Low-memory shape coils for intracranial aneurysm coiling: Initial and single-center experience with the i-ED coil

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aneurysmal coiling is a preventative alternative to clipping to avoid aneurysmal rupture. In the literature and our own experience, some common coiling challenges which arise include: (1) microcatheter kickback, (2) detachment zone rigidity, (3) intrasaccular compartmentalization of coils on deployment, and (4) attainability of high-density and effective packing with as few coils as possible. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive case series of 15 intracranial aneurysm patients who received Kaneka i-ED Coils since their initial use in our practice (December 2020) till May 2022. RESULTS: Of the 14 saccular aneurysm patients treated with i-ED coils, 2/14 (14.3%) achieved a Raymond-Roy (RR) score of 3A (internal remnant), 4/14 (28.6%) achieved RR 2 (slight neck remnant) and 8/14 (57.1%) achieved RR 1. One MoyaMoya patient (5.9%) with a fusiform aneurysm also achieved a complete occlusion by parent artery takedown in this series. Aneurysm volumes ranged from 8.15 mm 3 to 315.5 mm 3 with an average packing density of 36.23% and a standard deviation 8.87%. At 30 days, most of our cohort scored a 0 on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) (11/15), with two patients scoring at an mRS score of 1, one at an mRS score of 4, and one at an mRS score of 6. Low-memory shape, coil cases achieved a significantly higher packing density (P < 0.01) and PD/Coils-used ratio (P < 0.05) than other cases in our practice. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with i-ED coils has shown that they are a feasible strategy in a number of differently sized and shaped aneurysms. While fewer coils overall were not a statistically significant finding in this study, the future studies with larger cohorts are necessary and in progress.