Retrieval of a fractured Guglielmi detachable coil with use of the Goose Neck snare "twist" technique

A Novel Microsnare and Microwire Coil Retrieval Technique

Coil migration during endovascular embolization is a complication that can result in thromboembolic occlusion leading to potentially large infarcts if not removed. Microsnares are commonly used to remove migrated coils. Current techniques, however, struggle in cases where the microsnare is unable to loop over and secure a free end of the coil. We present a case in which a microsnare combined with a microwire successfully removed a migrated coil in a patient with a bleeding hepatic pseudoaneurysm post-embolization. This technique proved beneficial when traditional methods were insufficient, especially in small vessels or coil packs that cannot be snared. The synergy of the microsnare and microwire technique presents a promising solution for challenging migrated coil retrievals.

Parent artery stenting as a rescue management for stretched coils during cerebral aneurysms embolization: Report of three cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Displacement of a stretched coil into the parent artery during intracranial aneurysm coiling is a challenging situation where the risk of acute intravascular thrombosis might be a life-threatening condition. The usual way of management is coil snaring, yet in some cases, it might not be feasible to retrieve the coil. Parent artery rescue stenting had already been described as a way of management in acutely thrombosed parent arteries during aneurysm coiling.

CASE REPORTS

We present three cases with an inadvertent displacement of the unraveled coils into the parent artery for which rescue stenting was carried out to crush the coil against the vessel wall aiming to eliminate its thrombogenic effect. Our preliminary experience is that rescue stenting of the parent artery for stretched coil could be a convenient effective option particularly in case of failed/risky snaring with no notable immediate or long-term complications.

REVIEW AND DISCUSSION

We review the reported cases of stretched coils with or without further unraveling and fracture and discuss the possible consequences, salvage methods, and clinical outcomes. Neurointerventionists should be aware of this complication and get acquainted with bailout strategies.

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.

Magnetic wires: A novel design for neuroendovascular coil retrieval

The present study aimed to evaluate the operation, application and safety of a novel prototype device designed for the retrieval of a migrated coils, an intraprocedural complication of endovascular aneurysm treatment, compared with the widely used Solitaire AB stent retriever. The prototype retrieval device, referred to as magnetic wires, consisted of two microwires that were joined by a small magnetic ring near to the tips. To retrieve a coil, the wires are advanced through the dislodged coil one at a time and then capture the target coil in a chopstick-like manner, as their tips are attracted to the magnet. In vitro tests were performed five times for each retrieval device using a pulsing flow circulator to compare retrieval effectiveness. In vivo efficacy testing was performed in 5 male piglets. The left and right carotid arteries were used to assess the magnetic wires and the Solitaire retriever, respectively. While the two devices successfully retrieved coils in vitro at a rate of 100%, the magnetic wires did so in a shorter time. In vivo, the magnetic wires successfully captured the migrated coils in 3/5 cases (60%), whereas the Solitaire AB stent retriever was successful 4/5 cases (80%). Endothelial injury was observed following magnetic wires retrieval in 1/5 cases (20%) and following use of the Solitaire AB stent retriever in 3/5 cases (60%). These results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this novel prototype coil retrieval device, which with further development has the potential to be an optimal device for the retrieval of dislodged coils.

A new retrieval method for an already detached coil mass in the aneurysm sac: 'Thread and catch' technique

During endovascular coiling, unexpected procedure-related complications such as coil misplacement have been reported, and these complications may induce emboli or thrombotic vessel occlusion. A malpositioned detached coil contained and immobilized within an intracranial aneurysm is difficult to remove using current methods. We report an effective retrieval technique for detached coils. The 'thread and catch technique' can be used when the malpositioned detached coil is immobilized within the aneurysm.

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

BACKGROUND

Intraprocedural coil migration during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is associated with potential vessel occlusion and thromboembolic complications. There is no standard management strategy for coil migration. Here, we describe our experience with using a handmade microwire-snare device (HMD) to retrieve a migrated coil.

METHODS

The HMD consists of a 0.017-inch microcatheter, a 0.014-inch microwire, and a 4-0 silk thread. The ring of the microwire-snare device can open, close, and twist in a figure eight pattern for coil entwinement. In addition, the ring can be shaped as needed to navigate tortuous vessels or capture the migrated coil.

RESULTS

The HMD was successfully used to retrieve two migrated coils. In the first case, the coil was displaced in the M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery. In the second case, the coil loop prolapsed into the parent artery. In both cases, control cerebral angiograms performed after retrieval confirmed the patency of the vessels and a lack of thromboembolic complications. At the 3-month follow-up, magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated stable patency of the affected vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

The HMD is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, safe, and universally available device for retrieving migrated coil(s) during intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures.

Retrieval of Distally Migrated Coils with Detachable Intracranial Stent during Coil Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysm

Migration of coils during endovascular procedures is a rare, but well-known complication. We are reporting two cases of successfully retrieving migrated coil using detachable intracranial stent. In both of our cases there was distal migration of coil during the intracranial aneurysm coiling procedure. The Solitaire® AB stent (Covidien, Irvine, CA, USA) was used to retrieve those coils. The stent was passed distal to the migrated coil using standard technique. It was then partially deployed and gradually withdrawn along with the entangled coil. Coil retrieval using the fully retrievable intracranial stent is a very simple, safe and easily available alternative for retrieval of distally migrated coil.

Rescue Therapy of Inadvertent Coil Migration for Endovascular Treatment of Type II Endoleak

Coil migration during endovascular procedures is not an unusual complication, but there is no standard management strategy for bailout. Here, we describe a technique for removal of a migrated coil using a snare. During embolization of type II endoleak from the inferior mesenteric artery in a post-endovascular aneurysm repair patient, the coil migrated to the sigmoidal artery causing an occlusion. We used a microsnare loop and successfully retrieved the migrated coil. This is the first case in Korea that uses a loop snare for the removal of a migrated coil during visceral endovascular treatment to our knowledge. This technique of using a microsnare for removal of displaced coils can be a good resort in selected cases.

Endovascular retrieval of a prematurely deployed covered stent

Several techniques have been reported to address different endovascular device failures. We report the case of a premature deployment of a covered balloon mounted stent during endovascular repair of a post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). A 50-year-old male suffered a fall resulting in loss of consciousness and multiple facial fractures. Five weeks later, he developed decreased left visual acuity, proptosis, chemosis, limited eye movements and cranial/orbit bruit. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a direct left CCF and endovascular repair with a 5.0 mm × 19 mm covered stent was planned. Once in the lacerum segment, increased resistance was encountered and the stent was withdrawn resulting in premature deployment. A 3 mm × 9 mm balloon was advanced over an exchange length microwire and through the stent lumen. Once distal to the stent, the balloon was inflated and slowly pulled back in contact with the stent. All devices were successfully withdrawn as a unit. The use of a balloon to retrieve a prematurely deployed balloon mounted stent is a potential rescue option if leaving the stent in situ carries risks.

Retrieval of migrated coils with stent retrievers: an animal study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Coil migration is a potentially serious complication of endovascular aneurysm treatment. The aim of the study was to systematically investigate the effectiveness of coil retrieval with a stent retriever in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 148 coils of various types and sizes were placed into arteries of varying diameters in a porcine in vivo model. Coil retrieval was performed by placing a Trevo ProVue stent retriever over the coil and trying to trap a part of the platinum coil within the stent mesh by advancing the microcatheter over the stent or simply by retrieving the stent without trying to trap the coil by advancing the microcatheter.

RESULTS

Coil retrieval was successful in 101 of 102 cases (99%), in which trapping of the coil within the stent retriever by advancing the microcathter was applied. When we only pulled back the stent without trapping the coil, retrieval was successful in only 5 of 46 cases (11%). Coil type, coil structure (2D versus 3D), actual coil shape in the affected vessel, investigator experience, aspiration, coil localization, and vessel diameter had no significant influence on retrieval outcome. There was no case of vessel perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrieval of migrated platinum coils with a stent retriever is an effective treatment option for migrated coils when the correct technique is applied.

Retrieval of unintended migrated detached coil: case report

Owing to the rapid development of intervention techniques and devices, endovascular coil embolization of cerebral arteries has become standardized. It is particularly preferred when a patient presents with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA). However, the risk of thrombogenic complications of the coil migration may also result in a large cerebral infarction. When coil migration occurs during embolization, a procedure for removal of the embolic coil should be performed immediately. We experienced a clinically rare case of migration of a framing coil to the distal middle cerebral artery aneurysm during endovascular embolization of an unruptured PcomA aneurysm. The migrated coil was barely retrieved using snare techniques.

Intraprocedural retrieval of migrated coils during endovascular aneurysm treatment with the Trevo Stentriever device

Coil migration during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms occurs in 2-6% of cases. As endovascular coiling of aneurysms has become increasingly popular and as endovascular technology continues to rapidly evolve, the prevalence of intraprocedural coil migration will invariably rise. Since coil masses are highly thrombogenic, migration out of the aneurysm sac into the parent artery may result in large territory infarcts which subsequently manifest as significant neurological morbidity. Therefore safe and timely retrieval of migrated coils is essential to avoiding poor angiographic and clinical outcomes. A 66-year-old woman with an unruptured 5 × 3mm, wide-necked posterior communicating artery aneurysm was referred for endovascular treatment. During coiling with the dual catheter technique, both initially deployed coils dislodged from the aneurysm sac and migrated distally into the middle cerebral artery. After failed retrieval with an Alligator device (Chestnut Medical Technologies, Menlo Park, CA, USA), we used two Trevo devices (Concentric Medical, Mountain View, CA, USA) in succession to successfully retrieve the migrated coils. The aneurysm was then occluded with stent-assisted coil embolization. There were no post-procedural angiographic or clinical complications. The patient was subsequently discharged home without neurological deficit. This case illustrates the first use of the Trevo device for retrieval of migrated coils during endovascular treatment of an intracranial aneurysm to our knowledge. Due to the lack of guidelines defining the standard management of intraprocedural coil migration, current strategies are based on retrospective review of published reports and expert opinion. We present a unique and effective method for endovascular retrieval of displaced coils using a Trevo Stentriever device.

Management strategies for intraprocedural coil migration during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Migration of a coil during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm occurs in 2-6% of cases. The consequences of coil migration vary significantly from minor flow alterations of the parent artery which are asymptomatic to thromboembolic occlusion of major intracranial vessels resulting in large territory infarcts. We performed a comprehensive literature review and identified 37 reported cases of migrated coil retrieval consisting of 10 case reports and six case series. Most of the aneurysms presented with rupture (65%) and were located in the anterior circulation (70%). The endovascular treatment approaches were coil embolization alone (57%), stent-assisted coiling (26%) and balloon remodeling (17%). Endovascular retrieval was performed with microwires, the Alligator Retrieval device, Merci devices, snares and stentrievers. There was a single report of microsurgical extraction following failed endovascular removal and three cases of coil fracture in which the coil fragments were secured to the vessel walls with stents.

Treatment of an unraveled intracerebral coil

We describe a case of coil unraveling that occurred during stent-assisted cerebral aneurysm embolization. The unraveled coil was stretched and the loose end was fixed in the external carotid artery by the addition of other coils. Herniation of the loose coil end to the distal part of the vessel with potential vessel occlusion was prevented and no immediate or long-term complication was observed. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Monorail Snare Technique for the Retrieval of an Adherent Microcatheter from an Onyx Cast: Technical Case Report

Objective:

Microcatheters retained after Onyx (eV3 Neurovascular, Inc., Irvine, CA) embolization represent a potential source of thromboembolic complications. Catheter retention depends on the degree of Onyx reflux and vessel tortuosity. To overcome this problem, we have adapted a previously described monorail snare technique for stretched coils to remove an adherent microcatheter from the occipital artery during Onyx embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula.

Clinical Presentation:

We used this technique successfully in a 62-year-old man with a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula. An Echelon-10 microcatheter (eV3 Neurovascular, Inc.) system became adherent in the right occipital artery because of reflux and vessel tortuosity. Significant stretching of the microcatheter was observed during attempted removal.

Intervention:

A 2-mm Amplatz Goose Neck microsnare (Microvena Corp., White Bear Lake, MN) was placed through a Rapid Transit microcatheter (Cordis Corp., Miami, FL). The hub of the indwelling Echelon microcatheter was cut off and the snare advanced over the outside of the microcatheter. The snare and Rapid Transit microcatheter were then advanced into the guiding catheter (6-French) as a unit over the indwelling Echelon microcatheter. Using the adherent Echelon as a “monorail” guide, the snare and Rapid Transit microcatheter were advanced distally into the occipital artery and the snare was retracted to engage the microcatheter. The microcatheters and snare were then easily removed because of the second vector of force placed by the snare system on the adherent microcatheter very close to the point of adherence.

Conclusion:

The monorail snare technique represents a simple and safe way to remove an adherent microcatheter from an Onyx cast during the embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas. Prospective knowledge of this technique will facilitate more aggressive embolization without the reservation that a retained microcatheter could require surgical removal or anticoagulation.

Successful microsurgical extraction of a migrated coil in a pediatric patient after failed endovascular closure of a Blalock-Taussig shunt. Case report

Coil migration is a rare but potentially serious complication of endovascular procedures. Occasionally coils can be retrieved via endovascular techniques. The authors describe the microsurgical management of a case in which endovascular techniques failed. A 2-year-old girl with pulmonary atresia and a Blalock-Taussig shunt underwent attempted endovascular closure of the shunt with Gianturco steel coils. During deployment, a coil was lost in the aorta and an angiogram showed that it had lodged in the proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. The coil could not be retrieved by endovascular techniques, and the patient was taken to the operating room to undergo a craniotomy. After the sylvian fissure was split, the coil was visible through the vessel wall. Temporary clips were placed on the proximal M1 and the proximal M2 segments, trapping the coil. A small arteriotomy was performed, the coil was removed, and the arteriotomy was closed. A cerebral angiogram showed excellent perfusion with no dissections. The patient's motor examination demonstrated a mild hemiparesis on the left with no tremulousness. Coil migration can be treated by microsurgical techniques in pediatric patients with a good clinical outcome.

Percutaneous Retrieval of a Broken Catheter from the Pulmonary Artery

We describe a case regarding the percutaneous retrieval of a broken catheter from the pulmonary artery of a 54-year-old female patient in which we successfully used a "Goose Neck" snare. The analysis of relevant literature and the successful outcome of the case confirm that the percutaneous retrieval of a foreign body is a feasible, sure, and effective procedure.

Snare retrieval of intracranial thrombus in patients with acute stroke

Intravenous or intraarterial thrombolysis of intracranial emboli is becoming an accepted clinical treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke, but not all emboli respond to the lytic drug regimens available today. If drug therapy fails, mechanical retrieval seems warranted. Four patients whose condition was resistant to intravenous and intraarterial thrombolytic drug treatment underwent at least partial clot removal with use of a snare, and almost immediate clinical improvement was noted. A fifth patient's clot was removed before lytic drugs were administered. All five patients, who presented with a sudden onset of stroke, were evaluated by arterial angiography; then, after a failed trial of intraarterial fibrinolytic drugs, they were treated by passing a 2- or 4-mm snare through a microcatheter. The snare wire was guided around the thrombus, gently brought back toward the microcatheter-but not into it-and the entire microcatheter and snare assembly was then removed. In four of the five cases, follow-up angiography performed immediately after the retrieval showed wider distal branches than normal. Follow-up computed tomography results were abnormal in all cases, showing hyperdense material in the territory that was previously ischemic. This hyperdensity subsided within 48 hours in all but one patient who developed small parenchymal hemorrhages; however, he remained asymptomatic. The snare device offers an additional or alternative therapy until completely effective thrombolytic agents become available. Although use of a snare is not ideal, device improvements should make the retrieval less technically challenging and more effective. There is a need for improved mechanical extraction devices, especially in light of the patient improvement that occurred. This experience also suggests that immediate removal of a mature clot could reduce the total time of brain ischemia more quickly than administration of thrombolytic drugs.

Coil migration, malposition, stretching and retrieval

SUMMARY

In this educational program for complicated coil placements, we report several cases of coil malposition, migration, and retrieval. We emphasize that a decrease in the expected one-toone motion of the coil is the earliest sign of a possible imminent complication, and the over the core wire technique with a fixed-loop snare (Gooseneck microsnare) is a very effective potential solution for elongated coil retrieval.