Superselective Endovascular Embolization as an Adjunct to Safe and Effective Surgical Resection of Cerebral and Spinal Tumors

Aim: Embolization of cerebral and spinal neoplasms is performed for highly vascular tumors including hemangioblastomas, paragangliomas, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, hemangiopericytomas, schwannomas, meningiomas, and selected metastases. While diagnostic angiography may contribute to clarify the tumoral arterial supply, superselective infusion of embolics may effectively obliterate the tumoral vascular bed. At present, determinants of safe and effective presurgical embolization remain under debate.

Methods: We investigate and illustrate the endovascular technique, ideal timing, and effectiveness of presurgical embolization of cerebral and spinal tumors performed at the NYU Langone Medical Center.

Results: Detailed diagnostic angiography is key to identify the arterial supply to the tumor, to consistently recognize dangerous external carotid-to-internal carotid anastomoses, and to detect the highly variable arterial supply to cranial nerves and neuronal structures. Meticulous technique is essential for performing safe and effective tumor embolization that causes tumor necrosis and facilitates subsequent resection by limiting intraoperative blood loss. Although general anesthesia precludes the use of provocative testing, it does improve patient comfort and enhances the accuracy of angiography by limiting motion artifact. Additionally, electrophysiology may provide an additional degree of safely when general anesthesia is used. Embolization may be best performed within a week prior to the scheduled surgery to allow for effective tumor necrosis while avoiding neovascularization. Embolic agents include a range of liquids, particulates, or coils. Selecting the most advantageous agent is performed in light of the desired degree of tumor penetration, the presence or possibility of a dangerous anastomosis, and the ability to navigate the microcatheter in a safe position for superselective infusion of embolics. Although the most effective embolization is obtained with small particles that penetrate the tumoral bed at the capillary level, these agents are also the most dangerous to use by putting cranial nerves and normal structures such as the retina and myelon at risk.

Conclusion: In depth knowledge of anatomy, meticulous technique, and the proper choice of the embolic material determine the safety and effectiveness of preoperative tumor embolization that may contribute to surgical success.