Safety and Efficacy of the Double Microcatheter Technique for Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Single-center Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of saccular splenic artery aneurysms.

METHODS

From November 2013 to October 2020, 56 patients with saccular splenic artery aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment with the double microcatheter technique at our institution. Technical success was defined as embolization of the aneurysmal cavity with no obstruction of the parent artery. Clinical success was defined as no deaths due to splenic artery aneurysms, and no reintervention, recrudescence or organ dysfunction at 1, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. No major complications related to angiography or embolization were observed. Minor complications included fever, pain, and nausea, and 13 patients developed minor complications. At 1 month, the rate of clinical success was 96.4%. At 6 and 12 months, the clinical success rate was 92.9%. There were no aneurysmal recurrences or necessities of reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization with the double microcatheter technique is a safe and effective modality for treating saccular splenic artery aneurysms and offers a reasonable choice for patients who want to retain their original hemodynamics.

Safety and effectiveness of double microcatheter technique in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms of anterior cerebral circulation

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2019, 113 patients with ruptured aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation were treated using the double microcatheter technique. Clinical records, angiographic results, and procedure-related complications were reviewed. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed.

Results

Complete occlusion, neck remnant, and partial occlusion were, respectively, recorded in 56.6, 38.9, and 4.4% of the total cases. For all patients, the incidence of intraoperative complications was 5.3% (6/113), and the overall rate of morbidity was 10.6% (12/113). Before discharge, three patients (2.7%) died. There was no procedure-related mortality. At discharge, favorable outcomes were observed in 79.6% (90/113) of the patients. High Hunt-Hess grades and receiving a craniotomy or external ventricular drainage were risk factors for clinical outcomes at discharge. Clinical follow-up was performed in 91 patients at a mean interval of 14.07 ± 11.68 months. At follow-up, favorable outcomes were observed in 92.3% (84/91) of the patients. Angiographic follow-up was performed in 66 patients at an average of 11.53 ± 11.13 months. The recurrence rate was 37.9%. Of these patients, 13 (19.7%) received retreatment.

Conclusion

The double microcatheter technique can be performed in ruptured aneurysms with high technical success and low morbidity/mortality. However, recurrence remains a problem, and patients should be followed up regularly.

Endovascular treatment of irregular and complicated intracranial aneurysms with coils using double microcatheter technique

Embolisation of irregular and complicated aneurysms is a great challenge for neuroradiologists. To overcome possible complications of endovascular treatment of these type of aneurysms, methods such as intracranial stents, balloon remodelling, and the double microcatheter technique have been developed. The aim of the study was to report our preliminary experience with endovascular treatment of irregular and complicated intracranial aneurysm with coils using double microcatheter technique, and evaluation of its feasibility and clinical advantages. In this retrospective study, 37 cases diagnosed with irregular and complicated intracranial aneurysms and treated using double microcatheter method from July, 2013 to May, 2015, were followed up for six months after discharge. All the aneurysms were successfully embolized using the double microcatheter technique. Immediate post-embolization angiography showed no residual contrast filling in 35 cases, and residual filling in 2 cases. At discharge, according to the modified Rankin Scale score, all the patients recovered without any complications or death. A follow-up of 24 cases with digital subtraction angiography for 6 months revealed no recanalization. In conclusion, the double microcatheter technique for irregular intracranial aneurysms is effective and simple with few complications.