The next step in balloon assisted endovascular neurosurgical procedures: A case series of initial experience with the Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter

Technical video: Onyx-18 embolization of spinal epidural arteriovenous Fistula using the scepter-Mini balloon catheter

Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) account for approximately 70% of all vascular spinal malformations and commonly develop in the lateral epidural space at the epidural /radicular venous junction. The fistula is located close to the spinal nerve root where a radiculomeningeal artery shunts to a radicular vein. Increased venous pressure leads to decreased spinal venous drainage and venous congestion causing progressive myelopathy, bowel/bladder incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Treatment consists of surgical occlusion of the intradural vein, or endovascular embolization, which has a reported success rate of 25%-75%.1 Endovascular failure can occur with inadequate embolic penetration of the nidus and the proximal segment of the draining vein, or premature reflux of the liquid embolic agent.The use of a dual-lumen balloon microcatheter offers advantage in these cases given the ability to push liquid embolysate more distally during balloon inflation. The Scepter Mini is a new dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO)-compatible dual-lumen balloon microcatheter with a distal-tip outer diameter of 1.6 Fr and a nominal balloon diameter of 2.2 mm, facilitating atraumatic navigation and safer balloon inflation. Limited neurointerventional experience using the Scepter Mini in predominantly cerebrovascular cases has reported favorable navigability and flow arrest2, 3 Although Onyx is rarely used for spinal AVF embolization, success has been reported considering the well-known favorable experience in cerebral cases.1, 4, 5We present one of the first cases of Onyx embolization of a spinal dural AVF through a Scepter Mini in a patient with progressively worsening lower extremity sensorimotor dysfunction. Operators should be aware of radiculomedullary arteries arising at the same level or at adjacent levels to avoid unintentional Onyx migration during balloon inflation.

Use of a mini balloon microcatheter to facilitate penetration of fine vascular networks and curative embolization in vein of Galen malformations

Background Patients with vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) can develop fine angiogenic networks with fistulous connections to the precursor of the vein of Galen. In these cases, transarterial embolization (TAE) with liquid embolic agents (LEAs) is challenging due to reflux in the pedicle leading to the network, causing poor penetration. Transvenous approaches carry a risk of hemorrhage from pathologic vasculature. Dual-lumen balloon microcatheters like the Scepter Mini (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) improve distal pedicle access, preventing reflux. Objective Here, we report on the use of the Scepter Mini for TAE of angiogenic VOGM. Methods A single-institution retrospective chart review identified all VOGMs treated with Scepter Mini microcatheters. Clinical data, angioarchitecture, and technical parameters were reviewed. Results 17 Scepter Mini catheters were used in 12 embolization procedures of 7 patients with VOGM at a median age of 2.1 years. Patients presented with hydrocephalus (100%) and gross motor and speech delays (57.1%). Networks developed extra-axially into the subependymal zone fed by posterior choroidal, posterior cerebral, and thalamoperforator arteries. Posterior choroidal branches (n=7/17, 41.2%) were most frequently catheterized to achieve distal access to the network. Embolization with Onyx-18 and significant network penetration occurred in 17/17 uses. Near tip entrapment with LEA cast displacement occurred in 1/17 uses. Another patient experienced postprocedural intraventricular hemorrhage requiring a third ventriculostomy without permanent neurologic deficit. Conclusion The Scepter Mini provided excellent distal access with penetration to the fistula and extra-axial network reduction with few complications. The Scepter Mini provides a means for successful treatment of technically challenging angiogenic VOGM.

Single Centre Initial Experience with the Scepter Mini Balloon Microcatheter

BACKGROUND

The use of balloon microcatheters in interventional neuroradiology is well documented. However, their use is sometimes limited by the small diameter and excessive tortuosity of the vasculature. The Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon microcatheter (SMBM) (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) has been designed to address these challenges by decreasing the distal catheter profile, allowing distal access to the target vessel.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective analysis of the initial cases performed using the Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter. The targeted conditions were vascular malformations. Patient clinical data, angiographic features of the vascular abnormalities and operation reports were reviewed and the procedural parameters, radiation doses, occlusion rates and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 SMBM were used in 11 cases. In all cases the procedure performed was balloon inflation and antegrade delivery of precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL) (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) for embolisation of a targeted feeding vessel and cranial and spinal vascular malformations. Successful feeding vessel distal access and antegrade liquid embolisation was achieved in 100% of the cases. One of the 11 cases was an emergency procedure. One procedural target vessel rupture, likely due to overinflation, and three minor post-procedure complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The SMBM represents a significant advance in the treatment of cerebrospinal vascular malformations, allowing balloon catheter access into tortuous and small calibre vessels.

Multicenter US clinical experience with the Scepter Mini balloon catheter

INTRODUCTION

Distal navigability and imprecise delivery of embolic agents are two limitations encountered during liquid embolization of cerebrospinal lesions. The dual-lumen Scepter Mini balloon (SMB) microcatheter was introduced to overcome these conventional microcatheters' limitations with few small single-center reports suggesting favorable results.

METHODS

A series of consecutive patients undergoing SMB-assisted endovascular embolization were extracted from prospectively maintained registries in seven North-American centers (November 2019 to September 2022).

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients undergoing 55 embolization procedures utilizing SMB were included (median age 58.5; 48.1% females). Cranial dural arteriovenous fistula embolization was the most common indication (54.5%) followed by cranial arteriovenous malformation (27.3%). Staged/pre-operative embolization was done in 36.4% of cases; and 83.6% of procedures using Onyx-18. Most procedures utilized a transarterial approach (89.1%), and SMB-induced arterial-flow arrest concurrently with transvenous embolization was used in 10.9% of procedures. Femoral access/triaxial setups were utilized in the majority of procedures (65.5% and 60%, respectively). The median vessel diameter where the balloon was inflated of 1.8 mm, with a median of 1.5 cc of injected embolic material per procedure. Technical failures occurred in 5.5% of cases requiring aborting/replacement with other devices without clinical sequelae in any of the patients, with SMB-related procedural complications of 3.6% without clinical sequelae. Radiographic imaging follow-up was available in 76.9% of the patients (median follow-up 3.8 months), with complete occlusion (100%) or >50% occlusion in 92.5% of the cases, and unplanned retreatments in 1.8%.

CONCLUSION

The SMB microcatheter is a useful new adjunctive device for balloon-assisted embolization of cerebrospinal lesions with a high technical success rate, favorable outcomes, and a reasonable safety profile.

Endovascular treatment for sphenoidal region dural arteriovenous fistula

Sphenoidal region dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare. Endovascular treatment (EVT) is an effective treatment approach. However, understanding and performing EVT for sphenoidal region DAVFs are difficult and challenging. Therefore, we performed a review to explore this issue further. In this review, we discuss the dural feeders and venous structures of the sphenoidal region, the angioarchitecture of sphenoidal region DAVFs, the role and principle of EVT, various EVT techniques, and the prognosis and complications associated with EVT. We found that various EVT techniques, including transarterial embolization (TAE), retrograde transvenous embolization (TVE), and direct puncture EVT, can be used to treat sphenoidal region DAVFs. TAE represents the most commonly utilized approach. TVE and direct puncture EVT should be limited to highly selective cases. EVT must penetrate the fistula and very proximal venous recipient pouch with a liquid embolic agent or coil the fistula point to have a complete curative effect. Successful EVT can lead to the obliteration of sphenoidal region DAVFs and a good clinical outcome. However, these complications cannot be neglected.

Balloon Pressure Technique with the Scepter Mini Balloon as Part of the Endovascular Strategy for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Embolization : Preliminary Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND

The balloon pressure technique (BPT) is an alternative to the pressure cooker technique. A dual lumen balloon (DLB) is used to inject the liquid embolic agent through the working lumen while the balloon is inflated. The purpose of our study was to report our early experience using the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloons for BPT in brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) embolization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive patients treated from July 2020 to July 2021 in 3 tertiary centers using the BPT with low-profile dual lumen balloons (Scepter Mini, Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) by endovascular means for bAVMs were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and bAVM angio-architectural features were collected. The feasibility of Scepter Mini balloon navigation close to the nidus was evaluated. Technical as well as clinical (ischemic and/or hemorrhagic) complications were also systematically assessed. The occlusion rate was evaluated on follow-up DSA.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients (10 females; mean age = 38.2 years) consecutively treated for a bAVM (8 ruptured/11 unruptured) using the BPT with a Scepter Mini through 23 embolization sessions were included in our series. Navigation of the Scepter Mini was feasible in all cases. Of the patients 3 (16%) had procedure-related ischemic stroke and 2 patients (10.5%) had late hemorrhages. None of these complications led to severe permanent sequela. Complete occlusion of bAVM embolized with intention to cure was recorded in 11/13 cases (84.6%).

CONCLUSION

The BPT using low-profile dual lumen balloons is feasible and seems safe for embolization of bAVMs. It may help to reach high occlusion rates, especially when performed in the intent to cure by embolization only.

Utilisation of the Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon - An illustrative series

BACKGROUND

Dual-lumen balloon microcatheters can aid in the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolisation of cerebrospinal vascular malformations. The Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon is a novel device with a smaller profile than previous balloon microcatheters, opening up new indications not only in the treatment of cerebrospinal malformations but in various other neurovascular therapeutic and diagnostic scenarios.

METHODS

Following institutional ethics review board approval, a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database of cases employing the Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter was conducted. Five cases in particular were highlighted, demonstrating utilisation of this device, which may be of interest to the Neurointerventionalist. Patient demographics, procedure details, complications and clinical outcome data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Five cases employing the Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter are presented; trans-arterial embolisation of cerebral AVM, pre-operative tumour embolisation, diagnostic angiography, trans-venous embolisation of cerebral AVM and trans-arterial embolisation of DAVF. No intraprocedural complications were recorded, one patient had a delayed haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Potential utilisation of the Scepter Mini lies not only in the trans-arterial embolisation of cerebrospinal vascular malformations, but in a range of other diagnostic and therapeutic indications as demonstrated.

Safety and efficacy of dual lumen balloon catheters for the Treatment of cerebral vascular malformations: A systematic review, pooled analysis, and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence in scientific literature assessing the safety and efficacy of dual-lumen balloon catheters (DLBCs) and their performance compared to single-lumen catheters (SLCs).

METHODS

In this PROSPERO-registered, PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we identified all MEDLINE and EMBASE single-arm (DLBCs) and double-arm (DLBCs vs SLCs) cohorts where DLBCs were used for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Immediate angiographic outcome, vascular complications, technical failures, reflux episodes and entrapment were the primary outcomes. A meta-analysis of the double-arm studies summarized the primary outcomes of total procedural time and immediate angiographic outcome.

RESULTS

The authors identified 18 studies encompassing 209 treated lesions with reported outcomes. Complete occlusion was achieved in 108/132 treated dAVFs (81.8%, 95% CI: [74-87.8%]) and in 45/77 treated AVMs (58.4%, [46.7-69.4%]). The proportion of completely occluded dAVFs was statistically significantly higher than that of AVMs, p < .001. There were eight reported vascular complications (3.8%, [1.8-7.7%]), five technical failures (2.4%, [0.9-5.8%]), 14 reflux events (6.7%, [3.9-11.2%]), two entrapment events (1%, [0.2-3.8%]) and 0 deaths (mortality rate 0%, [0-2.3%]). In a meta-analysis for the treatment of dAVFs, the total procedural time was significantly less for DLBCs compared to SLCs (64.9 vs 125.7 min, p < .0001). The odds of complete immediate occlusion were significantly higher with DLBCs compared to SLCs (odds ratio (OR) 4.6, [1.5-14.3], p = .008).

CONCLUSION

Dual-lumen balloon catheters are safe and effective for the embolization of cerebral AVMs and dAVFs and can achieve faster and potentially superior results compared to SLCs.

REGISTRATION-URL

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Unique Identifier: CRD42021269096.

Treatment of Challenging Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: A Single-Center Experience and Literature Review

ABSTRACT

Extracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a high-flow congenital vascular malformation, where direct communication between the arteries and veins impedes perfusion of capillary beds and causes disfigurement of the affected tissue. Surgery and endovascular therapy are currently the main treatment for extracranial AVMs. Nevertheless, management of complex cases is sometimes challenging because of severe complications such as refractory ulceration, life-threatening bleeding, and even cardiac insufficiency. Here, we reviewed the development and potential treatment for extracranial AVMs and shared our single-center experiences of diagnosis and treatment of this challenging disease.

Role of the anterior choroidal artery in the endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations

The anterior choroidal artery (AchA) is a very important vessel that supplies certain crucial structures that have poor collateral circulation. When the AchA is recruited to supply brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs), can the AchA act as a safe path through which endovascular treatment (EVT) be performed? As few studies or reports have investigated this matter, we performed a review to expound upon the role of the AchA in the EVT of BAVMs. In this review, we discussed the anatomy and variation of the AchA, the angioarchitecture of BAVMs fed by the AchA, the status of EVT for BAVMs and its associated problems and their solutions, the choice of embolic materials, new EVT techniques, the complications and prognoses of EVT through the AchA, etc. The review revealed that although EVT of BAVMs through the AchA is challenging and can result in unpredictable complications, it may be an appropriate option prior to surgery and radiation therapies or serve as a curative procedure. A complete and thorough understanding of the functional anatomy and variant of the AchA and proper EVT techniques are crucial for successful embolization of BAVMs via the AchA.

Endovascular treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery trunk aneurysm

BACKGROUND

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) generally originates from the vertebral artery (VA) and is the most complex cerebellar artery. Aneurysms can occur at any site along the PICA trunk. Although most PICA aneurysms are located at the VA-PICA junction, a small proportion is located at the PICA trunk. Endovascular treatment (EVT) of aneurysms in the PICA trunk may be difficult and complex.

METHODS

We performed a review to expound upon EVT of PICA trunk aneurysms.

RESULTS

The PICA can be divided into five segments (p1-5); the p1-3 segments are proximal segments, and the p4-5 segments are distal segments. Most PICA trunk aneurysms are dissecting aneurysms. Sometimes, the PICA can give rise to flow-related aneurysms in association with cerebellar arteriovenous malformations. Most aneurysms of the PICA trunk require aggressive treatment, especially those that have ruptured. Currently, the EVT mainly includes selective coiling with/without stent assistance and parent artery occlusion. Recently, some new devices, such as flow diversion and Barricade and Kaneka ED coils, can be used to treat PICA trunk aneurysms. The risk of complications with EVT seems to be higher; however, most complications are only transient or mild, and some are even clinically silent. In addition, open surgery is still an important option.

CONCLUSION

For PICA trunk aneurysms, the treatment choice should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The rate of permanent morbidity of the EVT is low. EVT is an effective method for treating PICA trunk aneurysms.

The pioneering past and cutting-edge future of interventional neuroradiology

This review provides a thorough understanding of the developments in the field of interventional neuroradiology (INR). A concise overview of the pioneering past and current state of this field is presented first, followed by a greater emphasis on its future. Five main aspects predicted to undergo significant developments are identified and discussed. These include changes in 'education and training', 'clinical practice and logistics', 'devices and equipment', 'techniques and procedures', and 'relevant diagnostic imaging'. INR is at the crossroads of neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neurology, and the neurosciences. To progress we must value the uniqueness and vitality of this multidisciplinary aspect. While minimal access techniques offer very good anatomical accessibility to treat multiple pathologies of the central nervous system, it is also important to recognise its limitations. Medical, surgical, and radiosurgery modalities retain an important role in the management of some complex neuropathology. This review is certainly not exhaustive of all ongoing and predicted developments, but it is an important update for INR specialists and other interested professionals.

Case report: Onyx embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula via the meningohypophyseal trunk and medial tentorial artery of Bernasconi-Cassinari

For tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (TDAVF), the meningohypophyseal trunk (MHT), and medial tentorial artery (MTA) of Bernasconi-Cassinari are rarely used as transarterial paths to perform the successful endovascular treatment (EVT). We reported a TDAVF mainly fed by the MHT. Onyx-18 casting in the MTA of Bernasconi-Cassinari under the assistance of coil embolization in proximal MHT was performed. The technique was reported in case 1. At the same time, case 2 with a similar TDAVF was chosen as a control. In case 1, a 52-year-old man suffered a cerebellar hemorrhage. A TDAVF was confirmed by computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The feeding arteries included the MHT, middle meningeal artery (MMA), and the artery of Wollschlaeger and Wollschlaeger of the superior cerebellar artery. The MHT and MTA of Bernasconi-Cassinari were hypertrophied. First, a Marathon microcatheter was placed in the MTA to wait for Onyx casting, and then an Echelon-10 microcatheter was placed in the proximal MHT trunk with an aneurysmal dilation to perform coiling to prevent Onyx reflux. Then, Onyx casting obliterated the TDAVF. Case 2 was a 75-year-old woman with TDAVF, and the MTA of Bernasconi-Cassinari was the main feeder. First, the TDAVF experienced incomplete EVT with Onyx casting via the MTA under no assistance of coil embolization in the proximal MTA. The second EVT had to be performed via MMA. Then, Onyx casting obliterated the TDAVF. Therefore, for selected TDAVFs with hypertrophied MHT, under the assistance of coil embolization in proximal MHT, Onyx casting via MHT can finish the complete EVT.

Balloon-Assisted Coil Embolization and Balloon Angioplasty for Post Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm: Initial Experience with Scepter Mini Balloon

The scope of this technical note is to report our experience with balloon remodeling for wideneck aneurysms and balloon angioplasty of post-subarachnoid hemorrhage vasospasm using the novel Scepter Mini balloon (SMB). Five cases were treated with balloon remodeling for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 of which were additionally treated with angioplasty due to post-bleeding vasospasm. All patients had their aneurysm located on parent vessels with a diameter smaller than 2 mm. Complete occlusion was noted in all aneurysms, and the patients had no short-term complications attributed to the catheterization. Additionally, we confirm the previously reported smooth navigation of the balloon through vessels with tortuous anatomy without catheter-induced vasospasm. Based on our experience, the SMB can be a safe and efficient device for applying the balloon remodeling technique for distally located wide-neck aneurysms and distal balloon angioplasty.

Micro-balloon-assisted embolization of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula via a trans-ophthalmic approach — a technical report and case series

Purpose

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) account for approximately 10–15% of all intracranial arteriovenous abnormalities. dAVFs carry a significant risk of mortality, particularly in cases of acute hemorrhage, of up to 10%. A small proportion of these dAVFs are found in the anterior cranial fossa (ACF), of which the rate of hemorrhage can be as high as up to 91%. The Scepter Mini (SM) is the smallest dual-lumen micro-balloon (MB) available for neurointerventional practice. It consists of a 2.8 French outer diameter, with a 2.2 mm × 9 mm semi-compliant balloon providing a working length of 165 cm. The SM is navigated with a 0.008-inch wire making it a particularly attractive tool accessible to the pedicles normally reached with liquid embolization micro-catheters.

Methods

Five consecutive patients over a 1-year period between 2020 and 2021 were evaluated and treated for ACF dAVF using a liquid embolization approach using the SM balloon. All patients were treated using ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), of which Squid 18 and/or Squid 12 were the chosen viscosities. Control angiograms were performed for all patients post-embolization.

Results

All patients demonstrated complete occlusion of the ACF dAVF on immediate post-treatment angiography. No immediate complications were encountered; particularly, there were no reports of visual field deficit in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The MB is a valuable adjunctive tool that can enhance the safety and efficacy of trans-ophthalmic embolization of ACF dAVFs, providing additional protection to the retinal and posterior ciliary arteries against unwanted reflux of liquid embolic agent.

Initial experience with the Scepter Mini catheter for the embolization of vascular malformations in the pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Achieving distal access and flow control are of significant importance for the treatment of intracerebral arteriovenous shunting lesions. The Scepter Mini catheter is a low-profile, dual-lumen balloon catheter, designed to provide navigability in small-caliber, tortuous intracranial vessels.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the initial experience of the Scepter Mini catheter in the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations and fistulas.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective chart review identified all consecutive uses of the Scepter Mini catheter for endovascular embolization of vascular malformations in the pediatric population.

RESULTS

Three different arterial pedicles were embolized with the Scepter Mini catheter in two different patients. One patient was diagnosed with a vein of Galen malformation that had undergone multiple treatments and the other with a torcular dural arteriovenous fistula. All cases encompassed quite challenging tortuosity of small-caliber feeders which prevented the use of another microcatheter. The Scepter Mini catheter navigated into feeding arteries of diameters 0.65, 1.9, and 1.25 mm, and its balloon was inflated to achieve excellent blood flow control. Total obliteration (100%) of the shunting lesion was achieved in both cases. No reflux, pedicle rupture or other untoward effects were observed. Both patients had an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

The Scepter Mini catheter afforded fast and safe distal access, flow control, and treatment of arteriovenous malformations in this initial pediatric cohort. The catheter's low profile and easy navigability should support its use in tortuous and small arterial feeders, especially in the pediatric population.

Scepter-Mini Balloon Assisted Coil Embolization of an Intracranial Arterial Aneurysm in a Child with PHACE Syndrome via a Persistent Trigeminal Artery

Cerebral vascular malformations constitute one of the key abnormalities in children with PHACE syndrome, which is characterized by Plaque like cutaneous hemangiomas, Posterior fossa abnormalities, arterial Cerebrovascular and Eye abnormalities, with or without Sternal clefts (PHACES when sternal clefts are present), and associated midline anomalies. Both moyamoya arteriopathy and intracranial aneurysms have been reported in children with this syndrome. Herein, we report the successful treatment of a growing left posterior-communicating artery aneurysm arising from an aberrant left internal carotid artery (LICA) with balloon assisted coiling (BAC) in a child with PHACE syndrome. We circumvented the limitations posed by the narrow caliber of the proximal LICA, by successfully navigating a coiling microcatheter from the basilar artery into the LICA via a persistent trigeminal artery. BAC was then achieved using a Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter for aneurysm neck remodelling.