Microsurgical clipping and endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms in an interdisciplinary treatment concept: Comparison of long-term results

Efficacy of endovascular embolization versus microsurgical clamping in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a meta-analysis

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) can induce increased intracranial pressure, headache, and the development of nausea and vomiting if not treated in time, and failure to receive timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to disability or death. However, the efficacy and prognostic value of craniotomy and endovascular embolization in patients with IA remains a controversial topic. This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy of endovascular coiling versus cranial aneurysm clamping on the immediate postoperative outcome and prognosis of patients with IA. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for retrieval of relevant references. Literature was screened according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted and assessed for quality. A total of 10 studies, including 2,654 cases, were included in the analysis. Among them, 1,313 cases underwent craniotomy clipping surgery (clip group), and 1,341 cases underwent endovascular coiling (coil group). The quality of the studies in 8 articles evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was ≥6. Meta-analysis was conducted using Rev Man 5.3 and Stata 17 software. The results of meta-analysis showed that no significant difference in complete occlusion rate [OR=1.76, 95% CI (0.78, 3.96), P=0.17] when comparing the clip and coil group. Compared to the clip group, the coil group had a better clinical short-term outcome [OR=1.55, 95% CI (1.05, 2.27), P=0.03], but an increased rate of postoperative residual or recurrence [OR=0.40, 95% CI (0.17, 0.91), P=0.03]. In addition, there were no significance differences identified in terms of complications, including the rates of postoperative rebleeding [OR=1.60, 95% CI (0.97, 2.63), P=0.07], ischemic stroke [OR=1.12, 95% CI (0.45, 2.79), P=0.81], and cerebral vasospasm [OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.13, 6.03), P=0.91]. Subsequently, we conducted experimental sequence analysis for each indicator, and the results were consistent with the results of meta-analysis. According to the recent clinical prognosis, a funnel plot was constructed, showing significant asymmetry on both sides, indicating some publication bias. However, the results of Begg's test with P=0.734 and Egger's test with P=0.633 suggest no significant publication bias. In general, endovascular coiling and microsurgical clipping appear to be equally effective in achieving vascular occlusion. Endovascular coiling may be more effective in improving the short-term clinical outcomes for patients. However, this approach may increase the rate of postoperative residual issue or recurrence.

Anterior circulation location-specific results for stent-assisted coiling - carotid versus distal aneurysms: 1-year outcomes from the Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial

BACKGROUND

The Neuroform Atlas Stent System is an established treatment modality for unruptured anterior and posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms. Location-specific results are needed to guide treatment decision-making. However, it is unclear whether there are differences in safety and efficacy outcomes between carotid and more distal anterior circulation aneurysms.

METHODS

The ATLAS IDE trial was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label interventional study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Neuroform Atlas Stent System. We compared differences in efficacy and safety outcomes of proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) versus distal and bifurcation anterior circulation aneurysms.

RESULTS

Of 182 cases, there were 70 aneurysms in the ICA and 112 in the distal anterior circulation (including ICA terminus/bifurcation). There were no significant differences in the primary efficacy endpoint (85.5% vs 83.9%, p=0.78) and complete aneurysm occlusion rates (88.7% vs 87.9%, p=0.78) between proximal ICA aneurysms and distal aneurysms, respectively. Complications were more often encountered in distal and bifurcation aneurysms, but the overall rate of major safety events was low and comparable between the two groups (1.4% vs 6.3%, p=0.14). Recanalization and retreatment rates were also similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the Neuroform Atlas Stent System is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for unruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms, regardless of aneurysm location.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02340585.

Long-term outcomes of surgical clipping of saccular middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a consecutive series of 92 patients

Despite advances in endovascular treatment, microsurgical clipping of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms remains appropriate. We review the high occlusion rate and treatment durability seen with surgical clipping of MCA aneurysms. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent microsurgical clipping of saccular MCA aneurysms by a single surgeon. Outcomes included aneurysm occlusion rate and durability, modified Rankin scale (mRS), and postoperative neurological morbidities. Ninety-two patients with 92 saccular MCA aneurysms were included, 50% of which were ruptured aneurysms. The mean follow-up period was 59 months. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in all except one patient (99%) with near-complete occlusion. MCA aneurysm clipping was durable, with only one patient (1%) requiring retreatment after 4 years due to regrowth. Of the cohort, 79.3% achieved mRS 0-2 at last follow-up, including all with unruptured aneurysms. Poor outcome at discharge was associated with age > 65 (p = .03), postoperative neurological morbidities (p = .006), and aneurysm rupture (p < .001). Older age remained the single correlate for poor long-term outcome (p = .04). For ruptured aneurysms, predictors of poor long-term outcome included hemiparesis on presentation (p = .017), clinical vasospasm requiring treatment (p = .026), and infarction related to vasospasm (p = .041). Older age (p = .046) and complex anatomy (p = .036) were predictors of new postoperative neurological morbidities in the unruptured group. MCA aneurysm clipping is safe, durable, and should be considered first-line treatment for patients with saccular MCA aneurysms, especially in centers with abundant surgical experience.

Microsurgical clipping and endovascular intervention for middle cerebral artery aneurysm: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare the prognosis and effective rate of interventional embolization and surgical clipping in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, to provide evidence-based basis for the selection of clinical treatment.

METHODS

By searching PubMed, Cochrane library, Medline, Embase and other databases, we collected the related studies interventional embolization and surgical clipping in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, whether it was a randomized controlled trial or not. According to the relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 researchers independently screened and extracted the relevant data. Quality of life, residual neck and recurrence rate, incidence of ischemic cerebral infarction, intracranial infection rate, incidence of vasospasm and rebleeding rate were measured. Revman5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There were 3658 patients included in 30 literatures, including 1478 patients treated with interventional embolization and 2180 patients treated with surgical clipping. The rate of low quality of life (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-2.07, P < .00001) and intracranial infection rate (OR = 8.79,95% CI: 4.47-17.27, P < .00001) in the interventional embolization group were lower than those in the surgical clipping group. The postoperative rebleeding rate (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29-0.73, P = .0009), residual neck and recurrence rate (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24-0.43, P < .00001) in the interventional embolization group were higher than those in the surgical clipping group. The heterogeneity of residual neck and recurrence rate were high, so subgroup analysis was performed. We divide them into short-term group (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.40-1.13, P = .13) and long-term group (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.33, P < .00001). The results showed that the residual neck and recurrence rate in the interventional embolization group were higher than those in the surgical clipping group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cerebral vasospasm (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.64-1.86, P = .74) and ischemic stroke (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63-1.19, P = .37) between the 2 treatments.

CONCLUSION

According to the current clinical research evidence, compared with interventional embolization in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, the quality of life of patients after clipping is lower, the incidence of intracranial infection is higher, but the residual neck, and recurrence rate are reduced. The risk of rebleeding is also reduced. There was no significant difference in the incidence of vasospasm and ischemic stroke between the 2 groups.

Simple endovascular coiling: An effective long-term solution for wide-necked ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms? A 10-years retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Endovascular coiling is usually the first line treatment modality for most ruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, there is still some debate as to whether microsurgical clipping or coiling is the treatment of choice for complex wide-necked ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Our aim was to assess the efficacy, safety and longevity of simple endovascular coiling for ruptured MCA aneurysms.

METHODS

This was a single-centre 10 years retrospective study (2008-2019) of all endovascularly treated patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms (n = 148). Patients were treated with simple coiling (n = 111), balloon-assisted coiling (n = 13), dual micro-catheter coiling (n = 19), balloon-assisted and dual micro-catheter coiling (n = 4) and woven endobridge (WEB) device (n = 1). The standard follow-up protocol consisted of Magnetic Resonance angiography at 6, 12 and 24 months. Our primary endpoints were mortality at 2, 12 and 24 months and dependency at discharge. Secondary endpoints included aneurysm occlusion, complications, re-canalisation, rebleeding and retreatment rates.

RESULTS

All-cause mortality at 2, 12 and 24 months was 4.7% (n = 7), 8.1% (n = 12) and 10.8% (n = 16), respectively. 81.3% of patients remained independent in activities of daily livings (ADLs) at the point of discharge. Over a mean follow-up period of 19.7 months, we demonstrated re-bleeding and re-treatment rates of 2.7% (n = 4) and 4.1% (n = 6) respectively. Complete occlusion was achieved in 54% (n = 79) of aneurysms, with recanalisation observed in 18.2% (n = 27) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that simple endovascular coiling techniques offer a safe and effective solution in the management of ruptured MCA aneurysms without the requirement for re-treatment either surgically or endovascularly using endoluminal stents or other devices.

Efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy versus surgical clipping for patients with unruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy versus neurosurgical clipping carried out for patients with unruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms (MCABAs). Patients diagnosed with MCABAs were enrolled in this prospective study according to the inclusion and exclusion standard. Enrolled patients were divided into a study group (endovascular therapy) and a control group (neurosurgical clipping), with 65 cases in each group. In terms of efficacy, we found that the proportion of Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) grade 1 after treatment in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001), while the proportion of GOS grades 2, 3, and 4 after treatment was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p<0.05). The postoperative brain injury indicators neuron-specific enolase and S100β in the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001), and the postoperative life activity score of patients in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001). In terms of safety, the postoperative hospital stay of patients in the study group was significantly shorter than in the control group (p<0.001), and the incidence rate of postoperative pulmonary and intracranial infections in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Endovascular therapy for patients with unruptured MCABAs may be effective in improving outcomes and has better safety profile compared with neurosurgical clipping, but may increase the risk of postoperative recurrence.

Outflow angle: a risk factor for thromboembolic complications in coil embolisation for treating unruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic complications are a relevant risk in coil embolisation of cerebral aneurysms. This retrospective study aimed to assess the treatment outcomes of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms and the predictors for thromboembolic complications based on the aneurysm morphological characteristics. We examined the following three features: inflow angle, outflow angle (OA), and bifurcation angle, formed by the aneurysm and neighbouring blood vessels.

METHODS

A total of 32 MCA bifurcation aneurysms were retrospectively investigated in 32 patients treated consecutively at our institute between April 2008 and March 2019. The predictors for thromboembolic complications were analysed in two groups: patients with and without thromboembolic complications.

RESULTS

Perioperative thromboembolic complications were detected in six patients (18.8%), including two and six intra- and post-procedural thromboembolic complications, respectively; all cases were resolved. Regarding the aneurysms' morphological characteristics, the group with thromboembolic complications showed a significantly smaller OA (55.58° ± 14.05° vs. 86.04° ± 28.58°, P = 0.01) than the group without complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking habits and OA < 70° were significant predictors of thromboembolic complications (smoking habits: P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR]: 6.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.78-12.62; OA < 70°: P = 0.04, OR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.52-6.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate significant pre-procedural predictors of thromboembolic complications to consider for safe treatment; clipping should be preferred to coil embolisation in high-risk patients. The method of choice should be considered in each case to allow the safe treatment of unruptured MCA aneurysms.

Neuroform Atlas Stent for Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: 1-Year Outcomes From Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneous effect of endovascular aneurysm therapy has been observed across different anatomic locations. There is a paucity of data for stent-assisted coiling of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of the MCA aneurysm group from the Neuroform Atlas (Stryker Neurovascular) investigational device exemption (IDE) trial.

METHODS

The Atlas IDE trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study of wide-neck aneurysms (neck ≥ 4 mm or dome-to-neck ratio < 2) in the anterior circulation treated with the Neuroform Atlas Stent and approved coils. Follow-up was obtained immediately postprocedure and 2, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. We herein describe safety and efficacy outcomes, and functional independence of the subjects with aneurysms from all segments of MCA.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included (27 MCA bifurcation, 5 M1, 3 M2). The mean aneurysm size was 6.0 ± 1.8 mm, and the mean neck was 4.4 ± 1.2 mm. Technical procedural success was achieved in all patients. A total of 26 patients had follow-up digital subtraction angiography available at 12 mo, with 80.8% (21/26) having complete aneurysm occlusion. Twelve-month safety data were collected for 91.4% (32/35), 8.5% (3/35) had primary safety endpoint, all 3 major ischemic strokes. Mortality occurred in 2 patients beyond 30 d unrelated to procedure (1 gallbladder cancer and 1 fentanyl intoxication). At 1 yr, modified Rankin Score was 0 to 2 in 84.4% (27/32), 3 in 9.4%, and 3 patients were missing. Approximately 5.7% (2/35) of patients were retreated at 12 mo.

CONCLUSION

Stent-assisted coiling with the Neuroform Atlas Stent is a viable alternative to clipping for selected MCA aneurysms. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates have improved compared to historical data. Proper case selection can lead to acceptable endovascular results.

Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysms. A Retrospective Observational Study of Short- and Long-Term Follow-Up

PURPOSE

With the introduction of new devices and the development of approved devices, endovascular techniques are more and more considered as a treatment option for middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCA). In this study, we present data on ruptured MCA aneurysms that were treated endovascularly in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a retrospective case series of ruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms, 118 (94%) cases were managed endovascularly between May 2008 and July 2017. Most were managed with coiling (= 62) and the remaining were managed with stent-assisted-coiling (= 35) and endovascular flow disruptor (WEB-device) (= 21). We measured the clinical outcome at the time of discharge and long-term follow-up on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and evaluated the rates of periprocedural complications and retreatment.

RESULTS

A good clinical outcome (mRS 0-2) at discharge was achieved in 58.5% of these cases. Mortality rate was 19.5%. Nine aneurysms required retreatment. Eighty-three percent demonstrated a good clinical outcome at long-term follow-up (mRS 0-2). In total, 6 (5.1%) procedure-related complications and 10 (8.5%) disease-related complications occurred. No significant difference between reintervention, complications or outcome was found between the employment of different devices (P > 0.05). Endovascular treatment of ruptured MCA aneurysms at our practice showed similar morbidity and mortality to data published about surgical clipping.

CONCLUSION

The endovascular device evolution permits a feasible and safe treatment of ruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms. Endovascular treatment can therefore be considered as an alternative treatment option to microsurgery for this type of aneurysm.

Endovascular treatment of small (< 5 mm) unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Purpose

We report our experience with endovascular treatment of these lesions, with special consideration of angiographic and clinical outcomes and periprocedural complications.

Material and methods

The analysis included treatment results of 19 patients with 20 aneurysms. The aneurysm size ranged from 1.9 to 4.7 mm (mean 3.8, SD 0.7). Clinical examinations with the use of modified Rankin Score and angiographic outcomes were evaluated initially postembolisation and at a minimum follow-up of six months.

Results

Initial post-treatment complete and near-complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 19 (95%) cases and incomplete occlusion in one (5%) case. Imaging follow-up, performed in 17 (89.4%) patients, showed no change in the degree of occlusion in 16 (94.1%) patients and coil compaction in one (5.9%). There were no retreatment procedures. The procedure-related mortality rate was 5% (1/20) and was associated with intraprocedural aneurysm rupture. There was a case of a clinically silent coil prolapse into the parent artery. The clinical follow-up evaluation achieved in 17 (89.4%) patients showed no change in clinical status in all followed patients.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of small unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms is feasible and effective. The procedure-related complications are not negligible, especially in terms of the benign natural course of these lesions.

Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured MCA Bifurcation Aneurysms Regardless of Aneurysm Morphology: Short- and Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The optimal treatment of unruptured middle cerebral aneurysms is still under debate. Although today almost any aneurysm can be treated endovascularly, there is a lack of data comparing endovascular and microsurgical repair of MCA aneurysms. The aim of our analysis is to provide data on the efficacy, clinical outcome, complications and re-treatment rates of endovascular treatment of this subtype of aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2008 and July 2017, endovascular treatment of 1184 aneurysms in 827 patients was performed in our department. Twenty-four percent of these aneurysms were located at the MCA, and 150 unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms treated with coiling, stent-assisted-coiling, or endovascular flow diverter (WEB device) were identified for this retrospective data analysis. Ninety-six percent of all aneurysms, ruptured and unruptured, were treated by an endovascular approach, which yields a low selection bias for aneurysms suitable for endovascular treatment. Follow-up examinations were performed after 12 and 36 months and then every 1-3 years after embolization. Procedures were analyzed for periprocedural complications, outcome, and retreatment rate of the WEB (n = 38) and coiling with (n = 45) or without stent assistance (n = 67).

RESULTS

The procedure-associated good clinical outcome (mRS ≦ 2) was 89.9%, and the mortality rate was 2.7%. Short-term follow-up good clinical outcome/mortality rates were 91.3%/0.7%. At discharge, 137 patients had an mRS of 0-2 (91.3%) and 13 had an mRS of 3-6 (8.7%). The retreatment rate was significantly higher in the WEB group (21.1%) compared with the coiling group with (5.9%) or without (2.2%) stent placement (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the architecture of MCA bifurcation aneurysms, the endovascular treatment can be performed with low morbidity/mortality rates. The higher retreatment rate in the WEB group correlates with the learning curve in choosing the right device size.