Safety and efficacy of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms: A single-center experience

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness, safety, and efficacy of Atlas stents in the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms (IAs).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with IAs who underwent stent-assisted coiling (SAC) from January 2018 to January 2022 and divided them into two groups: distal IAs treated with Atlas SAC and wide-necked aneurysms in other locations treated with SAC. The clinical data, imaging data, and postoperative follow-up data for the two groups of patients during hospitalization were collected.

Results: Fifteen patients were included in the distal IA group, and 332 patients were included in the non-distal IA group. The baseline data for the two groups of patients were compared, and significant differences in aneurysm locations, whether the aneurysm had ruptured, and the width of the aneurysm neck were found between the two groups. In the distal IA group, all stents were successfully placed and released during the operation. No aneurysm rupture occurred during the operation. Immediate postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed complete embolization of the aneurysm in 10 patients. Ischemic complications occurred perioperatively in two patients. The postoperative follow-up showed a poor prognosis (modified Rankin scale (mRs) > 2) in three patients and aneurysm recurrence in one patient. No significant differences in the treatment effect, surgical complications, or follow-up results were found between the two groups.

Conclusion: In this series, the use of Atlas SAC for the treatment of distal IAs was not associated with higher complication rates, and shows satisfactory long-term occlusion rates and follow-up results.