Balloon-assisted coiling
Wide-neck aneurysms represent a challenge for treatment in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and balloon-assisted coiling (BAC) are well-known techniques for treating wide-necked aneurysms. Comaneci-assisted coiling (CAC) is a newer technique involving temporary stent deployment to assist an aneurysm coiling.
Stent-assisted coiling achieved better complete occlusion rates of aneurysms at 6 months or later after the procedure compared to balloon assisted coiling, without being associated with a higher risk of intraprocedural complications and retreatment 1).
Stent plus balloon-assisted coiling is a recently described endovascular technique that enables the coiling of wide-necked complex bifurcation aneurysms by implanting only a single stent.
Aydin et al. investigated the feasibility, efficacy, safety, and durability of this technique for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.
A retrospective review was performed of patients with wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms treated with stent plus balloon-assisted coiling. The initial and follow-up clinical and angiographic outcomes were assessed. Preprocedural and follow-up clinical statuses were assessed using the modified Rankin scale.
Results: A total of 61 patients (mean age: 54.6 ± 10.4 yr) were included in the study. The immediate postprocedural digital subtraction angiography revealed complete aneurysm occlusion in 86.9% of the cases. A periprocedural complication developed in 11.5% of the cases. We observed a delayed ischemic complication in 4.9%. There was no mortality in this study. The permanent morbidity rate was 3.3%. The follow-up angiography was performed in 55 of 61 patients (90.1%) (the mean follow-up period was 25.5 ± 27.3 mo). The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at the final angiographic follow-up was 89.1%. The retreatment rate was 1.8%.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that stent plus balloon-assisted coiling is a feasible, effective, and relatively safe endovascular technique for the treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms located in the posterior and anterior circulation 2).