and March 2021. The patient population was divided into two groups: the Ommaya-used group, comprising patients in whom the Ommaya drainage system was activated post-surgery, and the Ommaya-unused group, comprising patients in whom the system was not activated. The study analyzed clinical, imaging, and outcome data of the patient population.

Results

A total of 123 patients with IVH were included: 75 patients in the Ommaya-used group and 48 patients in the Ommaya-unused group. The patients in the Ommaya-used group showed a lower 3-month GOS than those in the Ommaya-unused group (p<0.0001). The modified Graeb scale (mGS) in the Ommaya-unused group was significantly lower than that in the Ommaya-used group before the operation (p<0.01) but not after surgery (p>0.05). The GCS in the Ommaya-unused group was significantly lower than that in the other group, and there was a close correlation between the GCS and 3-month GOS (p<0.0001). The GCS score showed significance in predicting the use of Ommaya (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that combining EVD and Ommaya drainage was a safe and feasible treatment for IVH. Additionally, preoperative GCS was found to predict the use of Ommaya drainage in subsequent treatment, providing valuable information for pre-surgery decision-making.

Neuroendoscopic Evacuation Improves Outcomes Compared with External Ventricular Drainage in Patients with Spontaneous Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment for resulting obstructive hydrocephalus has traditionally been via an external ventricular drain (EVD). We aimed to compare patient outcomes after neuroendoscopic surgery (NES) evacuation of IVH versus EVD management.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on October 8, 2022. Of the 252 records remaining after removal of duplicates, 12 met study inclusion criteria. After extraction of outcomes data, fixed-effect and random-effects models were used to establish odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for intensive care unit length of stay, rate of permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, and mortality rate.

RESULTS

The results of the pooled analysis showed that intensive care unit length of stay was shorter (OR -2.61 [95% CI -5.02, -0.19]; I2 = 97.76%; P = 0.034), permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion was less likely (OR -0.79, 95% CI [-1.17, -0.41], I2 = 46.96%, P < 0.001), higher Glasgow Outcome Scale score was more likely (OR 0.48, 95% CI [0.04, 0.93], I2 = 60.12%, P = 0.032), and all-cause mortality was less likely (OR -1.11, 95% CI [-1.79, -0.44], I2 = 0%, P = 0.001) in the NES evacuation group compared with the EVD group.

CONCLUSIONS

NES for evacuation of spontaneous IVH results in reduced intensive care unit length of stay, reduced permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion rates, improved Glasgow Outcome Scale score, and reduced mortality when compared with EVD. More robust prospective, randomized studies are necessary to help inform the safety and utility of NES for IVH.

Therapeutic strategies to recover ependymal barrier after inflammatory damage: relevance for recovering neurogenesis during development

The epithelium covering the surfaces of the cerebral ventricular system is known as the ependyma, and is essential for maintaining the physical and functional integrity of the central nervous system. Additionally, the ependyma plays an essential role in neurogenesis, neuroinflammatory modulation and neurodegenerative diseases. Ependyma barrier is severely affected by perinatal hemorrhages and infections that cross the blood brain barrier. The recovery and regeneration of ependyma after damage are key to stabilizing neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that are critical during early postnatal ages. Unfortunately, there are no effective therapies to regenerate this tissue in human patients. Here, the roles of the ependymal barrier in the context of neurogenesis and homeostasis are reviewed, and future research lines for development of actual therapeutic strategies are discussed.

Outcomes of Combined Endoscopic Surgery and Fibrinolytic Treatment Protocol for Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) and endoscopic surgery (ES) are the new promising treatment strategies to enhance the rate of hematoma clearance, which might improve functional outcome. This study investigated and compared the outcomes among these interventions.

METHODS

A randomized (1:1) double-blinded trial was carried out between August 2018 and December 2021. The intervention and control groups comprised patients receiving IVF and/or ES and external ventricular drainage (EVD), respectively. All participants had experienced primary or secondary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) from spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus complications. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale score 180 days post treatment. Interim assessments were planned for every 50 participants enrolled to ensure safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

After enrollment of 110 participants (55 participants in each group), there was a difference in 30-day mortality (2 [3.6%] vs. 13 [32.7%] in the EVD group, P = 0.002), reaching the predetermined boundaries for termination of the trial. We demonstrated a better favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3) at 180 days in the intervention group, compared with the control group (35 [63.6%] vs. 24 [43.6%], P = 0.04). Participants in the intervention group experienced a higher IVH removal rate (91% [9.0] vs. 69.5% [38.0], P < 0.01) and had lower shunt conversion (1 [1.8%] vs. 16 [29.3%], P < 0.01). Treatment complications were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that combined ES and IVF is safe and effective for the treatment of IVH. In addition, it concluded that aggressive but safe procedures used to remove IVH could improve clinical outcome in patients with IVH.

Postprocedural Complications of External Ventricular Drains: A Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Absolute Risk of Hemorrhages, Infections, and Revisions

BACKGROUND

External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is often a lifesaving procedure frequently used in neurosurgical emergencies. It is routinely done at the bedside in the neurocritical care unit or in the emergency room. However, there are infectious and noninfectious complications associated with this procedure. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the absolute risk associated with EVD hemorrhages, infections, and revisions. The secondary purpose was to identify and characterize risk factors for EVD complications.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed) database for "external ventricular drain," "external ventricular drain" + "complications" or "Hemorrhage" or "Infection" or "Revision" irrespective of publication year. Estimates from individual studies were combined using a random effects model, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with maximum likelihood specification. To investigate heterogeneity, the t2 and I2 tests were utilized. To evaluate for publication bias, a funnel plot was developed.

RESULTS

There were 260 total studies screened from our PubMed literature database search, with 176 studies selected for full-text review, and all of these 176 studies were included in the meta-analysis as they met the inclusion criteria. A total of 132,128 EVD insertions were reported, with a total of 130,609 participants having at least one EVD inserted. The pooled absolute risk (risk difference) and percentage of the total variability due to true heterogeneity (I2) for hemorrhagic complication was 1236/10,203 (risk difference: -0.63; 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.60; I2: 97.8%), infectious complication was 7278/125,909 (risk difference: -0.65; 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.64; I2: 99.7%), and EVD revision was 674/4416 (risk difference: -0.58; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.51; I2: 98.5%). On funnel plot analysis, we had a variety of symmetrical plots, and asymmetrical plots, suggesting no bias in larger studies, and the lack of positive effects/methodological quality in smaller studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these findings provide valuable information regarding the safety of one of the most important and most common neurosurgical procedures, EVD insertion. Implementing best-practice standards is recommended in order to reduce EVD-related complications. There is a need for more in-depth research into the independent risk factors associated with these complications, as well as confirmation of these findings by well-structured prospective studies.

Endoscopic Evacuation of Massive Intraventricular Hemorrhages Reduces Shunt Dependency: A Meta-Analysis

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is characterized by severe prognosis. The amount of intraventricular blood is the most important, disease-specific, prognostic factor, as acute complications are strictly dependent on clot formation. Although external ventricular drain (EVD) placement is the standard treatment, in the past 15 years neuroendoscopic (NE) evacuation of IVH has been advocated, but available comparative data are limited. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles compare the treatment of primary and secondary IVH with NE and EVD. The meta-analysis was performed in terms of shunt dependency. Cochran's Q-test and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity in the studies. No heterogeneity was considered for p greater than 0.05 and I2 less than 20%. A random-effect model was used, with restricted maximum likelihood to estimate the heterogeneity variance. After screening 744 articles, 5 were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 303 patients presenting with primary or pure (50 patients) and secondary (253 patients) IVH, undergoing either NE (151) or EVD (152), were included in the metanalysis. The risk of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was higher in the EVD group (relative risk: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-2.92, p  = 0.0094). The risk of VP shunt was higher in the EVD group, but the overall outcome remains poor for patients with IVH, with a moderate-to-high disability. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate more deeper both advantages and effects on the outcome of NE over EVD.

Endoscopic-Assisted Trans-Lateral Ventricular Transchoroidal Fissure Trans-Aqueductal Approach for Evacuation of Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most fatal types of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially when the third and the fourth ventricles are involved. The use of external ventricular drainage is limited for evacuation of hemorrhage in the lateral ventricles. Endoscopic surgery can provide visualized evacuation of the hemorrhage in the lateral and third ventricles. However, it is usually challenging to access the fourth ventricle using a routine endoscopic approach.

METHODS

We have reported 3 cases of severe IVH with cast fourth ventricles treated using an endoscopic-assisted trans-lateral ventricular transchoroidal fissure trans-aqueductal approach.

RESULTS

The average preoperative Graeb score was 11, and the average IVH volume was 75.12 mL. The IVH evacuation rate was 97.5%-100%. The average Glasgow coma scale score had increased to 12 at discharge from 6.6 at admission. At 3 months after surgery, the average modified Rankin scale score was 3. No cerebrospinal fluid shunt had been required and no surgery-related complication had occurred in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have shown that the endoscopic-assisted trans-lateral ventricular transchoroidal fissure trans-aqueductal approach is a feasible and safe endoscopic option that can achieve one-off complete removal of clots in all 4 ventricles in patients with severe IVH.

Endoscopic surgery for intraventricular hemorrhage: A comparative study and single center surgical experience

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency, and a dangerous condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, hematoma evacuation is generally executed by external intracranial drainage (EVD) or surgical evacuation. Nowadays, endoscopic evacuation is emerging as a good alternative because it brings relatively less invasion and injury. However, successful endoscopic evacuation requires skilled manipulation of endoscopic devices and the evidence supporting its efficacy differs in different reports.

AIM

To improve the technique usage and provide more evidence of endoscopic evacuation efficacy, we summarize our surgical experience and compared the outcomes of the endoscopic evacuation with EVD using real-world data.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 96 consecutive patients with intraventricular hemorrhage who underwent either endoscopic surgery (n = 43) or non-endoscopic surgery (n = 53) for hemorrhage evacuation between November 2013 and September 2019 in our center. Patients’ conditions prior to and after the operation were evaluated and analyzed to assess the efficacy of the operation. The consciousness status improvement and perioperative in-hospital parameters in the two types of operation groups were assessed and compared.

RESULTS

Patients in the endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups presented with a similar state of consciousness, with a comparable Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) index. The average operation time of the endoscopic group was longer than that of the non-endoscopic group (median 2.42 h vs 1.08 h, P < 0.001). Although the endoscopic group was older and had a baseline Graeb score that indicated more severe hemorrhage than the non-endoscopic group (Graeb median: Endoscopic group = 9 vs non-endoscopic group = 8, P = 0.023), the clearance rate of hematoma was as high as 60.5%. Both the endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups showed an improved GCS index after surgery. However, this improvement was more marked in patients in the endoscopic group (median improvement of GCS index: Endoscope group = 4 vs non-endoscopic group = 1, P < 0.001). Additionally, the endoscopic group had a lower Graeb score than the non-endoscopic group after the operation. The intensive care unit stay of the endoscopic group was significantly shorter than that of the non-endoscopic group (median: endoscopic group = 6 d vs non-endoscope group = 7 d, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic evacuation of intraventricular hemorrhage was generally an effective and efficient way for hemorrhage evacuation, and contributed remarkably to the improvement of consciousness in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Endoscopic Aspiration

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) carry a very dismal prognosis. Several medical and surgical attempts have been made to reduce mortality and to improve neurological outcomes in survivors. Aggressive surgical treatment of ICH through craniotomy and microsurgical evacuation did not prove to be beneficial to these patients, compared to the best medical treatment. Similarly, the conventional treatment of IVH using an EVD is often effective in controlling ICP only initially, as it is very likely for the EVD to become obstructed by blood clots, requiring frequent replacements with a consequent increase of infection rates.Minimally invasive techniques have been proposed to manage these cases. Some are based on fibrinolytic agents that are infused in the hemorrhagic site through catheters with a single burr hole. Others are possible thanks to the development of neuroendoscopy. Endoscopic removal of ICH through a mini-craniotomy or a single burr hole, and via a parafascicular white matter trajectory, proved to reduce mortality in this population, and further randomized trials are expected to show whether also a better neurological outcome can be obtained in survivors. Moreover, endoscopy offers the opportunity to access the ventricular system to aspirate blood clots in patients with IVH. In such cases, the restoration of patency of the entire CSF pathway has the potential to improve outcome and reduce complications and now it is believed to decrease shunt-dependency.

Shunt Dependence after Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Intraventricular Fibrinolysis with uPA versus rt-PA

BACKGROUND

 We compare the effect of urokinase (urokinase-type plasminogen activator [uPA]) versus alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [rt-PA]) for intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) dependence, functional outcome, and complications in the management of IVH.

METHODS

 We retrospectively reviewed the patients admitted with IVH or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with IVH within 7 years in three different departments and found 102 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The primary end points were VPS dependence and Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at 3 months. Secondary end points were rate of rebleeding under IVF and incidence of treatment-related complications. Patients were divided into three groups: group I comprised patients treated with external ventricular drain (EVD) and IVF with uPA; group II comprised patients treated with EVD and IVF with rt-PA; and group III comprised patients treated with EVD alone.

RESULTS

 In all, 9.8% patients needed VPS: 12.2% in group I and 15.0% in group II, with no statistically significant difference. VPS patients had higher values of the modified Graeb score (mGS), IVH score, and IVH volume. We saw a trend for a better outcome in group II, with six patients achieving a GOS of 4 or 5 after 3 months. The mortality rate was higher in groups I and III. We found no statistical difference in the complication rate between groups I and II. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher mGS and age predicted worse prognosis concerning mortality. The risk for death rose by 7.8% for each year of age. Any additional mGS point increased the chances of death by 9.7%.

CONCLUSION

 Our data suggest that both uPA and rt-PA are safe and comparable regarding incidence of communicating hydrocephalus, and age and mGS are predictive for mortality.

Direct Removal of Fourth Ventricle Hematoma in Massive Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Various grading systems and surgical techniques have been developed for the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH); however, little attention has been paid to the fourth ventricle hematoma. Nonetheless, hemorrhagic dilation of the fourth ventricle may lead to catastrophic consequences for patients with massive IVH. We present two cases of massive IVH accompanied by massive fourth ventricle hematoma which was successfully removed with combination of suboccipital craniotomy for fourth ventricle hematoma and intraventricular fibrinolysis for supratentorial hematoma.

Transcortical approach surgery versus external ventricular drainage in treating intraventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a serious intracerebral hemorrhagic disease with high mortality and poor prognosis. This retrospective study designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of transcortical approach surgery versus extraventricular drainage (EVD) on patients with intraventricular hemorrhage.Patients with intraventricular hemorrhage in Zhongshan City People's Hospital from January 01, 2014 to June 01, 2019 were retrospectively examined. They were divided into transcortical approach surgery groups and EVD groups to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis.A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study (24 in the transcortical approach surgery group and 72 in the EVD group). The efficiency of postoperative operation was 15/19 in the transcortical approach surgery group and 24/48 in the EVD group (P = .012). The Glasgow Outcome Scale was 3.63 ± 1.27 in the transcortical approach surgery group and 2.80 ± 1.87 in the EVD group (P = .049). The postoperative residual blood volume was 9.62 ± 3.64 mL in the transcortical approach surgery group and 33.60 ± 3.53 mL in the EVD group (P < .001). The incidence of hydrocephalus after the operation was 1/23 in the transcortical approach surgery group and 19/53 in the EVD group. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 16/56 in the EVD group and 1/23 in the transcortical approach surgery group. The transcortical approach surgery group was significantly better compared with the EVD group.This study showed that the transcortical approach for ventricular hemorrhage compared with EVD improved the hematoma clearance rate, shortened catheterization time, reduced the incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus, decreased patient mortality, led to a better prognosis, and reduced complications of hydrocephalus.

Use of emerging technologies to enhance the treatment paradigm for spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage

The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) portends a worse prognosis in patients presenting with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Intraventricular hemorrhage increases the rates of hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, and long-term shunt dependence. Over the past decade, novel medical devices and protocols have emerged to directly treat IVH. Presently, we review new technological adaptations to treating intraventricular hemorrhage in an effort to focus further innovation in treating this morbid neurosurgical pathology. We summarize current and historical treatments as well as innovations in IVH including novel procedural techniques, use of the Integra Surgiscope, use of the Artemis evacuator, use of BrainPath, novel catheter technology, large bore external ventricular drains, the IRRAflow, the CerebroFlo, and the future directions of the field. Technology and medical devices for both surgical and nonsurgical methods are advancing the treatment of IVH. With many promising new technologies on the horizon, prospects for improved clinical care for IVH and its etiologies remain hopeful.

Tailor-Made Endoscopic Surgical Strategy for Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage with Obstructive Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is associated with a high mortality rate and poor functional outcome, even with recent neurosurgical developments. IVH requires emergent surgery to save the patient's life, but the optimal surgical strategy remains controversial. We assessed the results obtained with our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with severe IVH owing to intracerebral hemorrhage who were treated with endoscopic surgery in the acute phase were retrospectively reviewed. Both rigid and flexible endoscopes were used for removal of hematoma in the whole ventricular system. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septostomy were performed as appropriate in each individual case.

RESULTS

Eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Sufficient IVH removal without neglecting the fourth ventricle was achieved with our technique in 6 of 8 cases (75.0%). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septostomy were added in 4 cases each (50.0%). Four patients (50.0%) had a marked recovery and a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) despite disease severity at onset. The procedure was completed successfully in all cases, and there were no surgery-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus may be beneficial.

Significance of endoscopic hematoma evacuation in elderly patients with spontaneous putaminal hemorrhage

Background:

The efficacy of endoscopic surgery for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) has been previously reported, but differences in the effect between early and late elderlies remain unclear.

Methods:

Ninety-seven patients diagnosed with putaminal hemorrhage (age, ≥65 years; hematoma volume, ≥30 mL) were included in this retrospective analysis and separated into three treatment groups: craniotomy surgery (CR), endoscopic surgery (EN), and non-surgical (NS) groups. The patients were additionally subdivided into two groups according to age: patients aged 65–74 years (“early elderlies”) and patients aged ≥75 years (“late elderlies”). Their clinical data and outcomes at discharge were compared using statistical analyses.

Results:

The CR and the EN groups were associated with lower mortality rates (P < 0.001), lower modified Rankin Scale (mRS; P = 0.007), and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; P = 0.029) compared to the NS group. Early elderlies in the CR and EN groups with ICH scores of 3 also had significantly better outcomes (P = 0.001). The proportion of patients with mRS ≤ 4 was highest in the early elderlies of the EN group (P = 0.553). Although significant differences in the change of NIHSS scores between the early and late elderlies was not observed, significantly improved NIHSS scores were observed in the EN group compared to the NS group, even in the late elderlies (P = 0.037).

Conclusion:

The evacuation of deep-seated intracranial hematomas using the endoscope might improve functional outcomes and mortality, regardless of age.

Retrieval of germinal zone neural stem cells from the cerebrospinal fluid of premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. The rupture of the germinal zone into the ventricles entails loss of neural stem cells and disturbs the normal cytoarchitecture of the region, compromising late neurogliogenesis. Here we demonstrate that neural stem cells can be easily and robustly isolated from the hemorrhagic cerebrospinal fluid obtained during therapeutic neuroendoscopic lavage in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. Our analyses demonstrate that these neural stem cells, although similar to human fetal cell lines, display distinctive hallmarks related to their regional and developmental origin in the germinal zone of the ventral forebrain, the ganglionic eminences that give rise to interneurons and oligodendrocytes. These cells can be expanded, cryopreserved, and differentiated in vitro and in vivo in the brain of nude mice and show no sign of tumoral transformation 6 months after transplantation. This novel class of neural stem cells poses no ethical concerns, as the fluid is usually discarded, and could be useful for the development of an autologous therapy for preterm infants, aiming to restore late neurogliogenesis and attenuate neurocognitive deficits. Furthermore, these cells represent a valuable tool for the study of the final stages of human brain development and germinal zone biology.

Efficacy and safety profile of neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined with intraventricular lavage in severe intraventricular hemorrhage patients

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation in severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).

METHODS

Totally 81 patients with severe IVH in our hospital from November 2017 to March 2019 were divided into the intervention group (38 cases who received neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined with intraventricular lavage) and the control group (40 cases who received trepanation drainage). The perioperative condition, hematoma clearance rate, Glasgow coma score (GCS), hematoma recurrence rate, and prognosis were observed and compared between the two groups after treatment.

RESULTS

The operative time, time of cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and intracranial infection rate in the intervention group elicited superior results to those in the control group (p < .05). The clearance rate of hematoma in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group at 6 hr, 1, 3, and 7 days postoperatively (p < .05). The postoperative 3- and 7-day GCS scores in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group, and the recurrence rate of hematoma in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < .05), and the good/excellent rate of ADL in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined with intraventricular lavage showed evident beneficial outcomes in patients with severe IVH. It can effectively improve the perioperative condition and improve the hematoma clearance rate and is beneficial to the prognosis of patients with severe IVH.

Endoscopic intraventricular hematoma evacuation surgery versus external ventricular drainage for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe intraventricular hemorrhage: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The application of neuroendoscopy in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Studies have shown that the use of neuroendoscopy for IVH evacuation has advantages over external ventricular drainage (EVD) alone. However, the cases of most current research are small and all of them are retrospective studies. The aim of this study is to explore the prognosis of patients with moderate to severe IVH who undergo endoscopic IVH evacuation surgery versus those who undergo EVD alone.

METHODS

The study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center clinical trial. Nine hundred and fifty-six subjects with moderate to severe IVH across four tertiary hospitals in China will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either endoscopic IVH evacuation surgery or EVD. The primary objective is to compare patients' survival rate at 12 months after surgery.

DISCUSSION

The trial is designed to investigate the prognostic benefits of endoscopic IVH evacuation surgery for patients with moderate to severe IVH. Currently, it has never been investigated in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04037267 . Registered on 26 July 2019.

Exploration of Efficacy and Safety of Interventions for Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether endoscopy surgery (ES) and extraventricular drainage (EVD) combined with intraventricular fibrinolytic (IVF) are superior to EVD alone in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and to determine which procedure is more suitable in such patients.

METHODS

We searched the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies comparing ≥2 different interventions in patients with IVH were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Pairwise and network meta-analysis were performed using software Stata 13.0 and Revman 5.3.

RESULTS

Compared with the EVD-alone intervention, the ES regimen, EVD combined with urokinase (UK), and EVD combined with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) regimens all resulted in better survival and prognosis in patients with IVH. For both survival rate and prognosis, the order from best to worst was ES, EVD combined with UK, EVD combined with rt-PA, and EVD-alone. However, EVD combined with IVF had a high risk of intracranial rebleeding; the order of intracranial rebleeding risk from lowest to highest was ES, EVD-alone, EVD combined with rt-PA, and EVD combined with UK. The risk of intracranial infection in EVD combined with rt-PA was lower than that of EVD-alone, but EVD combined with UK also had a higher risk than did EVD-alone. The risk of intracranial infection from lowest to the highest was ES, EVD combined with rt-PA, EVD-alone, and EVD combined with UK.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis showed that ES is more suitable for patients with IVH. ES not only improved the survival and prognosis but also had the lowest risk of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and intracranial rebleeding or infection.

Minimally Invasive Evacuation of Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage Using the BrainPath Endoport-Assisted Microsurgical System

OBJECTIVE

We present the application of the BrainPath endoport-assisted microsurgical device (EAMD) as a treatment modality for patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) secondary to spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

METHODS

Patients with severe secondary IVH (defined as Graeb score [GS] >6) who presented to Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from 2017 to 2019 were treated with the minimally invasive approach for IVH evacuation using the atraumatic BrainPath aspiration system.

RESULTS

Three patients (2 men and 1 woman) with a mean age of 54 years were included in this study. The mean preoperative GS was 10.0 with a modified GS of 23.3. The mean postoperative GS was 4.0 (P = 0.001) with a modified GS of 10.67 (P = 0.001). There were no complications related to the surgery itself in any of the reported cases.

CONCLUSIONS

BrainPath EAMD evacuation of severe IVH secondary to sICH appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality that significantly increases the extent of IVH clearance, which could also lead to improved long-term patient outcomes.

Comparison of Acute Moyamoya Disease-Related and Idiopathic Primary Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Adult Patients

OBJECTIVE

Primary intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is a rare condition in adult patients. PIVH occurs frequently in adult hemorrhagic Moyamoya disease (MMD). Idiopathic PIVH is defined as PIVH without cerebrovascular abnormalities. This study is aimed to compare the baseline characteristics and outcomes of acute MMD-related and idiopathic PIVH.

METHODS

Adult patients with acute MMD-related or idiopathic PIVH were retrospectively included. Baseline characteristics and outcomes at discharge were obtained and compared. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, or rank-sum test were used in statistical analyses.

RESULTS

This study finally included 32 patients with acute MMD-related PIVH and 112 with acute idiopathic PIVH. Patients with acute MMD-related PIVH were significantly younger (53.3 ± 15.8 vs. 42.8 ± 12.2 years, P < 0.001). The admission systolic blood pressure in patients with acute idiopathic PIVH was significantly higher (161.7 ± 30.9 vs. 134.6 ± 24.6 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Patients with acute idiopathic PIVH had significantly higher admission serum urea (5.68 ± 2.66 vs. 4.34 ± 1.62 mmol/L, P = 0.008), cystatin C (0.97 ± 0.72 vs. 0.68 ± 0.16 mg/L, P = 0.023), and uric acid (309.01 ± 105.97 vs. 242.24 ± 77.65 μmol/L, P = 0.001). In patients with acute MMD-related PIVH, only one (3.1%) patient was dead at discharge. In contrast, a total of 22 (19.6%) patients with acute idiopathic patients died at discharge (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with patients with acute idiopathic PIVH, patients with acute MMD-related PIVH have younger age, lower blood pressure, and better renal function. Moreover, patients with acute MMD-related PIVH have lower short-term mortality.