Intraprocedural Back Pain Associated with Awake Neuroendovascular Procedures.

Background And Purpose: The prevalence and characteristics of intraprocedural back pain is not well studied in awake patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures.

Methods: We performed a prospective study as part of quality improvement initiative in which all patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures in awake state were inquired regarding presence, severity (using a numeric rating scale score ranging from 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst pain possible]), and location (using anatomical chart) of back pain immediately after the procedure. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with moderate to severe pain (score of ≥3).

The Effect of Ticagrelor on Platelet Reactivity in Patients with Clopidogrel Resistance Undergoing Neuroendovascular Procedures.

Background And Purpose: Suboptimal platelet inhibition by clopidogrel (clopidogrel resistance) may be associated with high rates of stent thrombosis and ischemic events. Our objective was to determine if ticagrelor, a P2Y receptor inhibitor, can result in platelet inhibition in patients with clopidogrel resistance.

Methods: A thromboelastography-platelet mapping assay was used in all patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures requiring oral clopidogrel.