Anesthetic consideration for neurointerventional procedures

Developing a fast-track discharge protocol for patients with cerebral aneurysms treated via neuroendovascular techniques

INTRODUCTION

As we emerge from the current pandemic, hospitals, staff, and resources will need to continue to adjust to meet ongoing healthcare demands. Lessons learned during past shortages can be used to optimize peri-procedural protocols to safely improve the utilization of hospital resources.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients who underwent elective endovascular intracranial aneurysm treatment was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with patients who were able to be discharged within 24 h of elective procedures. Rates of complications (particularly readmission) were determined.

RESULTS

330 patients underwent elective endovascular aneurysm treatment with 86 (26.1%) discharged within 24 h. Factors associated with earlier discharge included procedure years (2019-2021) and male sex. Patients were more likely to be discharged later (after 24 h) if they underwent stent-coil embolization or flow-diversion. There was no association between discharge timing and likelihood of readmission.

DISCUSSION

Our review highlights the safety of earlier discharge and allowed us to prepare a fast-track protocol for same-day discharge in these patients. This protocol will be studied prospectively in the next phase of this study. As we gain more comfort with emerging, minimally invasive endovascular therapies, we hope to safely achieve same-day discharge on a protocolized and routine basis, reducing the demand of elective aneurysm treatments on our healthcare system.

CONCLUSION

We retrospectively demonstrate that early discharge following elective aneurysm treatment is safe in our cohort and provide a fast-track pathway based on these findings for other centers developing similar protocols.

General Versus Nongeneral Anesthesia for Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The choice of anesthesia type (general anesthesia [GA] vs nongeneral anesthesia [non-GA]) in middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) procedures for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) differs between institutions and left to care team discretion given lack of standard guidelines. We compare the outcomes of GA vs non-GA in MMAE.

METHODS

Consecutive patients receiving MMAE for cSDH at 14 North American centers (2018-2023) were included. Clinical, cSDH characteristics, and technical/clinical outcomes were compared between the GA/non-GA groups. Using propensity score matching (PSM), patients were matched controlling for age, baseline modified Rankin Scale, concurrent/prior surgery, hematoma thickness/midline shift, and baseline antiplatelet/anticoagulation. The primary end points included surgical rescue and radiographic success rates (≥50% reduction in maximum hematoma thickness with minimum 2 weeks of imaging). Secondary end points included technical feasibility, procedural complications, and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven hundred seventy-eight patients (median age 73 years, 73.2% male patients) underwent 956 MMAE procedures, 667 (70.4%) were non-GA and 280 were GA (29.6%). After running 1:3 PSM algorithm, this resulted in 153 and 296 in the GA and non-GA groups, respectively. There were no baseline/procedural differences between the groups except radial access more significantly used in the non-GA group (P = .001). There was no difference between the groups in procedural technical feasibility, complications rate, length of stay, surgical rescue rates, or favorable functional outcome at the last follow-up. Subsequent 1:1 sensitivity PSM retained the same results. Bilateral MMAE procedures were more performed under non-GA group (75.8% vs 67.2%; P = .01); no differences were noted in clinical/radiographic outcomes between bilateral vs unilateral MMAE, except for longer procedure duration in the bilateral group (median 73 minutes [IQR 48.3-100] vs 54 minutes [39-75]; P < .0001). Another PSM analysis comparing GA vs non-GA in patients undergoing stand-alone MMAE retained similar associations.

CONCLUSION

We found no significant differences in radiological improvement/clinical outcomes between GA and non-GA for MMAE.

Anesthesia care in the interventional neuroradiology suite: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The scope of procedures conducted by neurointerventionalists is expanding quickly, with lacking consensus over the best anesthesia modality. Although the procedures involve all age groups, the interventions may be complex and lengthy and may be provided in hospitals currently not yet familiar with the field. Here we review current literature addressing elective outpatient neurointerventional procedures and aim to provide an update on the management of intervention-specific crises, address special patient populations, and provide key learning points for everyday use in the neurointerventional radiology suite.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various studies have compared the use of different anesthesia modalities and preinterventional and postinterventional care. Monitored anesthesia care is generally recommended for elderly patients, whereas children are preferably treated with general anesthesia. Additional local anesthesia is beneficial for procedures, such as percutaneous kyphoplasty and vascular access.

SUMMARY

Combining different anesthetic modalities is a valuable approach in the neurointerventional radiology suite. More interventional and patient population-specific studies are needed to improve evidence-based perioperative management.

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Reversal of Rocuronium Neuromuscular Block in Patients Having Catheter-Based Neurointerventional Procedures: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Catheter-based endovascular neurointerventions require deep neuromuscular blocks during the procedure and rapid subsequent recovery of strength to facilitate neurological evaluation. We tested the primary hypothesis that sugammadex reverses deep neuromuscular blocks faster than neostigmine reverses moderate neuromuscular blocks.

METHODS

Patients having catheter-based cerebral neurointerventional procedures were randomized to: (1) deep rocuronium neuromuscular block with posttetanic count 1 to 2 and 4-mg/kg sugammadex as the reversal agent or (2) moderate rocuronium neuromuscular block with train-of-four (TOF) count 1 during the procedure and neuromuscular reversal with 0.07-mg/kg neostigmine to a maximum of 5 mg. Recovery of diaphragmatic function was assessed by ultrasound at baseline before the procedure and 90 minutes thereafter. The primary outcome-time to reach a TOF ratio ≥0.9 after administration of the designated reversal agent-was analyzed with a log-rank test. Secondary outcomes included time to successful tracheal extubation and the difference between postoperative and preoperative diaphragmatic contraction speed and distance.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were randomized to sugammadex and 33 to neostigmine. Baseline characteristics and surgical factors were well balanced. The median time to reach TOF ratio ≥0.9 was 3 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-3 minutes) in patients given sugammadex versus 8 minutes (95% CI, 6-10 minutes) in patients given neostigmine. Sugammadex was significantly faster by a median of 5 minutes (95% CI, 3-6 minutes; P < .001). However, times to tracheal extubation and diaphragmatic function at 90 minutes did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Sugammadex reversed deep rocuronium neuromuscular blocks considerably faster than neostigmine reversed moderate neuromuscular blocks. However, times to extubation did not differ significantly, apparently because extubation was largely determined by the time required for awaking from general anesthesia and because clinicians were willing to extubate before full neuromuscular recovery. Sugammadex may nonetheless be preferable to procedures that require a deep neuromuscular block and rapid recovery.

Spinal vascular lesions: anatomy, imaging techniques and treatment

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Vascular myelopathies include different aetiology and mechanism of damage.

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The level of the lesion and the localization within the SC correlates with the clinical symptoms.

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CT, MRI and angiography are essential for diagnosis and treatment playing a complementary role.

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MRI is the gold standard for the evaluation of spinal cord lesions.

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Spinal angiography is the gold standard for evaluation of spinal cord vasculature and vascular malformations.

Background

Vascular lesions of the spinal cord are rare but potentially devastating conditions whose accurate recognition critically determines the clinical outcome. Several conditions lead to myelopathy due to either arterial ischemia, venous congestion or bleeding within the cord. The clinical presentation varies, according with the different aetiology and mechanism of damage.

Purpose

The aim is to provide a comprehensive review on the radiological features of the most common vascular myelopathies, passing through the knowledge of the vascular spinal anatomy and the clinical aspects of the different aetiologies, which is crucial to promptly address the diagnosis and the radiological assessment.

Value of Neuroanesthesiology Fellowship Training

Rapid technology evolution has led to new challenges for the anesthesiologist in neurosurgical practice. This trend resulted in training in neuroanesthesiology to adapt to the changes. Neuroanesthesiology fellowship training has increasingly received the auspicious attention of graduates from anesthesia residency programs. Competency in neurological surgical procedures requires a multidisciplinary approach with anesthesiologists that hold profound knowledge in neurological sciences.

Comparison of Two Methods of Anesthesia Using Patient State Index: Propofol Versus Sevoflurane During Interventional Neuroradiology Procedure

Background

Over the past few decades, interventional neuroradiology (INR) has been a rapidly growing and evolving area of neurosurgery. Sevoflurane and propofol are both suitable anesthetics for INR procedures. While the depth of anesthesia is widely monitored, few studies have examined the patient state index (PSI) during clinical neuroanesthesia.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the differences in PSI values and in hemodynamic variables between sevoflurane anesthetic and propofol anesthetic during INR procedures.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of the patients who underwent embolization of a non-ruptured intracranial aneurysm by a single operator at a single university hospital from May 2013 to December 2014. Sixty-five patients were included and divided into two groups: S group (sevoflurane anesthesia, n = 33) vs. P group (propofol anesthesia, n = 32). The PSI values, hemodynamic variables, and use of hemodynamic drugs between two groups were analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences between the PSI values obtained through different perioperative stages in the two groups (P < 0.0001). During the procedure, the PSI values were significantly lower in the P group than in the S group (P = 0.000). The P group patients had a more prolonged extubation time (P = 0.005) and more phenylephrine requirement than the S group patients (P = 0.007). More anti-hypertensive drugs were administered to the patients in the S group during extubation (P = 0.0197).

Conclusions

The PSI can be used to detect changes in anesthetics concentration and in the depth of anesthesia during INR procedures. Although the extubation was faster under sevoflurane anesthetic, propofol anesthetic showed rather smoother recovery.

Effect-site concentration of remifentanil for smooth emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing endovascular neurointervention

During emergence from general anesthesia, coughing caused by the endotracheal tube frequently occurs and is associated with various adverse complications. In patients undergoing endovascular neurointervention, achieving smooth emergence from general anesthesia without coughing is emphasized since coughing is associated with intracranial hypertension. Therefore, the up-and-down method was introduced to determine the effective effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil to prevent coughing in 50% and 95% (EC₅₀ and EC₉₅) of patients during emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia for endovascular neurointervention. A total of 43 participants, American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II participants, aged from 20 to 70 years who were undergoing endovascular neurointervention through transfemoral catheter for cerebrovascular disease were enrolled. Using the up-and-down method with isotonic regression, the EC₅₀ and EC₉₅ of remifentanil to prevent coughing during emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia were determined. We also investigated differences of hemodynamic and recovery profiles between the cough suppression group and the cough group. In total, 38 of 43 patients were included for estimation of EC₅₀ and EC₉₅. The EC₅₀ and EC₉₅ of remifentanil to prevent coughing were 1.42 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–1.56 ng/mL) and 1.70 ng/mL (95% CI, 1.67–2.60 ng/mL), respectively. There was comparable emergence and recovery data between the cough suppression group (n = 22) and the cough group (n = 16). However, the Ce of remifentanil and total dose of remifentanil were significantly higher in the cough suppression group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively). Target-controlled infusion of remifentanil at 1.70 ng/mL could effectively prevent extubation-related coughing in 95% of neurointervention patients, which could ensure smooth emergence.

Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia for the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms with Flow Diversion: A Matched Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Flow diversion has become a popular treatment option for a variety of cerebral aneurysms. We sought to compare conscious sedation and general anesthesia for flow diverter placement in a matched cohort study.

METHODS

Patients who underwent flow diverter placement under conscious sedation were matched on the basis of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, aneurysm location, and aneurysm size to patients who received general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Seventy patients undergoing flow diverter placement under conscious sedation were matched to 70 patients using general anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, pretreatment modified Rankin Scale scores, or American Society of Anesthesiologists class. Aneurysms were located primarily in the internal carotid artery (87.1%) and posterior circulation (11.4%). Maximal aneurysm diameter and history of aneurysm rupture did not differ between the 2 groups. Duration of flow diverter placement was significantly longer in the general anesthesia group. The number of flow diverters placed was also higher in the general anesthesia group. Complete occlusion was achieved in 75% of aneurysms treated under conscious sedation and 82.4% under general anesthesia. Good functional outcome at last follow-up was recorded in 97.1% of cases of conscious sedation and 96.8% of cases of general anesthesia. The rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic neurologic complications was comparable between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a flow diverter can be safely performed under conscious sedation and is associated with reduced procedure length. The ideal candidate is cooperative, requires an intervention that is not too complex, and has an experienced operator performing the intervention.

[Management of anesthesia in endovascular interventions]

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Germany. In these patients, the high-risk profile necessitates an interdisciplinary and multimodal approach to treatment. Endovascular interventions and vascular surgery have become established as an important element of this strategy in the past; however, the different anatomical localizations of pathological vascular alterations make it necessary to use a wide spectrum of procedural options and methods; therefore, the requirements for management of anesthesia are variable and necessitate a differentiated approach. Endovascular procedures can be carried out with the patient under general or regional anesthesia (RA); however, in the currently available literature there is no evidence for an advantage of RA over general anesthesia regarding morbidity and mortality, although a reduction in pulmonary complications could be found for some endovascular interventions. Epidural and spinal RA procedures should be carefully considered with respect to the risk-benefit ratio and consideration of the recent guidelines on anesthesia against the background of the current study situation and the regular use of therapy with anticoagulants. The following article elucidates the specific characteristics of anesthesia management as exemplified by some selected endovascular interventions.