Stent-assisted treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in the acute phase: A single center experience

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of patients with ruptured aneurysms who were treated with a specific microstent in the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Data from patients with acutely-ruptured intracranial aneurysm treated with the Neuroform stent in the period between 2003 and 2016 were retrospectively assessed, addressing aneurysm occlusion and clinical outcome with a focus on periprocedural complications. RESULTS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were included in the analysis. Periprocedural hemorrhagic complications were stated in six patients, leading to death in four. Thromboembolic complications were observed in seven patients, among whom only one affected the clinical outcome with death due to basilar thrombosis. Immediate complete occlusion and occlusion with residual neck was achieved in 79.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: Stent-assisted coiling of acutely-ruptured aneurysms achieves good immediate aneurysm occlusion. Rates of intra- and periprocedural adverse events observed in this series were significant, but did not translate to corresponding morbidity and mortality in all cases. The retrospective analysis did not allow assessing the overall risks of endovascular therapy with stent use in ruptured and complex aneurysm when compared to the overall risks with other alternative options.