In this series, device-assisted endovascular techniques were a relatively safe and effective method of treatment of pediatric aneurysms. However, continued follow-up is required after treatment, because there are unsolved issues regarding the durability of flow-diverters and stents.

BackgroundThis survey was focused on the provision of neurointerventional services, the current practices of managing patients under COVID-19 conditions, and the expectations for the future.MethodsInvitations for this survey were sent out as a collaborative effort of the European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT), the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), the Sociedad Iberolatinoamericana de Neuroradiologia Diagnostica y Terapeutica (SILAN), the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN), and the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN).ResultsOverall, 475 participants from 61 countries responded (six from Africa (1%), 81 from Asia (17%), 156 from Europe (33%), 53 from Latin America (11%), and 172 from North America (11%)). The majority of participants (96%) reported being able to provide emergency services, though 26% of these reported limited resources. A decrease in emergency procedures was reported by 69% of participants (52% in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, 11% ischemic, and 6% hemorrhagic stroke alone). Only 4% reported an increase in emergency cases. The emerging need for social distancing and the rapid adoption of remote communication was reflected in the interest in establishing case discussion forums (43%), general online forums (37%), and access to angio video streaming for live mentoring and support (33%).ConclusionNeurointerventional emergency services are available in almost all centers, while the number of emergency patients is markedly decreased. Half of the participants have abandoned neurointerventions in non-emergent situations. There are considerable variations in the management of neurointerventions and in the expectations for the future.

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Background The new generation of flow diverters includes a surface modification with a synthetic biocompatible polymer, which makes the device more biocompatible and less thrombogenic. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to visualize perforators, stent wall apposition, and intra-stent thrombus. Unfortunately real world application of this technology has been limited because of the limited navigability of these devices in the intracranial vessels. In this report, we share our experience of using 3D-printed neurovascular anatomy models to simulate and test the navigability of a commercially available OCT system and to show the application of this device in a patient treated with the new generation of surface modified flow diverters. Material and methods Navigability of OCT catheters was tested in vitro using four different 3D-printed silicone replicas of the intracranial anterior circulation, after the implantation of surface modified devices. Intermediate catheters were used in different tortuous anatomies and positions. After this assessment, we describe the OCT image analysis of a Pipeline Shield for treating an unruptured posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysm. Results Use of intermediate catheters in the 3D-printed replicas was associated with better navigation of the OCT catheters in favorable anatomies but did not help as much in unfavorable anatomies. OCT image analysis of a PCOM aneurysm treated with Pipeline Embolization Device Shield demonstrated areas of unsatisfactory apposition with no thrombus formation. Conclusions OCT improves the understanding of the flow diversion technology. The development of less thrombogenic devices, like the Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology, reinforces the need for intraluminal imaging for neurovascular application.