title: Current status of pipeline embolization device in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pipeline embolization device (PED) implantation is a novel endovascular treatment option for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. It is emerging as a useful alternative to coiling and to open surgery, and its use is increasing worldwide. We performed a literature review to examine its efficacy, technical challenges, and safety.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed database was used to identify all articles relating to PED.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The review outlines the indications for PED, its technical aspects, complications, and clinical outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PED offers an alternative to endovascular coiling for aneurysms with complex morphology. The indication for its use has evolved from the limited scope of treatment of giant aneurysms with wide necks to the inclusion of smaller aneurysms. The procedural safety profile of PED is comparable with or possibly superior to balloon-remodeling or stent-assisted coil embolization in specific circumstances. However, questions remain regarding the incidence of post-procedural subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ongoing monitoring and meticulous documentation of PED postimplantation safety is strongly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Neurointervention Service, Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: mytse@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Mona M Y
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004867:Equipment Design; D005544:Forecasting; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000209:etiology; D061214:Patient Safety; D018579:Patient Selection; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome