Flow diversion beyond the circle of Willis: endovascular aneurysm treatment in peripheral cerebral arteries employing a novel low-profile flow diverting stent

Abstract

Background

Flow diversion (FD) has emerged as superior minimally invasive therapy for cerebral aneurysms. However, aneurysms of small peripheral vessel segments have not yet been adequately treatable. More specifically, currently established devices necessitate large microcatheters which impede atraumatic maneuvering. The Silk Vista Baby (SVB), a novel flow diverter, offers the as yet unique feature of deliverability via a 0.017 inch microcatheter. This study reports our first experience with the SVB in challenging intracranial vessels employing a vessel-specific tailored microcatheter strategy.

Materials and methods

25 patients (27 aneurysms) were prospectively included. A total of 30 SVBs were employed, predominantly targeting demanding aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery complex. The efficacy of the FD was assessed using two-dimensional vector-based perfusion and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after implantation and at the first follow-up at 3 months. The first follow-up was available in 22 patients.

Results

All devices were implanted without technical or clinical complications. Eleven treatments were performed using the recommended Headway 17. In 14 interventions the even more maneuverable Excelsior SL10 was used, which was previously tried and tested for safety ’in vitro’ as an alternative delivery system. Aneurysmal influx was strongly reduced after implantation. All parent vessels remained patent. 17/27 aneurysms were completely occluded at first follow-up (∼2.7 months), 6/27 aneurysms showed decreased influx or delayed washout and one remained unchanged. In three cases follow-up DSAs are remaining.

Conclusions

SVB provides enhanced controllability in vulnerable segments beyond the circle of Willis. Smaller variants (2.25 mm and 2.75 mm) can safely be implanted via the superiorly navigable Excelsior SL10. Hence, the SVB represents the next evolutionary step in minimally invasive treatment of cerebral aneurysms.