Balloon-Assisted Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms: Technical Details and Evaluation of Local Complications.

Background: Wide-neck intracranial aneurysms need additional devices like balloons or stent for management. Balloon-assisted coiling has evolved both with interventionalist experience and device modifications. Objective: We discussed our experience, evolution, and complications with this novel technique. Materials and Methods: Data of 2014-2019 was retrospectively reviewed for type of balloon used along with complications in intracranial aneurysm coiling. Two hundred five aneurysms were detected in 188 patients, of which balloon-assisted coiling was planned for 198 aneurysms. Both single and double-lumen balloons were used. Aneurysms were divided into bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms. The complications were compared between bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms, and between single and double lumen balloons. Results: Balloon-assisted coiling was planned for 198 aneurysms but successfully done for 195 (98.5%) cases. Single-lumen balloons were used in 56 aneurysms (28.3%), and double-lumen balloons were used in 142 cases (71.7%). Procedural thromboembolism within parent vessel was seen in 28 cases (14.1%); however symptomatic were encountered in 5 cases (2.5%). Intraprocedural rupture of the aneurysmal sac was seen in 9 cases (4.5%). The procedure-related mortality in our series was 1.6% (3/188 patients), and morbidity was 4.3% (8/188 patients). The complications among bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms compared between single- and double-lumen balloons showed a greater number of symptomatic thromboembolic complications in sidewall aneurysms with the use of single lumen balloons. Conclusions: There are significant symptomatic thromboembolic complications in sidewall aneurysms with the use of single-lumen balloons which decreased as interventionalist experience evolved and better hardware developed.

Endovascular Management of Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: Evolution of Cost Effective Sandwich Technique.

Objective There is a direct fistulous connection between the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus in cases of direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). Endovascular embolization is the mainstay of management in this condition. This study is about the evolution of endovascular treatment methods and the development of a cost-effective technique for embolization of direct CCF at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all the cases of direct type CCF embolized by endovascular techniques in our department from 2008 to 2018.Clinical follow-up of these patients was done at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months. Results A total of 45 patients with 40 having a prior history of head trauma were included in this study. All cases were treated with a transarterial route except one which was treated with the transvenous approach. Detachable balloon s were used in 12 (26.67%) patients, only detachable coils in 14 cases (31.11%), both detachable balloons and coils in 9 cases (20%), and both detachable and push coils, that is, sandwich technique in 8 cases (17.78%). Parent arterial occlusion was performed in 10 patients (22.22%). There was complete resolution of chemosis and bruit in all the patients. Conclusion Endovascular treatment is the mainstay of management in direct CCF. Using more fibered thrombogenic coils in a sandwich manner decreases the cost of the treatment significantly.