- Stent-Assisted Coiling versus Coiling Alone in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in the Matrix and Platinum Science Trial: Safety, Efficacy, and Mid-Term Outcomes
These authors analyzed data on 131 non-selected MCA aneurysms treated during a 6-year period. One month after treatment, permanent morbidity and mortality was 3.3% without significant differences according to technique used. The rate of recanalization was nearly 16%, also without differences according to technique, and re-treatment was needed in 7.6% of cases. A greater rate of complications occurred with balloon remodeling and only large aneurysm size predicted recanalization. The authors concluded that endovascular treatment of MCA aneurysms is safe, effective, and durable.
- Coiling of Large and Giant Aneurysms: Complications and Long-Term Results of 334 Cases
The long-term complications of coil treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms were assessed in 334 instances when treatment consisted of only coiling (225), stent-assisted coiling (88), parent vessel occlusion (14), or balloon-assisted coiling (7). The authors concluded that coiling of large and giant aneurysms has reasonable safety profiles with good clinical outcomes, but aneurysm reopening was common. Stent-assisted coiling had lower recurrence, retreatment, and new or recurrent hemorrhage rates with no additional morbidity compared with conventional coiling. Aneurysm size was a major determinant of recanalization, retreatment, new or recurrent hemorrhage, and poor outcome.
- Complications of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Stroke in the SWIFT Trial with Solitaire and Merci Devices
The safety of 2 devices to treat acute ischemic stroke was evaluated in 144 patients with special attention paid to complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, SAH, air emboli, vessel dissections, major groin complications, and emboli in new territories. Fewer endovascular complications occurred after treatment with the Solitaire device when compared with the Merci, particularly with respect to symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage.