Microguidewire protection of wide-necked aneurysms incorporating orifices of tortuous acute-angled vessels: a novel approach

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms Using a Microcatheter Protection

PURPOSE

Stent protective or balloon remodeling techniques have enabled coil embolization of complexly configured aneurysms. Still, the utility of such methods may be limited in some small-caliber and/or inherently tortuous lesions. The present study was conducted to examine the efficacy of microcatheter protection (MCP) when applied in these circumstances.

METHODS

This retrospective review included 432 patients with 452 intracranial aneurysms subjected to MCP between April 2001 and January 2021. All available medical records and radiologic data were analyzed, focusing on strategic, safety, and efficacy aspects of the procedures.

RESULTS

In a majority (255/452, 56.4%) of cases, MCP was applied throughout entire coiling procedures, as opposed to coil framing (137/452, 30.3%) or filling/finishing (60/452, 13.3%) only. Lesions of the middle cerebral artery (54.9%) predominated, followed by anterior (12.4%) and posterior (11.1%) communicating artery aneurysms. Stent protection was also used occasionally (46/452, 10.2%). Procedural morbidity was low (3/432, 0.7%), limited to symptomatic thromboembolism and procedural leakage, and there were no deaths. Occlusion was successfully achieved by MCP in 424 aneurysms (93.8%). During the follow-up period (mean, 43.4 ± 30.4 months), satisfactory occlusion was documented in 406 of 440 (92.3%) aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

MCP is feasible and safe for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, in conjunction with multicatheter, balloon, or stenting techniques. MCP may have merit in small-sized or tortuous lesions not amenable to balloon or stent usage, often eliminating the need for stenting altogether.

[Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms: Technical Options in Coil Embolization]

Since the endosaccular coil embolization technique was introduced as an alternative for treating selected patients with aneurysms, it has become a mainstay of treatment for cerebral aneurysms. In lesions with a neck larger than the aneurysmal body, an irregular shape, or arterial branches incorporated within the sac, endovascular treatment using detachable coils are traditionally contraindicated because of technical difficulties. Coil embolization has evolved as a result of both the development of related devices and the introduction of technical improvements using various devices. Use of various technical and device options can make endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms safer and can widen the treatment indications. Various technical options, including the technical modification of device-assisted techniques, will be presented, and the related practical points will be discussed in this issue.

Novel microguidewire-assist (MGA) manoeuver for coil embolisation of an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm

We describe here a novel yet very simple technique, called microguidewire-assist (MGA) manoeuvre, for coil embolisation of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. A 79-year-old woman with a small, broad-necked middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm that incorporated the orifice of the acute-angled M2 superior trunk underwent coil embolisation. Since the balloon assist technique was not feasible, we inserted and retained only the microguidewire through M1 to the M2 superior trunk; subsequently, with appropriate use of the microguidewire, coil embolisation was completed. The MGA manoeuvre resulted in slight vessel straightening and subsequent changes in the angulation of the aneurysmal neck, with which stable placement of the platinum coil was successfully accomplished. For coil embolisation of small, broad-necked MCA aneurysms that partially straddle the M2 trunk, this manoeuvre might provide an effective therapeutic alternative if other techniques are not feasible.

Combination of Multicatheter Plus Stent or Balloon for Treatment of Complex Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Coiling of complex aneurysms is still difficult even with current adjuvant techniques. This study sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a combination of multicatheter plus stent or balloon for the treatment of complex aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All complex aneurysms that underwent coiling with the combination technique were identified from prospectively maintained neurointerventional data bases. "Complex aneurysm" was defined as a wide-neck aneurysm with branch incorporation into or a deep lobulation of the sac. The clinical and angiographic outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-two complex aneurysms (12 ruptured, 50 unruptured) in 62 patients (mean age, 57 years; male/female ratio, 12:50) were treated with a combination technique by using a multicatheter plus stent (n = 42, 3 ruptured) or balloon (n = 20, 9 ruptured). Treatment-related morbidity (grade 3 hemiparesis) occurred in 1 patient (1.6%). Except for 1 patient who had treatment-related morbidity, none of the other patients with unruptured aneurysms developed new neurologic symptoms at discharge. Nine of the 12 patients with ruptured aneurysms had good outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Score, 4 or 5) at the latest follow-up (mean, 32 months; range, 6-72 months), and 1 patient died from an initial SAH. Posttreatment control angiograms revealed complete occlusion in 27, neck remnant in 34, and incomplete occlusion in 1 aneurysm. At least 1 follow-up catheter or MR angiogram was available in 80.6% (n = 50) (mean, 21 months; range, 6-65 months). There were 4 minor and 3 major recurrences (14.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this case series, the combination technique by using multicatheter plus stent or balloon seemed safe and effective for the treatment of complex aneurysms.

Use of Triple Microcatheters for Endovascular Treatment of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience

Objective

The dual microcatheter technique is common practice for coil embolization of a wide-necked aneurysm, due to safety and efficacy. However, technical limitations of some complex configurations may necessitate additional microcatheters to bolster coil stability, compact the coil, or for protection. Described herein is a triple microcatheter technique for endovascular management of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.

Materials and Methods

Data accruing prospectively between January 2006 and October 2014 on simultaneously executed triple microcatheter coil embolization procedures done in 38 saccular aneurysms were reviewed. Clinical and morphological outcomes were assessed, with emphasis on technical aspects of treatment.

Results

The triple microcatheter technique was successfully applied to all 38 saccular aneurysms, involving the posterior communicating artery (n = 13), the middle cerebral artery (n = 10), the basilar tip (n = 7), the anterior cerebral artery (n = 5), and the internal carotid artery (n = 3). Stent protection was added in four patients and balloon remodeling in one. Dual microcatheters (n = 24) were usually deployed to deliver the coil within sacs of aneurysms, with the additional microcatheter used for protection. Otherwise, triple microcatheters were deployed for coil delivery (n = 11) or coils were delivered via a single microcatheter, with dual microcatheters deployed for protection (n = 3). Successful occlusion of aneurysms was achieved in 89.5% of cases, with no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Stable occlusion was maintained in 72.2% (26/36) of the aneurysms at the final follow-up (mean interval, 30.2 ± 22.7 months).

Conclusion

The outcomes of this limited study suggest that the triple microcatheter technique may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for wide-necked aneurysms, using technical strategies tailored to complex angio-anatomic configurations.

Modified coil protection for proper coil frame configuration in wide-necked aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Although various protective techniques for treating wide-necked intracranial aneurysms currently exist and continue to evolve, their utility may be limited in some lesions with complex configurations, small-caliber channels, or inherently tortuous vascular patterns. Described herein is a modified coil protection technique as a novel adjunct for proper coil frame configuration.

METHODS

Initially, a microcatheter is passed into aneurysmal sac, and the first coil is inserted to build a frame. Inevitably, some coils may abut opposite poles of aneurysms and protrude into parent arteries. Should this happen, a second microcatheter may be placed at the site of coil protrusion, so that a separate and smaller coil may be partially deployed for protection. A framing coil may then be configured within aneurysmal sac, under protection of the secondary coil. Once the first coil is entirely in place, the remainder of second coil is carefully inserted, and additional coil may be inserted as needed via dual microcatheters.

RESULTS

This technique was successfully applied to 23 saccular intracranial aneurysms of internal carotid (n = 8), middle cerebral (n = 6), anterior cerebral (n = 6), and superior cerebellar artery (n = 3), combining stent protection in two patients and balloon remodeling in one. Selective endovascular treatment was effective as a result. Excellent outcomes were achieved in all patients, with no morbidity or mortality directly related to the modified procedure.

CONCLUSION

As suggested by outcomes of this small study, our modified coil protection method may be a safe option if traditional coiling strategies are not feasible, enabling stable coil frame configuration in wide-necked aneurysms.