• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1491-1498
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• 2000

Objectives : Embolization of intracranial aneurysms by using Guglielmi detachable coils(GDC) is proving to be a safe method of protecting aneurysms from rupture. Occasionally, patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms present with symptoms related to the aneurysm's mass effect on either the brain parenchyma or cranial nerves. In the present study, the authors conducted a retrospective review to evaluate the response to GDC embolization in a series of 6 patients presenting with cranial nerve dysfunction due to mass effect. Patients and Methods : Aneurysms were classified by size, shape, and amount of intraluminal thrombus. Patients were classified by duration of symptoms prior to GDC treatment(range<1 month to>4 years). Clinical assessment was performed within days of the GDC procedure and at later follow-up appointments(range 5-16 months, mean 9 months). Results : In the immediate post-GDC embolization period, one of the five patients had transient worsening of third nerve palsy, which later improved to better than baseline status. Two patients who presented with third nerve deficit from a internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery junction aneurysm had complete recovery. One patient who presented with hemiparesis and dysarthria from a giant mid-basilar aneurysm showed improvement of these symptoms. One patient who presented with sixth cranial nerve deficit from a cavernous aneurysm showed no change at the 8-months follow-up examination. Conclusion : The endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by using GDC is suggested as an alternative therapeutic method for improving or alleviating neurological deficits produced by mass effect.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.178-181
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• 2008

Although endovascular intervention is the first-line treatment of intracranial aneurysm, intraprocedural rupture or extravasation is still an endangering event. We describe two interesting cases of extravasation during embolotherapy for ruptured peripheral cerebral pseudoaneurysms. Two male patients were admitted after development of sudden headache with presentation of intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, respectively. Initial angiographic assessment failed to uncover any aneurysmal dilatation in both patients. Two weeks afterwards, catheter angiography revealed aneurysms each in the peripheral middle cerebral artery and anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Under a general anesthesia, endovascular embolization was attempted without systemic heparinization. In each case, sudden extravasation was noted around the aneurysm during manual injection of contrast after microcatheter navigation. Immediate computed tomographic scan showed a large amount of contrast collection within the brain, but they tolerated and made an unremarkable recovery thereafter. Intraprocedural extravasation is an endangering event and needs prompt management, however proximal plugging with coil deployment can be sufficient alternative, if one confronts with peripheral pseudoaneurysm. Peculiar angiographic features are deemed attributable to extremely fragile, porous vascular wall of the pseudoaneurysm. Accordingly, it should be noted that extreme caution being needed to handle such a friable vascular lesion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.227-233
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• 2006

Objective : To determine the rationale for treating pure unruptured intracranial aneurysms[UIAs]. it is mandatory to know the risk of each treatment modality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical risk for treating UIAs. Methods : Between December 1994 and May 2005, 147 unruptured aneurysms in 135 patients were treated. The majority of these cases [94.6%] were treated with aneurysmal neck clipping. The remainder received aneurysmal wrapping [2.7%], trapping with bypass [20%], or proximal occlusion [0.7%]. The clinical outcomes were evaluated in each patient by the Glasgow Outcome Scale at one month post-surgery. Results : The patient pool consisted of 41 males and 94 females. The mean age was 55.9 years [range : $16{\sim}82$]. The aneurysms were located at middle cerebral artery in 63 [42.9%]. anterior communicating artery 30 [20.4%], posterior communicating artery in 26 [177%]. internal carotid artery[ICA] in 14 [95%], anterior choroidal artery in 4 [2.7%] and others in 10[6.9%]. One hundred fifteen [78.2%] of aneurysms were small [<10mm]. Others were large [10 to 25mm] and giant [>25mm]; 29 [19.7%] and 3 [21%] respectively. More than ninety percent [91.1%] of all patients recovered well. Mild to severe disability was seen in 8.7% of the patients. One patient succumbed to complications following injury to the ICA. Conclusion : The mortality and morbidity associated with UIA surgery at our hospital compared very favorably to the previous reported literature and with the previously established natural history of this disease.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.564-569
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• 2016

Objective : This study used the intradural procedural time to assess the overall technical difficulty involved in surgically clipping an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm via a pterional or superciliary approach. The clinical and radiological variables affecting the intradural procedural time were investigated, and the intradural procedural time compared between a superciliary keyhole approach and a pterional approach. Methods : During a 5.5-year period, patients with a single MCA aneurysm were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selection criteria for a superciliary keyhole approach included : 1) maximum diameter of the unruptured MCA aneurysm <15 mm, 2) neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm <10 mm, and 3) aneurysm location involving the sphenoidal or horizontal segment of MCA (M1) segment and MCA bifurcation, excluding aneurysms distal to the MCA genu. Meanwhile, the control comparison group included patients with the same selection criteria as for a superciliary approach, yet who preferred a pterional approach to avoid a postoperative facial wound or due to preoperative skin trouble in the supraorbital area. To determine the variables affecting the intradural procedural time, a multiple regression analysis was performed using such data as the patient age and gender, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm neck diameter, and length of the pre-aneurysm M1 segment. In addition, the intradural procedural times were compared between the superciliary and pterional patient groups, along with the other variables. Results : A total of 160 patients underwent a superciliary (n=124) or pterional (n=36) approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm. In the multiple regression analysis, an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm neck (p<0.001) was identified as a statistically significant factor increasing the intradural procedural time. A Pearson correlation analysis also showed a positive correlation (r=0.340) between the neck diameter and the intradural procedural time. When comparing the superciliary and pterional groups, no statistically significant between-group difference was found in terms of the intradural procedural time reflecting the technical difficulty (mean${\pm}$standard deviation : $29.8{\pm}13.0min$ versus $27.7{\pm}9.6min$). Conclusion : A superciliary keyhole approach can be a useful alternative to a pterional approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm with a maximum diameter <15 mm and neck diameter <10 mm, representing no more of a technical challenge. For both surgical approaches, the technical difficulty increases along with the neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2001

Objective : Aneurysms of vertebral artery and its branches make up approximately 3% of all intracranial aneurysms. As the aneurysm have an intimate relationship with lower cranial nerves and medulla, surgical management of the aneurysms are one of the challenging neurosurgical problems. The authors analyzed the management outcomes for aneurysms arising from vertebral artery and its branches. Methods : At the authors' institution between May 1989 and Jan. 2000, 42 patients were treated with transcranial and endovascular surgery for aneurysms of vertebral artery and its branches. The medical records and neuroimaging studies of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Forty two patients were comprised of 28 female and 14 male patients aged from 26-80 year old(mean : 51.8). Of the 42 patients, 37 patients(88%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Of the 37 patients with subarachnoid hemorrahge, 35 patients(95%) were in good neurological status(Hunt Hess grade I-III), 2 patients(5%) in poor grade(H-H grade IV-V) before operation. Location of the aneurysm were 16 in vertebral artery, 12 in vertebro-PICA junction, and 14 in the peripheral PICA. Twenty nine patients were treated with transcranial surgery and 13 patients with endovascular surgery. The management outcome of the transcranial surgery was : Glasgow outcome scale(GOS) I and II ; 24, GOS III ; 2, GOS IV ; 1 and GOS V(death) ; 2. The causes of mortality related to transcranial surgery were rebleeding after failure in clipping in one and suspected brainstem infarct in one. Morbidity was attributed to vasospasm(3), lower CN palsy(7, including temporary dysfunction) and pseudomeningocele(1). The management outcome of the endovascular surgery was : Glasgow outcome scale(GOS) I-II ; 9, GOS III ; 1, GOS IV ; 1, and GOS V(death) ; 2. The causes of mortality related to endovascular surgery were sepsis from pneumonia(1) and vasospasm(1). There were one cerebellar infarct and one lateral medullary syndrome. Conclusion : Excellent and good surgical results can be expected in 80% of the patients with aneurysms of vertebral arery and its branches. The outcomes of endovascular surgery in treating vertebral artery aneurysm were satisfactory and endovascular surgery may offer a therapeutic alternative especially in vertebral dissecting aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.523-530
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• 2022

Objective : To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an overlapped stenting-assisted coiling technique in treating vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) via Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent. Methods : From January 2017 to June 2019, 18 consecutive patients with VADAs (ruptured : unruptured=5 : 13) were treated with the overlapping stents assisted-coiling technique in our center. The overlapping manner was a Neuroform EZ stent being deployed first, followed by LVIS stents placement using the 'shelf' technique. The patients' clinical characteristics, technical feasibility and safety, and immediate and follow-up angiographic results were retrospectively reviewed. Results : Seventeen (94.4%) procedures were technically successful with an exact deployment of the stents and patent parent or perforator arteries. The immediate angiographies after procedure confirmed Raymond class I, II, and III occlusion of VADAs were in 12 (66.7%), two (11.1%), and four cases (22.2%), respectively. Post-procedural complications developed in one patient (5.6%) with minor brainstem infarctions, which resulted from an in-stent thrombosis during the procedure. Angiographic follow-up at 5.7 months (range 3 to 9 months) demonstrated Raymond class I and II occlusion were in all cases (100%). The modified Rankin Scale scores at 21.3 months (range 15 to 42 months) 0-2 in 17 cases (94.4%) and three in one case (5.6%). Conclusion : Overlapping stents via LVIS stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent combined with coiling is safe and effective for patients with VADA in the midterm results.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.257-261
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• 2011

Objective : Successful coil embolization of anterior communicating (A-com) artery aneurysms requires good visualization and understanding of the entire H complex. Bilateral carotid angiography may optimize anatomical understanding and visualization of the H complex. We therefore assessed the efficacy of simultaneous bilateral internal carotid angiography during coil embolization for A-com artery aneurysms. Methods : Of the 153 patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms who underwent embolization between July 2008 and December 2009, 12 had A-com artery aneurysms and were embolized under bilateral carotid angiography. Patients were evaluated angiographically, immediately and 6 months (n=11) after embolization, using a 3-point scale (complete, residual neck, residual aneurysm). The safety, performance and efficacy of this approach were retrospectively evaluated. Results: In all patients, bilateral internal carotid artery angiography provided more detailed anatomical information and understanding around the A-com artery, and, in complex situations, it allowed for more effective coil embolization through bilateral routes to the A-com artery. Angiography immediately after embolization showed occlusion of 11 of the 12 (92%) aneurysms, with none of these 11 showing evidence of recanalization at 6 months. Conclusion : These findings indicate that simultaneous bilateral carotid angiography during coil embolization of selected complex A-com artery aneurysms provided improved anatomical understanding, and resulted in more effective and safer procedures than typical unilateral angiography.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.805-812
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• 2001

Objectives : The goal of the surgical management of large and giant aneurysm is complete extirpation of the aneurysms with preservation or reconstruction of the parent artery. To improve the surgical management results of those aneurysms in the future, we review our experience and discuss technical maneuvers and strategies used to avoid potential complications of those aneurysm surgery. Material and Methods : During the past 12 years, thirty six cases of large and giant aneurysms(diameter>19mm) were managed by surgery. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods, surgical complications and outcome of those cases were analyzed and, based on the review of the literatures, the preventive methods of surgical complication related to the clipping of those aneurysms were discussed. Results : The locations of those aneurysms were anterior circulation in 34 cases and posterior circulation in 2 cases. The most frequent site of aneurysmal location was a paraclinoidal region of the anterior circulation. The aneurysms were managed surgically by direct clipping of aneurysmal neck in 31 cases, aneurysmal trapping followed by extracranial-intracranial bypass in 2 cases, proximal clipping of parent artery, aneurysmorrhaphy, and excision of aneurysm followed by end to end anastomosis of parent artery in each one case. Surgical complications occurred in 13 cases. A parent vessel occlusion by thrombus formation and parent vessel stenosis after clipping of aneurysm were the main complications. We obtained good outcome in 27, fair 5, poor 1 and dead in 3 case(s). Conclusion : We conclude that selection of suitable management method for each case, high quality of surgical technique and prevention of complication during operation are important key points for the successful treatment of large and giant aneurysm. The heparinization prior to application of temporary clip on parent vessels, aneurysmal decompression during dissection and clipping of aneurysm, complete closing of the aneurysmal neck and avoiding the narrowing of parent vessel after clipping of aneurysm were the main technical maneuvers used to avoid complications of those aneurysm surgery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.270-274
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to report the morbidity, mortality, angiographic results, and merits of elective coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods : Ninety-six unruptured aneurysms in 92 patients were electively treated with detachable coils. Eighty-one of these aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation, and 15 were located in the posterior circulation. Thirty-six aneurysms were treated in the presence of previously ruptured aneurysms that had already undergone operation. Nine unruptured aneurysms presented with symptoms of mass effect. The remaining 51 aneurysms were incidentally discovered in patients with other cerebral diseases and in individuals undergoing routine health maintenance. Angiographic and clinical outcomes and procedure-related complications were analyzed. Results : Eight procedure-related untoward events (8.3%) occurred during surgery or within procedure-related hospitalization, including thromboembolism, sac perforation, and coil migration. Permanent procedural morbidity was 2.2%; there was no mortality. Complete occlusion was achieved in 73 (76%) aneurysms, neck remnant occlusion in 18 (18.7%) aneurysms, and incomplete occlusion in five (5.2%) aneurysms, Recanalization occurred in 8 (15.4%) of 52 coiled aneurysms that were available for follow-up conventional angiography or magnetic resonance angiography over a mean period of 13.3 months. No ruptures occurred during the follow-up period (12-79 months). Conclusion : Endovascular coil surgery for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms is characterized by low procedural mortality and morbidity and has advantages in patients with poor general health, cerebral infarction, posterior circulation aneurysms, aneurysms of the proximal internal cerebral artery, and unruptured aneurysms associated with ruptured aneurysm. For the management of unruptured aneurysms, endovascular coil surgery is considered an attractive alterative option.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.88-90
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• 2010

Retroperitoneal hematoma (RH) due to radiologic intervention for an intracranial lesion is relatively rare, difficult to diagnose, and can be lifethreatening. We report a case of RH that developed in a patient on anticoagulant therapy following endovascular coiling of a ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysm. An 82-year-old man presented with a 12-day history of headache. Computed tomography (CT) on admission demonstrated slight subarachnoid hemorrhage, and left carotid angiography revealed an AcoA aneurysm. The next day, the aneurysm was occluded with coils via the femoral approach under general anesthesia. The patient received a bolus of 5,000 units of heparin immediately following the procedure, and an infusion rate of 10,000 units/day was initiated. The patient gradually became hypotensive 25 hours after coiling. Abdominal CT showed a huge, high-density soft-tissue mass filling the right side of the retroperitoneum space. The patient eventually died of multiple organ failure five days after coiling. RH after interventional radiology for neurological disease is relatively rare and can be difficult to diagnose if consciousness is disturbed. This case demonstrates the importance of performing routine physical examinations, sequentially measuring the hematocrit and closely monitoring systemic blood pressures following interventional radiologic procedures in patients with abnormal mental status.