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Introduction: Rates of aneurysm occlusion with the pipeline embolization device (PED) has varied widely in the literature from 55.7% to 93.3% at 6 months, which may reflect a difference in technique including sizing and number of devices used., Methods: 140 cases at our institution were retrospectively reviewed, and aneurysms treated with a single PED vs. multiple were compared., Results: Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 86.9% at 6 months, 91.8% at 1 year, and 97.6% at longest follow-up. Retreatment with an additional device was required in 7 (5.1%). Major and minor complication rate within 30 days was 1.4% and 5.0%, and at greater than 30 days was 0.8% and 3.1%. Patients treated with multiple PEDs had significantly higher rates of aneurysm occlusion at 6 months (92.9% vs. 75.6%, p = 0.017) and 12 months (98.4% vs. 81.1%, p = 0.014), with no difference in complications. The two groups were similar aside from a higher number of ophthalmic and paraophthalmic aneurysms treated with multiple PEDs (23.4% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.004; and 35.1% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.020), and more posterior communicating artery and recurrent aneurysms treated with a single PED (28.3% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.001; 23.9% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.031). The use of multiple PEDs was found to be an independent predictor of aneurysm occlusion in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.015)., Conclusions: The use of multiple PEDs for intracranial aneurysms leads to significantly higher occlusion rates without added morbidity. This benefit is particularly appropriate for ophthalmic segment aneurysms, while more distal segments with eloquent perforating branches should be managed with caution., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The long-term stability of coil embolization (CE) of complex intracranial aneurysms (CIAs) is fraught with high rates of recanalization. Surgery of precoiled CIAs, however, deviates from a common straightforward procedure, demanding sophisticated strategies. To shed light on the scope and limitations of microsurgical re-treatment, we present our experiences with precoiled CIAs. We retrospectively analysed a consecutive series of 12 patients with precoiled CIAs treated microsurgically over a 5-year period, and provide a critical juxtaposition with the literature. Five aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, 8 were large-giant sized, 5 were calcified/thrombosed. One presented as a dissecting-fusiform aneurysm, 9 ranked among wide neck aneurysms. Eight lesions were excluded by neck clipping (5 necessitating coil extraction); 1 requiring adjunct CE. The dissecting-fusiform aneurysm was resected with reconstruction of the parent artery using a radial artery graft. Three lesions were treated with flow alteration (parent artery occlusion under bypass protection). Mean interval coiling-surgery was 4.6 years (range 0.5-12 years). Overall, 10 aneurysms were successfully excluded; 2 lesions treated with flow alteration displayed partial thrombosis, progressing over time. Outcome was good in 8 and poor in 4 patients (2 experiencing delayed neurological morbidity), and mean follow-up was 24.3 months. No mortality was encountered. Microsurgery as a last resort for precoiled CIAs can provide-in a majority of cases-a definitive therapy with good outcome. Since repeat coiling increases the complexity of later surgical treatment, we recommend for this subgroup of aneurysms a critical evaluation of CE as an option for re-treatment.

Background: Patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with the Pipeline embolization device (PED) are maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent thromboembolic complications. Rates of minor, "nuisance" bleeding in these patients remain unknown. We sought to evaluate the frequency and factors associated with this bleeding and its effect on DAPT compliance., Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study on consecutive cases of intracranial aneurysms treated with PED. Patient characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, and bleeding complications were analyzed. Severity of bleeding was defined according to a previously published classification defining nuisance bleeding as easy bruising, bleeding from small cuts, petechia, and ecchymosis., Results: 245 PED aneurysm procedures on 243 patients were retrospectively collected from three academic centers over a 4.25-year period. Sixty-seven patients (27%) had nuisance bleeds. Patients with a higher risk of nuisance bleeding were older (59.1±3.4 vs . 54.7±2.2, P=0.032). Patients with nuisance bleeds were more likely to have their DAPT regimen changed or dose lowered (29% vs 8.3%, P<0.001), were on DAPT for less time (10.0 months±2.60 vs. 14.6 months±1.95, P=0.005) and were more likely to have aneurysm occlusion at 6 months (P<0.001). Stepwise logistic regression found age predictive of a nuisance bleed (OR=1.033) CONCLUSIONS: Nuisance bleeding was a common complaint of PED-treated aneurysm patients maintained on DAPT. Increasing age and aneurysmal occlusion at 6 months were the only factors predictive of nuisance bleeds. Clinicians were more likely to adjust antiplatelet regimens or stop DAPT early given a nuisance bleed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: AS: stocks: Amnis Therapeutics, Apama Medical, BlinkTBI, Inc., Buffalo Technology Partners, Inc., Cardinal Health, Cerebrotech Medical Systems, Inc., Claret Medical, Cognition Medical, Endostream Medical, Ltd, Imperative Care, International Medical Distribution Partners, Rebound Therapeutics Corp., Silk Road Medical, StimMed, Synchron, Three Rivers Medical, Inc., Viseon Spine, Inc. Consultant/Advisory Board: Amnis Therapeutics, Boston Scientific, Canon Medical Systems USA, Cerebrotech Medical Systems, Inc., Cerenovus, Claret Medical, Corindus, Endostream Medical, Ltd, Guidepoint Global Consulting, Imperative Care, Integra, Medtronic, MicroVention. KS: consultant: Penumbra, Canon Medical Systems, Medtronic, Jacobs Institute, Neurovascular Diagnostics. JD: stock/stock options: Rist Neurovascular, Inc. Consultancy: Cerevenous, Medtronic; payment for lectures including service on speakers bureaus: PEEL. Consultant: Penumbra, NextGen Biologics, Rapid Medical, Cognition Medical, Three Rivers Medical, Stryker, MedX, Endostream Medical. PK: consultant: Stryker, Covidien, Cerenovus, and MicroVention. Stockholder: InNeuroCo. MM: Grant NIH R21NS109575. Consultant: Medtronic, Canon Medical, Cerenovus. Stock options: Serenity Medical, Synchron, VICIS, Endostream., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: The first and second generations of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) have been widely adopted for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) due to their high associated occlusion rates and low morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the third- generation Pipeline Shield device (PED-Shield) for the treatment of IAs., Methods: The SHIELD study was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, post-market, observational study evaluating the PED-Shield device for the treatment of IAs. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete aneurysm occlusion without significant parent artery stenosis or retreatment at 1-year post-procedure and the primary safety endpoint was major stroke in the territory supplied by the treated artery or neurological death., Results: Of 205 subjects who consented across 21 sites, 204 subjects with 204 target aneurysms were ultimately treated (mean age 54.8±12.81 years, 81.4% [166/204] female). Technical success (ie, deployment of the PED-Shield) was achieved in 98.0% (200/204) of subjects with a mean number of 1.1±0.34 devices per subject and a single device used in 86.8% (177/204) of subjects. The primary effectiveness endpoint was met in 71.7% (143/200) of subjects while the primary safety endpoint occurred in six (2.9%) subjects, two (1.0%) of which led to neurological death., Conclusions: The findings of the SHIELD study support the safety and effectiveness of the PED-Shield for IA treatment, evidenced by high occlusion rates and low rates of neurological complications in the study population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02719522., Competing Interests: Competing interests: HR reports consultancy fees and travel to study coordination meeting and grants and personal fees from Medtronic outside of the submitted work. MM-G serves as a proctor and consultant for Medtronic. MH has received honoraria from Microvention, Medtronic Neurovascular, Mentice AB, and Stryker Neurovascular for consulting and proctoring. LS is a consultant for Balt, Microvention, Medtronic, Stryker, and Cerenovus; receives research consultancy fees from Medtronic to attend Steering Committee Meetings. SML receives honoraria from Medtronic in relation to proctoring, speaking, and consulting., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: Acute ischemic stroke and silent cerebral infarctions following pipeline embolization device (PED) treatment of intracranial aneurysms have been estimated to occur in 3-6% and in 50.9-90% of patients respectively. The PED with Shield technology (PED-Shield) incorporates a surface phosphorylcholine polymer to reduce the thrombogenicity of the implant. We sought to determine the incidence of diffusion weighted image (DWI) documented cerebral ischemia after PED-Shield treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms., Methods: This prospective study involved a single center series of consecutive patients treated for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm with the PED-Shield. All participants underwent clinical evaluation on admission, after the procedure, at discharge, and 30 days following treatment. Brain MRI was obtained within 72 hours of the procedure. Ischemic lesions identified on DWI sequences where examined as to their number, size, and location in relation to the procedure., Results: Over 12 months, 33 patients harboring 38 intracranial aneurysms were treated with the PED-Shield in 36 procedures. Neither mortality nor clinically evident ischemic events were noted in the 30 day postprocedural period. DWI documented, silent cerebral ischemia occurred in six patients (18.18%) after six procedures (16.66%). No statistically significant risk factors for postprocedural silent cerebral ischemia were identified., Conclusion: We demonstrated a reduced rate of silent cerebral infarcts following PED-Shield treatment of intracranial aneurysms than previously reported with other endovascular treatment modalities and with the previous device generations. Further research is necessary to evaluate our results and to identify methods to reduce the incidence of postprocedural cerebral ischemic events., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Flow modification has caused a paradigm shift in the management of intracranial aneurysms. Since the FDA approval of the Pipeline Embolization Device (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) in 2011, it has grown to become the modality of choice for a range of carefully selected lesions, previously not amenable to conventional endovascular techniques. While the vast majority of flow-diverting stents operate from within the parent artery (ie, endoluminal stents), providing a scaffold for endothelial cells growth at the aneurysmal neck while inducing intra-aneurysmal thrombosis, a smaller subset of endosaccular flow disruptors act from within the lesions themselves. To date, these devices have been used mostly in Europe, while only utilized on a trial basis in North America. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no dedicated review of these devices. We therefore sought to present a comprehensive review of currently available endosaccular flow disruptors along with high-resolution schematics, presented with up-to-date available literature discussing their technical indications, procedural safety, and reported outcomes., (© Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2019.)

The treatment of intracranial aneurysms has undergone a few very significant paradigm shifts in its history. Needless to say, microsurgery and surgical clipping served as the initial basis for successful treatment of these lesions. The pursuit of endovascular therapy subsequently arose from the desire to reduce the invasiveness of therapy. While the first breakthrough arose with Guido Guglielmi's invention of the detachable platinum coil, commercialized flow diverter therapy represents a disruptive therapy with a completely different paradigm for aneurysmal obliteration. This has not only altered the distribution of aneurysmal management strategies, but also opened the gateway to the treatment of previously inoperable lesions. With the basic flow diverter stent technology now considered an integral part of the neurointerventional armamentarium, we now consider what may lay in the future - including potential directions for research with regards to case selection; the location and type of aneurysms which may become routinely treatable; and modifications to the flow diverter, which may increase its utility and safety in terms of size, structural design, and surface modifications., (© Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2019.)

Background: Preliminary clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of the pipeline embolization device (PED) for the treatment of small/medium aneurysms have demonstrated high occlusion rates with low complications., Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the PED for treatment of wide necked small and medium intracranial aneurysms., Methods: PREMIER is a prospective, multicenter, single arm trial. Patients were treated with the PED for unruptured wide necked aneurysms, measuring ≤12 mm along the internal carotid artery or vertebral artery, between July 2014 and November 2015. At 1 year post-procedure, the primary effectiveness endpoint was complete occlusion (Raymond grade 1) without major parent vessel stenosis (≤50%) or retreatment, and the primary safety endpoint was major stroke in the territory supplied by the treated artery or neurologic death., Results: A total of 141 patients were treated with PEDs (mean age 54.6±11.3 years, 87.9% (124/141) women). Mean aneurysm size was 5.0±1.92 mm, and 84.4% (119/141) measured <7 mm. PED placement was successful in 99.3% (140/141) of patients. Mean number of PEDs implanted per patient was 1.1±0.26; a single PED was used in 92.9% (131/141) of patients. At 1 year, 97.9% (138/141) of patients underwent follow-up angiography with 76.8% (106/138) of patients having met the study's primary effectiveness endpoint. The combined major morbidity and mortality rate was 2.1% (3/140)., Conclusions: Treatment of wide necked small/medium aneurysms with the PED results in high rates of complete occlusion without significant parent vessel stenosis and low rates of permanent neurologic complications., Trial Registration: NCT02186561., Competing Interests: Competing interests: RH serves as a consultant for Medtronic, Stryker, Codman, and Microvention and is a stock holder of In Neuroco. DFK is president of Marblehead Medical and has patent pending in balloon catheter technologies. He has received research support from Medtronic, MicroVention, NeuroSave, Neurogami, Sequent Medical, NeuroSigma, and Insera, and also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for Triticum and Boston Scientific. PKN is a consultant for Medtronic. AS is a modest consultant for Amnis Therapeutics, Boston Scientific, Canon Medical Systems USA, Cerebrotech Medical Systems, Claret Medical, Corindus, Endostream Medical, Guidepoint Global Consulting, Imperative Care, Integra, Rapid Medical, Rebound Therapeutics Corp, Silk Road Medical, StimMed, Stryker, Three Rivers Medical, VasSol, and WL Gore and Associates. He is also a consultant and serves on the national PI/Steering Committee for Cerenovus, Medtronic, MicroVention, and Penumbra. He serves on the National PI/Steering Committee for the POSITIVE Trial for the Medical University of South Carolina and as DSMB Chair for the HEAT Trial for Northwest University and has ownership interest in Amnis Therapeutics, Apama Medical, BlinkTBI, Buffalo Technology Partners, Cardinal Health, Cerebrotech Medical Systems, Claret Medical, Cognition Medical, Endostream Medical Ltd, Imperative Care, International Medical Distribution Partners, Rebound Therapeutics Corp, Silk Road Medical, StimMed, Synchron, Three Rivers Medical, and Viseon. PJ serves as a consultant for Medtronic. VMP serves as a consultant/Steering Committee member for Stryker, Penumbra, and Balt, and as a consultant for Medtronic and Neurovasc, and receives a research grant from Philips. SZ serves as a scientific consultant regarding trial design and conduct to Medtronic. GPC serves as a consultant for Medtronic, Microvention-Terumo, and Stryker. MM serves as a consultant for Cerebrotech, Imperative Care, and Penumbra. CS has received honoraria from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Toshiba, and has ownership interest in NTI. FRH serves on the Speakers' Bureau for Medtronic and as a consultant for Penumbra and Cordis Neurovascular (Johnson & Johnson). CG serves as a consultant, proctor, and on the Speakers' Bureau for Medtronic and Stryker, and is on the Speaker’s Bureau for Genentech. PT serves as a consultant for Covidien. GT serves as a consultant for Dynamed EBSCO. JFF is an equity interest holder for Fawkes Biotechnology, LLC, and is a consultant for Stream Biomedical and for Medtronic. MC is a consultant for Medtronic, Stryker, Penumbra, Genentech, and GE. PK is a consultant for Stryker Neurovascular, Medtronic, and Cerenovus. DFi is a consultant and has received research support from Microvention/Terumo. DFr is a consultant and on the Speakers' Bureau for Penumbra, Stryker Neurovascular, Genentech, MicroVention, and Codman. OD serves as a proctor for Microvention/Terumo. AMM is a cofounder, investor, and shareholder of CereVasc. ASP consults for and has received research grants from Medtronic Neurovascular and Stryker Neurovascular., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: We have observed that aneurysms treated by insufficient coil embolization and filled with contrast agent immediately after the procedure are often completely occluded at follow-up. However, there are limited studies showing progressive thrombosis of aneurysms after coil embolization. Herein, we describe our experience with coil embolization for aneurysms, and discuss the factors involved in progressive thrombosis., Methods: A total of 255 aneurysms treated by coil embolization in our institute between January 2011 and June 2017 and observed >6 months were included. 'Progressive thrombosis' indicated that aneurysms that were neck remnant (NR) or dome filling (DF) immediately after coil embolization changed to complete obliteration (CO) at the 6-month follow-up digital subtraction angiography. The factors involved in progressive thrombosis were assessed., Results: In all aneurysms (n=255), 24 (9.4%) were CO, 82 (32.2%) were NR, and 149 (58.4%) were DF immediately after the procedure. At 6-month digital subtraction angiography, 123 (48.2%) were CO, 95 (37.3%) were NR, and 37 (14.5%) were DF. Retreatment for major recanalization was performed in eight cases (3.1%). One hundred and three aneurysms showed progressive thrombosis. There were significant differences in aneurysm location (P=0.0002), aneurysm dome diameter (P=0.0015), aneurysm neck diameter (P=0.0068), volume embolization ratio (P=0.0054), and endovascular procedure with stent (P=0.0264) between the progressive thrombosis and no thrombosis groups., Conclusions: Progressive thrombosis can occur in aneurysms after coil embolization depending on aneurysm location and size, and stent use. Thus, the degree of coil embolization and combination with a stent should be adjusted depending on aneurysm type., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Nearly 20% of individuals with an aneurysm will have multiple aneurysms-these individuals are at increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment of bilateral aneurysms with flow diverters (FDs), or Pipeline embolization device, has not yet been established as an effective therapy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 2-stage treatment of bilateral aneurysms with Pipeline embolization devices placed 6 months apart., Methods: We performed a retrospective review to analyze the clinical and angiographic outcomes of 16 individuals with bilateral aneurysms treated with 2-stage flow diversion at a tertiary referral center from January 2010 to July 2018., Results: Of the 16 patients with 33 aneurysms treated with bilateral flow diversion, 1 had 2 aneurysms treated with a single FD on the contralateral side. The aneurysms treated were ophthalmic, superior hypophyseal, posterior communicating, or cavernous segment aneurysms, with an average size of 6.5 mm. No major complications, such as in-stent stenosis, thromboembolic events, distal intraparenchymal hemorrhage, rerupture, stent migration, or neurological death, were recorded. All the patients had good functional outcomes. At the 24-month follow-up examination, 81% of aneurysms showed complete occlusion. No aneurysm required repeat treatment., Conclusions: The results from the present study have demonstrated that 2-stage treatment of bilateral aneurysms with FDs is both safe and efficacious. The timing of contralateral FD stent placement is critical. We found that 6 months allows for adequate neurological recovery and stent endothelialization., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Flow-diverting stents have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of adverse outcomes associated with the pipeline embolization device (PED)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with PED at a single high-volume center from January 2014 to September 2018. Patient outcomes, neurologic morbidity/mortality, and other clinical variables were analyzed., Results: We treated 204 aneurysms in 170 patients with PED. Mean length of follow-up was 11 months. Most (181) aneurysms (89%) were located in the anterior circulation, and 23 (11%) were found in the posterior circulation. Most aneurysms were saccular (82%), followed by fusiform (11%), blister (4%), and dissecting pseudoaneurysms (3%). Mean aneurysm size was 8.2 + 5.7 mm with 145 (71%) small aneurysms (≤10 mm), 53 (26%) large aneurysms (between 10 and 25 mm), and 6 (3%) giant aneurysms (≥25 mm). Ninety-two percent of aneurysms were unruptured, and 8% were ruptured. The overall major neurologic morbidity/mortality was 4.7% and 1.8%, respectively. The all-cause mortality was 2.9%. Predictors of neurologic morbidity/mortality included the baseline modified Rankin Scale (P = 0.001), aneurysm neck size (P = 0.003), aneurysm size (P = 0.006), anterior versus posterior location (P = 0.02), and rupture at presentation (0.006). The P2Y12 Reactivity Unit, parent vessel diameter, and patient age did not correlate with adverse events., Conclusions: The PED has a satisfactory safety profile in both on- and off-label indications. A poor clinical patient baseline, wider aneurysm neck or larger size, and rupture predict an increased risk of an unfavorable outcome., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Treatment with a pipeline embolization device (PED) is widely accepted as an excellent option for patients harboring giant, wide neck, saccular intracranial aneurysms. It has been shown to be safe and very effective. We describe a previously unreported case of a large middle cerebral artery aneurysm, related to the carotid tip, that was treated with a PED and coils. The 6 month follow-up angiogram demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm. However, the 9 month angiogram revealed recurrent filling of the aneurysm sac. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe recanalization of an aneurysm totally occluded on the control angiography after treatment with a PED. Unanswered questions include the mechanism of recanalization and the need for additional control angiograms and MRI following a previous examination revealing total aneurysm occlusion., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2019. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background and Objective: Stent-assisted coil embolization is a well-established treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms. The Neuroform Atlas Stent System is a new generation microstent designed to enhance coil support, conformability, deliverability, and improve deployment accuracy. We present the 1-year efficacy and angiographic results of the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) cohort from the Atlas Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trial., Method: The Atlas IDE trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study of unruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with the Neuroform Atlas stent and approved coils. The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of 12-month complete aneurysm angiographic occlusion (Raymond class I) without target aneurysm retreatment or significant parent artery stenosis (>50%) at the target location. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of major ipsilateral stroke or neurological death within 12 months. Imaging core laboratory and Clinical EventsCommittee adjudicated the primary endpoints., Results: 30 patients were enrolled at eight US centers, with 27 patients completing the 12-month angiographic follow-up. The mean age was 59.4±11.8 years and 24/30 patients (80%) were women. The mean aneurysm size was 5.3±1.7 mm and the dome:neck ratio was 1.1±0.2. Procedural technical success of Neuroform Atlas Stent deployment was 100%. 27 patients completed 12-month angiographic follow-up and 30 patients completed their 6-month follow-up. When applying the last observation carried forward method, the primary efficacy endpoint was observed in 26/30 patients (86.7%, 95% CI 69.3% to 96.2%) compared with 25/27 patients (92.6%, 95% CI 75.7% to 99.1%) who completed the 12-month angiographic follow-up. The primary safety endpoint of stroke occurred in one patient (3.3%), who made a complete clinical recovery at discharge. There were no neurological deaths., Conclusion: The Neuroform Atlas stent in conjunction with coils demonstrated a high rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at 12-month angiographic follow-up, with an improved safety profile in the HDE cohort., Clinical Trialgov Registration Number: NCT0234058;Results., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: The Pipeline Embolisation Device with Shield technology (PED-Shield) is suggested to have reduced thrombogenicity. This reduced thrombogenicity may make it possible to use safely in the acute treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) on single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT)., Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the off-label use of PED-Shield with SAPT for the acute treatment of aSAH., Methods: Patients who underwent acute treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with the PED-Shield with SAPT were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained databases at three Australian neurointerventional centres. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, clinical and imaging outcomes were reviewed., Results: Fourteen patients were identified (12 women), median age 64 (IQR 21.5) years. Aneurysm morphology was saccular in seven, fusiform in five, and blister in two. Aneurysms arose from the anterior circulation in eight patients (57.1%). Six (42.9%) patients were poor grade (World Federation of Neurological Societies grade ≥IV) SAH. Median time to treatment was 1 (IQR 0.5) day. Complete or near complete aneurysm occlusion (Raymond-Roy <3) was achieved in 12 (85.7%) patients at the end of early-acute follow-up (median day 7 after SAH). Permanent, treatment-related morbidity occurred in one (7.1%) patient and one (7.1%) treatment-related death occurred. The use of a postoperative heparin infusion (n=5) was associated with a higher rate of all complications (80.0% vs 11.1%, p=0.023) and symptomatic complications (60% vs 0.0%, p=0.028). No symptomatic ischaemic or haemorrhagic complications were observed in the patients who did not receive a post-operative heparin infusion. Nine (64.3%) patients were functionally independent on discharge from the treatment centre., Conclusion: The PED-Shield may be safe to use in the acute treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with SAPT. Further investigation with a formal treatment registry is needed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: NWM, AC, TJP, and JDW have been paid proctors and consultants for Medtronic Neurovascular. Medtronic is a provider of educational grants to the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a routine first-line treatment option for intracranial aneurysms (IAs). The Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology (Pipeline Shield) is an updated version of the PED which has been modified to include a surface phosphorylcholine biocompatible polymer. Its early technical success and safety have been reported previously. Here, we assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Shield for the treatment of IAs., Materials and Methods: The Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology (PFLEX) study was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study for the treatment of unruptured IAs using the Pipeline Shield. The primary endpoint was a major stroke in the territory supplied by the treated artery or neurologic death at 1-year post-procedure. Angiographic outcomes were also assessed by an independent radiology laboratory at 6 months and 1 year., Results: Fifty patients (mean age, 53 years; 82% female) with 50 unruptured IAs were treated. Mean aneurysm diameter was 8.82±6.15 mm. Of the target aneurysms, 38/50 (76%) were small (<10 mm), 11/50 (22%) were large (≥10 and<25 mm), and 1/50 (2%) was giant (≥25 mm). Forty-seven (94%) were located in the internal carotid artery and three (6%) in the vertebral artery. At 1-year post-procedure, no major strokes or neurologic deaths were reported, and complete occlusion was achieved in 27/33 (81.8%). There were no instances of aneurysm recurrence or retreatment., Conclusions: Our 1-year follow-up concerning angiographic and safety outcomes corroborate previous evidence that the Pipeline Shield is a safe and effective treatment for IAs., Trial Registration Number: NCT02390037., Competing Interests: Competing interests: MM-G serves as a proctor and consultant for Medtronic. SML proctors and consults for Medtronic. TL previously consulted and proctored for Covidien, Stryker, and MicroVention, and currently serves as a proctor and consultant for Sequent Medical. EPB receives honoraria from Medtronic and serves as a consultant for Medtronic., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Posterior communicating artery (PcoA) compromise may serve as adjunctive treatment in patients with hypoplastic variants of PcoA who undergo coil embolization of PcoA aneurysms. However, procedural safety and the propensity for later recanalization are still unclear., Objective: To evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes of coil embolization in this setting, focusing on compromise of PcoA., Methods: As a retrospective review, we examined 250 patients harboring 291 aneurysms of hypoplastic PcoAs, all consecutively treated by coil embolization between January 2004 and June 2016. PcoA compromise was undertaken in conjunction with 81 of the treated aneurysms (27.8%; incomplete 53; complete 28). Medical records and radiologic data were assessed during extended monitoring., Results: During the mean follow-up of 33.9±24.6 months (median 36 months), a total of 107 (36.8%) coiled aneurysms showed recanalization (minor 50; major 57). Recanalization rates were as follows: PcoA preservation 40.5% (85/210); incomplete PcoA occlusion 34.0% (18/53); complete PcoA occlusion 14.3% (4/28). Aneurysms >7 mm (HR 3.40; P<0.01), retreatment for recanalization (HR 3.23; P<0.01), and compromise of PcoA (P<0.01) emerged from multivariate analysis as significant risk factors for recanalization. Compared with PcoA preservation, complete PcoA compromise conferred more favorable outcomes (HR 0.160), whereas incomplete compromise of PcoA fell short of statistical significance. Thromboembolic infarction related to PcoA compromise did not occur in any patient., Conclusion: PcoA compromise in conjunction with coil embolization of PcoA aneurysms appears safe in hypoplastic variants of PcoA, helping to prevent recanalization if complete occlusion is achieved., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of the Atlas microstent in stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms., Methods: Single-center observational study in 36 patients (24 female, 12 male, mean age 56 years) with 37 aneurysms for the endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms. After giving informed consent, patients were included according to the following criteria: aneurysm dome-to-neck ratio <2 or neck diameter >4 mm, and a parent vessel diameter of ≤4.5 mm. Primary endpoint for clinical safety was absence of death, absence of major or minor stroke, and absence of transient ischemic attack. Primary endpoint for treatment efficacy was complete angiographic occlusion according to the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) immediately after the procedure., Results: In 36/37 (97%) cases, the primary endpoint of safety was reached, one patient had a transitory ischemic attack which completely resolved until discharge. In 31/37 (84%) cases, complete occlusion (RROC 1) was reached, and in 6/36 (17%), a residual neck remained (RROC 2). A sequential approach (first stent, then coiling through the same catheter) was used in 21 cases; the other 16 were treated with the jailing technique. Deployment was technically successful in all cases. Follow-up at a median of 6.1 months was available for 29/37 (78%) aneurysms and showed complete occlusion in 27/29 aneurysms (93%) and a neck remnant in 2 cases (7%)., Conclusion: Deployment of the Neuroform Atlas microstent is a safe and effective method for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: MB has received honoraria or is consultant for Guerbet, Novartis, Codman, and Roche. MM has received honoraria or is consultant for Acandis, Codman, Microvention, and Phenox., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: The safety of PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland) in posterior circulation aneurysms is still controversial., Objective: To study complications associated with the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms by conducting a subgroup analysis from the International Retrospective Study of PED registry., Methods: Data from 91 consecutive patients with 95 posterior circulation aneurysms at 17 centers between July 2008 to February 2013 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was defined as any complication leading to neurological morbidity or death. The outcome predictors were calculated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods., Results: The mean aneurysm size was 13.8 mm. Aneurysm types were saccular (36.8%), fusiform (29.5%), dissecting (28.4%), and others (5.3%). The median follow-up was 21.1 mo. Twelve (13.2%) patients encountered a primary endpoint event. In multivariate analysis for the primary endpoint, use of ≥3 PEDs and fusiform shape compared with other shapes had hazard ratios (HRs) of 7.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.48-25.86; P = .0007) and 3.48 (95% CI, 1.06-13.39; P = .0488), respectively. The multivariate HR of aneurysm size for neurological morbidity after PED implantation was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.04-1.18; P = .0015), and HRs of ruptured aneurysm and age for neurological mortality were 8.1 (95% CI, 1.31-41.26; P = .0197) and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.15; P = .0262), respectively. Basilar artery aneurysm had an HR of 3.54 (95% CI, 1.12-14.18, P = .0529) in the univariate analysis for major outcomes., Conclusion: PED implantation may be considered for the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms, especially of saccular or dissecting type. Our major complications appear to be comparable to those reported previously after clipping and coiling in the literature. Neurointerventionists should consider the shape, size, rupture, and location of complex posterior circulation aneurysms as well as age and PED number before the PED placement.

Endovascular, endosaccular, coil embolization has emerged as an established therapy for both ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, many aneurysms are not cured using conventional endovascular techniques. Coil embolization often results in incomplete aneurysm occlusion or recanalization in the ensuing months after treatment. The Pipeline embolization device (PED; Chestnut Medical) represents a new generation endoluminal implant which is designed to treat aneurysms by reconstructing the diseased parent artery. Immediately after implantation, the PED functions to divert flow from the aneurysm, creating an environment conducive to thrombosis. With time, the PED is incorporated into the vessel wall as neointimal-endothelial overgrowth occurs along the construct. Ultimately, this process results in the durable complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the cerebrovasculature and a definitive endoluminal reconstruction of the diseased parent artery., Competing Interests: Competing interests: PN is a consultant and stockholder in Chestnut Medical., (© 2009, Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery.)

Background: Preliminary short-term results for stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) using woven/braided stents have been promising. However, evidence supporting mid- to long-term efficacy and durability is lacking., Objective: To report the long-term results for the durability of elective intracranial aneurysms treated with woven stents., Materials and Methods: Between May 2012 and May 2015, 98 consecutive patients with 103 aneurysms underwent elective woven SACE across three Australian neurovascular centres. All patients had immediate, 6- and 18-month clinical and radiological follow-up. Radiological assessment was performed with modified Raymond-Roy occlusion scores based on angiography results, while clinical assessment was based on the modified Rankin Scale., Results: Six-month follow-up was available in 100 aneurysms, and an 18-month follow-up in 97 aneurysms. Total occlusion rates of 82% were achieved at inception, 82% at 6 months, and 90% at 18 months. Satisfactory occlusion with small neck remnants was present in 17% at inception, 16% at 6 months, and 9% at 18 months. Good neurological outcomes were achieved in 95% at 18 months. Intraprocedural thromboembolic events were recorded in 3% and delayed events in 1% (all in patients taking clopidogrel). Aneurysm recurrence occurred in one patient (1%). Technical complications occurred in 5%. The total complication rate was 10%., Conclusions: Woven SACE is safe, efficacious, and durable at long-term 18-month follow-up, with very low recurrence and re-treatment rates. Preliminary results appear better than those for traditional laser-cut stents., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high resolution intravascular imaging method that allows visualization of flow diverter struts and the vessel wall. In this study, malapposition of the flow diverter that continues into the neck of the aneurysm, named communicating malapposition (CM), was investigated as a potential factor for delayed aneurysm healing., Methods: 40 New Zealand White rabbits underwent elastase induced aneurysm creation, and were subsequently assigned to one of four treatment groups based on flow diverter type and administration of antiplatelet therapy. All animals underwent post device deployment balloon angioplasty and subsequent OCT to assess device/vessel apposition. The incidence of CM seen on OCT was assessed with a binary scoring system: 0-CM present; 1-CM absent. At 30 days, DSA was acquired to assess aneurysm healing. Aneurysm healing on terminal DSA was measured using a previously developed 5 point scale, with a score of 3 or 4 considered a positive outcome., Results: All animals were grouped into a single cohort for analysis as no difference in the rate of CM or healing was seen in the four treatment groups. Significant interaction between the absence of CM and a positive outcome was confirmed by Fisher exact test (P=0.0034). Angioplasty was shown to treat 33% of the cases of CM seen at implant, and these treated cases overwhelmingly had a positive outcome (P<0.001)., Conclusion: The use of OCT to assess CM of flow diverters has been shown to be predictive of the 30 day healing rate of an animal model of aneurysms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: JC has received educational scholarships from Medtronic Neurovascular and Microvention/Terumo. JMW is employed by Medtronic Neurovascular. MJG has been a consultant on a fee-per-hour basis for Codman Neurovascular, InNeuroCo, Medtronic Neurovascular, and Stryker Neurovascular; holds stock in InNeuroCo; and has received research support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Anaconda, Codman Neurovascular, Gentuity, InNeuroCo, Microvention, Medtronic Neurovascular, MIVI Neurosciences, Neuravi, Philips Healthcare, InNeuroCo, Rapid Medical, R92M, Stryker Neurovascular, The Stroke Project, and the Wyss Institute. ASP has been a consultant on a fee-per-hour basis for Medtronic Neurovascular and Stryker Neurovascular; and has received research grants from Medtronic Neurovascular and Stryker Neurovascular., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: Foreign body emboli during endovascular treatment (EVT) may cause delayed enhancing lesions (DELs)., Objective: To report our experiences of this complication in patients treated for cerebral aneurysms and to investigate the cause of the lesions by benchtop analyses., Methods: Three patients with DELs on MRI after EVT were retrospectively investigated. Unusual friction had occurred in the midst of coil delivery in two patients. The imaging findings, cause of the lesions due to the devices used for the procedure, treatment, and follow-up results were assessed. Two benchtop analyses were performed. First, a microcatheter that showed similar unusual friction during coiling was retrieved and dissected at the point of friction. Second, the EVT procedure was simulated with multiple coil advancement and withdrawal maneuvers within an acutely angulated microcatheter to identify downstream foreign body material emboli., Results: The DELs were identified 27-37 days (mean 32.7) after the procedure. The patients presented with left arm weakness, headache, and no other symptoms. The lesions were located in the hemisphere corresponding to the treatment. The symptoms subsided after conservative therapy. The dissected microcatheter showed whitish semitransparent material adherent to the inner lumen. Similar material was sieved after multiple coil advancement and withdrawal maneuvers., Conclusions: DELs may be caused by fragmentation and emboli of the inner coating wall of the microcatheter. Development of unusual friction during coil delivery may be a sign of damage of the microcatheter inner wall and the device should be discarded., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

Purpose: The Barrel stent is a laser cut stent designed for stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked bifurcation or branch aneurysms with a single device, with the purpose of lowering the metal-to-artery ratio and its inherent risk of thromboembolic complications of multiple stents. We report our early experiences with this device in 17 patients in this retrospective single-center analysis., Materials and Methods: 17 consecutive patients who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms with the Barrel stent were retrospectively identified. We analyzed the feasibility of successful deployment and post-treatment angiographic results. Adverse events, clinical outcome, and angiographic follow-up results were also analyzed., Results: Aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (n=3), the middle cerebral artery (n=9), the anterior communicating artery (n=3), and the basilar artery (n=2). In the immediate post-treatment angiography, adequate occlusion (neck remnant or total occlusion) was observed in 16/17 (94.1%) of aneurysms. One patient experienced a transient ischemic attack. No permanent neurologic deficits were observed. 13/17 (76.5%) patients underwent short-term follow-up angiography after 3 months, all of which showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysm., Conclusions: In this small retrospective single-center analysis we show that stent-assisted coiling with the Barrel stent is a safe and effective option for the endovascular treatment of intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

The technology available for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is rapidly evolving. Both current and future devices are described. This includes, among others, UNO for parent vessel occlusion, the Medina device for saccular filling, the Comaneci device for remodeling, pCONus for assisted coil occlusion, and WEB and pCANvas for intrasaccular flow disruption. Perspectives of further development such as surface coating for increased radioopacity and decreased thrombogenicity are explained.

Background: Flow diverters are recently developed stent-like endovascular devices developed to treat complex and non-coilable aneurysms. SILK is a type of flow diverter that has been used for nearly 3 years. Only sparse data about it are available. We would like to share our experience with this device., Methods: Twenty-eight patients were treated with SILK from October 2008 to October 2010. Thirty-one treatment sessions were performed for 32 aneurysms using 31 SILKs. Twenty have been treated with SILK only and eight with SILK and adjuvant stents. Twenty-six (86%) patients performed cross-sectional imaging (MRA/CTA) for follow-up. Eighteen (64%) patients had follow-up brain angiography., Results: In all patients the SILK could be deployed. No case of early or late aneurysmal rupture was noted. Five patients (17.8%) developed immediate clinical complications, which were permanent in three (10.7%). All the complications occurred in patients harboring aneurysms larger than 15 mm. In two other patients, occlusion of the SILK was noted with no clinical deficit. A complete or near-complete aneurysmal occlusion was found in brain angiography or cross-sectional imaging follow-up in 83.3% of the patients., Conclusions: SILK is a relatively simple device to use, with a low rate of technical and clinical complications and a high short-term aneurysmal occlusion rate. In aneurysms smaller than 15 mm, the results are excellent. Results are also encouraging in the larger aneurysms, taking into consideration their complexity. The device characteristics and mainly its drawbacks must be well known by the users.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of a new filling coil, the HydroFill device, to historical results of HydroSoft and bare platinum coil devices in experimental rabbit aneurysms., Methods: Experimental aneurysms were constructed in rabbits and embolized with HydroFill (n=32), HydroSoft (n=48), or bare platinum coil (n=47) devices. Angiographic occlusion was evaluated post-treatment and at 1 month (n=55), 3 month (n=20), 6 month (n=35), and 12 month (n=12) follow-ups according to the Raymond scale. The aneurysms were analyzed histologically for neointima formation, thrombus organization, and inflammation. Continuous and discrete results were compared using ANOVA/t-test and chi (2) tests, respectively., Results: Volumetric occlusion of the aneurysm sac was increased in the HydroFill group compared to the HydroSoft and platinum coil groups. Protrusions into the parent artery were common in all treatment groups due to the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms without the use of balloons or stents. Although angiographic occlusion post-treatment scores were reduced in the HydroFill group compared to the HydroSoft and platinum coil groups, stable/progressive occlusion was increased in the HydroFill group compared to the platinum coil group. Histologically, neointima formation and thrombus organization scores were increased in the HydroFill and HydroSoft groups compared to the platinum coil group at 3 months. Although there were some differences in the scoring, inflammation was generally minimal to mild in all three groups., Conclusion: The HydroFill device, with its high levels of volumetric filling, increased stable/progressive occlusion at follow-up, increased neointima formation, and increased thrombus organization, shows promise for clinical use., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.)

Background: To evaluate the safety and protective effect of relative undersized coil with loose coil core in the clinical dilemma condition--very small (43.0 mm) ruptured intracranial aneurysm., Methods: We studied 12 patients (4 men, 8 women) who had suffered from acute ruptured small intracranial aneurysms (2-3 mm in size, with SAH presentation). All subjects underwent a single coil embolization procedure. An undersized coil (equivalent to the neck size or 0.5 mm smaller than the aneurysm diameter) was chosen as the embolizer. Based on the postembolization angiogram, subjects were divided into 2 groups. One was labeled as the initial complete obliteration group (NR) and the other as the incomplete obliteration group (SR). Fisher exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to for statistical analysis., Results: The technical success rate was 100% without any procedure-related complication. The follow-up interval ranged from 6 to 32 months. No episode of rebleeding or coil migration could be defined in the admissive and following period. Loose coil core were seen in all patients. The total recurrent rate was 8.3% (1/12); only one patient suffered from recurrent lesion in SR group., Conclusion: The preliminary result showed that under-sized coil packing with loose coil core could provide the protective effect and prevent from further rebleeding for very small ruptured aneurysms. It should be considered as an alternative option in the treatment of acute ruptured very small aneurysms when other conventional strategies are not feasible.

Very large and giant (> or =15 mm) cerebral aneurysms have a poor natural history, with high risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage or progressive symptoms of mass effect. Several endovascular techniques may be applied for treatment, depending on location, size, anatomy and presence of collateral circulation. The authors reviewed their clinical experience in endovascular treatment of 232 very large and giant aneurysms and present their perspective on the present state of the art in endovascular therapy for these aneurysms.

Objective: Giant (>or=25 mm in diameter) cerebral aneurysms have a poor natural history, with high risks of subarachnoid hemorrhage or progressive disability or death caused by mass effect or stroke. Surgical treatment may be effective but carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Thus, attempts at endovascular solutions to these complex lesions have been developed to offer therapy at reduced risk., Methods: The authors reviewed their clinical experience and the current body of literature concerning giant cerebral aneurysms and present their perspective on the current state of the art in endovascular therapy for these aneurysms. A variety of techniques are described that can be used in an attempt to provide a solution to the wide variety of clinical dilemmas associated with the management of these difficult lesions. Preprocedural planning and periprocedural considerations are discussed briefly. The use of intracranial balloons and stents are described in conjunction with the use of detachable platinum coils. The developing concept of using stents alone to treat aneurysms is discussed. Alternative methods of treating giant aneurysms are discussed., Results: Current endovascular approaches, when properly selected and applied, can provide lower-risk therapies than conventional microsurgical approaches for patients harboring giant cerebral aneurysms. However, endovascular approaches do not, at present, provide results that are as durable as current surgical techniques for giant cerebral aneurysms., Conclusion: Treatment of giant cerebral aneurysms via endovascular therapeutics requires the interventionist to possess an extensive armamentarium. Meticulous preprocedure evaluation, patient selection, and execution of the treatment plan enable safe and effective management. Current therapies do not provide an ideal solution for every patient, so one must consider creative and evolving solutions to these difficult clinical challenges. The procedural morbidity of open surgery versus the decreased durability of current endovascular techniques must be assessed carefully.

Objective: The purposes of this article are to summarize recent developments and concerns in endovascular aneurysm therapy leading to the adjunctive use of endoluminal devices, to review the published literature on stent-supported coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms, and to describe our experience with this technique in a limited subgroup of problematic complex aneurysms over a medium-term follow-up period., Methods: Between January 2003 and June 2004, 28 individuals among 157 patients with cerebral aneurysms we evaluated were identified as harboring aneurysms with exceptionally broad necks. Out of these 28 patients, 16 were treated with a combination of stents and detachable coils, preserving the parent artery. Recorded data included patient demographics, the clinical presentation, aneurysm location and characteristics, procedural details, and clinical and angiographic outcome., Results: Over an 18-month period, 16 patients with large cerebral aneurysms additionally characterized by neck sizes between 7 and 14 mm were treated, using combined coil embolization of the aneurysm with stent reconstruction of the aneurysm neck. Thirteen out of the 16 aneurysms were occluded at angiographic reevaluation between 11 and 24 months (mean angiographic follow-up, 17.5 mo). There were no treatment-related deaths or clinically evident neurological complications. Thirteen patients experienced excellent clinical outcomes, with good outcomes in two patients and a poor visual outcome in one patient (mean clinical follow-up, 29 mo). A single technical complication occurred, involving transient nonocclusive stent-associated thrombus, which was treated uneventfully with abciximab., Conclusion: Stent-supported coil embolization of large, complex-neck cerebral aneurysms seems to provide superior medium-term anatomic reconstruction of the parent artery compared with historic series of aneurysms treated exclusively with endosaccular coils. In the near future, increasingly sophisticated endoluminal devices offering higher coverage of the neck defect will likely enable more definitive endovascular treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms and further expand our ability to manipulate the vascular biology of the parent artery.

The treatment of giant aneurysms remains a formidable challenge for endovascular and surgical strategies. The use of endovascular techniques in a deconstructive (e.g., parent vessel occlusion) and reconstructive (e.g., stent coiling) methodology is reviewed. The results of endovascular coiling as a primary therapy for giant aneurysm occlusion have been disappointing. Hunterian strategies have had more success in published series, but recent developments in coil, glue, and stent technology show great promise in allowing parent vessel reconstruction as a primary endovascular target, with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and durability. A literature review of giant aneurysm endovascular treatment strategies was undertaken after 1994, when Guglielmi detachable coils were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Where possible, follow-up, durability, and occlusion rates are also reviewed.

Objective: Giant intracranial aneurysms present unique therapeutic intricacies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomic and hemodynamic characteristics of these lesions and the current endovascular and combined surgical and endovascular techniques available for their treatment., Methods: A review of the literature and the personal experiences of the authors with endovascular treatment of giant aneurysms are presented. This review included anatomic and hemodynamic features and analysis of the diverse endovascular techniques that have been reported for the management of these aneurysms., Results: Anatomic features that create particular challenges in the therapeutic approach of giant aneurysms include size, shape (saccular, fusiform, serpentine), neck dimensions, branch involvement, intraluminal thrombosis, and location. Hemodynamic characteristics that affect endovascular treatment are lateral or terminal aneurysm type of flow and embolic material placement (inflow versus outflow aneurysmal region). The current endovascular therapeutic approaches include parent artery occlusion, trapping, endosaccular embolization with or without adjunctive techniques such as balloon-assisted or stent placement, and combined surgical and endovascular approaches, mainly with surgical revascularization and endovascular occlusion., Conclusion: Although there are a wide variety of endovascular therapeutic options for the treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms, none of the current techniques is completely successful and free of complications in the management of these complex lesions. A detailed and individualized analysis of each case in conjunction with sufficient understanding of the anatomy and hemodynamics of a particular aneurysm should guide the therapeutic decision. Further research advances will assist in elucidating the factors predisposing to genesis, progression, and aggressive clinical manifestations of these giant lesions.

Objective: The past 15 years have seen a revolution in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Endovascular technology has evolved rapidly since the Food and Drug Administration approval of Guglielmi detachable coils in 1995, which now allows successful treatment of most aneurysms. The authors provide a review of their 11-year experience at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience with endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms and discuss clinical trial outcomes and future directions of this treatment method., Methods: The authors reviewed the clinical and angiographic outcomes for 1307 patients undergoing endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Their analysis focuses on posterior circulation and middle cerebral artery aneurysms, as well as cases of stent-assisted coil embolization. They review their procedural protocol and patient selection criteria for endovascular management., Results: Several large clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial provides Level I evidence demonstrating a significant reduction in disability or death with endovascular treatment compared with surgical clipping. The most common procedural complications include intraprocedural rupture and thromboembolic events; avoidance strategies are also discussed. Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage causes neurological morbidity and mortality and can be successfully managed by early recognition and interventional treatment with angioplasty, pharmacologic agents, or both., Conclusion: Long-term studies evaluating experience with aneurysm coil embolization during the past decade indicate that this is a safe and durable treatment method. The introduction of stent-assist techniques has improved the management of wide-neck aneurysms. Future technology developments will likely improve the durability of endovascular treatment further by delivering bioactive agents that promote aneurysm thrombosis beyond the coil mass alone. It is clear that endovascular therapy of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms is becoming a mainstay of practice in this patient population. Although not replacing open surgery, the continued improvements have allowed aneurysms that previously were amenable only to open clip ligation to be treated safely with durable long-term outcomes.