Incidence of microemboli and correlation with platelet inhibition in aneurysmal flow diversion

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2013 Dec;34(12):2321-5. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3627. Epub 2013 Jun 27.

Abstract

Flow-diverting stents have been associated with embolic and hemorrhagic complications, but the rate of procedure-related microemboli is unknown. Using transcranial Doppler sonography, we measured the rate of microemboli in 23 patients treated with flow-diverting stents. Patients received preprocedural dual antiplatelet medications and intraprocedural heparinization. Point-of-care platelet reactivity testing was performed before the procedure, and nonresponders (>213 P2Y12/ADP receptor reactivity units) received additional thienopyridine. Transcranial Doppler sonography was performed within 12-24 hours. Microemboli were detected in 3 patients (13%), 2 of whom were initially nonresponders. There was no association between the presence of microemboli and procedural or neurologic complications, aneurysm size, number of stents, or procedure time. Eight procedures (34.8%) required additional thienopyridine for inadequate platelet inhibition, and 3 required further treatment for persistent nonresponse to point-of-care platelet reactivity testing. There were 6 technical and 2 postoperative complications; none were associated with inadequate platelet inhibition or microemboli. The combination of routine point-of-care platelet reactivity testing and postprocedural microembolic monitoring may help identify patients at risk for thromboembolic complications after flow-diverting stents.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Embolism / etiology*
  • Intracranial Embolism / prevention & control*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Stents / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors