Mid-term outcomes in stent-assisted coil embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms in the acute period: A single institution retrospective review

The purposes of this study were to retrospectively review mid-term outcomes of stent-assisted coil embolization for acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms, and to identify risk factors.

Between April 2013 and October 2018, thirty-four consecutive patients had stent-assisted coil embolization for treatment of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms that were not amendable by simple coiling. Hospital subarachnoid hemorrhage registry and notes on hospital electronic medical systems were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had a dose of intravenous abciximab 10 mg and heparin 2000 units before stenting and started dual antiplatelet therapy after procedure.

Of the thirty-four consecutive patients, twenty-six (76 %) were treated with braided stents and eight (24 %) were treated with laser-cut stents. There was no rebleeding in thirty-two patients who achieved total aneurysmal occlusion or residual neck only. Rebleeding occurred in two patients who only achieved partial embolization, resulting in mortality. There were three (9 %) thromboembolic complications, in which two were ADL-independent upon hospital discharge and the one with WFNS Grade V succumbed. Twenty (59 %) patients achieved clinical favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2) at follow-up (mean+/-SD: 17+/-15 months). The need of EVD insertion was a statistically significant risk factor for procedure-related cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage and 30-day mortality. The GOS and mRS were closely related to the need of EVD insertion and sidewall location of aneurysm.

The study established the efficacy and safety profile of stent-assisted embolization for treatment acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms. The embolization goal should be total aneurysmal occlusion or with minimal residual neck to prevent rebleeding and reduce mortality. The use of such technique should be considered when simple coiling or microsurgical clipping is not feasible or suitable. The need of EVD insertion is an independent risk factor for intracerebral hematoma and 30-day mortality. When needed, EVD insertion shall be considered before antiplatelet agents, and require exceptionally meticulous hemostasis intraoperatively.