Successful treatment of a traumatic carotid pseudoaneurysm with the Pipeline stent: Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms remain one of the most difficult vascular lesions to treat. In the case of traumatic pseudoaneurysms that may not be treated with parent vessel sacrifice, some flow diversion strategy such as stent-assistance or use of a flow diversion device is usually necessary. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this study we describe endovascular parent vessel wall-remodeling/endoluminal reconstruction and traumatic pseudoaneurysm thrombosis through the use of the Pipeline stent and review recent reports concerning indications, safety, and efficacy for alternative pathology. CONCLUSION: Although currently not routinely employed in the treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysms, the Pipeline stent may represent a safe and effective treatment alternative achieving complete endoluminal reconstruction of the damaged vessel wall.