Citations

Abstract Stroke thrombi are heterogeneous; their composition influences their mechanical properties, including stiffness, elasticity, and adhesiveness, which in turn affect their response to therapy. Systemic characterization of the thrombi components could help select therapeutic techniques and anticipate outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate associations between thrombi composition and angiographic and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Up to May 2025, relevant studies were sourced from four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. We included cohort studies whose populations are patients with AIS in relation to thrombi composition. Thirty-six studies involving 5,462 patients matched our eligibility criteria. Angiographic success (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥ 2b/3) did not differ significantly between red blood cell (RBC)-rich and fibrin-rich thrombi (risk ratio [RR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.22; p = 0.84; I 2 = 63.8%; very low certainty). However, thrombi from patients with good angiographic outcomes had a significantly higher RBC content compared to patients with poor outcomes (mean difference = 7.22%, 95% CI 3.31–11.13; p < 0.001; low certainty). No significant difference was observed between RBC-rich and fibrin-rich thrombi regarding functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) (RR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.73–2.05; p = 0.31; low certainty). While RBC-rich thrombi are associated with more favorable angiographic performance, thrombus composition alone does not predict functional outcomes. Stroke outcomes remain multifactorial, dominated by time to reperfusion, collateral circulation, and baseline severity. Preinterventional assessment of clot composition via imaging or biomarkers may support individualized therapy but should complement, not replace, other prognostic determinants.

ABSTRACT Endoluminal flow diverters are increasingly used to treat cerebral aneurysms. Despite good aneurysm occlusion efficacy, delayed ischemic complications due to side branch or perforator occlusion remain a serious concern. However, the mechanisms leading to side branch occlusion are poorly understood. To investigate these mechanisms, a combination of animal and computational models was utilized. Flow diverters were deployed in four rabbit superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and studied with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a previously developed fibrin dynamics model. Subject‐specific vascular models were reconstructed from 3D rotational angiography images and flow conditions were derived from Doppler ultrasound velocity measurements. Flow diverting devices were virtually deployed within the vascular models under guidance from angiography images. Coupled flow and fibrin production, transport, and adhesion simulations were carried out and the effects of fibrin accumulation at the origin of jailed side branches after flow diverter implantation were analyzed. The results of the computational models suggest significant fibrin accumulation across the struts of all flow diverting devices jailing side branches. Larger accumulation was observed at the more distal branches. However, minor flow alterations were produced which were not detectable in angiography sequences. These results were in agreement with experimental observations. On the other hand, fibrin accumulation alone did not explain complete side branch occlusions, which are likely the result of the interaction between initial fibrin accumulation and subsequent cell migration from the peripheral parent artery.

Abstract Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) result from abnormal growth of vascular structures. AVMs pose a significant rupture risk, and its treatment is challenging due to the complex hemodynamics within the tangled nidus. Currently, investigating AVM hemodynamics remains a challenge due to the low resolution of clinical imaging modalities. In this study, a high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a brain AVM from a KRAS-mutated mouse model is developed from micro-CT images. Brain AVMs were induced in mice through systemic delivery of AAV-BR1-CAG vector encoding KRASG12V-GFP transgene to cerebral endothelial cells. High-resolution microCT imaging at 6.551 𝜇𝑚 pixel size captured the complex vascular anatomy. The cerebral arteries were reconstructed using the 3D Slicer and Blender software. The curvilinear immersed boundary (CURVIB) method was employed with approximately 65 million grid points and spatial resolution of 0.7−2.3 𝜇𝑚. Our preliminary results reveal heterogeneous flow distribution through the nidus, with blood channeling through two primary pathways. The extremely low Reynolds number (0.038) indicates viscous-dominated flow characteristic of microcirculation. Our work presents the first high-resolution CFD simulation of brain AVM in the literature, providing a foundation for investigating flow-mediated vascular remodeling, rupture risk assessment, and therapeutic intervention planning in future.

Background The middle meningeal artery (MMA) has emerged as an endovascular route for treating chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), meningioma, and refractory headaches. The third ARISE roundtable convened experts from neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, industry, and regulatory agencies to develop consensus guidance on current evidence for MMA-based therapies Methods Over 50 experts participated in a multi-stakeholder discussion. Evidence from randomized and observational studies, early-phase interventional series, and preclinical work was reviewed. Breakout groups focused on four domains: (1) MMA embolization (MMAE) for CSDH, (2) preoperative embolization of meningiomas, (3) MMA-targeted therapies for headache, and (4) transvascular access for endovascular drainage of subdural hematomas. Consensus recommendations were developed by a writing committee Results Randomized trials support MMAE as an adjunct to surgery or medical management for selected patients with non-acute, symptomatic CSDH to reduce recurrence, progression, and reoperation. Evidence remains insufficient to support MMAE for acute or asymptomatic subdural hematomas. For meningioma, observational data suggest that preoperative embolization in experienced centers can reduce blood loss and operative time and may delay recurrence in large, hypervascular tumors with predominant dural or external carotid supply; primary embolization and intra-arterial oncologic therapies remain investigational. Early series of MMA-directed lidocaine infusion for refractory migraine, status migrainosus, and post-subarachnoid hemorrhage headache show short-term benefit, highlighting the need for controlled trials. Preclinical and first-in-human studies of combined MMAE and transvascular drainage for CSDH demonstrate high technical success, rapid radiographic and clinical improvement, and no early recurrences Conclusion The MMA represents a vascular pathway for an expanding spectrum of neurointerventional therapies.

Background Large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is associated with a high risk of permanent disability. There are no reliable tools providing periprocedural information on clot characteristics, such as composition and length, that may impact first pass effect, which has been shown to improve functional outcomes. In the first study of a novel technology, we evaluated whether the Clotild Smart Guidewire System (Clotild), an impedance-based device, can provide in situ information on clot characteristics during a mechanical thrombectomy procedure. Methods This is the first-in-human, international, multicentric, single-arm trial involving LVO stroke patients. Of 45 enrolled subjects, 41 constituted the safety population; 39 was the per protocol population, of which 26 subjects with complete impedance data comprised the performance population. The latter was divided into development (11 subjects) and validation (15 subjects) populations for prediction model development and assessment. The safety endpoint assessed Clotild-related intracranial vessel perforation/dissection. Performance endpoints evaluated Clotild’s ability to perform classification of impedance measurements distinguishing substantial versus negligible local content in red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets, to detect the arterial wall and the distal end of the clot. Results The safety endpoint was met in all subjects. Performance analysis comparing the agreement between Clotild’s output and impedance experts’ readings showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99) for RBC, and 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.98) for platelet clot composition. Regarding detection, Clotild’s performance showed an AUC of 0.69 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.77) for the arterial wall, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.00) for the distal end of the clot. Conclusions Clotild was proven safe to acquire impedance data and to provide information on in situ clot characteristics in large vessel occlusions.

Background Animal models are essential for evaluating endovascular device safety and efficacy. Rats offer advantages, such as genetic manipulability, lower cost, and shorter healing and breeding cycles, compared to large animals. These features support studying aneurysm healing mechanisms and enable high-throughput testing. We developed an optimal rat aneurysm model for device evaluation. Methods Saccular aneurysms were created at the origins of the left renal artery (LRA) with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (LRA/ASA group, n = 7); the right common iliac artery (RCIA) with ASA alone (RCIA/ASA group, n = 6) or ASA plus clopidogrel (CLP) (RCIA/ASA + CLP group, n = 7); and the left common iliac artery (LCIA) with ASA + CLP (LCIA/ASA + CLP group, n = 7). The origins of these arteries were surgically exposed. During temporary ligation of the vessel origin, the vessel was bisected and endoluminal elastase was incubated in the proximal stump for 10 min, followed by release of the proximal ligation and permanent ligation of the stump. Angiographical and histological analysis were performed 4 weeks post-procedure. Results Follow-up digital subtraction angiography revealed mean ± standard deviation aneurysm height/neck dimensions of 1.2 ± 0.4/1.2 ± 0.1, 2.9/3.1, 2.3 ± 0.6/1.9 ± 0.3, and 2.1 ± 0.6/2.0 ± 0.4 mm for the LRA/ASA, RCIA/ASA, RCIA/ASA + CLP, and LCIA/ASA + CLP groups, respectively. The survival rate was 29%, 17%, 71%, and 86% in the LRA/ASA, RCIA/ASA, RCIA/ASA + CLP, and LCIA/ASA + CLP groups, respectively. Histopathological analysis of these aneurysms confirmed the absence of the internal elastic lamina and revealed aneurysmal changes in the arterial wall, resembling the pathological findings observed in human aneurysm specimens. Conclusions Common iliac aneurysm models with ASA + CLP can be used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular devices.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a well-established treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, its role in cervical artery dissection-related (CeAD) LVO remains debated due to anatomical complexities and procedural challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of MT in patients with AIS due to CeAD-related LVO compared with other AIS etiologies. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception to March 2025. Comparative observational studies evaluating the use of MT in adult patients with AIS due to LVO were included, specifically those comparing outcomes in patients with CeAD versus non-CeAD etiologies. Results MT for CeAD-related AIS showed no statistically significant difference in successful recanalization compared with non-CeAD cases (OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.04), P=0.10). However, patients with CeAD-related AIS had significantly higher rates of 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) (OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.55 to 3.05), P<0.01) and lower 90-day mortality (OR 0.34 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.53), P<0.01). Rates of distal embolization (OR 1.60 (95% CI 0.69 to 3.70), P=0.27), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.38), P=0.49), or iatrogenic dissection (OR 1.58 (95% CI 0.59 to 4.22), P=0.36) did not differ significantly between patient groups. Conclusions MT in patients with CeAD-related LVO is safe, effective, and associated with improved functional outcomes and lower mortality compared with patients with non-CeAD acute ischemic causes.

Background For large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic strokes, three major techniques of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have demonstrated efficacy. Here we compare the safety and efficacy of stent retrievers (SR), contact aspiration (Asp), and a combined mechanical thrombectomy (cMT) for LVO ischemic stroke. Methods Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we queried the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published prior to December 2024 describing patients with ischemic stroke who underwent MT using SR, Asp, or cMT. Results Twnety-four studies comprising a total of 12 845 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with cMT, Asp was associated with a lower rate of first pass effect (FPE) (risk ratio (RR) 0.67; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.96), shorter procedure duration (mean difference (MD) −13.35 min; 95% CI −20.83 to –5.87), and lower risk of arterial dissection (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.87). Additionally, SR use was linked to a higher procedure duration compared with Asp (MD 13.39 min; 95% CI 5.55 to 21.22) and a lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96). No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of number of passes, successful recanalization, 90-day functional outcomes, mortality, arterial perforation, or embolization to new territory. Conclusions All three techniques demonstrated similar recanalization rates and functional outcomes. However, Asp was associated with shorter procedure times and fewer arterial dissection complications, while cMT showed a higher FPE. Given the comparable overall efficacy, the choice of technique should be guided by the physician’s preference, expertise, and confidence, tailored to the individual patient’s profile.

OBJECTIVE Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are rare but potentially devastating cerebrovascular lesions. Activating KRAS mutations are common in sporadic bAVMs, but their clinical implications remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel therapeutic strategy for hemorrhagic bAVMs based on dual inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways using an engineered mouse model with a titratable KRAS G12V - GFP transgene. METHODS The AAV-BR1-CAG vector was used to deliver a KRAS G12V - GFP transgene specifically to cerebral endothelial cells. Mice received 5 × 10 7 to 5 × 10 10 genome copies of the vector, and bAVM formation, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and overall survival were assessed. Mice with established hemorrhagic bAVMs were subsequently treated with trametinib (MEK inhibitor) or RMC-7977 (RAS inhibitor), with or without an anti–mouse VEGF antibody, starting 4 weeks after viral delivery. Overall survival was assessed. RESULTS Selective overexpression of KRAS G12V - GFP in cerebral endothelial cells led to the formation of bAVMs in a dose-dependent manner. Mice that received the highest transgene dose developed significantly more bAVMs, exhibited a higher ICH burden, and had worse overall survival compared with those that received lower transgene doses. In mice receiving the highest transgene dose, trametinib alone modestly improved the median overall survival (8.4 weeks vs 6.4 weeks, p = 0.049), while single-agent RMC-7977 showed no significant benefit. Anti-VEGF therapy alone reduced survival (6.9 weeks vs 9.6 weeks, p = 0.044). However, combination therapy with trametinib or RMC-7977 and anti-VEGF antibody significantly prolonged survival, with the most pronounced benefit seen in the RMC-7977 plus anti-VEGF group (13.1 weeks vs 6.7 weeks in controls, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, in addition to promoting bAVM formation, KRAS mutations in cerebral endothelial cells might be causally implicated in bAVM rupture. Additionally, concomitant inhibition of the MAPK and VEGF pathways could be a promising novel therapeutic strategy for KRAS -mutated bAVMs.