Early clinical experience with Cascade: a novel temporary neck bridging device for embolization of intracranial aneurysms

The Stream Device-A Retrospective Review of 51 Cases

Mechanical thrombectomy is the gold-standard treatment for patients that have suffered large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Various different stent-retrievers, aspiration catheters, and techniques have been developed to perform this procedure. We present our initial results regarding the Stream device.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at our high-volume centre to identify all patients treated with the Stream device between February 2021 and January 2023. We recorded baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT scores, eTICI scores, complications, and 90-day mRS.

RESULTS

We identified 51 patients, 49.0% of whom were male (n = 25), with a median age of 73 (range: 51-89) and a median NIHSS score of 17 (range 4-22), and 68.6% received IV tPA. The median ASPECT score was 10 (range 6-10). Hyperdense clots were seen in 34 cases (66.7%), with a mean clot length of 12 ± 6.2 mm (range 2-26 mm). Clots were located in the anterior circulation in 49 patients. The standard Stream device was used in 78.4% of cases, with Stream 17 being used in 19.6% of cases. The FPE was observed in 25.5% of cases (n = 13), with the mFPE being seen in 31.4% of cases (n = 16). A final eTICI score of ≥2b was achieved in 90.2% of cases (n = 46), and eTICI 2c/3 was seen in 84.3% of cases (n = 43). Furthermore, 24 h CT scans showed that the median ASPECT score was 8 (range 0-10). Good functional outcomes at 90 days (mRS ≤ 2) were achieved in 21.6% of cases (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS

The Stream device shows acceptable rates of FPE and mFPE compared to existing devices. Further larger studies are required alongside an understanding of the optimal technique for this device's use.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Comaneci/Cascade temporary neck bridging devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Background

The temporary neck bridging devices represented by Comaneci and Cascade are a type of promising endovascular device for the treatment of intracranial bifurcation or wide-necked aneurysms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy and safety of Comaneci/Cascade devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on articles in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science that evaluated the efficacy and safety of Comaneci/Cascade devices for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analytics (PRISMA) guideline. We extracted the characteristics and treatment related information of patients included in the study, recorded the rate of technical success, procedural related complications, and angiographic outcomes. The angiographic outcome was evaluated based on Raymond Roy classification, and adequate occlusion was defined as Raymond Ray I + II.

Results

Nine studies comprising 253 patients with 255 aneurysms were included. Among them, eight studies were conducted in Europe, one study was conducted in the USA. All these studies were retrospective. 206 aneurysms (80.78%) were ruptured. The vast majority of patients with ruptured aneurysms did not receive antiplatelet therapy. The rate of technical success was 97.1% (95% CI, 94.9 to 99.3%, I2 = 0%). The rate of periprocedural clinical complications was 10.9% (95% CI, 5.4 to 22.1%, I2 = 54%). The rate of complete occlusion (RR1) and adequate occlusion (RR1 + RR2) on immediate angiography after the procedure were 77.7% (95% CI, 72.7 to 83.2%, I2 = 35%) and 98% (95% CI, 95.9 to 100%, I2 = 0%) respectively. The rate of complete occlusion (RR1) and adequate occlusion (RR1 + RR2) on the last follow-up angiography were 81.2% (95% CI, 69.2 to 95.2%, I2 = 81%) and 93.7% (95% CI, 85.6 to 100%, I2 = 69%) respectively, with follow-up range from 3 to 18 months. 22/187 (11.76%) cases of aneurysms progressed during the follow-up period. 39/187 (20.86%) cases of aneurysms received additional treatment during the follow-up period. No fatal complications occurred during the treatment.

Conclusion

The Comaneci/Cascade device can be used as an auxiliary treatment for intracranial aneurysms, with a good occlusion effect, but the incidence of complications still needs to be monitored.

Comaneci plus Balloon-assisted Embolization of Ruptured Wide-necked Cerebral Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently, avant-garde combinations of ancillary devices as an adjunct to coil embolization for acutely ruptured and wide-necked cerebral aneurysms have emerged. This study sought to investigate the feasibility, safety and durability of the simultaneous combination of temporary neck-bridging devices plus balloon-assisted coiling (BAC) to treat acutely ruptured and wide-necked cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with ruptured and wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms treated with temporary stent plus balloon-assisted coiling. Anatomical features, technical details, intraprocedural complications, clinical and angiographic results were reviewed. Preprocedural and follow-up clinical statuses were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS).

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients (mean age 54.5 years, range 37-72 years) were identified. The immediate postprocedural angiography revealed complete aneurysm occlusion in 85.7% (18/21) of the cases. A periprocedural complication developed in 9.5% of the cases. There was no mortality in this study. The permanent morbidity rate was 4.7%. Long-term follow-up angiography was performed in 18 of 21 patients (85.7%) (the mean follow-up period was 21 months). The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at final follow-up was 89.4%.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirmed that temporary stent plus balloon-assisted coiling is a durable and relatively safe endovascular technique for the treatment of ruptured wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms located in both the posterior and anterior cerebral circulation.

Comprehensive review of the recent advances in devices for endovascular treatment of complex brain aneurysms

The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) showed superiority for endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms and technology has since moved on rapidly. Many approaches and technology now exist for the endovascular management of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms, which reflects their varied nature - there is no one-size-fits-all technique. We aim to provide an overview of the various classes of device and the major developments over the past decade. Coiling is the oldest of the technology and continues to demonstrate high levels of occlusion and acceptable risks, making it the default treatment choice, particularly in the acutely ruptured aneurysm setting. Advances on coiling include the use of adjuncts such as balloons, stents and fully retrievable temporary neck-bridging devices, which have facilitated the treatment of more complex aneurysms. Flow divertors have also revolutionised complex aneurysm treatment with small added risk in acute aneurysm treatment and seek to remodel the aneurysm-vessel interface without accessing the aneurysm sac. The latest development and most promising avenue appears to be intrasaccular flow disrupting devices like WEB, Contour and Neqstent that provide excellent opportunities to treat wide neck complex aneurysm with minimal mortality and morbidity and good occlusion rates and may in future replace a significant number of stent-assisted coiling too.

Nautilus-assisted coil embolization for a complex AcomA wide-necked aneurysm in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage

Numerous devices and sophisticated strategies have been developed to further increase the number of aneurysms amenable to endovascular treatment.1-4 Despite the superfluity of available neurovascular armamentarium, wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms can still pose a significant technical challenge to the treating clinician.5-7 Neck bridging is a conceptually new approach, which provides increased occlusion rates with lower recurrence and complications rates.8-10 The Nautilus (EndoStream Medical) is an intrasaccular bridging device intended to assist in coil embolization of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms. This CE-marked device, available in various sizes, consists of flexible-layers, and is a nitinol-based, detachable implant. The device is delivered through a standard microcatheter with a minimal 0.0165" inner diameter and is fully radiopaque and completely resheathable.Owing to its unique 'tornado' like shape the device entirely reconstructs the aneurysmal neck, which facilitates the following coil embolization. In this video 1, we demonstrate the use of Nautilus - assisted coil embolization for a complex anterior communicating artery (AcomA) wide-necked aneurysm in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.neurintsurg;neurintsurg-2021-017670v1/V1F1V1Video 1.

Nautilus-Assisted Coiling of an Unruptured Wide-Necked Aneurysm of the Posterior Communicating Artery

A variety of recently introduced devices have allowed more complex aneurysms to be rendered for endovascular embolization. Tiny and sophisticated implants are nowadays designed to provide further either temporary or permanent remodeling of the wide-necked aneurysms and improve coil occlusion rates.^1-4 Such improvements in the technical armamentarium include the Woven EndoBridge (Sequent Medical, California, USA), the Medina Embolic Device (Medtronic, Irvine, California, USA), The Contour Neurovascular System (Cerus Endovascular, Fremont, California, USA), and pCONUS 2 HPC (Phenox, GmbH, Bohum, Germany).^5-7 Intrasaccular neck bridging is a conceptually new technique descending from the theoretical combination of intrasaccular flow diversion and temporary-stent assisted coiling.⁸ The Nautilus (EndoStream Medical, Tel Aviv, Israel) is an intrasaccular bridging device that offers complete neck reconstruction in coil embolization of wide-neck cerebral aneurysms. It has been granted a CE mark by the European Union. The detachable intrasaccular implant comprises flexible and "tornado-like"-shaped Nitinol-based layers. The device is compatible with a standard microcatheter with minimal 0.0165″ inner diameter and is fully radiopaque and fully resheathable. The device's intrasaccular nature and the fact that it does not harbor any intraluminal satellite parts suggest that the implant can be safely used in both unruptured and ruptured case scenarios without the need for dual antiplatelet therapy. This is what we consider a great advantage of the proposed technique over the alternative options of intrasaccular and intraluminal flow diversion. This technical video (Video 1) demonstrates the successful obliteration of a complex posterior communicating artery aneurysm with Nautilus-assisted endovascular coiling. To our knowledge, this is the first technical video demonstrating an in-vivo and step-by-step implementation of this novel device.

Comaneci device-assisted embolization of wide-necked carotid aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio

Background

Endovascular treatment is the technique of choice for most intracranial aneurysms. However, the treatment of morphologically complex wide-necked aneurysms with an unfavorable anatomy is still a therapeutic challenge.

The purpose of the study is to describe the initial experience with the Comaneci embolization assist device for the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio for direct embolization.

Methods

We report a retrospective single-center analysis taken from a prospective database of consecutive aneurysms of the anterior circulation treated using the Comaneci device in the period from March 2017 to March 2019.

Results

Eighteen aneurysms were collected from 16 patients (9 women and 7 men) treated using the Comaneci device. The mean age was 48.4 years (range 36–81). Twelve patients had SAH, three were incidental aneurysms and one had compressive symptoms. A complete asymptomatic occlusion rate of 88.8% was obtained. The major complication rate was 5.55%.

Conclusion

The Comaneci embolization assist device is a safe, effective option for endovascular treatment of complex aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio.

Endovascular treatment of patients with intracranial aneurysms: feasibility and successful employment of a new low profile visible intraluminal support (LVIS) EVO stent

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low-profile self-expandable stents have increased the number of intracranial aneurysms treated by endovascular means. The new low-profile visible intraluminal support device LVIS EVO (Microvention), the successor of LVIS Jr, is a self-expandable and retrievable microstent system, designed for implantation into intracranial arteries with a diameter up to 2.0 mm. In this retrospective study we aimed to elucidate the technical feasibility and clinical safety of the novel LVIS EVO stent for stent-assisted coil embolisation of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single centre technical report of the first six consecutive cases of stent-assisted coil embolisation with the novel LVIS EVO stent for the treatment of unruptured or recanalised intracranial aneurysms. Records were made of basic demographics, aneurysmal characteristics, device properties and related technical details, adverse events, clinical outcomes and occlusion rates on available radiological follow-up.

RESULTS

Six LVIS EVO devices were successfully implanted in all subjects to treat a total number of six intracranial aneurysms. No device-related intraprocedural complications were seen. At early clinical follow-up six out of six (100%) patients had a modified Ranking score of 0-1. Early angiographic and cross-sectional radiological follow-up, available in five out of six (83.3%) of the patients confirmed unchanged aneurysmal occlusion rates. A minor, transitory neurological deficit was recorded in one of the six (16.6%) patients. Mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary experience in this subset of our patients confirms a notably improved technical behaviour of the novel LVIS EVO stent system when compared to its ancestor LVIS Jr. The enhanced visibility of the stent and the refined delivery/retrieval capabilities of the stent further increase the safety margins of the devices profile, especially in cases of tortuous anatomy.

Acutely ruptured basilar artery bifurcation aneurysm, treated with simultaneous Cascade and Comaneci temporary-assisted coiling

Temporary stent-assisted coiling is an eligible approach for the treatment of acutely ruptured complex cerebral aneurysms. Improved material properties and industrial advances in braiding technology have led to the introduction of new stent-like devices to augment endovascular coil embolization. Such technology includes the Cascade and Comaneci neck-bridging devices. Both devices are manually controlled, non-occlusive and fully retrievable neck-bridging temporary implants. The braided nature and the ultra-thin wire, compliant structure of their bridging meshes helps maintain target vessel patency during coil embolization. In this video (video 1) we demonstrate the straightforward combination of two temporary neck-bridging devices for the embolization of an acutely ruptured aneurysm of the basilar artery. Technical success and complete embolization of the aneurysm were recorded at the final angiography. In this technical video we discuss the technical nuances of the Comaneci and Cascade coil embolization. neurintsurg;13/2/196/V1F1V1Video 1.

Recent advances in stent-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of intracranial aneurysms paved the way for endovascular coiling of wide-neck and bifurcation aneurysms, improving rates of aneurysm obliteration and recurrence. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the most recent advances related to stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysm.

AREAS COVERED

The authors have made an attempt to cover the inception, applications, and limitations of SAC of intracranial aneurysms. Special focus is given to 1) the current and recently introduced SAC techniques, 2) most recent advances in device technology, and 3) outcome data for the discussed techniques and devices. The authors also discuss the potential future direction of SAC.

EXPERT OPINION

technical refinements in the field of SAC should continue to focus on device development and addressing the limitations of SAC, namely aneurysm recurrence and need of antiplatelet agents. Although the recurrence rate of SAC has not been shown to be inferior to flow diverters, the use of intrasaccular and intravascular flow diverters are likely to expand in the future at the expense of SAC.

The Cascade device - In vitro tests to assess coil protrusion into the parent vessel

BACKGROUND

Balloon and stent-assisted coiling of aneurysms have increased the number of aneurysms available for endovascular treatment. Newer devices that allow flow within the parent vessel but coverage at the neck have recently entered the market. The Cascade is a new non-occlusive fully retrievable neck-bridging support device that has been designed to provide temporary support during coil embolisation of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Using a silicone aneurysm model three different aneurysms were catheterised with the coiling microcatheter placed in three different positions within each aneurysm - at the neck, centrally, and looped within the aneurysm. Multiple different coils were then deployed within each aneurysm with the Cascade device deployed across the neck to provide protection. In total 480 attempted coilings were performed. Aneurysm flow was used to calculate the change in intra-aneurysmal flow with the Cascade device deployed across the neck of the aneurysm.

RESULTS

We did not observe a single episode of coil protrusion through the Cascade mesh nor did we observe any coil protrusion into the parent vessel when the Cascade was deployed across the neck. There was an average flow velocity reduction of 23% with the Cascade device deployed across the neck of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

The Cascade device offers robust protection of the aneurysmal neck and parent vessel as well as inducing significant intra-aneurysmal flow velocity reduction.

Advances in endovascular aneurysm management: coiling and adjunctive devices

Endovascular coil embolisation continues to evolve and remains a valid modality in managing ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Technological advances in coil properties, adjunctive devices and interventional techniques continue to improve long-term aneurysm occlusion rates. This review elaborates on the latest advances in next-generation endovascular coils and adjunctive coiling techniques for treating cerebral aneurysms.