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Purpose: Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with stent-assisted coiling or flow diverter stents requires a prophylactic antiplatelet premedication to avoid thrombo-embolic complications. Guidelines for optimal antiplatelet regimens are poorly defined. The aim of this study is to report our experience using a high dosage antiplatelet premedication regimen for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment by stent-assisted coiling or flow diverter stents. Methods: From a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, we collected clinical and angiographic data of 400 procedures in 362 patients treated by stent-assisted coiling or flow diverter stents for 419 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to report morbidity, mortality, and complication rates and to demonstrate associations between variables and outcomes. Logistic multivariable regression was performed to rule out confounding factors between subgroups. Results: Thrombo-embolic complications occurred in 23/400 procedures (5.75%) and hemorrhagic complications in 19/400 procedures (4.75%). The majority of complications were minor and transient with overall procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates of 1.75% (n = 7/400) and 1.25% (n = 5/400) respectively. The co-existence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors among smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and age > 65 years old was significantly associated with permanent procedure-related morbidity (p = 0.006) and thrombo-embolic complications occurrence (p = 0.034). Age alone was associated with higher permanent morbidity (p = 0.029) and was the only variable associated with higher hemorrhagic complication (p = 0.024). Conclusion: In this study, the use of a high dosage antiplatelet premedication was safe and effective for the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with stent-assisted coiling or flow diverter stents. Mortality and morbidity rates compare favorably with the current literature. The thrombo-embolic complications rate is low and most of them were clinically silent. However, the hemorrhagic complications rate was substantial and a significant proportion of them were associated with mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) has widened indications of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (wide-neck, fusiform aneurysms); moreover, it is associated with more stable anatomical results. Besides the development of other techniques such as flow diverter stents, bifurcation stents, or intrasaccular flow disruptors, SAC remains one of the most used endovascular techniques because it provides good clinical and anatomical results for most aneurysms. Several devices based on the same principle are available and have undergone many adaptations and developments over 20 years of intracranial stenting. Areas covered: The purpose of this article is to review and compare intrinsic properties of available devices and their anatomical and clinical performance. Expert commentary: Based on this review and our experience of SAC, we will discuss the behavior and performance of those devices in different anatomic and clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wide-neck bifurcation intracranial aneurysms (WNBA) with a branch incorporated in the aneurysm base remain difficult to treat by embolization. We aim to report our long-term follow-up of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in this subgroup of patients. Methods: This study was approved by our local ethical committee. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated in our institution by SAC for a WNBA with a branch incorporated in the aneurysm base. Technical issues, immediate, long-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: Between 2007 and 2015, 49 patients with 53 intracranial aneurysms (IAs) (52 unruptured, 1 ruptured) were identified and successfully treated. No morbidity/mortality occurred. The incorporated branch was preserved in all patients but one who was treated during a vasospasm phase. At the first 6-month imaging control, the branch was patent. Immediate occlusion was near-complete in 11/53 aneurysms (20.8%), neck remnant in 20/53 aneurysms (37.7%), and incomplete in 22/53 aneurysms (41.5%). Available imaging follow-up of 47 IAs, ranging from 3 to 84 months (mean 26 months ± 19.6 months), showed 27 progressive thrombosis (57.4%), 17 stable occlusions (36.2%), 1 minor recanalization (2.1%), and 2 significant recanalizations that were retreated (4.3%). The latest imaging control showed 30 near-complete occlusions (63.8%), 13 neck remnants (27.7%), and 4 incomplete occlusions (8.5%). Conclusion: Stent-assisted coiling is safe and effective for the treatment of WNBA with a branch incorporated in the aneurysm base. Despite poor immediate anatomical results, long-term follow-up shows a high rate of progressive thrombosis achieving adequate and stable occlusion in most patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Leo stent was the first retrievable stent for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). We report our experience with this device with emphasis on very long-term follow-up. Methods: This study was approved by authors' ethical committee. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated for a saccular IA with this stent in our institution. Technical issues and immediate and long-term outcomes (at least 12 months) were evaluated. Results: Between 2004 and 2015, 50 patients with 52 IAs were identified. In two patients, the stent could not safely be placed (failure rate = 3.8%). Among 48 treated patients with 50 IAs, there were 44 women and 4 men (mean age, 53 years). Mean aneurysm diameter was 7.2 mm. All IAs but six were wide-necked. There was no immediate morbidity or mortality. Anatomical results included 76% complete occlusions, 22% neck remnants, and 2% incomplete occlusions. Mean follow-up was 50.2 months (range, 12-139 months). Two patients had delayed TIAs but long-term morbidity rate remained = 0%. At follow-up, occlusion was stable in 68% IAs, showed thrombosis in 12%, and recanalization in 20% IAs. Complementary treatment was required in 8% IAs. Final results showed 70% complete occlusions, 24% neck remnants, and 6% incomplete occlusions. Asymptomatic stent occlusion and significant stenosis occurred in one and two cases, respectively. Conclusion: The Leo stent is safe and effective for treatment of wide-necked saccular IAs. Very long-term results show high rates of adequate and stable occlusion. Moreover, the stent is well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The p64 flow diverter (FD) device is a fully resheathable and detachable stent dedicated for endovascular treatment (EVT) of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). We report our mid-term experience with this device. Methods: Between January 2015 and February 2016, we retrospectively identified, in our prospectively maintained database, all patients treated with p64 FDs in two institutions. Independent clinical follow-up was performed by a vascular neurologist. Imaging follow-up included a digitalized subtraction angiography (DSA) at 3, 6, and 12 months and a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 12 months. Results: Thirty-nine patients (22 women/17 men; median age 54 years) with 48 IAs (median aneurysm size 6.2 mm; mean neck size 3.4 mm) were identified. All IAs were saccular and unruptured. Failure of safe stent delivery occurred in 15% of cases (7/48 IAs) which were excluded. Transient neurological morbidity occurred in 2/35 patients (5.7%) including one delayed thromboembolic complication. No permanent morbidity or mortality was encountered. Complete aneurysmal occlusion at 3, 6, and 12 months was 20/30 (66.6%), 18/27 (66.6%), and 24/28 (85.7%), respectively. Intra-stent stenosis was observed in 9/29 patients (31%) and classified as moderate in 4/29 (13.7%) and mild in 5/29 patients (17.2%). These stenoses gradually improved over time, with only mild stenoses being identified at 6 months and at 12 months. Conclusion: In our small case series, the p64 FD stent appears safe and effective for EVT of IAs. A high occlusion rate and a low morbidity rate were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) Junior stent is dedicated for endovascular treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms located on small-diameter vessels (2-3.5 mm). This study reports midterm clinical and anatomical results of this device. Methods: This study was approved by authors' ethical committees. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated by this stent in three institutions. Technical issues and immediate and mid-term anatomical and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: Forty patients (30 women/10 men, mean age of 55 years) with 43 aneurysms were identified. Mean aneurysm diameter was 5.6 mm (range, 2-13 mm). In all patients, treatment was successful and the stent could be precisely placed. There were three procedure-related complications, one stent thrombosis and two aneurysm ruptures, leading to immediate morbidity in one patient. Delayed ischemic events occurred in three patients including two transient attacks and one permanent deficit. The overall permanent morbidity rate was thus 5 %. No mortality occurred. Immediate aneurysm occlusion consisted of 36 complete occlusions (83.7 %), five neck remnants (11.6 %), and two incomplete occlusions (4.7 %). Twenty-seven patients (29 aneurysms) and 11 patients (11 aneurysms) had a 12- and 6-month angiographic follow-up, respectively. Final anatomical results included 36 complete occlusions (90 %) and four neck remnants (10 %). Two minor recanalizations were seen but did not require retreatment. Non-significant intrastent stenosis occurred in 7/40 followed-up cases (17.5 %). Conclusion: The LVIS Junior stent appears safe and effective for endovascular treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms located on small vessels. Midterm results show high rates of adequate and stable occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow diverter (FD) stents represent a new endovascular technique developed for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms (wide neck, fusiform, large, and giant aneurysms) that are challenging for classic endovascular techniques such as coiling, balloon-assisted coiling and stent-assisted coiling. Low porosity, high metal coverage, and high pore density are the main properties of FD stents. These properties induce hemodynamic changes redirecting the blood flow away from the aneurysm and into the parent artery leading to gradual thrombosis of the aneurysm. FD stents also provide scaffolding for subsequent neoendothelial proliferation, and vessel wall remodeling. This is considered as a paradigm shift compared to prior endovascular methods, which predominantly aimed at providing treatment inside the aneurysmal sac. This paper describes in detail the first released FD stent, the Silk flow-diverter stent (Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France), its mechanism of action and deployment technique. It reviews the pertinent literature regarding safety, efficacy and potential risks and complications associated with the use of this stent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Endovascular approach is now the first option for the treatment of most intracranial aneurysms (IA). However, remaining limitations are the suboptimal stability of aneurysm occlusion and the treatment of complex IA. The use of conventional and flow diverter stents has partially addressed these limitations. Nevertheless, as intraluminal devices, stents require aggressive antiplatelet therapy and are associated with higher thromboembolic (TE) complication rates. Intrasaccular flow disrupters (IFD) are newly developed braided-wire devices designed to achieve flow disruption at the neck without placing material in the parent vessel and without the need of antiplatelet therapy. First clinical series have shown promising anatomical and clinical results. Our purpose is to describe the available IFD and to review the literature about their efficacy, safety, limitations, and developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report our preliminary experience with the Pipeline flow-diverter stent for the endovascular treatment (EVT) of intracranial aneurysms. Methods: Between September 2009 and October 2010, 20 patients with 27 fusiform or wide-necked unruptured aneurysms were included and treated by Pipeline stent placement alone. Technical issues, immediate findings, delayed complications, and clinical and imaging follow-up at three and six months were assessed. Results: EVT was successfully performed in all patients. Clinical outcome was excellent in all but one patient who died. This latter patient developed a massive infarct due to a delayed stent thrombosis. Other complications without permanent deficit included one perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage and one retroperitoneal hematoma. Minor technical issues without clinical consequence were encountered in nine patients and included stent migration, stent misplacement, unanticipated stent shortening, and the impossibility to recapture the distal coil tip of the supporting device. Angiographic follow-up in 19 patients with 25 aneurysms showed 21 complete occlusions, one neck remnant, and three incomplete occlusions. No significant parent artery stenosis was seen. Conclusion: This study shows that the Pipeline stent is useful for EVT of fusiform and wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Moreover, the stent is well tolerated with a low rate of intra-stent stenosis at short-term follow-up. However, technical improvements are needed to ensure safe and precise use of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) is an alternative to surgical clipping for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (IA). However, little information is available concerning the long-term results of this treatment. The aim of this study was to report the long-term clinical and anatomical findings in 32 patients with 34 wide-necked IA treated by SAC. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients followed up for wide-necked IA treated by SAC. The clinical charts, procedural data, and angiographic results were reviewed. Thirty-two patients with 34 IA were identified including 25 asymptomatic patients, four with cranial nerve palsies, two with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one with transient ischemic attacks. Mean aneurysm size was 10.2 mm (range 3.5 to 26 mm). Embolization was successful in all patients and no procedure-related neurological morbidity or mortality was observed. Immediate anatomical results included nine complete occlusions (26.5%), two neck remnants (6%), and 23 incomplete occlusions (67.5%). Mean imaging follow-up of 20 months showed 18 further thrombosis (53%) and 16 stable results (47%). Finally, 27 aneurysms were completely occluded (79%), three had a neck remnant (9%), and four were incompletely occluded (12%). Asymptomatic and nonsignificant in-stent stenosis occurred in seven patients (22%). SAC is safe and effective for the treatment of wide-necked IA. Despite unsatisfying immediate aneurysm occlusion, the adjunctive effect of the stent is stabilizing or significantly improving long-term anatomical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report our experience with endovascular treatment (EVT) of circumferential and fusiform intracranial aneurysms by a reconstructive approach with self-expandable stents. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all circumferential and fusiform aneurysms treated by a reconstructive endovascular approach over a 3-year period. Clinical charts, procedural data, and angiographic results were reviewed. From April 2004 to May 2007, 13 patients were identified, of whom 12 were asymptomatic and 1 presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two patients with an aneurysm ≤2 mm were treated by stent-within-stent placement without coiling (group 1). In 11 patients with a larger aneurysm, stenting with subsequent coiling was performed (group 2). In this latter approach, a balloon was temporarily inflated within the stent to ensure safe coil delivery. All patients showed an excellent clinical outcome. Asymptomatic procedural complications occurred in three patients, two with cervical internal carotid artery dissection and one with retroperitoneal hematoma. In patients of group 1, the aneurysm had completely disappeared at 6 months. In patients of group 2, aneurysm occlusion was complete in three and incomplete in eight. Follow-up angiography in 12 patients showed four with further thrombosis, six with stable results, and two with minor recanalization. Circumferential and fusiform intracranial aneurysms may be treated by a reconstructive endovascular approach with self-expandable stents. In small aneurysms, a stent-within-stent technique is effective, whereas stenting and subsequent coiling is indicated in larger aneurysms. This therapeutic protocol is associated with good clinical and anatomical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new technique of 'linear' stent-assisted coiling for the endovascular treatment (EVT) of a large and very wide-necked unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm in a 45-year-old man. Two self-expandable stents were delivered within the MCA bifurcation branches with both proximal stent ends facing each other within the MCA bifurcation. Thanks to this linear stents placement, complete aneurysm neck coverage was obtained in order to safely coil the sac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial comments on the limitations of endovascular treatment (EVT). The author argues that research and experimental use of stent-assisted coiling for conditions such as preventing aneurysm recanalization and aiding vessel wall healing will expand EVT indications as well as the use of stent-assisted techniques for intracranial aneurysm (AI) treatment.