Neuroform stent-assisted coiling of large and giant intracranial aneurysms: Angiographic and clinical outcomes in 71 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND: Large and giant aneurysms still remain a therapeutic challenge both surgically and endovascularly. OBJECTIVE: The authors report their clinical experience and follow-up results using Neuroform stent, as an adjunct in the treatment of large and giant aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 consecutive patients with 72 large or giant intracranial aneurysms were treated with the Neuroform stent-assisted coiling. Both sequential technique and parallel technique were used. In all cases, embolization was completed by packing the aneurysm sac with a variety of commercially available coils. The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, clinical outcome, and follow-up angiography were evaluated. RESULTS: In all the patients, the Neuroform stent system was delivered and deployed accurately, and occlusion was achieved. Immediate angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm in 59.7% of the patients, neck remnant in 26.4%, and incomplete occlusion in 13.9%. Procedure-related complication, morbidity, and mortality were 15.3, 4.2, and 1.4%, respectively. Favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was observed in 83.3% of the patients (average follow-up time: 37.1 months). None of the treated aneurysm had rebleeding. Angiography follow-up was obtained in 81.7% (58/71 patients; 59/72 aneurysms; average follow-up time, 43.2 months). The overall recanalization rate was 28.8%. No delayed coil or stent migration was found. In-stent stenosis occurred as a delayed complication in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The Neuroform stent-assisted coiling for large and giant intracranial aneurysms is safe and feasible with comparable incidences of morbidity and mortality.