• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.150-154
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• 2015

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a closed head injury in pediatric patients is a rare condition, and an early spontaneous recanalization of this condition is extremely rare. A 10-year-old boy was admitted with a mild, intermittent headache and nausea five days after a bicycle accident. The brain computed tomography showed an epidural hematoma at the right occipital area with pneumocephalus due to a fracture of the occipital skull bone. The brain magnetic resonance imaging and the magnetic resonance venography demonstrated a flow signal loss from the right sigmoid sinus to the right jugular vein. The diagnosis was sigmoid sinus thrombosis, so close observations were selected as a treatment for the patient because of his gradually improving symptoms; however, he complained of vomiting 14 days the after conservative treatment. The patient was readmitted for a further examination of his symptoms. The laboratory and the gastroenterological examinations were normal. Due to concern regarding the worsening of the sigmoid sinus thrombosis, the brain magnetic resonance venography was rechecked and it revealed the recanalization of the venous flow in the sigmoid sinus and in the jugular vein.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.354-356
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• 2010

Partial thrombosis of giant aneurysms is not uncommon however, complete angiographic occlusion occurs less frequently. In the case of non-giant aneurysms, complete thrombosis and recanalization has been rarely reported. A 31-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden bursting headache. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage on the left side. Both CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography showed suspicion of small left anterior choroidal artery aneurysm. We performed surgical exploration. In the operation field, anterior choroidal artery aneurysm of $2{\times}2\;mm$ with broad neck and friable appearance was observed. Because we could not clip without sacrificing the anterior choroidal artery, we performed wrapping only. Follow up CTA after 7 months demonstrated 4 mm right internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysm. The patient underwent aneurismal neck clipping. During the operation, $9{\times}13\;mm$ sized thrombosed aneurysm was detected and completely clipped. We initially thought this aneurysm to be a de novo aneurysm however, it was an aneurysm that had recanalized from a completely thrombosed aneurysm. This case report provides an insight into the potential for complete thrombosis and recanalization of non-giant aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.262-267
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• 2012

Objective : We aimed to investigate the correlation between the success of recanalization and a modified version of the Qureshi grading system in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) records of 37 patients who were evaluated by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and a modified version of the Qureshi grading systems as follows : 1) post-IAT Qureshi grade, 2) modified ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade : pre-IAT group grade - post-IAT group grade (grade 1 : Qureshi grades 0-2 and grade 2 : Qureshi grade 3-5) and 3) ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade (post-IAT Qureshi grade - pre-IAT Qureshi grade). Successful recanalization was defined as follows : 1) post-IAT TIMI grades 2 and 3, 2) post-IAT Qureshi grade 0-2, 3) modified ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade=1, and 4) ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade of ${\geq}2$ and/or post-IAT Qureshi grade=0. We investigated the correlation between the post-IAT TIMI grade and the modified Qureshi grade and also compared the various grading systems with modified Rankin Scale scores for evaluating the clinical outcome at 3 months. Results : The post-IAT Qureshi grade and ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade and/or post-IAT Qureshi grade were significantly correlated with the TIMI grade (${\gamma}$=0.976 and, 0.942, respectively). Further, post-IAT Qureshi grade and ${\Delta}$ Qureshi grade and/or post-IAT Qureshi grade showed a significantly stronger association with clinical outcome than did the post-IAT TIMI grade (p=0.001 and, 0.000 vs. 0.083, respectively). Conclusion : Our preliminary results suggest that the modified Qureshi grading system is a useful tool for assessing the success of recanalization after IAT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.360-368
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• 2009

Objective : The objectives of this study were to analyze the recanalization rates and outcomes of multimodal therapy that consisted of sequential intravenous (IV)/intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis, mechanical thrombolysis including mechanical clot disruption using microcatheters and microwires, balloon angioplasty, and stenting for acute ischemic stroke, and to evaluate the prognostic factors related to the outcome. Methods : Fifty patients who were admitted to the hospital within 8 hours from ischemic symptom onset were retrospectively analyzed. Initial IV thrombolysis and subsequent cerebral angiography were performed in all patients. If successful recanalization was not achieved by IV thrombolysis, additional IA thrombolysis with mechanical thrombolysis, including balloon angioplasty and stenting, were performed. The outcomes were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) change and modified Rankin scale (mRS) and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results : Successful recanalization was achieved in 42 (84%) of 50 patients, which consisted of 8 patients after IV thrombolysis, 19 patients after IA thrombolysis with mechanical clot disruption, and 15 patients after balloon angioplasty or stenting. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 4 (8%) patients. Good outcomes were achieved in 76% and 70% of patients upon discharge, and 93% and 84% of patients after 3 months according to the NIHSS change and mRS. The initial clinical status, recanalization achievement, and presence of symptomatic hemorrhage were statistically related to the outcomes. Conclusion : Multimodal therapy may be an effective and safe treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke. Balloon angioplasty and stenting is effective for acute thrombolysis, and produce higher recanalization rates with better outcomes.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Objective: Although chronic carotid artery occlusion seems to be associated with significant risk of ischemic stroke, revascularization techniques are neither well established nor widespread. In contrast, extracranial-intracranial bypass is common despite the lack of evidence regarding neurological improvement or prevention of ischemic events. The aim of current review is to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods of recanalization of chronic carotid artery occlusion. Methods: Comprehensive literature search through PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science databases performed. Various parameters were assessed among patients underwent surgical, endovascular and hybrid recanalization for chronic carotid artery occlusion. Results: 40 publications from 2005 to 2021 with total of more than 1300 cases of revascularization of chronic carotid artery occlusion have been reviewed. Further parameters were assessed among patients underwent surgical, endovascular and hybrid recanalization for chronic carotid artery occlusion: mean age, male to female ratio, mean duration of occlusion before treatment, rate of successful recanalization, frequency of restenosis and reocclusion, prevalence of ischemic stroke postoperatively, neurological or other symptoms improvement and complications. Based on proposed through reviewed literature indications for revascularization and predictive factors of various recanalizing procedures, an algorithm for clinical decision making have been formulated. Conclusions: Although treatment of chronic carotid artery occlusion remains challenging, current literature suggests revascularization as single option for verified neurological improvement and prevention of ischemic events. Surgical and endovascular procedures should be taken into account when treating patients with symptomatic chronic carotid artery occlusion.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2023

Objective: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion. However, recanalization failure rates of interventions were about 20% in literature studies. We report our experience of unsuccessful MT with a focus on technical reasons. Methods: From December 2010 to June 2021, six hundred eight patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large artery occlusion received MT using a stent retriever with or without an aspiration catheter in our institution. We divided the reasons for failure into six categories. We analyzed the reasons for failure by dividing our experience time into 3 periods. Results: A total of 608 cases of thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion were identified in the study period. The successful recanalization rate was 90.4%. In most of the cases (20/57, 35%), the thrombus persisted despite several passes, and the second most common cause was termination of the procedure even after partial recanalization (10/57, 18%). Similar proportions of in-stent occlusion, distal embolization, and termination due to vessel rupture were observed. On analysis of three periods, the successful recanalization rate improved over time. Conclusions: MT fails due to various reasons, and intracranial artery stenosis is the main cause of MT failure. With the development of rescue techniques, the failure rate has gradually decreased. Further development of new devices and techniques could improve the recanalization rates.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.301-304
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• 2012

We report a patient with a ruptured vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysm that was treated by internal trapping of the aneurysm and parent artery using detachable coils with subsequent antegrade recanalization of occluded vertebral artery during the follow-up period. A 38-year-old man was admitted with a ruptured right VA dissecting aneurysm just distal to origin of right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The dissected segment of the VA was occluded by coil embolization. The 14 months follow-up angiography showed that dissected aneurysm was completely occluded, but the parent artery was recanalized in an antegrade fashion. Based on this unique case, the authors suggest that careful angiographic follow-up of dissecting aneurysm is required, even in patients successfully treated with endovascular occlusion of the affected artery and aneurysm.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.230-234
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• 2024

Interventional recanalization is an effective treatment option for postoperative portal vein occlusion. A transhepatic or transsplenic approach is preferred, whereas a percutaneous transmesenteric route enables antegrade cannulation. Here, we present a case of successful percutaneous transmesenteric recanalization in a patient with a postoperative portal vein graft occlusion.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EmboTrap II in terms of first-pass recanalization and to determine whether it could yield favorable outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, prospective study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using EmboTrap II as a front-line device. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate defined by modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c or 3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II. In addition, modified FPE (mFPE; mTICI grade 2b-3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II), successful recanalization (final mTICI grade 2b-3), and clinical outcomes were assessed. We also analyzed the effect of FPE on a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months. Results: Two hundred-ten patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 73.3 ± 11.4 years; male, 55.7%) were included. Ninety-nine patients (47.1%) had FPE, and mFPE was achieved in 150 (71.4%) patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 191 (91.0%) patients. Among them, 164 (85.9%) patients underwent successful recanalization by exclusively using EmboTrap II. The time from groin puncture to FPE was 25.0 minutes (interquartile range, 17.0-35.0 minutes). Procedure-related complications were observed in seven (3.3%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 14 (6.7%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (58.9% of 209 completely followed) patients had an mRS score of 0-2. Sixteen (7.7% of 209) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients who had successful recanalization with FPE were four times more likely to have an mRS score of 0-2 than those who had successful recanalization without FPE (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-10.8; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using the front-line EmboTrap II is effective and safe. In particular, FPE rates were high. Achieving FPE was important for an mRS score of 0-2, even in patients with successful recanalization.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.732-739
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• 2021

Objective : Early successful reperfusion is associated with favorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to achieve successful recanalization by a combined mechanical thrombectomy technique, the Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke (ARTS), which is composed of a flexible large lumen distal access catheter and a retrievable stent as the first-line strategy of mechanical thrombectomy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients with AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from 2018 to 2019 at our institute by a senior neurointerventionalist. Among them, patients who were treated using the ARTS technique with the soft torqueable catheter optimized for intracranial access (SOFIA^®; MicroVention-Terumo, Tustin, CA, USA) as the first-line treatment were included. Patients who had tandem occlusions or underlying intracranial artery stenosis were excluded. The angiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The angiographic outcome was analyzed by the rate of successful recanalization, defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3 at the end of all procedures and the rate of successfully achieving the first pass effect (FPE), defined as complete recanalization with a single pass of the device. The clinical outcomes included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and mortality. Results : A total of 27 patients (mean age, 59.3 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The successful recanalization rate was 96% (n=26) while the FPE rate was 41% (n=11). The mean post-procedural NIHSS change was -3.0. Thirteen patients (48%) showed good clinical outcomes after thrombectomy with the ARTS technique (mRS at 90 days ≤2). Postoperative complications occurred in seven of 25 patients : hemorrhagic transformation in six patients (22%) and distal embolization in one patient (4%). Mortality was 15% (n=4). Conclusion : Although the clinical outcomes using the ARTS technique with a flexible large lumen distal access catheter performed as the frontline thrombectomy in patients with AIS were not significantly superior than those of other studies, this study showed a high rate of successful endovascular recanalization which was comparable to that of other studies. Therefore, ARTS using the SOFIA^® catheter can be considered as the first choice of treatment for AIS due to large vessel occlusion.