Efficacy and safety of PulseRider for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysm-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Endovascular Treatment of Wide-Neck Bifurcation Aneurysm: Recent Trends in Coil Embolization with Adjunctive Technique

Wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) are sometimes challenging to treat. During endovascular treatment, it is important to prevent coil deviation and preserve normal vessels. Adjunctive balloon- and stent-assisted techniques have been developed. A meta-analysis of endovascular treatments of WNBAs revealed that only 40% of patients had complete occlusion. Recently, novel devices have been developed to expand the range of treatment options. Flow-diverter stents and intra-aneurysmal flow disruption devices do not require coils; however, coil embolization remains the standard procedure used by many neurointerventionists. This review describes the recent trends in adjunctive techniques for supporting coil embolization for WNBAs. We referred to literature on balloon-assisted techniques, stent-assisted techniques, Y-stenting, PulseRider, Barrel stents, Comaneci temporary stents, pCONUS, and eCLIPs. These reports showed that adequate embolization rates were generally greater than 80%, and the complete occlusion rate was as high as 94.6%. All devices had a relatively high occlusion rate; however, it may be inaccurate to simply compare each device because of the heterogeneity of the studies. It is important to select the best treatment for each individual case by considering not only literature-based efficacy and safety but also patient background, aneurysm characteristics, and operator experience.

The Safety and Efficacy of eCLIPs for Treatment of Wide-Necked Bifurcation Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) are challenging intracranial aneurysms. Several device and treatment approaches have been proposed for the treatment of WNBAs. The endovascular clip system (eCLIPs) is a newly developed endovascular device with flow diverter and flow disruptor features. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of the eCLIPs for treatment of patients with WNBAs.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically reviewed from inception to June 19, 2023. The rate of complete and near-complete occlusion, successful device implantation, and serious adverse events were pooled using STATA, version 17.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies with 110 patients with WNBAs were systematically investigated. Our findings show that the immediate successful implantation rate of eCLIPs was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.97). Moreover, the immediate postoperative complete occlusion rate was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.10-0.58), and the immediate postoperative near-complete occlusion rate was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.24-0.45). Also, the near-complete occlusion rate at the latest follow-up was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.16-0.44). The serious adverse event rate was 0.14 (95% CI, 0.05-0.22). Stroke was also reported in 2 studies, with 1 study reporting 1 patient who experienced stroke within the first 24 hours and 1 study reporting no patients with stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings document that the eCLIPs is a safe and effective device for treating patients with WNBAs and associated with favorable outcomes.

Some technical options for successful PulseRider procedures

Background

Unlike other conventional neck bridge stents, when using the PulseRider (PR), it is not necessary to introduce a microcatheter for stent delivery into the daughter branches from the neck, and it has less intraluminal metal. However, in some cases, securely introducing both leaflets into daughter vessels may be difficult, leading to coil herniation. This study aimed to present some technical issues in PR deployment.

Methods

Fourteen PR procedures were performed in our institution between August 2021 and June 2023, and T-type PRs were used in all procedures. Four technical points during PR procedures are presented from our experience, as "technical options (Options 1-4)". All procedures were carried out with T-type PR implants.

Results

The PR was successfully placed in all interventions; however, in seven cases (50%), some technique trials were necessary because the leaflets did not unfold in the optimal directions. In Option 1, an introduction procedure with transposition of the daughter artery using a microcatheter is presented. In Option 2, the method for correction of the unfolded leaflet angle is demonstrated. In Option 3, another method for correction of the leaflets is shown. In Option 4, an effective method for neck protection during PR procedures is shown.

Conclusion

Various options should be considered to achieve appropriate apposition of PR leaflets. These technical options may be safe and effective for successful PR deployment.

Six-month Outcomes after PulseRider- and Conventional Single Stent-assisted Embolization for Bifurcation Aneurysms: A Propensity-adjusted Comparison

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) remains challenging despite using a stent. PulseRider is a novel device specifically designed to treat WNBAs, protecting both daughter branches, but the outcomes have not been compared with conventional single stent-assisted embolization. This study aimed to compare the six-month outcomes of PulseRider and single stent-assisted embolization for intracranial unruptured WNBAs using propensity score adjustment. Between February 2012 and October 2021, 46 unruptured WNBAs (34 basilar and 12 middle cerebral arteries) smaller than 10 mm in diameter were treated with PulseRider-assisted embolization (n = 17) or single stent-assisted embolization (n = 29). The immediate and six-month outcomes were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis. The immediate adequate occlusion rates for the PulseRider- and single stent-assisted embolization were similar (47.1% vs. 62.1%). At six months, adequate occlusion rates for the two groups were also similar (94.1% vs. 86.2%). However, the complete obliteration rate was significantly high after PulseRider-assisted embolization (88.2% vs. 41.4%, adjusted OR 10.54, 95% CI 1.93-57.63). The angiographical improvement rate was also significantly high after PulseRider-assisted embolization (70.6% vs. 37.9%, adjusted OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.54-23.76). The neurologic thromboembolic complication rate was 0% after PulseRider-assisted embolization and 3.4% after single stent-assisted embolization. PulseRider-assisted embolization of WNBAs smaller than 10 mm in diameter was associated with complete obliteration and angiographical improvement at six months. The unique shape of the PulseRider might contribute to the improved midterm aneurysm occlusion.

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Nautilus Intrasaccular System: initial case series of 41 patients at a single center

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of intracranial wide-necked and bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) is technically challenging. The Nautilus Intrasaccular System is designed to provide a mechanical barrier at the aneurysm neck to support coil embolization. We report the results of a single-center series of patients treated for intracranial aneurysms with the Nautilus.

METHODS

Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively collected for all patients treated with the Nautilus for an unruptured or ruptured intracranial aneurysm at our center between March 2021 and March 2022. Clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores), Raymond-Roy angiographic occlusion, recanalization, and complications were measured immediately post-procedure and at 3-6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients of mean age 56.7 years (range 37-83 years) were treated with the Nautilus, with 41 saccular aneurysms (18 (43.9%) unruptured and 23 (56.1%) ruptured). The majority of aneurysms (39/41 (95.1%)) were located in the anterior circulation. We experienced no technical complications. One patient had an asymptomatic post-procedural minor stroke related to the procedure. Immediate Class I occlusion was achieved in 30 (73.1%) patients. The rate of all-cause mortality was 7.3% (3/41). One patient was lost to follow-up. At follow-up, 94.5% (35/37) of patients achieved Class I occlusion and 94.5% (35/37) had an mRS score of 0. There were no procedural-related deaths or permanent morbidities at discharge or follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates good safety and effectiveness using the Nautilus Intrasaccular System to treat both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

In-stent stenosis after stenting the PulseRider for a middle cerebral artery aneurysm: A case report

PulseRider is a self-expanding stent implant used to treat wide-necked aneurysms. As this device has a lower metal mass than conventional stents, it is expected to have a lower rate of ischemic complications and a shorter period with antiplatelet drugs. We experienced in-stent stenosis after endovascular treatment with the PulseRider for a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. A 40-year-old woman with an unruptured aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery bifurcation underwent coil embolization using a PulseRider. The periprocedural course was not problematic, and postoperative angiography showed contrast filling in the aneurysm. The patient was discharged from our hospital on postembolization day 3. However, follow-up angiography after 6 months showed in-stent stenosis. Fortunately, no ischemic complications occurred after treatment. Although the PulseRider is characterized by a low metal mass, it should be noted that this device has some metal markers that can induce in-stent stenosis.

Trends in the Age of Patients Treated for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms from 1990 to 2020

BACKGROUND

The decision for treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is often difficult. Innovation in endovascular devices have improved the benefit-to-risk profile especially for elderly patients; however, the treatment guidelines from the past decade often recommend conservative management. It is unknown how these changes have affected the overall age of the patients selected for treatment. Herein, we aimed to study potential changes in the average age of the patients that are being treated over time.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify all studies describing the age of the UIAs that were treated by any modality. Scatter diagrams with trend lines were used to plot the age of the patients treated over time and assess the presence of a potential significant trend via statistical correlation tests.

RESULTS

A total of 280 studies including 83,437 UIAs treated between 1987 and 2021 met all eligibility criteria and were entered in the analysis. Mean age of the patients was 55.5 years, and 70.7% were female. There was a significant increasing trend in the age of the treated patients over time (Spearman r: 0.250; P < 0.001), with a 1-year increase in the average age of the treated patients every 5 years since 1987.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that based on the treated UIA patient data published in the literature, older UIAs are being treated over time. This trend is likely driven by safer treatments while suggesting that re-evaluation of certain UIA treatment decision scores may be of great interest.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Comaneci/Cascade temporary neck bridging devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Background

The temporary neck bridging devices represented by Comaneci and Cascade are a type of promising endovascular device for the treatment of intracranial bifurcation or wide-necked aneurysms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy and safety of Comaneci/Cascade devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on articles in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science that evaluated the efficacy and safety of Comaneci/Cascade devices for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analytics (PRISMA) guideline. We extracted the characteristics and treatment related information of patients included in the study, recorded the rate of technical success, procedural related complications, and angiographic outcomes. The angiographic outcome was evaluated based on Raymond Roy classification, and adequate occlusion was defined as Raymond Ray I + II.

Results

Nine studies comprising 253 patients with 255 aneurysms were included. Among them, eight studies were conducted in Europe, one study was conducted in the USA. All these studies were retrospective. 206 aneurysms (80.78%) were ruptured. The vast majority of patients with ruptured aneurysms did not receive antiplatelet therapy. The rate of technical success was 97.1% (95% CI, 94.9 to 99.3%, I2 = 0%). The rate of periprocedural clinical complications was 10.9% (95% CI, 5.4 to 22.1%, I2 = 54%). The rate of complete occlusion (RR1) and adequate occlusion (RR1 + RR2) on immediate angiography after the procedure were 77.7% (95% CI, 72.7 to 83.2%, I2 = 35%) and 98% (95% CI, 95.9 to 100%, I2 = 0%) respectively. The rate of complete occlusion (RR1) and adequate occlusion (RR1 + RR2) on the last follow-up angiography were 81.2% (95% CI, 69.2 to 95.2%, I2 = 81%) and 93.7% (95% CI, 85.6 to 100%, I2 = 69%) respectively, with follow-up range from 3 to 18 months. 22/187 (11.76%) cases of aneurysms progressed during the follow-up period. 39/187 (20.86%) cases of aneurysms received additional treatment during the follow-up period. No fatal complications occurred during the treatment.

Conclusion

The Comaneci/Cascade device can be used as an auxiliary treatment for intracranial aneurysms, with a good occlusion effect, but the incidence of complications still needs to be monitored.

Usefulness of Y-shaped PulseRider-assisted coil embolization for basilar artery tip aneurysm with a misaligned axis: A case report

Background

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms remains challenging. Although the advent of PulseRider and Web has expanded treatment options, aneurysms with a large deviation from the parent artery axis remains difficult to treat. We present the case of a wide-necked bifurcation aneurysm that was misaligned with the angle between the long axis of the parent artery and the aneurysm and was successfully treated with Y-shaped PulseRider-assisted coil embolization.

Case Description

A 64-year-old woman presented with an unruptured basilar tip aneurysm. Cerebral angiography showed a wide-necked aneurysm measuring 8.1 mm × 6.1 mm, neck 5.7 mm. The aneurysm was strongly tilted to the right and posterior relative to the basilar artery, and the bilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and superior cerebellar artery (SCA) diverged from the aneurysm body. PulseRider-assisted coil embolization was performed. A Y-shaped PulseRider was selected to be placed in a hybrid fashion with the right arch in the aneurysm and the left arch in the branch. Adequate coil embolization with preservation of the bilateral PCA and SCA was possible, and cerebral angiography immediately after the treatment showed slight dome filling. Cerebral angiography 6 months after the procedure showed that the embolic status had improved to complete occlusion.

Conclusion

For wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms with a misaligned axis, a Y-shaped PulseRider used in a hybrid fashion, in which the leaflet on the side with the tilted axis is placed in the aneurysm, allows the PulseRider to be deployed more closely to the aneurysm, thereby enabling good coil embolization.

The pCONUS2 and pCONUS2 HPC Neck Bridging Devices : Results from an International Multicenter Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Bifurcation aneurysms represent an ongoing endovascular challenge with a variety of techniques and devices designed to address them. We present our multicenter series of the pCONUS2 and pCONUS2 HPC devices when treating bifurcation aneurysms.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained databases at 3 tertiary neurointerventional centers to identify all patients who underwent coil embolization with the pCONUS2 or pCONUS2 HPC device between February 2015 and August 2021. We recorded baseline demographics, aneurysm data, complications, immediate and delayed angiographic results.

RESULTS

We identified 55 patients with 56 aneurysms, median age 63 years (range 42-78 years), 67.3% female (n = 37). The commonest aneurysm location was the MCA bifurcation (n = 40, 71.4%). Average dome height was 8.9 ± 4.2 mm (range 3.2-21.5 mm), average neck width 6.4 ± 2.5 mm (range 2.6-14 mm), and average aspect ratio 1.3 ± 0.6 (range 0.5-3.3). The pCONUS2 was used in 64.3% and the pCONUS2 HPC in 35.7%. The procedural technical success rate was 98.2%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (8.9%), 4 of which were related to the coils with partial thrombus formation on the pCONUS2 HPC seen in 1 case that was resolved with heparin. In relation to the procedure and treatment of the aneurysm the overall permanent morbidity was 1.8% (n = 1/55) and mortality 0%. Delayed angiographic follow-up (48 aneurysms) at median 12 months postprocedure (range 3-36 months) demonstrated adequate occlusion of 83.4% of aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

The pCONUS2 and pCONUS2 HPC devices carry a high technical success rate, low complication and retreatment rate, and good rates of adequate occlusion. Larger prospective confirmatory studies are required.

Contour-Assisted coiling with jailed microcatheter May result in better occlusion (CoCoJaMBO) in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: Proof of principle and immediate angiographic results

PURPOSE

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms, partially thrombosed, and recurrences of large and giant aneurysms are challenging to treat. We report our preliminary experience with a Contour-assisted coiling technique and discuss the periprocedural safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of the approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms with an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor (Contour) at two neurovascular centres between October 2018 and December 2020 and identified patients treated with a combination of Contour and platinum coils. Clinical and procedural data were recorded.

RESULTS

For this analysis, 8 patients (5 female) aged 60.1  ±  9.2 years on average were identified. Three of 8 aneurysms were associated with previous acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The mean average dome height was 12.8  ±  7.6 mm, mean maximum dome width 10.3  ±  5.4 mm, and neck width 5.5  ±  2.5 mm. The mean dome-to-neck ratio was 1.9  ±  1.0. Immediate complete occlusion of the aneurysm was seen in 5 of 8 cases. In one SAH patient, a parent vessel was temporarily occluded but could be reopened rapidly. One device detached prematurely without any sequelae. No other procedural adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSION

From this initial experience, Contour with adjunctive coiling is a safe and technically feasible method for endovascular treatment of large, wide-necked, partially thrombosed, recurrent, or ruptured bifurcation aneurysms. Further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

PulseRider "jack-up" technique for wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms that incorporate parent arteries: A technical note

Background

Treatment of intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms remains challenging. We report a novel PulseRider "jack-up" technique for the treatment of wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms.

Case Description

We performed coil embolization in three patients with an unruptured wide-necked basilar tip aneurysm. Aneurysm neck diameters ranged between 7.6 and 11 mm and dome-to-neck ratios ranged from 1.0 to 1.15. All three aneurysms were very shallow with aspect ratios of 0.51-0.69 and incorporated both posterior cerebral arteries into the aneurysm wall. Because each was difficult to embolize using the standard PulseRider procedure, the PulseRider was deployed more proximally than usual and a coil frame constructed above it. Then, the coil was pushed or "jacked up" into the aneurysm with the PulseRider. Adequate embolization was achieved in all three patients.

Conclusion

Coil embolization using the PulseRider jack-up technique is effective for treatment of wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms that incorporate parent arteries.

pCONUS 2 and pCONUS 2-HPC in the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: Multicentre UK experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

pCONUS 2 and pCONUS 2-HPC are neck-bridging devices that provide coiling support in the endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. To date, limited multicentre data has been published. This study provides the first pooled data from multiple UK centres regarding outcomes for these devices covering the periprocedural period to 6-month follow-up.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This retrospective, single-arm study assessed 65 patients treated over 3 years from the time of procedure to 6 months post-procedure across four UK centres. Data collected included patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics and antiplatelet regimens. Outcome measures were angiographic results and procedure-related complications from the immediate periprocedural period to 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-four unruptured (83.1%) and 11 ruptured (16.9%) aneurysms were treated. Fifty-five aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation (87.7%). There were four device-related intraprocedural complications: three cases of asymptomatic, temporary thrombus formation and one mortality associated with branch vessel occlusion and aneurysm re-bleeding in a ruptured case. There were no post-procedural device-related complications. Satisfactory occlusion was achieved in 58/65 procedures (89.2%) at time of treatment and in 44/60 (73.3%) at 6 months. Satisfactory occlusion correlated with aneurysm size and coiling packing density. Retreatment was required for five unruptured cases (7.7%) and was straightforward with the device in situ.

CONCLUSION

pCONUS 2 and pCONUS 2-HPC have good short-term safety profiles. The use of pCONUS 2-HPC in the acute treatment of ruptured aneurysms with postprocedural SAPT is feasible. The devices have an intraprocedural complication rate of 4/65 (6.2%) across multiple UK centres, including a single death (1.5%).

A review of technological innovations leading to modern endovascular brain aneurysm treatment

Tools and techniques utilized in endovascular brain aneurysm treatment have undergone rapid evolution in recent decades. These technique and device-level innovations have allowed for treatment of highly complex intracranial aneurysms and improved patient outcomes. We review the major innovations within neurointervention that have led to the current state of brain aneurysm treatment.

Enterprise Treatment for Recurrent Basilar Tip Aneurysm after PulseRider-assisted Coil Embolization: A Case Report

PulseRider (Cerenovus, Irvine, CA, USA) is a relatively novel device used for the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms with a coil-assisted effect. However, treatment options for recurrent aneurysms after PulseRider-assisted coil embolization remain controversial. Here we report a case of recurrent basilar tip aneurysm (BTA) treated with Enterprise 2 after PulseRider-assisted coil embolization. A woman in her 70s underwent coil embolization for a subarachnoid hemorrhage with ruptured BTA 16 years ago. Recurrence was detected at 6-year follow-up, and an additional coil embolization was performed. Nevertheless, gradual recurrence still occurred, and PulseRider-assisted coil embolization was performed without any complications 9 years after the second treatment. However, recurrence was detected once more at 6-month follow-up. Thus, stent-assisted coil embolization using Enterprise 2 (Cerenovus) through PulseRider was selected for angular remodeling. Enterprise 2 was deployed between the right P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and basilar artery (BA) after an effective coil embolization, which achieved effective angular remodeling between the right PCA and BA. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and no recanalization was detected after half a year. Although PulseRider is effective for wide-neck aneurysm treatment, recurrence remains a possibility. Additional treatment using Enterprise 2 is safe and effective with the expectation of angular remodeling.

Treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms: Systematic review in an attempt to perform a network meta-analysis

Objective

Open surgical clipping has been generally considered the best treatment option for unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms (uMCAAs). However, this type of aneurysm is being treated endovascularly with the appearance of new devices. We have carried out a systematic review of randomized and quasi-experimental studies to conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the safety and efficacy of the different treatment methods currently used in uMCAAs.

Methods

The literature was searched by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Eligibility criteria were randomized or quasi-experimental studies including at least five cases per arm and reporting duration of follow-up and number of lost cases. The end points were: angiographic success, final neurological outcome, and the need for retreatments.

Results

We could only analyze four quasi-experimental studies with 398 uMCAAs. All of them compared clipping vs. coiling. Clipping showed better results than coiling in all analyzed end points. We could not conduct the proposed NMA because of the absence of randomized or quasi-experimental studies. Instead, a systematic review is further discussed.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need for comparative studies on the treatment of uMCAAs.

Intrasaccular neck-bridging: A technical note on Nautilus-assisted coiling of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms. Feasibility study, immediate and early angiographic results

PURPOSE

Various adjunctive devices have been reported to be helpful during the endovascular coiling of complex, wide-necked cerebral aneurysms. This study aimed to describe the utilization of a recently introduced intrasaccular neck-bridging implant specifically designed to facilitate coil embolization.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed eight consecutive patients who underwent treatment for intracranial aneurysms with the Nautilus intrasaccular bridging system between February 2022 to May 2022. We evaluated the angiographic appearances of treated aneurysms at the end of the procedure and early follow-up, the clinical status and complications.

RESULTS

Eight patients with eight cerebral aneurysms (3 men and 5 women, mean age 52.8 years (range 39-66) were analyzed. Five of the treated aneurysms were managed in an acute case scenario. There were no technical difficulties while executing the technique. No other procedural adverse events were documented. Immediate complete occlusion of the aneurysm was seen in 6 patients, neck remnant in 1 and stable aneurysm reperfusion in one case. Early radiological follow-up was available in five patients, and the observed occlusion rates were - RR class I in all radiologically screened aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

Nautilus-assisted coil embolization represents a rapid and safe solution for complex cerebral aneurysms. In our opinion this device symbolizes a significant step forward in treating intracranial aneurysms. We believe that the technique's actual value consists of the fact that the device is fully compatible with the modern low-profile microcatheter technology and does not involve the need for antiplatelet medications.

Non-contrast-enhanced silent magnetic resonance angiography for assessing cerebral aneurysms after PulseRider treatment

Purpose

Conventional time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) failed to depict clear visualization of coiled cerebral aneurysms with PulseRider due to metal-induced susceptibility artifacts. Our aim was to overcome the metal artifact using a novel imaging technique of non-contrast-enhanced ultrashort echo-time magnetic resonance angiography (UTE-MRA).

Materials and methods

Five unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated using PulseRider and the patients underwent silent MRA (UTE-MRA). The images were compared with TOF-MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Results

Silent MRA can visualize the residual cavity of the coiled aneurysms, which was not well visualized and rather defective when using TOF-MRA. While a segment of the proximal marker composed of stainless steel was poorly visualized, the other parts of the parent artery and the arteries of bifurcation, including the aneurysmal neck, were clearly visualized, equivalent to that of DSA.

Conclusions

UTE-MRA achieves better visualization of cerebral aneurysms after PulseRider treatment than TOF-MRA.

PulseRider-assisted embolization of a distal anterior cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

PulseRider is an endovascular device that can be a useful adjunctive device for wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. However, its use in distal vessels such as the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has not been widely reported.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors reported the case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent coiling of a 6.9-mm distal ACA aneurysm with PulseRider assistance. Using a partially intraaneurysmal deployment technique, the wide-necked aneurysm was successfully embolized, resulting in Raymond-Roy class II occlusion without intra- or periprocedural complications.

LESSONS

This case illustrates a novel approach to treatment for wide-necked distal ACA aneurysms, which can be challenging to treat via traditional endovascular means. PulseRider can be safely used to treat distal ACA aneurysms with minimal residual aneurysm.

Brainstem Infarctions Caused by a Proximal Marker of the PulseRider Device Obstructing the Origin of a Perforator

The PulseRider (Cerenovus, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, New Brunswick, NJ, USA) is a neck reconstruction device that is used for the treatment of unruptured wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. Herein, we describe the case of a 51-year-old male patient with a basilar apex aneurysm who was treated with PulseRider but had post-procedural brainstem infarctions caused by one of the proximal markers covering the origin of a perforator. In such cases, repositioning of the PulseRider should be performed to avoid infarctions.

Long-term follow-up of the pCONus device for the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms

PURPOSE

Wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms remain challenging for the neurointerventionist and/or neurosurgeon despite many recent advances. The pCONus (Phenox, Bochum, Germany) is an emerging device for endovascular neck protection, we report the first long-term results of this device.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive intracranial wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms treated with the pCONus. Patients' characteristics were reviewed, procedural complications, angiographic (Roy-Raymond scale) and clinical outcomes were documented.

RESULTS

Between January 2016 and September 2019, 43 patients (74% female, median age 56 [49-66] years) with 43 wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (mean width of 6.8 ± 2.1 mm, dome/neck ratio of 1.3 ± 0.2 and neck of 5.2 ± 1.3 mm) were included. A procedural angiographic complication was reported in five patients (12%), no patient presented a post-operative neurological deficit or long-term complication, mortality rate was 0%. At last follow-up (median of 46.5 months [38.3-51.7]), an adequate occlusion (complete and neck remnant) was observed in 37/43 patients (86%) and an aneurysm remnant in 6/43 (14%). Four patients (9%) needed retreatment. No in-stent stenosis or branch occlusion was depicted.

CONCLUSION

pCONus device provides a safe and efficient alternative for endovascular wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms management, with long-term stability.

The evolution of intracranial aneurysm treatment techniques and future directions

Treatment techniques and management guidelines for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) have been continually developing and this rapid development has altered treatment decision-making for clinicians. IAs are treated in one of two ways: surgical treatments such as microsurgical clipping with or without bypass techniques, and endovascular methods such as coiling, balloon- or stent-assisted coiling, or intravascular flow diversion and intrasaccular flow disruption. In certain cases, a single approach may be inadequate in completely resolving the IA and successful treatment requires a combination of microsurgical and endovascular techniques, such as in complex aneurysms. The treatment option should be considered based on factors such as age; past medical history; comorbidities; patient preference; aneurysm characteristics such as location, morphology, and size; and finally the operator’s experience. The purpose of this review is to provide practicing neurosurgeons with a summary of the techniques available, and to aid decision-making by highlighting ideal or less ideal cases for a given technique. Next, we illustrate the evolution of techniques to overcome the shortfalls of preceding techniques. At the outset, we emphasize that this decision-making process is dynamic and will be directed by current best scientific evidence, and future technological advances.

Intrasaccular flow disruption (WEB) of a large wide-necked basilar apex aneurysm using PulseRider-assistance

Large, wide-necked basilar apex aneurysms are difficult to treat. Microsurgical clipping can result in neurologic morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment often leaves remnants that need retreatment and/or stent placement with dual antiplatelet therapy. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intrasaccular flow disruption device that can be used without dual antiplatelet therapy. However, the WEB cannot typically be used in large or giant aneurysms > 10 mm because the largest diameter device is the 11 × 9.6 mm single layer sphere (SLS). We present a case in which we use a PulseRider aneurysm neck reconstruction device in the basilar artery to assist in WEB deployment within a 22 mm basilar apex aneurysm with 14 mm neck, thereby permitting aspirin monotherapy postoperatively.