Stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Solitaire AB stent

Introduction

Intracranial aneurysms can be treated either surgically by clipping or endovascularly by coiling. Endovascular coiling was validated as a treatment option in the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT).[1] Since then, endovascular coiling has become a standard of care. However, aneurysms with wide necks or complex morphology pose a challenge to this method of treatment. Development of endovascular remodeling devices or stents has revolutionized management of such aneurysms. Of the various remodeling devices available, the Solitaire AB self-expandable stent (eV3, Irvine, CA, USA) is the latest one.[2] We present our experience of stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked aneurysms in a tertiary care center from India. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study from India using the Solitaire AB stent.

Materials and Methods

A database is maintained at our center for all patients undergoing endovascular procedures. The data were reviewed retrospectively from 2009 till date. Outpatient and inpatient records, procedural reports, and images were analyzed to determine anatomical and procedural details as well as adverse outcomes. All patients who were diagnosed with wide-necked aneurysms (neck diameter of 4 mm or more[2] or dome: Neck ratio less than two) and underwent stent-assisted coiling were included.

All patients were premedicated with antiplatelets before the procedure. Patients who presented with unruptured aneurysms were treated with aspirin 150 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg for 3 days before the procedure. Those patients who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage were given 300 mg of clopidogrel and 325 mg of aspirin 2 h before the procedure. All procedures were done under general anesthesia and systemic heparinization. The right femoral percutaneous approach was used in all patients. A 3D angiogram was done to precisely define the configuration of the aneurysm. The Solitaire AB stent (eV3) was negotiated across the aneurysm neck using Rebar microcatheter (eV3). Another microcatheter was advanced into the aneurysm sac and jailed by deploying the stent.[3] Intravenous abxicimab 5 mg was given bolus after deployment of first two coils followed by intravenous infusion for 12 h in patients with recently ruptured aneurysm who developed filling defect in the stent during coiling. The aneurysm sac was then densely packed using platinum coils (Axium 3D and Helix; eV3). Postpacking angiogram was done to document exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation. All patients were treated with aspirin 150 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg daily for 6 months and then continued on aspirin 150 mg for life. Outcome was assessed at discharge and then at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale,[4] either by personal or telephonic interview.[5] Control angiograms were done where feasible 6 months after the coiling procedure. SPSS version 17.0 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Aneurysm size and locations

The characteristics of the aneurysms are outlined in table 1.

Table 1 Characteristics of the aneurysms

Follow up

Modified Rankin Scale was zero or one in all patients at discharge. Followup examinations have been done in 13 out of 16 patients till date. All patients who were followed up had an mRS of zero or one at 3 months. Three patients who underwent procedures recently are awaiting followup. Followup control angiograms of 13 patients done at 6 months duration did not show any regrowth or in-stent stenosis [Figures 1–4].

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Figure 1

Right vertebral angiogram showing wide neck basilar top aneurysm with small right PCA aneurysm

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Figure 2

Road map showing coil deployment after Y stenting

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Figure 3

Fluoroscopic image showing Y stent and coil mass

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Figure 4

Postcoiling angiogram showing complete exclusion of basilar top aneurysm from circulation with patent bilateral posterior cerebral artery

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Discussion

The availability of neurovascular remodeling devices has opened new avenues for endovascular treatment of wide-necked and complex intracranial aneurysms. Earlier stents had various limiting characteristics such as inability to reposition once deployed, requirement of stiff delivery catheters, and poor visibility.[2] The Solitaire AB stent is fully retrievable and can be redeployed to achieve optimal alignment across the neck of the aneurysm.

Studies have reported overall higher complication rates associated with stent-assisted coiling.[67] The complications may be hemorrhagic (subarachnoid and lobar), thromboembolic (related to the stent), or technical (failure of delivery or other technical issues).[7] These may be due to either the morphology of the aneurysm, difficulty in achieving complete occlusion, or as adverse effects of dual antiplatelet therapy.

There is sufficient literature regarding stent-assisted coiling using older stents.[891011] Only a few case series using the Solitaire stent have been published.[212] Our study is the first series from India with Solitaire-assisted aneurysm coiling. We were able to achieve optimal placement of the stent across the aneurysm neck in all patients. There were no technical failures.

A literature survey of stent-supported coiling published recently reported initial complete occlusion rates of 45% with a complication incidence of 19% and death incidence of 2.1%.[7] A recent study from China using the Solitaire stent reported an initial complete occlusion rate of 83.9% with complications in six out of 31 patients and three deaths.[2] We achieved complete occlusion in all patients with no morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

In our experience, stent-assisted coiling using the Solitaire AB stent is a safe and effective method of treating wide-necked and complex intracranial aneurysms. We agree that our study is small and although we encountered no morbidity and mortality in our patients, larger studies with long-term follow-ups are required to assess the efficacy and outcomes of stent-assisted aneurysm treatment. Newer generations of endovascular devices may further expand the effectiveness and scope of endovascular treatment.