LAUSR

Background The transvenous endovascular approach has become an optimal method for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. This procedure might cause iatrogenic damage to the chordae willisii (CW) in the straight sinus. However, little literature has been found to support this hypothesis. Objective To investigate the possible damage of CW in the straight sinus during a transvenous endovascular procedure. Materials and Methods The features of the CW from 38 cadaveric heads were observed via an endoscope mimicking a mechanical thrombectomy procedure in the straight sinus. Endoscopic observation and light microscopy examination were used to assess the damage of the CW throughout the procedure. Results Valve-like lamellae and longitudinal lamellae were found predominantly in the posterior portion of the straight sinus. Trabeculae were present in both the anterior and posterior portions of the straight sinus. Samples treated with a stent had a significantly higher rate of Grade 1 damage during the eight procedures compared with samples treated with a balloon (P = 0.02). The incidence of damage to the CW surface was higher in the stent group than in the balloon group (P = 0.00). The use of stent or balloon did not increase the rate of CW damage during repeated experiments. Conclusions The stent or balloon navigation through the straight sinus can cause minor damage to the CW. Frequent uses of retrograde navigation through the straight sinus do not seem to increase the possibility of damage to CW.