Flow diversion beyond the circle of Willis: endovascular aneurysm treatment in peripheral cerebral arteries employing a novel low-profile flow diverting stent

J Neurointerv Surg. 2019 Dec;11(12):1227-1234. doi: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2019-014840. Epub 2019 May 14.

Abstract

Background: Flow diversion (FD) has emerged as superior minimally invasive therapy for cerebral aneurysms. However, aneurysms of small peripheral vessel segments have not yet been adequately treatable. More specifically, currently established devices necessitate large microcatheters which impede atraumatic maneuvering. The Silk Vista Baby (SVB), a novel flow diverter, offers the as yet unique feature of deliverability via a 0.017 inch microcatheter. This study reports our first experience with the SVB in challenging intracranial vessels employing a vessel-specific tailored microcatheter strategy.

Materials and methods: 25 patients (27 aneurysms) were prospectively included. A total of 30 SVBs were employed, predominantly targeting demanding aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery complex. The efficacy of the FD was assessed using two-dimensional vector-based perfusion and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after implantation and at the first follow-up at 3 months. The first follow-up was available in 22 patients.

Results: All devices were implanted without technical or clinical complications. Eleven treatments were performed using the recommended Headway 17. In 14 interventions the even more maneuverable Excelsior SL10 was used, which was previously tried and tested for safety 'in vitro' as an alternative delivery system. Aneurysmal influx was strongly reduced after implantation. All parent vessels remained patent. 17/27 aneurysms were completely occluded at first follow-up (∼2.7 months), 6/27 aneurysms showed decreased influx or delayed washout and one remained unchanged. In three cases follow-up DSAs are remaining.

Conclusions: SVB provides enhanced controllability in vulnerable segments beyond the circle of Willis. Smaller variants (2.25 mm and 2.75 mm) can safely be implanted via the superiorly navigable Excelsior SL10. Hence, the SVB represents the next evolutionary step in minimally invasive treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Keywords: distal aneurysms; flow diversion; low profile flow diverter; silk vista baby; small cerebral vessels.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Circle of Willis / diagnostic imaging
  • Circle of Willis / surgery*
  • Endovascular Procedures / instrumentation
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Expandable Metallic Stents*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult