Robert Starke | University of Miami (original) (raw)

Papers by Robert Starke

Research paper thumbnail of Letter: Inverse Trends in Rates of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and Mortality in Subdural Hematoma in the United States

Research paper thumbnail of Lower complication rates associated with transradial versus transfemoral flow diverting stent placement

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, 2020

BackgroundCurrently, there are no large-scale studies in the neurointerventional literature compa... more BackgroundCurrently, there are no large-scale studies in the neurointerventional literature comparing safety between transradial (TRA) and transfemoral (TFA) approaches for flow diversion procedures. This study aims to assess complication rates in a large multicenter registry for TRA versus TFA flow diversion.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed flow diversion cases for cerebral aneurysms from 14 institutions from 2010 to 2019. Pooled analysis of proportions was calculated using weighted analysis with 95% CI to account for results from multiple centers. Access site complication rate and overall complication rate were compared between the two approaches.ResultsA total of 2,285 patients who underwent flow diversion were analyzed, with 134 (5.86%) treated with TRA and 2151 (94.14%) via TFA. The two groups shared similar patient and aneurysm characteristics. Crossover from TRA to TFA was documented in 12 (8.63%) patients. There were no access site complications in the TRA group. There was...

Research paper thumbnail of Iatrogenic Direct Carotid-cavernous Fistula Following Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Research paper thumbnail of In vivo cerebral aneurysm models

Neurosurgical Focus, 2019

Cerebral aneurysm rupture is a devastating event resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage and is asso... more Cerebral aneurysm rupture is a devastating event resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage and is associated with significant morbidity and death. Up to 50% of individuals do not survive aneurysm rupture, with the majority of survivors suffering some degree of neurological deficit. Therefore, prior to aneurysm rupture, a large number of diagnosed patients are treated either microsurgically via clipping or endovascularly to prevent aneurysm filling. With the advancement of endovascular surgical techniques and devices, endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms is becoming the first-line therapy at many hospitals. Despite this fact, a large number of endovascularly treated patients will have aneurysm recanalization and progression and will require retreatment. The lack of approved pharmacological interventions for cerebral aneurysms and the need for retreatment have led to a growing interest in understanding the molecular, cellular, and physiological determinants of cerebral aneurysm pat...

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the supratentorial cerebral arteriovenous malformation video supplement

Neurosurgical focus, 2017

It is with great pleasure that we present this Neurosurgical Focus video supplement on supratento... more It is with great pleasure that we present this Neurosurgical Focus video supplement on supratentorial cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We were privileged to view a remarkable number of outstanding videos demonstrating current state-of-the-art management of brain AVMs using endovascular and microsurgical modalities. Careful and critical review was required to narrow down the submitted videos to a workable volume for this supplement, which reflects the excellent work being done at multiple centers with these lesions. This issue consists of videos that represent modern microsurgical and neuroendovascular techniques for the treatment of supratentorial cerebral AVMs. The videos demonstrate cutting-edge therapies as well as standard ones, which will be valuable to both novice and expert neurointerventionists and neurosurgeons. We are honored to be involved with this project and proud of its content and expert authors. We believe you will enjoy the video content of this supplem...

Research paper thumbnail of Double-barrel Y-configuration Stenting for Flow Diversion of a Giant Recurrent Basilar Apex Aneurysm with the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device

Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 2016

Giant basilar apex aneurysms are extremely challenging to successfully manage. The Pipeline Flex ... more Giant basilar apex aneurysms are extremely challenging to successfully manage. The Pipeline Flex embolization device (PFED) is a new generation flow-diverting stent with a modified delivery system which allows resheathing of the stent after partial deployment. We describe a case of double-barrel Y-configuration stenting of a giant, recurrent basilar apex aneurysm using the PFED. A 73-year-old male was previously treated for an unruptured 11-mm basilar apex aneurysm with stent-assisted coiling using a Neuroform stent. The aneurysm was retreated twice with repeat coiling. After the third recurrence and persistent aneurysm growth into a giant, symptomatic lesion, we decided to proceed with flow diversion. We performed Y-stenting of the basilar bifurcation using three PFEDs, and was recoiled the aneurysm sac. Due to the low porosity of the flow diverters, a side-by-side double-barrel configuration was necessary in the basilar artery. Without the PFED's resheathable capability, it wo...

Research paper thumbnail of Pericardium Covered Stent Graft for Endovascular Treatment of a Traumatic Carotid-cavernous Fistula

Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Surgical Approaches for Symptomatic Cerebral Cavernous Malformations of the Thalamus and Brainstem

Journal of cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, 2017

Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associate... more Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associated with significant operative morbidity, but it may be outweighed, in some cases, by the neurological damage from recurrent hemorrhage in these eloquent areas. The goals of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical nuances of surgical approaches and determine the postoperative outcomes for CCMs of the thalamus and brainstem. We reviewed an institutional database of patients harboring thalamic or brainstem CCMs, who underwent surgical resection from 2010 to 2014. The baseline and follow-up neuroimaging and clinical findings of each patient and the operative details of each case were evaluated. A total of eight patients, including two with thalamic and six with brainstem CCMs, were included in the study cohort. All patients had progressive neurological deterioration from recurrent CCM hemorrhage, and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 3. The media...

Research paper thumbnail of Radiosurgery for Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: An International Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Neurosurgery, Jan 20, 2017

The role of intervention in the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) ... more The role of intervention in the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is controversial. To analyze in a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, the outcomes following radiosurgery for unruptured AVMs and determine predictive factors. We evaluated and pooled AVM radiosurgery data from 8 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients with unruptured AVMs and ≥12 mo of follow-up were included in the study cohort. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no postradiosurgical hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes. The unruptured AVM cohort comprised 938 patients with a median age of 35 yr. The median nidus volume was 2.4 cm 3 , 71% of AVMs were located in eloquent brain areas, and the Spetzler-Martin grade was III or higher in 57%. The median radiosurgical margin dose was 21 Gy and follow-up was 71 mo. AVM obliteration was achieved in 65%. The annual postradiosurgery hemorrhage...

Research paper thumbnail of Transradial approach for mechanical thrombectomy in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion

Neurosurgical focus, 2017

OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to describe the authors' recent institutional experien... more OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to describe the authors' recent institutional experience with the transradial approach to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusions (LVOs) in acute ischemic stroke patients and to report its technical feasibility. METHODS The authors reviewed their institutional database to identify patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy via a transradial approach over the 2 previous years, encompassing their experience using modern techniques including stent retrievers. RESULTS Eleven patients were identified. In 8 (72%) of these patients the right radial artery was chosen as the primary access site. In the remaining patients, transfemoral access was initially attempted. Revascularization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] score ≥ 2b) was achieved in 10 (91%) of 11 cases. The average time to first pass with the stent retriever was 64 minutes. No access-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Transradial access for mechanical th...

Research paper thumbnail of Prehospital care delivery and triage of stroke with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO): report of the Standards and Guidelines Committee of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery

Journal of neurointerventional surgery, Aug 5, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebellar arteriovenous malformations: an international multicenter study

Journal of neurosurgery, Jan 30, 2016

OBJECTIVE Cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent the majority of infratentorial ... more OBJECTIVE Cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent the majority of infratentorial AVMs and frequently have a hemorrhagic presentation. In this multicenter study, the authors review outcomes of cerebellar AVMs after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS Eight medical centers contributed data from 162 patients with cerebellar AVMs managed with SRS. Of these patients, 65% presented with hemorrhage. The median maximal nidus diameter was 2 cm. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration and no posttreatment hemorrhage or permanent radiation-induced complications (RICs). Patients were followed clinically and radiographically, with a median follow-up of 60 months (range 7-325 months). RESULTS The overall actuarial rates of obliteration at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years were 38.3%, 74.2%, 81.4%, and 86.1%, respectively, after single-session SRS. Obliteration and a favorable outcome were more likely to be achieved in patients treated with a margin dose greater than 18 Gy (p &l...

Research paper thumbnail of Early versus late arteriovenous malformation responders after stereotactic radiosurgery: an international multicenter study

Journal of neurosurgery, Jan 23, 2016

OBJECTIVE The goal of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is com... more OBJECTIVE The goal of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is complete nidus obliteration, thereby eliminating the risk of future hemorrhage. This outcome can be observed within the first 18 months, although documentation of AVM obliteration can extend to as much as 5 years after SRS is performed. A shorter time to obliteration may impact the frequency and effect of post-SRS complications and latency hemorrhage. The authors' goal in the present study was to determine predictors of early obliteration (18 months or less) following SRS for cerebral AVM. METHODS Eight centers participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) obtained institutional review board approval to supply de-identified patient data. From a cohort of 2231 patients, a total of 1398 patients had confirmed AVM obliteration. Patients were sorted into early responders (198 patients), defined as those with confirmed nidus obliteration at or prior to 18 months ...

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence That a Subset of Aneurysms Less Than 7 mm Warrant Treatment

Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 10, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Patency of the posterior communicating artery following treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device

Journal of Neurosurgery, 2017

OBJECTIVE The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has become an effective treatment strategy for s... more OBJECTIVE The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has become an effective treatment strategy for some cerebral aneurysms. Concerns regarding the patency of branch arteries have been raised. The objective of this study was to assess the patency of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) following treatment of PCoA aneurysms using the PED. METHODS All patients with PCoA aneurysms treated with the PED who had angiographic follow-up were retrospectively identified. The patency of the PCoA at follow-up was evaluated by 2 authors who were not involved in the intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the following: 1) PCoA patency versus no or diminished flow, and 2) PCoA patency and diminished flow versus PCoA occlusion. RESULTS Thirty patients with an angiographic follow-up of 6 months were included. Aneurysm obliteration was achieved in 25 patients (83.3%). The PCoA was patent in 7 patients (23.3%), had diminished flow in 7 pa...

Research paper thumbnail of Failure of the Pipeline Embolization Device in Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms Associated with a Fetal Posterior Cerebral Artery

Case Reports in Vascular Medicine, 2016

The pipeline embolization device has emerged as an important endovascular option. This is in part... more The pipeline embolization device has emerged as an important endovascular option. This is in part due to safety, efficacy, and possibly the ability to shorten the operative time considerably. With this new technology, some limitations are emerging as experience accumulates. We report three cases of posterior communicating (PCOM) artery aneurysms associated with fetal posterior cerebral artery where pipeline embolization was unsuccessful in obliterating the aneurysms. PCOM artery aneurysms associated with a fetal PCA should be managed either by microsurgical clipping or coiling when feasible.

Research paper thumbnail of Using a Machine Learning Approach to Predict Outcomes after Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Scientific reports, Jan 9, 2016

Predictions of patient outcomes after a given therapy are fundamental to medical practice. We emp... more Predictions of patient outcomes after a given therapy are fundamental to medical practice. We employ a machine learning approach towards predicting the outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Using three prospective databases, a machine learning approach of feature engineering and model optimization was implemented to create the most accurate predictor of AVM outcomes. Existing prognostic systems were scored for purposes of comparison. The final predictor was secondarily validated on an independent site's dataset not utilized for initial construction. Out of 1,810 patients, 1,674 to 1,291 patients depending upon time threshold, with 23 features were included for analysis and divided into training and validation sets. The best predictor had an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 compared to existing clinical systems of 0.63 across all time points. On the heldout dataset, the predictor had an accuracy of around 0.74 at acros...

Research paper thumbnail of Neurovascular Disorders: Novel Perspectives on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

BioMed Research International, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Endovascular vs medical management of acute ischemic stroke

Neurology, Jan 4, 2015

To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in r... more To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT). A systematic literature review was performed, and multicenter, prospective RCTs published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, directly comparing endovascular therapy to medical management for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Meta-analyses of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for endovascular therapy and medical management were performed. Eight multicenter, prospective RCTs (Interventional Management of Stroke [IMS] III, Local Versus Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke [SYNTHESIS] Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy [MR RESCUE], Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands [MR CLEAN], Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmona...

Research paper thumbnail of Standard and Guidelines: Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Shunts

Journal of neurointerventional surgery, May 27, 2015

Intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts (DAVS), also known as dural arteriovenous fistulas or dur... more Intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts (DAVS), also known as dural arteriovenous fistulas or dural arteriovenous malformations, are abnormal connections between dural (and occasionally pial) arteries and the veno vasora within the dura mater, comprising the walls of the dural sinuses, the leptomeningeal (bridging) veins, or the transosseous emissary veins within or adjacent to the dura mater. DAVS are rare, accounting for about 5–15% of intracranial vascular malformations.1 ,2 Although incompletely understood, DAVS are thought to be acquired lesions3 resulting from dural sinus or cortical venous thrombosis, possibly precipitated by hormonal changes, hypercoagulability states, trauma, or a combination of these factors.4–6 The clinical implications of intracranial DAVS are directly associated with its venous drainage pattern. For example, intracranial DAVS can cause either intracranial hemorrhages or non-hemorrhagic neurologic events such as regional or global venous congestive encephalopathy. The aims of this document are (1) to review existing knowledge about the natural history, diagnostic methodology, and treatment modalities/techniques for DAVS; and (2) to provide recommendations on management strategies for intracranial DAVS using evidence-based medicine approaches when possible but, of necessity, relying frequently on expert opinion concerning this rare disease. Recommendations follow the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Classification of Recommendation/Level of Evidence (COR/LOE) and the definition of classes and levels of evidence used in the AHA/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) recommendations (tables 1 and 2). View this table: Table 1 ACC/AHA Classification of Recommendations and Level of Evidence (COR/LOE) View this table: Table 2 Definition of classes and levels of evidence used in AHA/ASA recommendations Given the rarity of DAVS and the challenge of diagnosing them with non-invasive tools, the natural history of intracranial DAVS is not completely understood. There are few data on the progressive enlarge of DAVS over time with respect to recruitment or enlargement of arterial feeders or appearance of de novo fistulas over time. …

Research paper thumbnail of Letter: Inverse Trends in Rates of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and Mortality in Subdural Hematoma in the United States

Research paper thumbnail of Lower complication rates associated with transradial versus transfemoral flow diverting stent placement

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, 2020

BackgroundCurrently, there are no large-scale studies in the neurointerventional literature compa... more BackgroundCurrently, there are no large-scale studies in the neurointerventional literature comparing safety between transradial (TRA) and transfemoral (TFA) approaches for flow diversion procedures. This study aims to assess complication rates in a large multicenter registry for TRA versus TFA flow diversion.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed flow diversion cases for cerebral aneurysms from 14 institutions from 2010 to 2019. Pooled analysis of proportions was calculated using weighted analysis with 95% CI to account for results from multiple centers. Access site complication rate and overall complication rate were compared between the two approaches.ResultsA total of 2,285 patients who underwent flow diversion were analyzed, with 134 (5.86%) treated with TRA and 2151 (94.14%) via TFA. The two groups shared similar patient and aneurysm characteristics. Crossover from TRA to TFA was documented in 12 (8.63%) patients. There were no access site complications in the TRA group. There was...

Research paper thumbnail of Iatrogenic Direct Carotid-cavernous Fistula Following Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Research paper thumbnail of In vivo cerebral aneurysm models

Neurosurgical Focus, 2019

Cerebral aneurysm rupture is a devastating event resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage and is asso... more Cerebral aneurysm rupture is a devastating event resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage and is associated with significant morbidity and death. Up to 50% of individuals do not survive aneurysm rupture, with the majority of survivors suffering some degree of neurological deficit. Therefore, prior to aneurysm rupture, a large number of diagnosed patients are treated either microsurgically via clipping or endovascularly to prevent aneurysm filling. With the advancement of endovascular surgical techniques and devices, endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms is becoming the first-line therapy at many hospitals. Despite this fact, a large number of endovascularly treated patients will have aneurysm recanalization and progression and will require retreatment. The lack of approved pharmacological interventions for cerebral aneurysms and the need for retreatment have led to a growing interest in understanding the molecular, cellular, and physiological determinants of cerebral aneurysm pat...

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the supratentorial cerebral arteriovenous malformation video supplement

Neurosurgical focus, 2017

It is with great pleasure that we present this Neurosurgical Focus video supplement on supratento... more It is with great pleasure that we present this Neurosurgical Focus video supplement on supratentorial cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We were privileged to view a remarkable number of outstanding videos demonstrating current state-of-the-art management of brain AVMs using endovascular and microsurgical modalities. Careful and critical review was required to narrow down the submitted videos to a workable volume for this supplement, which reflects the excellent work being done at multiple centers with these lesions. This issue consists of videos that represent modern microsurgical and neuroendovascular techniques for the treatment of supratentorial cerebral AVMs. The videos demonstrate cutting-edge therapies as well as standard ones, which will be valuable to both novice and expert neurointerventionists and neurosurgeons. We are honored to be involved with this project and proud of its content and expert authors. We believe you will enjoy the video content of this supplem...

Research paper thumbnail of Double-barrel Y-configuration Stenting for Flow Diversion of a Giant Recurrent Basilar Apex Aneurysm with the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device

Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 2016

Giant basilar apex aneurysms are extremely challenging to successfully manage. The Pipeline Flex ... more Giant basilar apex aneurysms are extremely challenging to successfully manage. The Pipeline Flex embolization device (PFED) is a new generation flow-diverting stent with a modified delivery system which allows resheathing of the stent after partial deployment. We describe a case of double-barrel Y-configuration stenting of a giant, recurrent basilar apex aneurysm using the PFED. A 73-year-old male was previously treated for an unruptured 11-mm basilar apex aneurysm with stent-assisted coiling using a Neuroform stent. The aneurysm was retreated twice with repeat coiling. After the third recurrence and persistent aneurysm growth into a giant, symptomatic lesion, we decided to proceed with flow diversion. We performed Y-stenting of the basilar bifurcation using three PFEDs, and was recoiled the aneurysm sac. Due to the low porosity of the flow diverters, a side-by-side double-barrel configuration was necessary in the basilar artery. Without the PFED's resheathable capability, it wo...

Research paper thumbnail of Pericardium Covered Stent Graft for Endovascular Treatment of a Traumatic Carotid-cavernous Fistula

Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Surgical Approaches for Symptomatic Cerebral Cavernous Malformations of the Thalamus and Brainstem

Journal of cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, 2017

Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associate... more Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associated with significant operative morbidity, but it may be outweighed, in some cases, by the neurological damage from recurrent hemorrhage in these eloquent areas. The goals of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical nuances of surgical approaches and determine the postoperative outcomes for CCMs of the thalamus and brainstem. We reviewed an institutional database of patients harboring thalamic or brainstem CCMs, who underwent surgical resection from 2010 to 2014. The baseline and follow-up neuroimaging and clinical findings of each patient and the operative details of each case were evaluated. A total of eight patients, including two with thalamic and six with brainstem CCMs, were included in the study cohort. All patients had progressive neurological deterioration from recurrent CCM hemorrhage, and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 3. The media...

Research paper thumbnail of Radiosurgery for Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: An International Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Neurosurgery, Jan 20, 2017

The role of intervention in the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) ... more The role of intervention in the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is controversial. To analyze in a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, the outcomes following radiosurgery for unruptured AVMs and determine predictive factors. We evaluated and pooled AVM radiosurgery data from 8 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation. Patients with unruptured AVMs and ≥12 mo of follow-up were included in the study cohort. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no postradiosurgical hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes. The unruptured AVM cohort comprised 938 patients with a median age of 35 yr. The median nidus volume was 2.4 cm 3 , 71% of AVMs were located in eloquent brain areas, and the Spetzler-Martin grade was III or higher in 57%. The median radiosurgical margin dose was 21 Gy and follow-up was 71 mo. AVM obliteration was achieved in 65%. The annual postradiosurgery hemorrhage...

Research paper thumbnail of Transradial approach for mechanical thrombectomy in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion

Neurosurgical focus, 2017

OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to describe the authors' recent institutional experien... more OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to describe the authors' recent institutional experience with the transradial approach to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusions (LVOs) in acute ischemic stroke patients and to report its technical feasibility. METHODS The authors reviewed their institutional database to identify patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy via a transradial approach over the 2 previous years, encompassing their experience using modern techniques including stent retrievers. RESULTS Eleven patients were identified. In 8 (72%) of these patients the right radial artery was chosen as the primary access site. In the remaining patients, transfemoral access was initially attempted. Revascularization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] score ≥ 2b) was achieved in 10 (91%) of 11 cases. The average time to first pass with the stent retriever was 64 minutes. No access-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Transradial access for mechanical th...

Research paper thumbnail of Prehospital care delivery and triage of stroke with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO): report of the Standards and Guidelines Committee of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery

Journal of neurointerventional surgery, Aug 5, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebellar arteriovenous malformations: an international multicenter study

Journal of neurosurgery, Jan 30, 2016

OBJECTIVE Cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent the majority of infratentorial ... more OBJECTIVE Cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent the majority of infratentorial AVMs and frequently have a hemorrhagic presentation. In this multicenter study, the authors review outcomes of cerebellar AVMs after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS Eight medical centers contributed data from 162 patients with cerebellar AVMs managed with SRS. Of these patients, 65% presented with hemorrhage. The median maximal nidus diameter was 2 cm. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration and no posttreatment hemorrhage or permanent radiation-induced complications (RICs). Patients were followed clinically and radiographically, with a median follow-up of 60 months (range 7-325 months). RESULTS The overall actuarial rates of obliteration at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years were 38.3%, 74.2%, 81.4%, and 86.1%, respectively, after single-session SRS. Obliteration and a favorable outcome were more likely to be achieved in patients treated with a margin dose greater than 18 Gy (p &l...

Research paper thumbnail of Early versus late arteriovenous malformation responders after stereotactic radiosurgery: an international multicenter study

Journal of neurosurgery, Jan 23, 2016

OBJECTIVE The goal of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is com... more OBJECTIVE The goal of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is complete nidus obliteration, thereby eliminating the risk of future hemorrhage. This outcome can be observed within the first 18 months, although documentation of AVM obliteration can extend to as much as 5 years after SRS is performed. A shorter time to obliteration may impact the frequency and effect of post-SRS complications and latency hemorrhage. The authors' goal in the present study was to determine predictors of early obliteration (18 months or less) following SRS for cerebral AVM. METHODS Eight centers participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) obtained institutional review board approval to supply de-identified patient data. From a cohort of 2231 patients, a total of 1398 patients had confirmed AVM obliteration. Patients were sorted into early responders (198 patients), defined as those with confirmed nidus obliteration at or prior to 18 months ...

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence That a Subset of Aneurysms Less Than 7 mm Warrant Treatment

Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 10, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Patency of the posterior communicating artery following treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device

Journal of Neurosurgery, 2017

OBJECTIVE The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has become an effective treatment strategy for s... more OBJECTIVE The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has become an effective treatment strategy for some cerebral aneurysms. Concerns regarding the patency of branch arteries have been raised. The objective of this study was to assess the patency of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) following treatment of PCoA aneurysms using the PED. METHODS All patients with PCoA aneurysms treated with the PED who had angiographic follow-up were retrospectively identified. The patency of the PCoA at follow-up was evaluated by 2 authors who were not involved in the intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the following: 1) PCoA patency versus no or diminished flow, and 2) PCoA patency and diminished flow versus PCoA occlusion. RESULTS Thirty patients with an angiographic follow-up of 6 months were included. Aneurysm obliteration was achieved in 25 patients (83.3%). The PCoA was patent in 7 patients (23.3%), had diminished flow in 7 pa...

Research paper thumbnail of Failure of the Pipeline Embolization Device in Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms Associated with a Fetal Posterior Cerebral Artery

Case Reports in Vascular Medicine, 2016

The pipeline embolization device has emerged as an important endovascular option. This is in part... more The pipeline embolization device has emerged as an important endovascular option. This is in part due to safety, efficacy, and possibly the ability to shorten the operative time considerably. With this new technology, some limitations are emerging as experience accumulates. We report three cases of posterior communicating (PCOM) artery aneurysms associated with fetal posterior cerebral artery where pipeline embolization was unsuccessful in obliterating the aneurysms. PCOM artery aneurysms associated with a fetal PCA should be managed either by microsurgical clipping or coiling when feasible.

Research paper thumbnail of Using a Machine Learning Approach to Predict Outcomes after Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Scientific reports, Jan 9, 2016

Predictions of patient outcomes after a given therapy are fundamental to medical practice. We emp... more Predictions of patient outcomes after a given therapy are fundamental to medical practice. We employ a machine learning approach towards predicting the outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Using three prospective databases, a machine learning approach of feature engineering and model optimization was implemented to create the most accurate predictor of AVM outcomes. Existing prognostic systems were scored for purposes of comparison. The final predictor was secondarily validated on an independent site's dataset not utilized for initial construction. Out of 1,810 patients, 1,674 to 1,291 patients depending upon time threshold, with 23 features were included for analysis and divided into training and validation sets. The best predictor had an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 compared to existing clinical systems of 0.63 across all time points. On the heldout dataset, the predictor had an accuracy of around 0.74 at acros...

Research paper thumbnail of Neurovascular Disorders: Novel Perspectives on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

BioMed Research International, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Endovascular vs medical management of acute ischemic stroke

Neurology, Jan 4, 2015

To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in r... more To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT). A systematic literature review was performed, and multicenter, prospective RCTs published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, directly comparing endovascular therapy to medical management for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Meta-analyses of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for endovascular therapy and medical management were performed. Eight multicenter, prospective RCTs (Interventional Management of Stroke [IMS] III, Local Versus Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke [SYNTHESIS] Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy [MR RESCUE], Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands [MR CLEAN], Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmona...

Research paper thumbnail of Standard and Guidelines: Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Shunts

Journal of neurointerventional surgery, May 27, 2015

Intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts (DAVS), also known as dural arteriovenous fistulas or dur... more Intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts (DAVS), also known as dural arteriovenous fistulas or dural arteriovenous malformations, are abnormal connections between dural (and occasionally pial) arteries and the veno vasora within the dura mater, comprising the walls of the dural sinuses, the leptomeningeal (bridging) veins, or the transosseous emissary veins within or adjacent to the dura mater. DAVS are rare, accounting for about 5–15% of intracranial vascular malformations.1 ,2 Although incompletely understood, DAVS are thought to be acquired lesions3 resulting from dural sinus or cortical venous thrombosis, possibly precipitated by hormonal changes, hypercoagulability states, trauma, or a combination of these factors.4–6 The clinical implications of intracranial DAVS are directly associated with its venous drainage pattern. For example, intracranial DAVS can cause either intracranial hemorrhages or non-hemorrhagic neurologic events such as regional or global venous congestive encephalopathy. The aims of this document are (1) to review existing knowledge about the natural history, diagnostic methodology, and treatment modalities/techniques for DAVS; and (2) to provide recommendations on management strategies for intracranial DAVS using evidence-based medicine approaches when possible but, of necessity, relying frequently on expert opinion concerning this rare disease. Recommendations follow the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Classification of Recommendation/Level of Evidence (COR/LOE) and the definition of classes and levels of evidence used in the AHA/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) recommendations (tables 1 and 2). View this table: Table 1 ACC/AHA Classification of Recommendations and Level of Evidence (COR/LOE) View this table: Table 2 Definition of classes and levels of evidence used in AHA/ASA recommendations Given the rarity of DAVS and the challenge of diagnosing them with non-invasive tools, the natural history of intracranial DAVS is not completely understood. There are few data on the progressive enlarge of DAVS over time with respect to recruitment or enlargement of arterial feeders or appearance of de novo fistulas over time. …