ABSTRACT
SUMMARY: Small ruptured cerebral aneurysms, such as those of 2x3 mm diameter, are considered to be difficult to embolize by detachable coils because of the risk of procedural perforation of the aneurysms. We have treated these small aneurysms and report the techniques and pitfalls of these embolizations. Twenty-four patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms of 2x3 mm diameter were intended for treatment by coil embolization. Before coil embolization, three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography was performed, and the simulation of the volume embolization ratio (VER) was performed in all patients, except for the first basilar artery aneurysm patient. The tip of the microcatheter was steam-shaped several times and was placed on the neck of the aneurysm. A balloon neck remodeling technique was used for two aneurysms. GDC 10 softs and soft SRs were used for the first ten aneurysms, and Ultrasofts were used for the last eleven aneurysms. Out of twentyfour aneurysm embolizations, we aborted the procedure in three cases, because of a failure in catheterization; we performed clipping surgery for these cases. For the first case of a basilar tip aneurysm, the aneurysm was perforated, due to the use of too long a coil and the insertion of the tip of the microcatheter into the aneurysmal dome. Minor infarction occurred in one patient. The mean VER was 33.9%, and two aneurysms recanalized, and out of these one needed a second embolization. Six months postoperatively, 81% of patients had made in a good recovery or had a moderate disability.We recommend the following techniques to embolize aneurysms of 2x3 mm diameter: the tip of the microcatheter should be stabilized on the aneurysmal neck by steam shaping of the microcatheter, GDC 10 soft and Ultrasoft should be selected for use, and the simulation of the VER should be performed before embolization to select coils of a suitable length.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY: One hundred and seventy patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms were treated by coil embolization from September 1997 to December 2002. After January 2000, coil embolization was selected as the first-choice treatment for ruptured aneurysms. During this period, the authors investigated the number of aborted cases, the number of complications, and how many patients could be treated by coil embolization according to the locations of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. One hundred and ninety-five sessions were performed on 170 patients, and 13 sessions (6.7%) were aborted mainly because of the difficulty of the approach and the wide necks of the aneurysms. In four patients, although procedural perforation and haemorrhage occurred, the outcome was good or excellent. Eight poorgrade patients experienced haemorrhage after coil embolization and seven patients died. The volume embolization ratios of small and large aneurysms were 27% and 21%, and the recanalization of small and large aneurysms occurred in 9% and 38% of patients, respectively. From January 2000 to December 2002, 119 (66%) of 180 ruptured cerebral aneurysms were treated by coil embolization. According to the location of aneurysms, 89% vertebrobasilar, 87% anterior cerebral, 65% internal carotid and 24% middle cerebral artery aneurysms could be treated by coil embolization. Because the tight packing of large aneurysms was difficult, the recanalization rate of large aneurysms was high. However, the results of small aneurysms were satisfactory. Almost 90% of vertebrobasilar and anterior cerebral artery aneurysms could be treated by coil embolization.
