OBJECTIVE: With the improvement of surgical techniques, instruments and diagnostic imaging, the aneurysmal surgery could be performed less invasively with less retraction of neural structure and more smaller craniotomy. The authors present a superior orbital rim approach as minimally invasive anterior circulation aneurysm surgery. METHODS: Superior orbital rim approach was performed for the treatment of the anterior circulation aneurysms with or without clinoidectomy. We considered the indications and limitations of this approach and compared this approach with conventional approaches. RESULTS: The operative technique can be used in all cases of anterior circulation aneurysms and could give us excellent results, especially, in internal carotid artery aneurysms. In cases of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, more wide and lateral approaches were used. In general, operation time was shortened and transfusion was not needed. CONCLUSION: The superior orbital rim approach is a good alternative procedure to conventional microsurgical approach in treating anterior circulation aneurysms.
Aneurysm* ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; Craniotomy ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Orbit*

The formation mechanisms of rare intracranial aneurysms are various, which lead to various kinds of treatment methods. The present article summarized the pathogenesis, pathologic changes in vascular walls and imaging features of rare intracranial aneurysms including segmental ectasia, aneurysms with dissection, aneurysms with intramural hemorrhage, mycotic aneurysms, aneurysms related to HIV, neoplastic aneurysms and traumatic aneurysms through literature review.
Diagnostic Imaging ; Dilatation, Pathologic ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy

The traditional classification, diagnosis, and treatment of intracranial aneurysms are based on the characteristics of their vascular lumen. However, in the past few years, some advances in MRI technology with high-resolution imaging can assess the pathology of intracranial vascular walls. Compared with traditional methods of computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiograhpy, and digital subtraction angiography, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging technology can help us to newly understand the disease by directly evaluating the characteristics of vascular wall, such as aneurysm wall thickness, inflammation, enhancement, permeability and hemodynamics. At present, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used in clinic to assess the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms, which is of great significance for guiding the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnostic imaging* ; Cerebral Angiography ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Risk Assessment ; Technology

Abnormalities, Multiple ; diagnostic imaging ; Basilar Artery ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Vertebral Artery ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUNDThe virtual reality (VR) system can provide the neurosurgeon to intuitively interact with and manipulate the three dimensional (3-D) image similarly to manipulate a real object. It was seldom reported that the system was used in diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms. This study aimed to investigate the application of VR system in diagnosis and therapeutic planning of cerebral aneurysms.

METHODSA total of 24 cases of cerebral aneurysms were enrolled in this study from 2006 to 2008, which diagnosed by 3-D digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) or VR-based computed tomography angiographies (CTA). The VR system and 3D-DSA system were used to observe and measure aneurysms and the adjacent vessels. The data of observation and measurements were compared between VR image and 3D-DSA image. All the patients underwent surgical plan and simulated neurosurgical procedures in the VR system.

RESULTSThere were 28 aneurysms detected in VR system and 3D-DSA system. The VR system generated clear and vivid 3-D virtual images which clearly displayed the location and size of the aneurysms and their precise anatomical spatial relations to the parent arteries and skull. The location, size and shape of the aneurysms and their anatomical relationship with the adjacent vessels were similar between 3-D virtual image and 3D-DSA, but the spatial relationship between aneurysms and skull only been displayed by VR system. This VR system also could simulate simple surgical procedures and surgical environments.

CONCLUSIONSThe VR system can provide a highly effective way to provide precise imaging details as same as 3D-DSA system and assist the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms with virtual 3-D data based on CTA. It significantly enhances the chosen therapeutic strategy of cerebral aneurysms.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUNDThe endovascular strategy of the huge dissecting aneurysms involving the basilar artery (BA) is controversial and challenging. This study was to investigate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of the treatment of the huge dissecting aneurysms involving the BA by the internal trapping (IT) technique.

METHODSWe retrospectively studied 15 patients with the huge dissecting aneurysms involving the BA treated by the IT technique between September 2005 and September 2014 in Department of Interventional Neuroradiology of Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Clinical and angiographic data were reviewed and evaluated.

RESULTSAll patients were treated by the IT technique. That meant the dissecting artery and aneurysm segments were completed occlusion. After the procedure, the angiography demonstrated that all the dissecting artery and aneurysm segments were completed occlusion. Follow-up angiography was performed at 3-6 months or 12-18 months after the endovascular treatment (median 8 months), 14 patients had a good recovery. Re-canalization occurred in one patient whose aneurysm involved in bilateral vertebral arteries and the two third of the middle-lower BA. After the second treatment, the patient died by the ventricular tachycardia.

CONCLUSIONSThe IT technique is a technically feasible and safe alternative for the treatment of BA dissecting aneurysms, but it is not necessarily the safest or most definitive treatment modality. The ideal treatment of the huge dissecting aneurysms involving the BA remains debatable and must be investigated on a case-by-case basis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Basilar Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo calculate the volume embolization ratio of densely packing experimental aneurysms by three dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA).

METHODSSix experimental crotch aneurysms were created microsurgically in the common carotid artery of white rabbits. Two weeks later, each aneurysm's volume was measured with 3D-DSA surface shaded display(SSD) and the correction of lacteprene balloon calibration method. In the same time, the aneurysms were densely packed with electric detachable coils. The volume of coils that were used in each aneurysm was calculated separately. The ratio of coils volume and aneurysm volume was the volume embolization ratio (VER).

RESULTSThe aneurysms volumes measured by 3D DSA SSD ranged from 0.037 to 0.087 ml. The VER ranged from 23.5% to 32.5% (average 27.4%).

CONCLUSIONThe minimum VER of densely packing experimental crotch aneurysms with electronic detachable coils was 23.5%.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Animals ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Rabbits

BACKGROUNDUnclippable fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm is a formidable condition for surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to establish a computational model and to investigate the hemodynamic characteristics in a fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm.

METHODSThe three-dimensional digital model of a fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm was constructed using MIMICS, ANSYS and CFX software. Different hemodynamic modalities and border conditions were assigned to the model. Thirty points were selected randomly on the wall and within the aneurysm. Wall total pressure (WTP), wall shear stress (WSS), and blood flow velocity of each point were calculated and hemodynamic status was compared between different modalities.

RESULTSThe quantitative average values of the 30 points on the wall and within the aneurysm were obtained by computational calculation point by point. The velocity and WSS in modalities A and B were different from those of the remaining 5 modalities; and the WTP in modalities A, E and F were higher than those of the remaining 4 modalities.

CONCLUSIONSThe digital model of a fusiform basilar artery aneurysm is feasible and reliable. This model could provide some important information to clinical treatment options.

Adult ; Computational Biology ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent placement for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms.

DATA SOURCESWe searched six databases, including Pubmed, Embase, SCI-expanded, the Cochrane Library, ISI Proceedings and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses for the relevant studies using multiple key words from December, 1997 to February, 2009.

STUDY SELECTIONThirty-three studies about stent placement for intracranial aneurysms were identified, which reported data from a total of 1069 patients with 1121 intracranial aneurysms.

DATA EXTRACTIONWe prepared a standardized data extraction form (DEF), which was used by two independent researchers to extract data from the included 33 studies.

RESULTSThe overall initial complete occlusion rate was 52.5% (456/869, 95%CI: 49.2% - 55.8%). The overall complication rate was 14.3% (162/1130, 95%CI: 12.3% - 16.4%), of which 3.6% (38/1044, 95%CI: 2.5% - 4.8%) were permanent. Clinical follow-up showed a dependence rate of 8.4% (39/465, 95%CI: 5.9% - 10.9%). Angiographic follow-up showed an improvement rate of 24.3% (117/481, 95%CI: 20.5% - 28.2%) and a recurrence rate of 12.9% (62/481, 95%CI: 9.9% - 15.9%). Chi-squared tests were performed to compare the following subgroups: self-expandable vs. balloon-expandable stents, unruptured vs. acutely ruptured aneurysms, and with vs. without pre-medication. Statistical significance was reached in eight tests.

CONCLUSIONSIntracranial stent is a safe and effective tool for embolizing complex intracranial aneurysms. Self-expandable stents are significantly easier and safer than balloon-expandable stents with respect to navigation and deployment through the tortuous cerebral vasculature. Patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms are more likely to be dependent, but not more likely to suffer more procedure-related complications.

Cerebral Angiography ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Stents ; adverse effects

Adult ; Cerebral Angiography ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Young Adult