Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization: a new treatment strategy for complex intracranial aneurysms. Results of medium length follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
We present detailed results of using Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization to treat complex cerebral aneurysms over a three-year period.


METHODS
Only patients who underwent Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization were included in this study. We assessed patients' history, aneurysm morphology, indications for stenting, and technical details of the procedures, as well as complications and the midterm follow-up data.


RESULTS
This study included 26 patients with 39 aneurysms. A total of 32 of 39 aneurysms were treated by Neuroform stent-assisted embolization (SAC), whereas 3 aneurysms were stented without coiling, 2 aneurysms coiled without stenting and 2 aneurysms surgically clipped. The indications for use of stent included broad-neck aneurysms (n = 28), giant or large aneurysms (n = 6), and fusiform aneurysms (n = 5). Of the 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC, we achieved complete (100%) and near complete (> 95%) occlusion in 27 aneurysms, and partial (< 95%) occlusion in 5 aneurysms. Follow-up angiographic data available in 22 of 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC (68.7%) demonstrated recanalization in 3 aneurysms (13.6%), and stable occlusion in 19 aneurysms (86.4%). There was no delayed progressive embolization or in-stent stenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Direct and midterm follow-up results confirmed that Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization was a safe and effective technique in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms. Although clinically significant complications were uncommon and the evaluation at midterm follow-up is encouraging, further studies need to assess the long-term stability and durability of the stent.
Ismail Alhothi
Ali
A
Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China.
Qi
Tiewei
T
Guo
Shaolei
S
Shi
Zhongsong
Z
Liang
Feng
F
Yang
Lixuan
L
Huang
Zhengsong
Z
D000328:Adult; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult