Mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion sharply branching from M1 near an aneurysm.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for vessel occlusion near an aneurysm carries the risk of aneurysm rupture due to mechanical stress during the procedure. We report a case of MT performed for M2 occlusion that sharply branched from M1 near the aneurysm.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 73-year-old woman presented with a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm, exhibiting right-sided hemiparesis and aphasia. MT was performed for M2 occlusion, which sharply branched from M1 near the MCA bifurcation aneurysm. Lesion crossing was carefully performed, and a stent retriever was deployed at the occlusion site. Using a stent retriever as an anchor, a bent-tip aspiration catheter was guided past the aneurysm to the proximal end of the thrombus. A combined technique, during which the stent retriever was retracted into the aspiration catheter, was used. This approach minimized mechanical stress on the aneurysm and helped achieve effective recanalization.

CONCLUSION

In cases of vessel occlusion with a proximal cerebral aneurysm, a combined technique of retracting a stent retriever into an aspiration catheter positioned distal to the aneurysm after stent retriever deployment may help reduce the mechanical stress on the aneurysm during MT and provide a safer approach.