Results of 101 aneurysms treated with polyglycolic/polylactic acid microfilament nexus coils compared with historical controls treated with standard coils

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA) addition to bare platinum coils is intended to reduce the reopening rate of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Nexus coils are standard complex platinum coils with interwoven PGLA microfilament threads. We present the clinical results of 101 intracranial aneurysms treated with Nexus coils.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of coiling of 101 aneurysms treated with Nexus coils were compared with our results of coiling of 120 aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC 10) and 115 with Trufill coils treated between May 2003 and December 2004 with the same treatment protocol. Rate of complications, mean aneurysmal volume, packing attenuation, incomplete aneurysmal occlusion at 6 months, and rates of retreatment were compared.RESULTS: Initial occlusion in aneurysms treated with Nexus coils was (near) complete in 97 aneurysms and incomplete in 4 aneurysms. There were no permanent procedural complications (0/95 patients, 0%; 97.5% CI, 0.0% to 3.3%). Mean aneurysmal volume was 180.2 mm³ (range, 5–1624 mm³). Mean packing was 19.4% (range, 7.5% to 38.9%). Six months’ angiographic follow-up in 87 of 101 aneurysms showed incomplete occlusion in 14 (16%), and 12 (14%) of those had additional coiling. Mean packing of 19.4% of Nexus coils was significantly lower than 22.9% for GDC 10 and 29.7% for Trufill coils. Other clinical results were not significantly different.CONCLUSION: In this series, PGLA microfilament Nexus coils were safe to use with clinical results comparable with those of standard platinum coils. This study gives additional evidence of the lack of beneficial effect of PGLA addition to reduce the reopening rate of coiled intracranial aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with bare platinum coils has become an accepted alternative to surgery.¹ The most significant drawback of this technique is the possibility of aneurysmal reopening with time that occurs at an incidence of approximately 10%. In particular, large and giant aneurysms and initially incompletely occluded aneurysms are at risk of reopening.^2–4 Animal models and human studies have shown that the biologic response of intracranial aneurysms to bare coils is complex, requiring stability of the initial occlusion for a considerable period of time for a stable and durable treatment result. As for now, high packing attenuation is the only proved factor predictive of stable occlusion.² Recently, coating the surface of bare platinum coils with a biodegradable polymer consisting of polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA) was proposed in an attempt to amplify tissue response to coils with intended reduction of reopening rate. After an experimental study in 26 swine and a registry of 100 patients,^5,6 Boston Scientific (Fremont, Calif) introduced the first PGLA-coated coil (Matrix) on the market in 2003, later followed by other manufacturers. Matrix coils have a thick PGLA coating over a platinum core with different physical properties (eg, softness, surface smoothness) from standard bare platinum coils resulting in different handling.The Nexus PGLA microfilament coil was introduced by ev3 (Irvine, Calif) in 2005. Nexus coils are standard bare platinum coils with additional PGLA microfilament threads interwoven into the primary coil. The concept of microfilament threads was chosen by the manufacturer to maintain the physical properties of the standard bare platinum coil (personal communication, Research and Development, ev3). In our study, we present our results with coiling of 101 intracranial aneurysms with Nexus microfilament coils. In addition, we compare the results of Nexus coils with historical data of 2 types of bare platinum coils from our institution.⁷     

Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with matrix detachable coils: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Matrix coils are polymer-coated bioactive coils used in treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The current study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of these coils in treatment of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. METHODS: Seventy-seven consecutive patients with 84 aneurysms were included in the study. Forty-six aneurysms were treated with Matrix coils alone, and 38 were treated with Matrix coils in combination with other coils/devices. Angiographic follow-up was available in 64 patients with 70 aneurysms. Length of follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 months with mean of 10 months. Both postembolization and follow-up angiograms were graded on a 3-point Raymond scale. Aneurysms were classified as stable, improved, or recanalized based on the follow-up angiograms. Recanalization was considered major if it was saccular and its size would theoretically permit retreatment with coils. RESULTS: At the end of the initial procedure, 47 (56.0%) aneurysms showed complete occlusion (Raymond 1), 20 (23.8%) showed contrast filling the neck of the aneurysm (Raymond 2), and 16 (19.0%) showed contrast filling the sac of the aneurysm (Raymond 3). Of the 70 aneurysms in which follow-up angiograms were available, 55.7% remained stable in appearance, 20.0% showed improved occlusion, and 24.3% demonstrated recanalization; 8.6% demonstrated major recanalization. There were 2 aneurysm rebleeds (both incompletely packed); one resulted in death. CONCLUSION: Matrix coils are safe to use and the recanalization rate of aneurysms treated with these coils appears to be at least comparable with historical studies with Guglielmi detachable coils.     

Treatment of cerebral aneurysms with hydrogel-coated platinum coils (HydroCoil): early single-center experience

PURPOSE: The authors report their experience using HydroCoils in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the first 100 nonrandomized patients (104 coiled saccular cerebral aneurysms) treated with HydroCoils during a 27-month period. RESULTS: The average percentage of HydroCoil by length detached in treated aneurysms was 45.5% (range, 9.9-100%). Immediate postprocedure angiography demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion in 34%, neck remnant in 35%, and incomplete occlusion in 32%. Immediate procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates were 5.8% and 0%, respectively. Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 51% (51/100 patients; 53/104 aneurysms; average, 10.3 months; range, 0-31 months). In these 53 angiographically followed aneurysms, the overall recanalization rate was 21%: no recanalization occurred in 23 aneurysms with small size (<10 mm)/small neck (<4 mm) (S/S); 4 recanalizations occurred in 7 aneurysms with small size/wide neck (>4 mm) (S/W); 6 recanalizations (27%) occurred in 22 large (L) aneurysms (>10-25 mm, 70% angiographic follow-up); and 1 giant (G) (>25 mm) aneurysm recanalized. A large proportion of aneurysms that were not initially completely occluded were completely occluded on follow-up (15/43 [35%]). Clinical follow-up was obtained in 73 patients (73%; average, 5.3 months; range, 0-24 months): 93% of these patients were neurologically improved or unchanged. Three patients rehemorrhaged and 3 patients with unruptured aneurysms developed delayed hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS: The overall safety profile of HydroCoils appears acceptable. Preliminary midterm observations suggest less coil compaction/aneurysm recanalization in large aneurysms. However, HydroCoil-related delayed hydrocephalus is a concern.     

Endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysms using bioactive coils: a single-center study

BACKGROUND: Some degree of recanalization is reported in up to one-third of intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular coiling. A technical development potentially effective in avoiding recanalization is the Matrix Detachable Coil (MDC), which is covered with a biodegradable polymeric material that enhances intra-aneurysmal clot organization and fibrosis. Purpose: To report the initial clinical experience of MDC for endovascular aneurysm coiling in a single-center, single-operator, and well-defined population setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 118 aneurysms in 104 patients (73 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, SAH) were embolized with MDC alone (n = 52) or combined with bare platinum coils (n = 66). RESULTS: Initial aneurysm obliteration was class 1 (complete obliteration) in 45 aneurysms (38.1%), class 2 (residual neck) in 44 (37.3%), and class 3 (residual aneurysm) in 29 (24.6%). Procedure-related morbidity was 4.8%, and mortality 0.96%. Clinical follow-up of 61 patients with SAH (mean 5.9 months, range 1-17 months) showed good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS 4-5) in 39 (63.9%), and poor outcome or death (GOS 1-3) in 22 (36.1%). Imaging follow-up of 73 aneurysms (average 6.5 months, range 1-17 months) showed class 1 in 47 (64.4%), class 2 in 18 (24.7%), and class 3 in eight (10.9%). Recanalization occurred in 11 aneurysms (15%), of which four (5.5%) required re-treatment. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that aneurysm coiling with MDC is feasible, effective, and safe.     

Single-institution experience with matrix coils in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: comparison with same-center outcomes with the use of platinum coils

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to analyze the outcomes and treatment-related complications of the polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA)-coated Matrix platinum coils in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and compare these results with those derived from the same single-institutional experience with use of uncoated, bare platinum coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we compared 2 groups of patients in a retrospective fashion. The first group consisted of 70 consecutive patients who underwent 82 aneurysm treatments with Matrix coils during the 14-month period of study, from January 2003 to February 2004. We compared this cohort with 70 consecutive patients who underwent a total of 80 aneurysm treatments with bare platinum coils in the 12 months immediately preceding the use of PGLA-coated coils, from January through December 2002. We then recorded the treatment characteristics, angiographic outcomes, and any complications. RESULTS: There were similar baseline demographic characteristics between the 2 study groups except in age, anatomic location, and length of follow-up. The overall recurrence rate of aneurysms was 41% among the Matrix-treated group and 32% among the patients treated with bare platinum. Among the 42 patients treated with 100% Matrix, the rate of recurrence was 31%. Of the recurrences, 21% of the Matrix group, 19% of the 100% Matrix group, and 9% of the bare platinum group required retreatment. The overall rate of complications was 10% in the Matrix-treated group and 7% in the bare platinum group. There was not a statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence of aneurysms or complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our single-center experience, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of Matrix coils over bare platinum coils, given their disadvantages.     

可解脱弹簧圈结合游离纤毛铂金弹簧圈栓塞大型颅内动脉瘤

目的 探讨可解脱弹簧圈结合游离纤毛铂金弹簧圈栓塞颅内大型动脉瘤的安全性和有效性。方法 可解脱弹簧圈结合游离纤毛铂金弹簧圈栓塞颅内大型动脉瘤4例,动脉瘤直径14～21mm,首先用可解脱弹簧圈在动脉瘤内成篮,然后用游离纤毛铂金弹簧圈进行篮内填塞,最后再用可解脱弹簧圈进行瘤体及瘤颈的致密栓塞。结果 3个动脉瘤获得完全致密栓塞,1个动脉瘤有瘤颈残留。临床随访3～12个月,无出血及脑缺血性事件发生。结论 可解脱弹簧圈结合游离纤毛铂金弹簧圈是一种可选的栓塞颅内大型动脉瘤安全、有效的方法。     

Self-expandable stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms remains a therapeutic challenge. We conducted this study to evaluate the angiographic results and clinical outcome of patients treated with stent-assisted coiling by using a recently available self-expandable intracranial stent. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated with self-expandable stent-assisted coiling between September 2002 and December 2003 was done. Treatment was attempted in 32 patients with 35 aneurysms. Four of the aneurysms were ruptured. All had either a dome-to-neck ratio less than 2 and/or a neck diameter of 5 mm or larger. Following stent placement, coiling was attempted in 33 of 34 aneurysms. The technical success of the procedure, procedure related complications, and the angiographic results were documented. RESULTS: In 34 of 35 aneurysms, stent deployment across the neck of the aneurysm was successful. Coiling was performed successfully in 30 of 33 aneurysms. In 20 aneurysms, immediate posttreatment angiography showed either total (17%) or satisfactory (50%) occlusion. Procedure-related mortality occurred in one patient (3.1%). Adverse events occurred in eight patients (25%); in three of them permanent neurologic deficit resulted (9.3%). In six patients, thrombus formation occurred within the stented segments during the procedure and reopro infusion was used. Follow-up angiography was available in 12 (40%) of 30 treated aneurysms. CONCLUSION: In our practice use of the self-expandable stent seemed to facilitate endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Difficulty of deployment and stent thrombogenicity are the main drawbacks of the system.     

Late rebleeding of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of late rebleeding of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical follow-up study was conducted in 393 consecutive patients with a ruptured aneurysm treated with detachable coils between January 1995 and January 2003. Late rebleeding was defined as recurrent hemorrhage from a coiled aneurysm >1 month after coiling. One patient was lost to follow-up. Total clinical follow-up of the 392 patients who were coiled for ruptured cerebral aneurysms was 18,708 months (1559 patient years; median, 48 months; mean, 47.7 months; range, 0-120 months). RESULTS: Four patients suffered late rebleeding from the coiled aneurysm at 8, 12, 30, and 40 months after coiling, respectively. Two of these patients died. Another patient died of probable rebleeding 4 months after coiling. The incidence of late rebleeding was 1.27% (5/393) and mortality of late rebleeding was 0.76% (3/393). The annual late rebleeding rate was 0.32%, and the annual mortality rate from late rebleeding was 0.19%. During the follow-up period, 53 coiled aneurysms in 53 patients (13%) were additionally treated: 35 aneurysms (8.9%) were additionally treated with coils, 16 aneurysms (4.1%) were additionally clipped, and 2 aneurysms (0.5%) were additionally treated with parent vessel balloon occlusion. CONCLUSION: The late rebleeding rate after coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms is very low. Follow-up of patients with a coiled aneurysm is mandatory to identify aneurysms that need additional treatment after reopening.     

Surveillance of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils: a comparison of MRA techniques

Two MRA techniques were evaluated for the follow-up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Twenty-nine coiled aneurysms were evaluated for a total of 36 follow-up assessments using 3D time-of flight MRA (TOF MRA), an auto-triggered elliptic–centric-ordered three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiogram (ATECO MRA), as well as a selective digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which served as the gold standard. Confident visualization was seen in 36 (100%) of ATECO MRAs and in 32 (89%) of the TOF MRAs. Eleven residual aneurysm components (RACs) greater than 2 mm were described on DSA. Of these, nine were seen on ATECO MRA (sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 88%) and four were seen on TOF MRA (sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 90%). The two RACs not seen on ATECO MRA both measured 3 mm. The six RACs not seen on TOF MRA measured 3, 4 and 5 mm. ATECO MRA provides a non-invasive reliable angiogram for the surveillance of coiled aneurysms and is superior to TOF MRA for this purpose.     

Intracranial aneurysms: treatment with bare platinum coils--aneurysm packing, complex coils, and angiographic recurrence

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess, with three-dimensional rotational angiography, the relationship between packing, complex coils, and angiographic recurrence of aneurysms treated with coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Informed consent was waived by the institutional review board that approved the study. Results at follow-up angiography of 255 aneurysms in 223 patients (161 female and 62 male patients; mean age, 48 years) were dichotomized into presence or absence of recurrence. The degree of packing of aneurysms treated with complex coils alone, with complex and helical coils, and with helical coils only was compared for significant differences. With generalized estimating equations analysis, relative risk (RR) for recurrence was calculated for mode of manifestation, duration of follow-up, aneurysm volume, packing, initial angiographic result, percentage of complex coils, aneurysm location, and multiplicity of aneurysms. RESULTS: Follow-up angiography revealed recurrence in 28.6% of aneurysms at a mean follow-up of 12 months; 5.5% were amenable to re-treatment. Aneurysms treated with complex and those treated with helical coils only had a mean packing of 27% and 26%, respectively. There was no significant difference between packing of aneurysms treated with complex and those treated with helical coils (P = .538). Recurring and stable aneurysms both had a mean packing of 27%. Generalized estimating equations analysis showed significant differences between duration of follow-up and recurrence (P = .001, RR = 3.39), between aneurysm volume and recurrence (P < .001, RR = 6.15), and between hemorrhagic manifestation and recurrence (P = .002, RR = 3.17). There was no significant difference between packing and recurrence, between initial angiographic result and recurrence, between percentage of complex coils and recurrence, between aneurysm location and recurrence, or between multiplicity of aneurysms and recurrence. CONCLUSION: More angiographic recurrences are detected over time. Complex coils do not augment aneurysm packing. Packing is not related to protection against recurrence.     

单个弹簧圈栓塞颅内微小动脉瘤的单中心经验

目的探讨单个弹簧圈栓塞颅内微小动脉瘤(最大径<3 mm)的可行性和疗效。方法 2001年1月至2011年1月对72例颅内微小动脉瘤患者的77个动脉瘤进行单个弹簧圈栓塞,其中动脉瘤破裂出血52例,多发性动脉瘤13例。用3D-DSA选择工作角度测量动脉瘤大小(前后径、上下径、宽颈、最大径和瘤颈)。随访脑血管造影3～88个月(平均24.8个月)。结果对所有77个微小动脉瘤成功实施了单个弹簧圈栓塞,其中10个采用球囊辅助弹簧圈栓塞,19个联合支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞。术中破裂出血7例,发生脑栓塞事件2例,术中弹簧圈移位2例。术后即刻造影示完全栓塞42个,次全栓塞30个,部分栓塞5个。除2例死亡外,所有病例进行了至少2次复查(术后3和12个月),其中再通5个,对3个进行了再次栓塞,延迟性弹簧圈移位2例。12个月后复查造影示完全栓塞61个,次全栓塞14个。结论单个弹簧圈栓塞颅内微小动脉瘤可行、安全并有效,联合支架辅助治疗可以降低其再通率。     

Selective endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a liquid embolic: a single-center experience in 39 patients with 41 aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although embolization with detachable coils is an accepted alternative to surgical clipping, a major long-term problem is aneurysm recanalization due to coil compaction. Liquid embolic agents are a possible alternative as filling material that might decrease the recanalization rate. We evaluated the use of a liquid embolic for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: During 1999-2003, 10 patients with 11 small aneurysms (group 1) and 29 patients with 30 large or giant aneurysms (group 2) were treated with a liquid embolic. Of 32 female and seven male patients, 20 had mass effect and two had subarachnoid hemorrhage; 17 were asymptomatic. All aneurysms were judged unsuitable for regular treatment; selective embolization was performed with a liquid embolic alone or with coils and liquid embolic. Stent placement was performed in 15 cases. Clinical and anatomic outcomes were assessed with the Modified Glasgow Outcome Scale and with angiography at 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: In group 1, good or excellent outcome and complete occlusion were observed in all patients. In group 2, clinical outcome was good or excellent in 26 patients and fair in one, and death occurred in two patients (one procedure related and one disease related). Technical complications occurred in four patients in group 1 (one permanent neurologic deficit) and in four patients in group 2 (one patient died, two remain hemiparetic, one remains asymptomatic). Follow-up images showed two recanalizations in group 1 and nine in group 2. CONCLUSION: Selective embolization with a liquid embolic is useful to treat aneurysms unsuitable for coiling or for patients in whom previous treatment failed. This mostly applies to large and giant aneurysms in which morbidity and mortality rates are better than those associated with surgery, and the recanalization rate is lower than that previously described with coiling.     

Single-center experience with TruFill platinum coils for the embolization of cerebral aneurysms

Endovascular coiling has become a powerful alternative to neurosurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms. Apart from the Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC) (Boston Scientific, Galway, Ireland), there is limited published data about the newer generation of detachable platinum coils, e.g., TruFill (Cordis, Johnson and Johnson, Miami, Fl.). We report our initial clinical experience with the embolization of aneurysms by TruFill coils. Included in this retrospective study were 26 patients (age 55.4±14.5 years; 9 male, 17 female) with 28 aneurysms, 21 ruptured and 7 unruptured. All patients were treated exclusively by embolization with TruFill platinum coils. Immediate angiographic and 6-month angiographic follow-up results were documented. Acute clinical outcome was recorded. Of the 28 aneurysms, 16 (57%) were completely occluded by TruFill embolization, 11 (39%) were incompletely occluded with residual necks, and 1 (4%) was partially occluded as residual aneurysm. There were no aneurysmal ruptures during the procedures. Follow-up at 6 months after the procedure was available in 18 patients and 19 aneurysms. Of the 19 aneurysms, 2 of 12 initially completely occluded aneurysms (17%) and 1 of 7 aneurysms with initial residual necks (14%) showed recanalization at the 6-month follow-up. One recanalized aneurysm was subsequently recoiled with consequent residual neck and remained unchanged at the 1-year follow-up. Embolization by TruFill platinum coils has a comparable total aneurysmal occlusion rate to that with GDC. The mid-term reintervention rate is low, and will require verification by future long-term studies.     

Delayed hydrocephalus after embolization of unruptured aneurysms using bare platinum coils: report of 2 cases

Postembolization hydrocephalus with bare platinum coils has not been reported, to our knowledge. We report 2 cases of unusual delayed hydrocephalus after treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with bare platinum coils.     

MRA of intracranial aneurysms embolized with platinum coils: a vascular phantom study at 1.5T and 3T

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of matrix and echo time (TE) of three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) on the depiction of residual flow in aneurysms embolized with platinum coils at 1.5T and 3T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simulated intracranial aneurysm of the vascular phantom was loosely packed to maintain the patency of some residual aneurysmal lumen with platinum coils and connected to an electromagnetic flow pump with pulsatile flow. MRAs were obtained altering the matrix and TE of 3D TOF sequences at 1.5T and 3T. RESULTS: The increased spatial resolution and the shorter TE offered better image quality at 3T. For the depiction of an aneurysm remnant, the high-spatial-resolution 3T MRA (matrix size of 384 x 224 and 512 x 256) with a short TE of < or =3.3 msec were superior to the 1.5T MRA obtained with any sequences. CONCLUSION: 3T MRA is superior to 1.5T MRA for the assessment of aneurysms embolized with platinum coils; the combination of the 512 x 256 matrix and short TE (3.3 msec or less) seems feasible at 3T.     

Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms selectively treated with coils: Prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced MR angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) for the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils, by comparing CE-MRA with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D time-of- flight (TOF) MRA. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with 42 treated aneurysms were included in the study; 6 had been treated for multiple aneurysms. All MRAs were performed with a 1.5T unit within 48 hours of DSA. We performed 2 types of acquisition: a 3D TOF sequence and CE-MRA. Twenty-eight patients were included 1 year after endovascular treatment, and 4 patients, after 3 years or more. DSA was the technique of reference for the detection of a residual neck or residual aneurysm. RESULTS: Compared with DSA, the sensitivity of MRA was good. For the detection of residual neck, there was no significant difference between the results of 3D TOF MRA (sensitivity, 75%-87.5%; specificity, 92.9%, according to both readers) and CE-MRA (sensitivity, 75%-82.1%; specificity, 85.7%-92.9%). For the detection of residual aneurysm, sensitivity and specificity of both techniques were the same, respectively 80%-100% and 97.3%-100%. Therefore, CE-MRA was not better than 3D TOF MRA for the detection of residual neck or residual aneurysm. For large treated aneurysms, there was no difference between decisions regarding further therapy after CE and 3D TOF MRA, even though CE-MRA with a short echotime and enhancement gave fewer artifacts and better visualization of recanalization than 3D TOF MRA. The interpretation of transverse source images and the detection of coil mesh packing seemed easier with 3D TOF imaging. CONCLUSION: This prospective study did not show that CE-MRA was significantly better than 3D TOF MRA for depicting aneurysm or neck remnants after selective endovascular treatment using coils. For aneurysms treated with coils, 3D TOF MRA seems a valid and useful technique for the follow-up of coiled aneurysms.     

A multicenter study of 705 ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The long-term durability of Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization of cerebral aneurysms is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of anatomic occlusion of aneurysms treated with GDCs and assess the rate of recanalization and re-treatment. METHODS: A multicenter study involving 650 patients with 705 ruptured aneurysms treated with GDCs between January 1998 to May 2003 was conducted. During this period, 63% of ruptured aneurysms were treated by the endovascular technique. The morbidity and mortality associated with this technique, procedural feasibility, acute angiographic occlusion results, and long-term angiographic follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Overall technical feasibility of GDC treatment was 96.9%. Upon admission, 25% of patients were Hunt and Hess grade IV or V. Acute angiographic results in 683 aneurysms demonstrated total occlusion in 496 cases (72.6%), subtotal occlusion in 171 cases (25.%), and incomplete occlusion in 16 cases (2.4%). All patients were controlled by angiography and MR imaging at 3 months, 1 year, and subsequent yearly examinations post-treatment. A second treatment was performed in 27 cases (recanalization, 4.7%). Long-term follow-up angiograms (mean, 36 months) were obtained in 571 aneurysms (95%). Of them, 422 aneurysms (73.9%) demonstrated complete occlusion, 148 aneurysms (25.9%) demonstrated subtotal occlusion, and only 1 aneurysm was incompletely occluded. Overall mortality was 11.4% for all patients, with procedural mortality evaluated at 1.4%. Overall morbidity was calculated at 8.6%. Only one rebleeding occurred in our study, with a second procedure performed without vital consequences for the patient. CONCLUSION: Our multicenter study confirms the stability of aneurysm embolization with GDC, with only 4.7% of aneurysms requiring re-treatment.     

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with matrix coils: immediate posttreatment results,clinical outcome and follow-up

Introduction Endovascular aneurysm repair with coils has become a safe and effective alternative to surgical clipping. Efforts have been made to create coils that will facilitate aneurysm healing and reduce recurrence. The purpose of this study was to review the safety and durability of our aneurysm treatment using Matrix coils. Methods A total of 39 aneurysms in 38 patients, aged 30 to 77 years, were treated using Matrix coils in 42 procedures. Two procedures were unsuccessful, and 12 were done using only Matrix coils. Aneurysm volume, packing density and percentage length of Matrix coils were calculated. The treatment results, procedural complication rate and clinical outcome were analyzed. Follow-up examinations were available for 34 procedures with a mean follow-up of 4.9 months (maximum 13.5 months). Results Angiographic results were similar to those following the use of platinum coils, with complete occlusion or a residual neck in 82.5% of procedures. Six procedures (14%) were complicated with platelet aggregation. Recanalization occurred in 32% of the patients. Nine patients (26%) had major recanalization and were retreated. One patient had a re-bleed 5 months after the treatment resulting in severe disability. The mean packing density of 39.2% in the recanalized aneurysms was similar to that in the nonrecanalized group. Conclusion In our series, treatment with Matrix coils had a complication rate similar to that reported with platinum coils. However, we had a higher percentage of major recanalizations requiring retreatment. We believe that the absorption of the polymer contributes to the failure of formation of a stable scar within the aneurysm. This paper was presented at the American Society of Neuroradiology 44th Annual Meeting, San Diego, as an oral presentation.     

Embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with detachable coils: case series

Purpose  

We present a series of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured intracranial aneurysms who were treated with endovascular embolization by detachable coils.