Abstract Number ‐ 12: First‐In‐Human Endovascular Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Using a Miniature Biomimetic Transdural Shunt.
Authors: Malek Adel M , Lylyk Pedro , Lylyk Ivan , Lylyk Pedro Nicholas , Bleise Carlos , Scrivano Esteban , Lundquist Javier , Charles Martin , Perez Nicolas , Heilman Carl B 
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Successful percutaneous transvenous deployment of a miniature valved biomimetic transdural endovascular shunt (CereVasc eShunt, Auburndale, MA, USA) via an inferior petrosal sinus approach was recently described for treatment of post‐subarachnoid hemorrhage communicating hydrocephalus.The endovascular shunt replicates the function of the arachnoid granulation by draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the cerebello‐pontine angle cistern to the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), usually resulting from venous transverse sinus stenosis, can be treated with pharmacological inhibition of CSF production, surgical ventriculoperitoneal shunting, or using venous stent angioplasty. In IIH, elevated CSF pressure can act to exacerbate venous sinus stenosis, resulting in worsening CSF reabsorption, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle. The authors sought to evaluate the role of the minimally invasive eShunt approach in IIH management.

Methods

A 50‐year‐old male patient with history of dyslipidemia and IIH initially presented 6 years ago with diplopia initially treated with poorly tolerated acetazolamide and periodic lumbar punctures with subsequent symptom improvement. The patient was admitted following rapid evolution of sudden onset horizontal diplopia and headache. Brain magnetic resonance revealed flattening of the posterior sclera, partially empty Sella Turcica, enhancement of the prelaminar optic nerves and enlarged Meckel´s cave. Lumbar puncture was performed with opening pressure of 28 cmH2O. Cerebral angiography with 3D venography confirmed bilateral transverse sinus stenosis, though without a significant pressure gradient.

Results

The patient declined surgical ventriculoperitoneal shunting and was approved for compassionate use of eShunt by regulatory and bioethics committees.He underwent successful endovascular transdural deployment of the eShunt, which he tolerated well and was discharged at 48 hours post‐procedure with rapid symptomatic headache relief. Upon 30‐day follow‐up repeat brain MRI showed improvement of the prominent subarachnoid space around both optic nerves and sustained improvement of his pre‐procedural headache and diplopia.A repeat lumbar puncture revealed a lowed opening pressure of 20 cmH2O and MRI cisternography confirmed maintained patency of the biomimetic valve with accumulation of Gadolinium‐enhanced CSF drainage through the eShunt into the jugular bulb.

Conclusions

The current report describes the first‐in‐human use of the eShunt device for treatment of IIH resulting in sustained symptomatic relief along with decrease in CSF pressure and pre‐laminar optic nerve edema. The current results, which require confirmation in a larger cohort with longer follow‐up, are encouraging and suggest a possible role for minimally invasive endovascular transdural eshunt placement in the management of IIH.