Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the Pipeline Flex embolization device: a case series of 30 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: The Pipeline Flex embolization device has some peculiarities in comparison with the previous generation device. Despite recent reports of the modified delivery system, its safety is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the intraprocedural and periprocedural complication rate with this new device in 30 consecutive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data, including aneurysm size and location, device or devices used, angiographic and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: 30 patients harboring 30 aneurysms were analyzed. 39 devices were placed properly. Multiple Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) were used in 7 cases. In 28 devices the distal end opened fully from the beginning with a complete wall apposition. In the remaining 11 devices, distal-end opening of the devices was instant but partial, but fully opened easily after recapture. Among the 30 procedures, recapture and reposition of the Pipeline Flex was performed four times owing to proximal migration/malposition of the device during delivery. Four intraprocedural/periprocedural complications occurred, of which 2 resulted in major complications, with neurologic deficits persisting for longer than 7 days. The 30-day morbidity rate was 6.6%, with no deaths. No aneurysm rupture or parenchymal hemorrhage was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The Pipeline Flex embolization device allows more precise and controlled deployment than the first-generation device. The number of devices and the complication rate during the learning curve are lower than reported with the first-generation PED. The new delivery system and the resheathing maneuvers do not seem to increase the intraprocedural complication rate in comparison with the first-generation PED.

Preliminary experience with the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device: technical note.

BACKGROUND: Clinical experience with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has been widely described in the literature since it obtained its European CE and FDA approvals in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The new generation of PED, the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device, received the CE mark of approval in March 2014. While the implant composition has not changed, its new delivery system has some differences. One of the main changes from the previous generation is a new delivery system that makes the device resheathable until deployed over 90% of its length. We present our preliminary experience using this device. METHODS: Between May and June 2014, six patients with six aneurysms were treated with the Pipeline Flex device. RESULTS: All devices were placed properly, without technical difficulties. We successfully resheathed and repositioned the device in two cases. Minor and major intraprocedural or periprocedural events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The Pipeline Flex device allows more precise and controlled deployment than the current PED device. Although this preliminary experience seems positive, multicenter larger series will be needed to confirm the safety and durability of this new device.

Pipeline endovascular device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms at the level of the circle of Willis and beyond: multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the pipeline endovascular device for the treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms at the level of the circle of Willis and beyond. METHODS: A consecutive series of 25 patients (24 unruptured and one ruptured) with anterior circulation aneurysms treated with a pipeline endovascular device were included in the analysis. RESULTS: We found two minor clinical events (resolved within 7 days of the procedure), one major event (symptoms present after 7 days), and no mortality. There were no aneurysm ruptures or parenchymal hemorrhages during follow-up. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 and 6 months did not change from the prior mRS score for all cases except 1. There was one asymptomatic periprocedural event. There were three intraprocedural complications which resolved without clinical consequences. Six month follow-up angiograms were obtained for 22 aneurysms, showing complete occlusion in 14 (64%) and significantly decreased residual filling in 8 (36%). The status of branches originating from the aneurysm sacs was evaluated in 14 angiograms: 11 were patent (79%), 2 had moderate reduction (14%) and 1 (7%) was occluded. We found six cases of in-stent stenosis (27%) on 6 month DSA, with only one symptomatic case. CONCLUSIONS: The pipeline embolization device provides a feasible and technically safe solution for aneurysms at and beyond the circle of Willis. Preliminary results are promising but larger series with longer term follow-up examinations are required to show the long term safety and durability of this treatment alternative.

Y-stent-assisted coil embolization of anterior circulation aneurysms using two Solitaire AB devices: a single center experience.

Wide-neck intracranial aneurysms remain a challenge to endovascular treatment. We describe our experience in repairing wide-neck aneurysms of the anterior circulation located at arterial branch points using coil embolization assisted by Y-stenting using two Solitaire(®) stents.Six wide-neck intracranial aneurysms located on the middle cerebral artery bifurcation( 3), pericallosal artery( 1), and anterior communicating artery( 2) were repaired by Y-stent-assisted coil embolization using two Solitaire(®) stents. Four cases were incidental findings of aneurysm and two cases were previously treated ruptured aneurysms that had undergone recanalization. All the cases were successfully treated without complications. Follow-up by digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography at six months showed the stents to be patent with no recanalization of the aneurysm sacs. Repairing wide-neck aneurysms of the anterior circulation by Y-stent-assisted coil embolization using two Solitaire(®) stents is a simple and safe method of treating complex aneurysms. While the results are promising, larger series with longer term follow-ups are needed to corroborate that this treatment method is superior to other techniques.

Intracranial perianeurysmal cyst: still a dilemma. A case report with endovascular management.

Intracranial perianeurysmal cysts constitute an extremely rare entity with very few cases reported in the literature. These cysts present an unknown mechanism of formation and clinical significance. Several theories based on isolated cases have been proposed, without drawing a clear conclusion. It is also unknown if follow-up with imaging techniques is required or which is the most appropriate treatment. We describe an atypical case handled with a satisfactory outcome after endovascular treatment, suggesting the importance of hydrodynamic forces as the key factors in the mechanism of formation. We believe that this case can help in future analysis of this rare entity.