The Application of “Stilted Building” Technique in the Embolization of Aneurysms with Secondary Branches

OBJECTIVE: Many intracranial aneurysms often have branch arteries, and it is especially important to protect them during embolization. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the curative effect and safety of the “stilted building” technique. METHODS: 25 patients with intracranial aneurysms with branch arteries that have been treated by coil embolization with the “stilted building” technique were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical follow-up was performed after endovascular treatment. RESULTS: All 25 patients successfully underwent aneurysm embolization. During the operation, the ruptured sac and most of the body of the aneurysm were embolized using the “stilted building” technique. Immediate imaging showed that the blood flow to the branch arteries from the neck or sidewall of the aneurysm was unobstructed. The mRS scores of the 25 patients during the follow-up period were mRS 0 for twenty-one patients, mRS 1 for three patients, and mRS 6 for one patient. No aneurysms recurred among the patients who completed the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In an aneurysm with a branch artery, when a balloon or stent cannot be effectively used to protect the branch artery, the use of “stilted building” embolization can achieve good therapeutic effects, and the short-term follow-up results are satisfactory; the technique can effectively protect branch arteries originating from aneurysms.