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BackgroundFlow diverters have been widely used in clinical practice for more than a decade. However, most outcome data are limited to 1 year timepoints. This study aims to offer meta-analysis data on long-term (>1 year) safety and effectiveness results for patients with aneurysms treated with flow diverters.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and SCOPUS were searched up to February 24, 2022 using the AutoLit platform. We included primary studies assessing the long-term outcomes for flow diverter devices to manage unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms with a follow-up period of >1 year. The meta-analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA).ResultsEleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled occlusion rates after flow diversion treatment for unruptured intracranial brain aneurysms were 77%, 87.4%, 84.5%, 89.4%, 96% for 1 year, 1–2 years, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years follow-up, respectively. The in-stent stenosis rate was 4.8% and the retreatment rate for the long-term follow-up period was 5%. No delayed rupture of the aneurysm was reported, and there was one case of delayed ischemic stroke. The sensitivity analysis of the prospective studies showed a complete occlusion rate of 83.5% and 85.2% for 1 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively.ConclusionFlow diverters are safe and effective in short- and long-term follow-up and rarely cause serious delayed side effects.

BackgroundThe benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and efficacy of different first-line MT techniques remain unclear for distal and medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). In this systematic review, we aimed to compare the performance of three first-line MT techniques in DMVOs.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for studies examining the utility of MT in DMVOs (middle cerebral artery M2-3-4, anterior cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery). Studies providing data for aspiration thrombectomy (ASP), stent retriever thrombectomy (SR), and combined SR+ASP technique were included. Non-comparative studies were excluded. Safety and efficacy data were collected for each technique. The Nested Knowledge AutoLit platform was utilized for literature search, screening, and data extraction. Pooled data were presented as descriptive statistics.Results13 studies comprising 2422 MT procedures were identified. The overall successful recanalization rate was 77.0% (1513/1964) for DMVOs. SR+ASP had a successful recanalization rate of 83.7% (297/355), SR had a 75.6% rate (638/844), while ASP alone had a 74.2% rate (386/520). The overall functional independence rate was 51.3% (851/1659) among DMVOs. The ASP alone group had a functional independence rate of 46.9% (219/467), while functional independence rates of the SR and SR+ASP groups were 51.5% (372/723) and 61.7% (174/282), respectively. Finally, the subarachnoid hemorrhage rates were 1.8% (4/217) for the ASP group, 9.3% (26/281) for the SR group, and 11.9% (41/344) for the SR+ASP group.ConclusionsOur systematic review supports the proposition that MT is a safe and effective treatment option for DMVOs. Additionally, while the SR+ASP group had consistently high rates of clot clearance and good neurological outcomes, the SR and SR+ASP groups also had higher rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage, highlighting the need for improved DMVO treatment devices.

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) has gained recognition as a promising target for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in a variety of human cancers. This study aims to explore the primary tumor detection capabilities of [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging, specifically in newly diagnosed intra-prostatic prostate cancer lesions (PCa). Following PRISMA-DTA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies) guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data regarding patient characteristics and imaging procedure details—including the type of radiotracer used, administered activity, image acquisition time, scanner modality, criteria, and detection rate of index test—were extracted from the included studies. The pooled patient-and lesion-based detection rates, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated using a random effects model. The final analysis included 9 studies involving 291 patients and 350 intra-prostatic lesions with [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging in primary PCa. In per-patient-based analysis of [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging, the pooled detection rates of overall and patients with Gleason score ≥ 7 were 87.09% (95% CI 74.98–93.82) and 89.01% (95% CI 68.17–96.84), respectively. In per-lesion-based analysis, the pooled detection rate [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging was 78.54% (95% CI 69.8–85.29). The pooled detection rate mpMRI (multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging) in patient-based analysis was 91.85% (95% CI 80.12–96.92). The difference between the detection rates of the mpMRI and [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging was not statistically significant (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.23–3.51). Our findings suggest that [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET imaging has the potential as a diagnostic target for primary PCa. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of [ 68 Ga] Ga-GRPr PET in delivering additional imaging data and guiding therapeutic decisions.

IntroductionAs the SOFIA (Soft torqueable catheter Optimized For Intracranial Access) 6F catheter has a large luminal diameter, it can be used as an aspiration catheter. Furthermore, it may function as an intermediate catheter when a stent retriever is required.PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the SOFIA 6F catheter in mechanical thrombectomy with the direct aspiration first pass technique.MethodPatients who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy (September 2017–January 2019) using the SOFIA 6F catheter in two centers were retrospectively analyzed. We used the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale to evaluate the success of recanalization. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on admission and discharge were used together with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days.ResultsIn 132 (89.1%) of the 148 cases, the thrombus was in the anterior system. The SOFIA 6F catheter reached the thrombus site in 130 (87.8%) cases. The rate of successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2b) was 89.1%. The targeted clinical outcome (mRS score ≤ 2 at 90th days) was achieved in 49.3% of cases. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5.4%. The rate of emboli to new vascular territories was 5.4%. Mortality was 14.1%.ConclusionIn the majority of our cases, the SOFIA 6F catheter provided effective and rapid recanalization with aspiration thrombectomy.

Congenital alacrima is an uncommon condition marked by a lack of tear production that is present from birth. This condition often occurs in conjunction with various syndromes but can also result from isolated lacrimal gland agenesis. Congenital alacrima should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with symptoms of dry eyes, especially in cases without xerostomia or other systemic rheumatologic findings. Following a thorough history and examination, noninvasive imaging techniques can be utilized to assess for potential lacrimal gland agenesis and aid in confirming the diagnosis.

The New Zealand rabbit elastase-induced arterial aneurysm of the right common carotid artery remains a widely used model for assessing the effectiveness and safety of new neuroendovascular devices.1 This model offers a simple and reliable platform for pre-clinical in vivo investigations, crucial for comprehending the biological processes underlying aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment.2 Notably, the induced aneurysm exhibits morphological, hemodynamic, and histological characteristics similar to human intracranial aneurysms. The creation of the aneurysm is performed using open and endovascular techniques. Each step of the procedure requires a meticulous and controlled gesture to ensure reproducibility of the aneurysm and minimize animal misuse. In video 1 we present a step-by-step procedural guide for aneurysm creation and follow-up. We hope this resource will help in promoting this model and provide useful guidance for researchers in the field. Video 1 Surgical procedure of creating elastase-induced aneurysms in rabbits.

Objective To determine the potential predictors of antegrade ureteral stenting (AUS) failure in patients with malignant and benign ureteral obstruction. Method We retrospectively evaluated 116 AUS procedures performed in 80 patients for ureteral obstruction due to malignant and benign causes. Variables such as etiology for obstruction, ureter shape, previous treatment regimen, history of ileal loop diversion, and presence of percutaneous nephrostomy were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used between these variables and stent failure. Results Antegrade ureteral stenting was performed as single stage in 24 procedures ( n : 24/116, 21%) and performed as a two-step approach after percutaneous nephrostomy in 92 procedures ( n : 92/116, 79%). Ureteral stent was successfully deployed in 112 AUS procedures ( n : 112/116, 96.5%). In 35 of these successful procedures, the patients were referred to our department due to prior failed retrograde ureteral stenting (RUS). Subsequent stent failure occurred in 40 procedures after a median interval of 39 days. Pre-stenting percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) was a statistically significant risk factor for stent failure ( p : 0.041), and age showed an inverse relationship with stent failure ( p : 0.008). Complications in early (within the first 30 days after procedure) and late stage occurred in a total of 17 procedures. Early complications included urinary tract infection ( n : 11), stent migration ( n : 3), and malposition ( n : 1). Late complications (after 30 days) were urinary tract infection ( n : 1) and stent migration ( n : 1). Conclusion This study suggests that AUS can be performed effectively in both benign and malignant ureteral obstructions including cases with prior failed RUS. Two-step AUS after percutaneous nephrostomy was found to be a significant risk factor for subsequent stent failure in our study cohort.

BackgroundAs the use of flow diverters has expanded in recent years, predicting successful outcomes has become more challenging for certain aneurysms.ObjectiveTo provide neurointerventionalists with an understanding of the available machine learning algorithms for predicting the success of flow diverters in occluding aneurysms.MethodsThis study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the four major medical databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were screened. The study included original research articles that evaluated the predictive abilities of various machine learning algorithms for determining the success of flow diverters in achieving aneurysm occlusion.ResultsFive studies out of 217 were included based on our criteria. The included studies used various variables (patient demographics, aneurysm and parent artery characteristics, flow diverter and hemodynamic-related features, and angiographic parametric imaging) to predict flow diverter treatment outcomes. The machine learning algorithms used, along with their respective accuracy rates, were as follows: logistic regression (61% and 85%), support vector machine (88%), Gaussian support vector machine (90%), linear support vector machine (85%), decision tree (80%), random forest (87%), k-nearest neighbors (83% and 85%), XGBoost (87%), CatBoost (86%), deep neural networks (77.9%), and recurrent neural networks (74%).Two studies trained the machine learning models with both all features and the most significant features. Both studies observed that the accuracy of machine learning models decreased by removing the insignificant features.ConclusionThe current literature indicates that machine learning algorithms can be trained to predict the success of flow diverters with an accuracy of up to 90%.

Background The risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) associated with high estrogen states, including pregnant patients and those using oral contraceptives, has been well documented. We described the histological composition of thrombi collected in these cases. Methods From a prospective tissue registry (STRIP registry) of thrombi retrieved during mechanical thrombectomy for AIS, we identified 5 patients with high estrogen states: 1 post-partum patient, 1 undergoing hormone replacement therapy and 3 consuming oral contraceptive pills. Five male control patients were randomly chosen matched by age. Immunohistochemistry for CD42b (platelets), von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was performed. Expression was quantified using Orbit Image Software. Student’s t-test was performed as appropriate. Results Mean TAFI content for the high estrogen state group was higher than controls (25.6 ± 11.9% versus 9.3 ± 9.0%, p  = 0.043*). Mean platelet content for the high estrogen state group was lower than controls (41.7 ± 10.6% versus 61.8 ± 12.9%, p  = 0.029*). No significant difference was found in vWF, fibrinogen and PAI-1 expression. Mean time to recanalize was higher in the high estrogen state group compared to the control group (57.8 ± 27.6 versus 22.6 ± 11.4 min, p  = 0.0351*). The mean number of passes required was higher in the high estrogen group compared to controls 4.6 versus 1.2, p  = 0.0261*). Conclusions TAFI expression, a powerful driver of thrombosis, was significantly higher in stroke thrombi among patients with high estrogen states compared to controls.

ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the technical difficulties, complications, long-term efficacy, and risks between right- and left-sided approach transhepatic tunneled catheterization.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated transhepatic tunneled catheter placement cases in our institution between May 2012 and November 2019. Demographic and procedural parameters were recorded. Statistical tests were used to compare the complication rates of right- and left-sided approach. Furthermore, Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between functional catheter days and included parameters.ResultsA total of 83 procedures were performed in 46 patients, with a female to male ratio of 1.88 and a mean age of 55.5 ± 18.2 years. Indication for catheter placement was chronic renal insufficiency and loss of central venous access through traditional routes in all cases. Median functional catheter durations were 28 days (1–382) and 55.5 days (1–780) for right-sided and left-sided access, respectively. Complication rates were similar for both sides. There was no difference between primary and revision procedures in terms of safety and efficacy outcomes. In univariate Cox regression analysis, gender was the only variable which was found to be statistically significant (HR = 2.014 (1.004–4.038)) for functional catheter days. In multivariate Cox regression model, gender and access side were included which failed to reach statistical significance.ConclusionsIn our study, both right- and left-sided approaches provided similar safety and efficacy outcomes, suggesting that both techniques can be employed based on physician’s preference.