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Minimally-invasive therapies are well-established treatment methods for saccular intracranial aneurysms (SIAs). Knowledge concerning fusiform IAs (FIAs) is low, due to their wide and alternating lumen and their infrequent occurrence. However, FIAs carry risks like ischemia and thus require further in-depth investigation. Six patient-specific IAs, comprising three position-identical FIAs and SIAs, with the FIAs showing a non-typical FIA shape, were compared, respectively. For each model, a healthy counterpart and a treated version with a flow diverting stent were created. Eighteen time-dependent simulations were performed to analyze morphological and hemodynamic parameters focusing on the treatment effect (TE). The stent expansion is higher for FIAs than SIAs. For FIAs, the reduction in vorticity is higher (Δ 35–75% case 2/3) and the reduction in the oscillatory velocity index is lower (Δ 15–68% case 2/3). Velocity is reduced equally for FIAs and SIAs with a TE of 37–60% in FIAs and of 41–72% in SIAs. Time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) is less reduced within FIAs than SIAs (Δ 30–105%). Within this study, the positive TE of FDS deployed in FIAs is shown and a similarity in parameters found due to the non-typical FIA shape. Despite the higher stent expansion, velocity and vorticity are equally reduced compared to identically located SIAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of periprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has significantly evolved along with innovations in the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms. Historically, aspirin and clopidogrel have been the most commonly employed regimen due to its safety and efficacy. However, recent studies highlight the importance of tailoring DAPT regimens to individual patient characteristics which may affect clopidogrel metabolism, such as genetic polymorphisms. In the present report, a systematic review of the literature was performed to determine optimal antiplatelet use with flow diverting stents, intracranial stents, intrasaccular devices, and stent-assisted coiling. Studies were analyzed for the number of aneurysms treated, DAPT regimen, and any thromboembolic complications. Based on inclusion criteria, 368 studies were selected, which revealed the increasing popularity of alternative DAPT regimens with the aforementioned devices. Thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications associated with antiplatelet medications were similar across all medications. DAPT with ticagrelor, tirofiban, or prasugrel are effective and safe alternatives to clopidogrel and do not require enzymatic activation. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate different antiplatelet regimens with various devices to establish highest-level evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of periprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has significantly evolved along with innovations in the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms. Historically, aspirin and clopidogrel have been the most commonly employed regimen due to its safety and efficacy. However, recent studies highlight the importance of tailoring DAPT regimens to individual patient characteristics which may affect clopidogrel metabolism, such as genetic polymorphisms. In the present report, a systematic review of the literature was performed to determine optimal antiplatelet use with flow diverting stents, intracranial stents, intrasaccular devices, and stent-assisted coiling. Studies were analyzed for the number of aneurysms treated, DAPT regimen, and any thromboembolic complications. Based on inclusion criteria, 368 studies were selected, which revealed the increasing popularity of alternative DAPT regimens with the aforementioned devices. Thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications associated with antiplatelet medications were similar across all medications. DAPT with ticagrelor, tirofiban, or prasugrel are effective and safe alternatives to clopidogrel and do not require enzymatic activation. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate different antiplatelet regimens with various devices to establish highest-level evidence-based guidelines and recommendations.

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysms in distal locations are sometimes difficult to treat due to their branching locations and the presence of blister-like or very wide-necked aneurysms. Braided intracranial stents, including flow diverters (FDs) and low-profile braided intracranial stents (LPBSs) may provide additional advantages, due to their flow-diverting properties. Areas covered: The use of FDs in off-label, distal intracranial locations has been increasing with promising outcomes and has given rise to the LPBS, which has less flow-diverting properties, allowing for easier use in distal branching sites through 0.017ʹ microcatheters. These devices have shifted the interest from the aneurysm's sac filling to the regional remodeling through the effect of flow diversion. The purpose of this article is to discuss their functionality, safety, performance, and perspectives through a critical review of important publications of the last 11.5 years (January 2007 to July 2018) on the use of these devices at and beyond the circle of Willis. Expert opinion: FDs modify the regional anatomy thus careful pre-procedural consideration of the regional hemodynamic equilibrium is mandatory, as well as effective antiplatelet regimen. LPBSs provide moderate flow-diversion effect, which may be an advantage, especially for very distal and small aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]