Pipeline embolization of MCA aneurysms in the M2-M4 segment: Dual center study and meta-analysis

Objective: Flow diversion of distal MCA aneurysms in the M2-M4 segments with Pipeline embolization device is promising, but further study is needed. Here, we seek to quantify the safety and efficacy of Pipeline embolization in the M2-M4 region in a dual-center cohort and comprehensive meta-analysis.

Methods: Clinical and angiographic data of eligible patients was obtained from participating centers. A systematic review was performed with searches of Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles from inception to May 2021. 86 studies were identified in systematic review. Of these, 7 studies with 46 aneurysms met the inclusion criteria and were aggregated with 8 aneurysms from our dual-center cohort for analysis.

Results: In our dual-center cohort, complete occlusion was observed in 88% (7/8) of aneurysms, and no patients experienced hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications. Clinical outcomes were reported for 100% (54/54) of aneurysms included in meta-analysis and angiographic follow-up was available for 91% (49/54). The overall rate of complete aneurysm occlusion was 80% (95% CI, 69-91%), and the overall rate of clinical complication was 9% (95% CI, 2-16%).

Conclusion: Pipeline embolization of cerebral aneurysms of the M2-M4 segments of the MCA was reasonably effective and safe in a small group of selected patients, but further study is needed to validate these preliminary results.