Feasibility of insertion of a microcatheter through a Y-stent in coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms and its detailed geometry by micro-computed tomography

Background

In Y-stent-assisted coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms, open or closed cell stents are used. Different microcatheters for coil insertion are available. We investigated which microcatheter could be navigated into an aneurysm through a Y-stent with different stents.

Methods

Double Neuroform open-cell stents or double Enterprise closed-cell stents were deployed in Y-configuration in a silicon model of a bifurcation aneurysm. Two endovascular neurosurgeons independently tried to navigate an SL-10 microcatheter for 0.010” coils or a PX Slim microcatheter for 0.020” Penumbra coils into the aneurysm through the Y-stent. In addition, we measured lengths of stent pores of the Y-stents with double Enterprise stents deployed in the model by micro-computed tomography.

Results

It was feasible to navigate an SL-10 microcatheter into the aneurysm through the Y-stent with Enterprise or Neuroform stents. Navigation of a PX Slim microcatheter was feasible in the Y-stents only with Neuroform stents. In the Y-stent with double Enterprise stents, the lengths of the second stent pores were significantly smaller than those of the first stent (0.41?±?0.18 mm vs 0.69?±?0.20 mm; P?=?0.008). The SL-10 microcatheter was smaller than approximately 80 % of the stent pores of the first stent and 30 % of those of the second stent. The PX Slim microcatheter was smaller than 20 % of the stent pores of the first stent and 0 % of those of the second stent.

Conclusions

It was feasible to insert an SL-10 microcatheter into the aneurysm through Y-stents with Enterprise or Neuroform stents. Navigation of a PX Slim microcatheter for 0.020” Penumbra coils was feasible in Y-stents with Neuroform stents, but not with double Enterprise stents. The measurements of stent pores by micro-computed tomography supported this feasibility study. These results may be helpful to select appropriate stents and microcatheters in Y-stent-assisted coil embolization, especially in case of retreatments.