Comparison of the flow diverter and stent-assisted coiling in large and giant aneurysms: safety and efficacy based on a propensity score-matched analysis

Objectives: The flow diverter (FD) is a device aimed at reconstructing the parent artery and occluding an aneurysm. We performed a propensity score-matched analysis to compare safety and efficacy between the FD and stent-assisted coiling.

Methods: A database review was conducted to identify patients with large and giant unruptured aneurysms (aneurysms located in the ACA, MCA, or PCA were excluded) treated with the FD or stent-assisted coiling. A propensity score, representing the probability of using the FD, was generated for each aneurysm using the relevant patient and aneurysmal variables. Angiographic results, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results: Forty-five aneurysms treated with the FD (FD alone: 32; FD+Coils: 13) and 45 treated with stent-assisted coiling were matched. The rate of complete occlusion was significantly (P = 0.0002) higher in the FD cohort than the conventional stent cohort at the 6-month follow-up. The FD cohort achieved greater improvement (P < 0.0001) and a lower rate of recurrence (P = 0.0001). The rate of periprocedural complications was similar, as was the proportion of patients who attained mRS ≤ 2 at discharge and at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions: Our findings provide reliable evidence demonstrating that the FD may be a preferred treatment option for large and giant unruptured aneurysms.

Key points: • Flow Diverter provided a higher complete occlusion rate at 6-month follow-up. • Flow Diverter achieved more progress occlusion and less recurrence. • Compared with the conventional stents, procedure-related morbidity of Flow Diverter was similar. • Flow Diverter is a preferred treatment for large and giant unruptured aneurysms.