WEB embolization versus stent-assisted coiling: comparison of complication rates and angiographic outcomes

J Neurointerv Surg. 2019 Aug;11(8):812-816. doi: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-014555. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Abstract

Background: Intrasaccular flow disruption represents a new paradigm in endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms.

Objective: To perform a matched case-control study comparing complications and angiographic outcome using the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device and stent-assisted coiling (SAC).

Methods: Sixty-six patients treated with the WEB at three German tertiary care centers were included and matched with 66 patients treated with SAC based on aneurysm location and unruptured/ruptured aneurysm status. Parameters were retrospectively analysed and compared between the treatment groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with propensity scores.

Results: Procedural complication rates were 12.1% in the WEB group and 21.2% in the SAC group, which was statistically significant after IPTW adjustment (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.4, p=0.03). Favourable outcome (modified Rankin scale score ≤2) was achieved by 57/66 (86.4%) in the WEB group and 57/66 (86.4%) in the SAC group (p=1.0). At mid-term follow-up, a similar number of aneurysms achieved adequate occlusion (complete occlusion or neck remnant) in the WEB group (93.9%) and in the SAC group (93.9%, p=1.0). Re-treatment was performed in 10.6% after WEB embolization and 12.1% after SAC (p=1.0).

Conclusions: The WEB provides similar mid-term aneurysm occlusion rates to those of SAC, with no additional morbidity and potentially lower complication rates. Long-term outcome analysis will provide a definite conclusion on the use of WEB for intracranial aneurysms.

Keywords: aneurysm; coil; device; statistics.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods
  • Cerebral Angiography / trends*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / trends*
  • Endovascular Procedures / adverse effects
  • Endovascular Procedures / instrumentation
  • Endovascular Procedures / trends*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Expandable Metallic Stents*
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Treatment Outcome