Endovascular implantation of covered stents in the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries: Case series and review of the literature

Endovascular management of intracranial carotid blowout syndrome in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Carotid blowout syndrome is a serious complication of head and neck cancer (HNC) that may involve the intracranial or extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). Although parent artery occlusion (PAO) is the major endovascular treatment for intracranial carotid blowout syndrome (iCBS), the efficacy of using a balloon-expandable coronary stent-graft (BES) remains unclear.

METHODS

This was a quasi-randomized trial, prospective study that included patients with iCBS treated by BES or PAO between 2018 and 2024. Patients were allocated to either group based on the last digit of their chart number; even numbers went to the BES group and odd numbers to the PAO group. The inclusion criteria of iCBS included the pathological process of CBS involving petrous and/or cavernous ICA detected by both imaging and clinical features. The primary outcome was defined as rebleeding events after intervention. The secondary outcome was defined as neurological complication after intervention.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients with 61 iCBS lesions were enrolled. Thirty-three iCBS lesions were treated with BES and 28 underwent PAO. The results for the BES group versus the PAO group, respectively, were: rebleeding events, 5/33 (15.1%) vs 5/28 (17.8%) (p=0.78); neurological complication, 5/33 (15.1%) vs 5/28 (17.8%) (p=0.78); median hemostatic time (months), 10.0 vs 11.5 (p=0.22); and median survival time (months), 10.0 vs 11.5 (p=0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in rebleeding risk or neurological complication was observed between the BES and PAO groups. Our study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of applying BES for iCBS in HNC patients.

Ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysm following excision of a carotid body tumor: a rare complication managed successfully with surgery and literature review

A 47-year-old male presented with a right-sided Shamblin type 2 carotid body tumor measuring 5*5 cm. After preoperative embolization, a sub adventitial resection of the tumor was done. He was discharged after postoperative day 5 and presented again to emergency 10 days later with a bleeding pseudoaneurysm at the surgical site causing dysphagia and dyspnea. He was taken for emergency exploration of the surgical wound and, intraoperatively, it was observed that the proximal ends of the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery close to the bifurcation were forming a pseudoaneurysm, 1 cm distal to the common carotid artery. The external carotid artery was ligated and a common carotid to internal carotid artery bypass was done with a reversed saphenous vein graft. He recovered well in the postoperative period and was discharged on day 7. Pseudoaneurysm formation following carotid body tumor resection is extremely rare and has only been reported thrice in the literature.

Iatrogenic Vertebral Arteriovenous Fistula Involving Brachiocephalic Vein Due to Central Venous Catheterization: A Case Report

PURPOSE

To report a case of vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VAVF) caused by iatrogenic trauma of central venous catheterization (CVC) involving brachiocephalic vein (BCV).

CASE REPORT

A 79-year-old female was referred for assessment of a vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm at the V1 segment. The patient had no signs other than a vascular murmur on the right neck and was diagnosed 20 years after undergoing CVC. Right vertebral angiography revealed a high-flow shunt from the V1 segment of the right VA and draining into the right BCV. The fistula had a single communication between a pseudoaneurysm and large varix. We diagnosed the patient with CVCinduced VAVF (CIVAVF) involving BCV and obliterated the shunt by selective transarterial and transvenous embolization of the pseudoaneurysm under flow control using a balloon catheter with no complications.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the point that CIVAVF involving BCV is rare but possible. In addition, there is a possibility that CIVAVF involving BCV does not demonstrate the findings of arterial steal or retrograde venous drainage and is undiagnosed for a long term due to lack of neurological manifestation and other subjective symptoms. We also showed that endovascular treatment can be feasible and useful for CIVAVF involving BCV.

External Carotid Artery-Jugular Vein Fistula Caused by Blunt Trauma: A Case Report & Literature Review

Acquired carotid-jugular fistula usually occurs due to neck stab wounds, gunshots, or central vein catheterization. Blunt trauma is a rare cause. These cases usually present with pulsatile swelling, tinnitus, and continued thrills in the neck. Both surgical and endovascular options have been used to manage these fistulas. Coil embolization is also applied in high-flow fistulas. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman free of any pre-existing medical conditions, presenting with a fistula between the external carotid artery and external jugular vein distally and with a high flow. She was treated with fistula embolization using coils while limiting the high flow via a balloon in the jugular vein. Our case highlights the possibility of using coils in high-flow fistulas in anatomically challenging fistulas. Furthermore, relevant literature review is presented to recapitulate unique features and effective management of carotid-jugular fistulas.

Carotid Endarterectomy with Stent Graft Removal and End to End Bypass in the Treatment of In-Stent Occlusion after Endovascular Therapy of Carotid Gunshot Injury

Carotid jugular fistula and pseudoaneurysm are easy to form after gunshot injury of carotid artery. Endovascular therapy, such as stent graft implantation, can successfully block the fistula and pseudoaneurysm cavity. However, the possibility of in-stent restenosis or occlusion will lead to treatment failure. The authors describe the case of a 30-year-old man with carotid jugular fistula and pseudoaneurysm after gunshot injury of left carotid artery who had received stent graft placement. However, two years after stent graft, the stenosis of proximal carotid artery near stent was found and gradually aggravated. During the follow-up, transient amaurosis of his left eye occurred intermittently and in-stent occlusion and severe stenosis of proximal carotid artery were found by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in our center. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)with stent graft removal and end to end bypass using vascular graft was performed to reconstruct the blood flow of left carotid artery. To the extent of the authors' knowledge, this case illustrates a rare CEA and vascular graft bypass in the treatment of in-stent occlusion following the gunshot injury to the carotid artery. The successful treatment of this rare case provides an option to deal with this kind of tricky problem.

Large prevertebral hematoma and carotid pseudoaneurysm following percutaneous anterior cervical discectomy: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

The percutaneous, endoscope-assisted anterior cervical discectomy is a relatively new procedure, and because of its novelty, complications are minimal and pertinent literature is scarce. This approach relies on a sufficient anatomical understanding of the vital neurovascular structures in the operating workspace. Although complications are rare, they can be significant.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient presented with difficulty breathing following an anterior percutaneous cervical discectomy performed at an outpatient surgical center. Imaging revealed a prevertebral hematoma and multiple carotid pseudoaneurysms. Given the large prevertebral hematoma and concern for imminent airway collapse, the authors proceeded with emergent intubation and surgical evacuation of the clot.

LESSONS

The authors propose managing complications in a fashion similar to those for comparable injuries after classic anterior approaches. Definitive management of our patient’s carotid injury would require stenting and, therefore, dual antiplatelet agents. Thus, the authors proceeded with the hematoma evacuation first. Additionally, careful dissection was needed to decrease further carotid damage. Thus, the authors made a more rostral incision to maintain the given stability of the carotid insult before the angiographic intervention to follow. It is the authors’ hope that the technical pearls from this two-staged open hematoma evacuation and endovascular stenting may guide future presurgical and intraoperative planning and management of complications, should they arise.

Catastrophic complication of a hemodialysis catheter: A giant carotid artery pseudoaneurysm

Indwelling a hemodialysis catheter is a common practice in early care of end-stage renal disease patients. Most indwell cases were non-traumatic and non-complicated, but as in our presented case, improper placement of hemodialysis catheter can cause serious complications like pseudoaneurysm, stroke, or airway collapse. We presented a giant extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysm after an improper placement and removal of a temporary hemodialysis catheter.

Pipeline Embolization Device for Treatment of Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Multicenter Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of literature regarding treatment options for extracranial pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA). To date, Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc) use for the treatment of extracranial pseudoaneurysms of the ICA has only been reported from single-center case series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PED for the treatment of extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysms.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective study involving 6 high-volume tertiary academic institutions in the United States. We analyzed patients with extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysms treated with PED between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2019. Clinical assessment was performed pre- and postintervention using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institution of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at a minimum of 4-mo follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 28 pseudoaneurysms with a mean diameter of 17.7 mm (range: 4.1-52.5 mm) were treated with PED in 24 patients at 6 participating centers. The mean age was 52.1 yr (17-73) ± 14.3 with 14 females and 10 males. At a mean of 21-mo (range 4-66 mo) follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in 89% (n = 25/28), with near-complete occlusion (>90% occlusion) in the remainder. There were no periprocedural complications. Postprocedure NIHSS was 0 in 88% (n = 21/24) and 1 in 12% (n = 3/24) of patients, and mRS was 0 in 83% (n = 20/24) and 1 in 17% (n = 4/24) of patients.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysms with PED is safe and effective in selected patients. Randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies are needed to establish the role of flow diversion for ICA pseudoaneurysms.

Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm 10 Years after Cervical Spine Surgery

An iatrogenic internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare complication of cervical spine surgery. Here we report an extraordinary case of massive hematemesis due to a ruptured ICA pseudoaneurysm caused by the laminoplasty plate 10 years after cervical spine surgery. Computed tomography angiography revealed a ruptured 4×10-mm left extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysm probably connected to the pharynx. Emergent surgery was performed because of the uncontrolled massive bleeding. After complete resection of the injured segment, an interposition graft with a 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft was placed and the fistula tract to the pharynx was repaired.

Nail Gun Injury and Endovascular Repair of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery

A male patient aged 49 years presented to the emergency room after sustaining a nail-gun injury to the left neck (Zone III). Computed tomography (CT) angiogram demonstrated retained nail traversing in close proximity to the left internal carotid artery. Catheter angiogram with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction revealed partial left internal carotid injury without active extravasation and with preserved flow through the vessel. The nail was removed by gentle traction with the simultaneous deployment of stent-graft across the injured segment. Balloon angioplasty of the stent was performed secondary to endoleak and active extravasation. Complete vessel reconstruction with maintained blood flow was achieved. The patient was extubated the following day and was discharged home on hospital day five without neurological deficits. This case report demonstrates the usefulness of endovascular repair of high cervical arterial injuries with special attention to the unique nature of nail gun injuries. 

Operative managements of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms: a report of three cases and literature review

Background

The purpose of this study is to report the treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) and discuss the symptoms, related risk factors, etiology, diagnostic methods, treatments, and follow-up period complications.

Case presentation

We describe three patients with symptomatic extracranial carotid artery aneurysms; one of them was treated with end-to-end anastomosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) after the resection of the aneurysm, while the other two patients were deployed with Willis covered stents in the extracranial internal carotid artery. All of the patients were in good condition when discharged home. After a mean follow-up period of 8 months, all the patients were alive and only one of them had the neurologic deficit. Additionally, we reviewed the relative literatures.

Conclusion

Both of the surgical and endovascular treatments have relatively satisfactory outcomes in ECAA patients. However, it is necessary to provide individualized treatments to different patients according to the characteristics of the aneurysms.

Mini-invasive treatment of a large pseudoaneurysm of the neck related to central venous catheter placement: A case report

RATIONALE

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement, particularly in emergency setting, may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 33-year old woman with suspected pulmonary embolism, developed a pseudoaneurysm of the neck three days after a CVC placement in the right internal jugular vein, determining compression to adjacent neck structures.

DIAGNOSES

Computed tomography angiography and selective angiography demonstrated the presence of the pseudoaneurysm originating from the thyro-cervical trunk.

INTERVENTIONS

The treatment was minimally invasive with endovascular exclusion first, and an open thrombectomy to resolve compressive syndrome two days later.

OUTCOMES

The color Doppler ultrasound confirmed the complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm with patency of the thyroid artery. A comprehensive review of literature on the risk factors and management of the unintended artery puncture was included.

LESSONS

A correct technique under ultrasound guidance may reduce the incidence of unintended arterial injury during CVC placement. In patients with suitable anatomy and unfit for open repair, a minimally invasive approach provides a safe alternative to open surgery with excellent results.

Endovascular management of iatrogenic cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a 9-year-old child: Case report and literature review

Extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysms are uncommon in the pediatric population and are usually secondary to direct trauma to the vessel. Treatment options include surgery (ligation), anticoagulation therapy and endovascular treatment. Endovascular covered stents have shown good results in adult populations, resulting in occlusion of the aneurysm and preservation of the artery without significant complications. However, there have been only limited reports in the literature reporting endovascular carotid stent placement in the pediatric population. We report a case of a 9-year-old boy patient, who developed a cervical ICA pseudoaneurysm after a parapharyngeal tumor resection. He was successfully treated by primary endovascular covered stent placement. During a follow-up of 6 months the patient has been asymptomatic, without any adverse event. Additionally, a literature review is done.

Endovascular Treatment of Complex Carotid-Jugular Fistula

Inadvertent complications of jugular vein catheterization are not uncommon, however, a persistent symptomatic carotid-jugular fistula has been rarely reported. A 72-year-old male with infected surgical wound after coxofemoral disarticulation for sarcoma presented with symptoms of acute right heart failure. A fistula between the right common carotid artery (CCA) and the internal jugular vein was demonstrated on Doppler ultrasound and confirmed on computed tomography angiogram. Catheterization of the right CCA seemed not possible using a conventional femoral approach due to the tortuosity and elongation of the brachiocephalic artery. A small incision in the right temporal area was used to access the superficial temporal artery and a wire was advanced retrograde into the aorta where it was snared from below, allowing for successful treatment of the fistula with a covered stent. This alternative technique may facilitate safe and stable carotid artery stenting even in patients with a severely tortuous access route due to atherosclerotic disease.

Neurovascular stents in pediatric population

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to analyze the results obtained using stents for the treatment of neurovascular diseases in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 6-year period was undertaken evaluating clinical charts and imaging studies of patients treated with stents because of neurovascular diseases.

RESULTS

Nine patients were managed with 10 stents. Seven children were females. The median age was 11 years. There were four cases of broad neck cerebral aneurysms, a pseudoaneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery, a vertebro-jugular fistula, two patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis affecting the cervical and supraclinoid segment, and a vertebral artery dissection. The only complication was a silent posterior communicating artery (PCoA) thrombosis in a PCoA aneurysm treated with two stents. Dual antiplatelet therapy was given after the procedure to avoid in stent thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Stents are safe and effective for treatment of neurovascular diseases in children, but studies are needed in order to protocolize the use of antiplatelet drugs in children.

Endovascular repair of giant traumatic pseudo-aneurysm of the common carotid artery

BACKGROUND

Delayed presentation of carotid artery pseudoaneurysm following many years after self-inflicted penetrating injury of the neck is extremely rare. Open surgical carotid repair may involve sternotomy for proximal vascular control. Endovascular treatment is evolving as a less-invasive treatment option.

METHODS

We report a 55-year-old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia who presented with a progressively enlarging left sided neck mass many years after attempted suicide. CT scan confirmed a 6 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the common carotid artery.

RESULTS

Through an open retrograde puncture of the distal common carotid artery, the common carotid pseudoaneurysm was successfully repaired with a BARD fluency carotid stentgraft of 8 mm×80 mm (BARD, Tempe, AZ). The patient recovered well with no neurological deficits and was discharged on postoperative day 4. Dual antiplatelet agents of aspirin and clopidogrel were given for six months and then clopidogrel was administered lifelong. The neck mass decreased in size gradually and became non pulsatile upon follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular stenting of giant carotid pseudoaneurysm is an acceptable less invasive treatment option for giant carotid pseudoaneurysm. Long-term follow-up and a greater number of cases are mandatory to establish the safety of this strategy.

Covered stents for exclusion of iatrogenic common carotid artery-internal jugular vein fistula and brachiocephalic artery pseudoaneurysm

Covered stents have rarely been used in neuroendovascular procedures. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with a complex iatrogenic vascular injury from attempted insertion of a hemodialysis catheter: concurrent brachiocephalic artery pseudoaneurysm and common carotid artery to internal jugular vein fistula. Both lesions were excluded successfully by using two balloon-expandable covered stents with a satisfactory short-term clinical and angiographic outcome.

Covered stents for exclusion of iatrogenic common carotid artery-internal jugular vein fistula and brachiocephalic artery pseudoaneurysm

Covered stents have rarely been used in neuroendovascular procedures. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with a complex iatrogenic vascular injury from attempted insertion of a hemodialysis catheter: concurrent brachiocephalic artery pseudoaneurysm and common carotid artery to internal jugular vein fistula. Both lesions were excluded successfully by using two balloon-expandable covered stents with a satisfactory short-term clinical and angiographic outcome.

Covered stent-graft treatment of a postoperative common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm

BACKGROUND

Extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysms are rare cases resulting from trauma, mycotic infection, head and neck carcinomas or complications related to their treatment. Trauma is the most common cause of carotid artery pseudoaneurysms. They can also present after surgery, most commonly following endarterectomy, which is a rare cause with an estimated incidence of 0.3-0.6%.

CASE REPORT

A 26-year-old male patient was admitted with swelling in his left neck after left carotid endarterectomy. Angiography confirmed pseudoaneursym in the left carotid bulb and it was treated successfully with two heparin-bonded covered stent grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of carotid pseudoaneurysms with covered stent-grafts is a safe and efficient method providing definitive arterial reconstruction. But series with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate patient compatibility to lifelong antiplatelet theraphy.

Endovascular treatment of carotid artery blowout syndrome caused by oropharyngeal carcinoma

A 64-year-old man was admitted with massive hemoptysis caused by oropharyngeal carcinoma. Angiography revealed active extravasation from the left carotid bulb. Covered stent-graft placement resolved the bleeding, but the patient presented with recurrent hemorrhage two hours later and was treated with another stent-graft.

Rare presentation of intracranial vascular blowout after tumor resection and radiation therapy

A middle-aged patient presented with a rapidly growing right dural-based extra-axial posterior clinoid mass extending to the right cavernous sinus that was surgically resected. Histological examination showed solid growth of primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising from the third nerve. Following surgical resection, the patient was further managed by radiation and chemotherapy. Two years later the patient developed new intracranial hemorrhage in the area adjacent to the previous surgical cavity. A cerebral angiogram showed contrast extravasation at the junction of the posterior communicating artery (Pcom) and the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA), with an expanding pseudoaneurysm. This was managed with N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization. Autopsy showed microscopic recurrence of tumor into the PCA/PCom region with invasion of the wall of the Pcom. This case report illustrates the concept of vascular blowout in intracranial cerebral vasculature. It appears that, in the presence of risk factors that contribute to weakening of vessel walls (surgery, radiation, tumor recurrence), a blowout can occur intracranially.

Rare presentation of intracranial vascular blowout after tumor resection and radiation therapy

A middle-aged patient presented with a rapidly growing right dural-based extra-axial posterior clinoid mass extending to the right cavernous sinus that was surgically resected. Histological examination showed solid growth of primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising from the third nerve. Following surgical resection, the patient was further managed by radiation and chemotherapy. Two years later the patient developed new intracranial hemorrhage in the area adjacent to the previous surgical cavity. A cerebral angiogram showed contrast extravasation at the junction of the posterior communicating artery (Pcom) and the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA), with an expanding pseudoaneurysm. This was managed with N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization. Autopsy showed microscopic recurrence of tumor into the PCA/PCom region with invasion of the wall of the Pcom. This case report illustrates the concept of vascular blowout in intracranial cerebral vasculature. It appears that, in the presence of risk factors that contribute to weakening of vessel walls (surgery, radiation, tumor recurrence), a blowout can occur intracranially.

Endovascular treatment of post-pharyngitis internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with a covered stent in a child: a case report

CASE REPORT

We report a case of 4-year-old boy patient, who developed after a streptococcal pharyngitis a painful, pulsatile, and growing right-sided mass in the neck. Imaging studies revealed an extracranial right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with stent-graft deployment. After 18 months of follow-up, the pseudoaneurysm is excluded from the circulation, the carotid artery is patent, and the patient is free from any neurological deficit.

DISCUSSION

Covered stents might be considered as a valid therapeutic option to treat carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula. A report of three cases and literature review

This report describes endovascular approaches for occlusion of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VV-AVF) in a series of three cases and a review of the literature. Complete neuroimaging assessment, including CT, MR and DSA was performed in three patients (two female, one male) with VV-AVF. Based on DSA findings, the VV-AVF were occluded by endovascular positioning of detachable balloons (case 1), coils (case 2), or a combination of both (case 3) with parent artery patency in two out of three cases. In this small series, endovascular techniques for occlusion of VV-AVF were safe and effective methods of treatment. To date, there are no guidelines on the best treatment for VV-AVF. Detachable balloons, endovascular coiling, combined embolization procedures could all be considered well-tolerated treatments.

Endovascular repair of a left common carotid pseudoaneurysm associated with a jugular-carotid fistula after gunshot wound to the neck

The management of traumatic injury of the common carotid artery has traditionally required a conventional surgical intervention, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Endovascular procedures might offer a less invasive alternative to treat these injuries, with a lower rate of mortality and morbidity. We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented after penetrating injury due to a low-velocity gunshot wound to the neck. Angiography demonstrated a high-flow arteriovenous fistula and large false aneurysm of the common carotid artery. A self-expanding covered stent was placed across the injured portion of the artery, resulting in thrombosis of the aneurysm and preservation of the parent artery, without any significant complication. Covered stent placement is an alternative approach to treating carotid artery pseudoaneurysms associated with a jugular-carotid fistula.