Neurosurgeons performing tracheostomies- maintaining proficiency in the modern era.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheostomy is a basic surgical procedure that most surgeons, regardless of specialty, learn early in their training. With improvements in intensive care medicine, the number of neurosurgical patients requiring tracheostomy has declined. As neurosurgeons advance in their training, familiarity with airway management declines and falls under the domain of other specialties. Because neurosurgeons still manage critically ill patients, they often defer the airway management to other specialists. In many institutions, neurosurgeons no longer perform tracheostomies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications and outcomes following tracheostomies performed by neurosurgeons. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed a database of all neurosurgical procedures performed at a single institution from 9/2007 to 2/2017. We reviewed the operative and medical records of patients whose tracheostomies were performed by a neurosurgeon. RESULTS: Neurosurgeons performed 72 tracheostomies over the study period. All the procedures were done in an operating room using traditional open technique. Four patients had previous tracheostomy. Five patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy. The procedure was successful in all patients. There were no immediate complications in any patient. One patient required revision for development of tracheo-cutaneous fistula. CONCLUSION: Tracheostomies can be performed safely by neurosurgeons in this era of sub-specialization. There is a renewed interest in maintaining critical care proficiency in neurosurgery. Airway management is an important part of this skill-set. Neurosurgeons manage patients with brain injuries, cranial nerve deficits, and cervical spine injuries, Consequently, learning how to establish a surgical airway remains necessary in neurosurgical training.

Stent-Assisted Woven EndoBridge Implantation for Treatment of Wide-Necked Aneurysm Residual: Angiographic Video.

Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intrasaccular flow-disrupting device that has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of wide-neck ruptured and unruptured aneurysms at arterial bifurcations. Successful and effective treatment of aneurysms with the WEB device requires accurate sizing. For optimal positioning of the WEB device within the aneurysm sac, the diameter of the device has to exceed by the mean diameter of the aneurysm by 1.0 mm. However, this predictably results in an increase in the height of the device. In shallow, wide-necked aneurysms, this increase in height of the WEB device could result in encroachment of the device on the parent artery or branch vessel origins. In these circumstances, the placement of an intracranial stent can prevent such encroachment. In this video, we demonstrate the operative technique of stent-assisted WEB device placement that was performed at our institution for the treatment of a recurrent basilar apex aneurysm (Video 1). This previously ruptured aneurysm had been treated initially with primary coil embolization, and the patient consented to endovascular treatment of her aneurysm recurrence. The video illustrates this procedure using a combination of fluoroscopic images, fluoroscopic cines, and digital subtraction angiograms.

Gadolinium to the rescue for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical thrombectomy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requires cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA), typically performed with iodinated contrast medium. We present a case of emergent cerebral DSA and mechanical thrombectomy using gadolinium-based contrast for cerebral DSA in a patient with a history of anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast agents (ICs). CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old man developed left ventricle assist device thrombus while on anticoagulation. During hospitalization he suffered right middle cerebral artery occlusion with a National Institutes of Health stroke scale score of 10. He had a history of anaphylaxis and the advanced directives revealed do not resuscitate/do not intubate status. We performed an emergent DSA as part of thrombectomy procedure using gadolinium-based contrast mixed in 1:1 proportion with normal saline. The images obtained were of adequate quality and the patient underwent successful thrombectomy with modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B recanalization. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-based contrast agents could be effective alternatives for cerebral DSA in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for AIS who have a history of anaphylactic reaction to ICs.

Safety and Feasibility of Balloon-Assisted Embolization with Onyx of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Revisited: Personal Experience with the Scepter XC Balloon Microcatheter.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Compliant dual-lumen balloon microcatheters have been used to perform balloon-assisted embolization (BAE) of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx). However, vessel rupture and microcatheter retention have been reported from BAE using these microcatheters. Using an extra-compliant balloon microcatheter (Scepter XC; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) could help avoid pial vessel rupture during BAE. We herein report our experience using this balloon microcatheter for BAE. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BAE of brain AVMs at our institution between June 2012 and March 2017. RESULTS: The extra-compliant Scepter XC balloon microcatheter was used for BAE of brain AVMs in 23 patients aged 44.3 ± 16.7 years (range 0-65 years). A total of 40 intracranial vessels (39 pial arteries and 1 pial vein) were catheterized and embolized during 30 separate sessions. In all instances, the balloon microcatheter could be successfully advanced to the AVM nidus. A mean volume of 2.4 ± 1.7 mL (range 0.65-4.6 mL) of Onyx was injected per session. There were no instances of vessel rupture, microcatheter retention, or stroke. CONCLUSION: Utilization of the extra-compliant balloon microcatheter results in safe and effective BAE, which adds to the growing experience with BAE for AVM treatment.

Safety of cerebral angiography and neuroendovascular therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Contrast-induced nephropathy is a common clinical concern in patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures, especially in those with pre-existent kidney disease. We aimed to define the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in these high-risk patients in our practice. METHODS: We analyzed data retrospectively from patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures at two academic medical centers over a 4-year period. Contrast-induced nephropathy was determined by an absolute increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or a rise from its baseline value by ≥ 25%, at 48-72 h after exposure to contrast agent after excluding other causes of renal impairment. High-risk patients were identified as those with pre-procedural estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min irrespective of creatinine level, corresponding to stages 3-5 of chronic kidney disease. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-five high-risk patients undergoing conventional cerebral angiography and neuroendovascular interventions were identified. Only 1 out of 184 (0.54%) high-risk patients developed contrast-induced nephropathy. That one patient had stage 5 chronic kidney disease and multiple other risk factors. CONCLUSION: We have observed a very low rate of renal injury in patients with chronic kidney disease, traditionally considered high risk for neuroendovascular procedures. Multiple factors may be responsible in the risk reduction of contrast-induced nephropathy in this patient population.

Salvage of Herniated Flow Diverters Using Stent and Balloon Anchoring Techniques: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: The pipeline embolization device (PED; Medtronic, MN, USA) can sometimes herniate into the aneurysmal sac in an unexpected manner during or shortly after its deployment due to device foreshortening. In this report, we describe 2 endovascular techniques, which can be used to reposition a herniated PED construct into a more favorable alignment. SUMMARY: In a 67-year-old patient who had an intraprocedural herniation of a PED device into a giant cavernous aneurysm, a stent anchor technique was used to reverse the herniation, reorient the PED construct, and achieve successful flow diversion. In a different patient with a giant superior hypophyseal aneurysm, a balloon anchor technique followed by deployment of an LVIS Jr (Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) stent was used to reverse the herniation into the aneurysmal sac. KEY MESSAGES: Stent anchor and balloon anchor techniques as described here can be used to reposition PED constructs, which have unexpectedly herniated into the aneurysm sac during attempted flow diversion for the treatment of giant aneurysms.

Risk factors for hemorrhage associated with external ventricular drain placement and removal.

OBJECTIVE External ventricular drains (EVDs) have an important role in the management of neurological disease, and their placement is a frequently performed neurosurgical procedure. Hemorrhage is a common complication of EVD placement and occurs more frequently than originally believed. There is also risk of hemorrhage with removal of an EVD, which has not been well described. The authors investigated the risk factors associated with placement and removal of EVDs at their institution. METHODS A database was created including patients who required EVD placement from March 2008 to June 2014 at the University of Minnesota. A retrospective chart review was completed, and data were collected for each patient. All cranial imaging studies during the index hospitalization were reviewed to identify hemorrhages associated with either EVD placement or removal. The study was performed using a research protocol approved by the University of Minnesota's institutional review board. RESULTS Four hundred eighty-two EVDs were placed during the designated time period. Among the cases in which patients underwent imaging after the placement procedure, hemorrhage was found in 94 (21.6%). The hemorrhage volume ranged from 0.003 cm3 to 45.9 cm3 (mean [± SD] 1.96 ± 6.48 cm3). Two of these hemorrhages resulted in additional interventions: 1 surgical evacuation and 1 contralateral EVD. In 55 (22.5%) of the 244 cases in which imaging was performed after EVD removal, hemorrhage associated with removal was identified. The mean volume of these hemorrhages was 8.25 ± 20.34 cm3 (range 0.012-82.08 cm3). Two EVDs were replaced, and 1 patient died as a result of a large hemorrhage. Large hemorrhages (> 30 cm3) occurred in 2 patients on placement (0.46%) and in 5 patients on removal (2.0%). In this series, decreased platelet levels on admission and an increasing number of EVD placement attempts correlated with an increased risk of hemorrhage on placement. Only those with an EVD placed at bedside were more likely to have hemorrhage on EVD removal. CONCLUSIONS Multiple studies have reported varying EVD hemorrhage rates while very few studies have described hemorrhage secondary to EVD removal. This is the first reported analysis of risk factors associated with hemorrhage on EVD removal. Hemorrhages occur relatively frequently following EVD placement and removal, though clinical significance of these events seems to be low.

Endovascular management of a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in an infant with challenging femoral arterial access.

A 5-month-old infant was to be treated with elective transarterial embolization for a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM). A team of endovascular surgical neuroradiologists, pediatric interventional radiologists, and pediatric cardiologists attempted conventional femoral arterial access, which was unsuccessful given the small caliber of the femoral arteries and superimposed severe vasospasm. Thereafter, eventual arterial access was achieved by navigating from the venous to the arterial system across the patent foramen ovale following a right femoral venous access. Embolization was then successfully performed. At a later date, the child underwent successful transvenous balloon-assisted embolization and eventual arterial embolization with cure of the VGAM.

Endovascular retrieval of a prematurely deployed covered stent.

Several techniques have been reported to address different endovascular device failures. We report the case of a premature deployment of a covered balloon mounted stent during endovascular repair of a post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). A 50-year-old male suffered a fall resulting in loss of consciousness and multiple facial fractures. Five weeks later, he developed decreased left visual acuity, proptosis, chemosis, limited eye movements and cranial/orbit bruit. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a direct left CCF and endovascular repair with a 5.0 mm × 19 mm covered stent was planned. Once in the lacerum segment, increased resistance was encountered and the stent was withdrawn resulting in premature deployment. A 3 mm × 9 mm balloon was advanced over an exchange length microwire and through the stent lumen. Once distal to the stent, the balloon was inflated and slowly pulled back in contact with the stent. All devices were successfully withdrawn as a unit. The use of a balloon to retrieve a prematurely deployed balloon mounted stent is a potential rescue option if leaving the stent in situ carries risks.

The role of percutaneous embolization techniques in the management of dural sinus malformations with atypical angioarchitecture in neonates: report of 2 cases.

Dural sinus malformations (DSMs) are rare congenital malformations that can be midline or lateral in location. Midline DSMs have been reported to have a worse prognosis than lateral DSMs and have traditionally been more difficult to manage. The authors report 2 unusual manifestations of midline DSMs and their management with percutaneous transfontanelle embolization. The first patient (Case 1) presented at 21 days of life with a large midline DSM and multiple highflow dural and pial arteriovenous shunts. The child developed congestive cardiac failure and venous congestion with intracranial hemorrhage and seizures within a few weeks. The second patient (Case 2) presented with a large midline DSM found on prenatal imaging that was determined to be a purely venous malformation on postnatal evaluation. This large malformation resulted in consumptive coagulopathy and apneic episodes from brainstem compression. The patient in Case 1 was treated initially with endovascular embolization and eventually with curative percutaneous-transfontanelle embolization. The patient in Case 2 was treated with percutaneous transfontanelle embolization in combination with posterior fossa decompression and cranial expansion surgery.

Modified balloon assisted coil embolization for the treatment of intracranial and cervical arterial aneurysms using coaxial dual lumen balloon microcatheters: initial experience.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional balloon assisted coil embolization techniques for intracranial aneurysms require a single lumen balloon to remodel the aneurysm neck and a separate microcatheter to place coils. Here we report utilization of a single coaxial dual balloon microcatheter to achieve both coil placement and neck remodeling in a series of intracranial and cervical arterial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of five patients, including two with subarachnoid hemorrhage, presented to our institution with wide necked oblong aneurysms (8-30 mm maximum diameter). Coil embolization in four of these aneurysms was performed by advancing the tip of either a 4×10 mm Scepter C or a 4×11 mm Scepter XC balloon microcatheter (Microvention, Tustin, USA) into the aneurysm, inflating the balloon at the aneurysm neck, and placing the coils through the same microcatheter. In the fifth patient, who had a giant aneurysm at the top of the basilar artery, two Scepter XC balloon microcatheters were placed side by side and inflated simultaneously at the neck of the aneurysm; coil embolization was then successfully performed through both Scepter XC microcatheters. RESULTS: Coil embolization was successfully performed with this technique in all five aneurysms. There was no instance of aneurysm rupture, thromboembolic complications, occlusion of branch vessels near the aneurysm neck, or prolapse of coil loops into the parent vessel. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysmal neck remodeling and coil embolization can both be achieved using a single coaxial dual lumen balloon microcatheter in selected oblong intracranial and cervical arterial aneurysms.

Marginal sinus fistula supplied exclusively by vertebral artery feeders.

A 54-year-old woman is reported with severe pulsatile tinnitus. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated dural arteriovenous fistula of the marginal sinus with feeders arising exclusively from bilateral vertebral arteries. Patient underwent successful transarterial Onyx embolization with complete angiographic and clinical cure.

Endovascular balloon-assisted embolization of intracranial and cervical arteriovenous malformations using dual-lumen coaxial balloon microcatheters and Onyx: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) is widely used for the embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain, head, and neck. Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization may provide additional unique advantages in the treatment of AVMs in comparison with traditional catheter-based techniques. OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience in performing balloon-assisted AVM embolization for brain and neck AVMs with the use of the new Scepter-C and Scepter-XC coaxial dual-lumen balloon microcatheters. METHODS: Balloon-assisted transarterial embolization was performed in a series of 7 patients with AVMs (4 with brain AVMs, 1 with a dural arteriovenous fistula, and 2 with neck AVMs) by using Onyx delivered through the lumen of Scepter-C or Scepter XC coaxial balloon microcatheters. Following the initial balloon-catheter navigation into a feeding artery and the subsequent inflation of the balloon, the embolization was performed by using Onyx 18, Onyx 34, or both. RESULTS: A total of 12 embolization sessions were performed via 17 arterial feeders in these 7 patients. In 1 patient, there was an arterial perforation from the inflation of the balloon; in all others, the embolization goals were successfully achieved with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: The balloon microcatheters showed excellent navigability, and there were no problems with retrieval or with the repeated inflation and deflation of the balloons. A proximal Onyx plug, which is crucial in many AVM embolizations, was not necessary with this technique. Additionally, fluoroscopy and procedural times seemed lower with this technique compared with conventional embolization methods.

Determinants of neurologic deterioration and stroke-free survival after spontaneous cervicocranial dissections: a multicenter study.

Patients with spontaneous cervicocranial dissection (SCCD) may experience new or recurrent ischemic events despite antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Treatment with stent placement is an available option; however, the literature on patient selection is limited. Thus, identifying patients at high risk for neurologic deterioration after SCCD is of critical importance. The present study examined the rate of neurologic deterioration in medically treated patients with SCCD and evaluated demographic, clinical, and radiologic factors affecting this deterioration. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with SCCD over a 7-year period from 3 medical institutions, and evaluated the relationships between demographic data, clinical characteristics, and angiographical findings and subsequent neurologic outcomes. Neurologic deterioration was defined as transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic stroke, or death occurring during hospitalization or within 1 year of diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine neurologic event-free survival up to 12 months. A total of 69 patients (mean age, 47.8 ± 14 years; 45 males) with SCCD were included in the study. Eleven patients (16%) experienced in-hospital neurologic deterioration (TIA in 9, ischemic stroke in 1) or death (1 patient). An additional 8 patients developed neurologic deterioration within 1 year after discharge (TIA in 5, ischemic stroke in 2, and death in 1). The overall 1-year event-free survival rate was 72%. Women (P = .046), patients with involvement of both vertebral arteries (P = .02), and those with intracranial arterial involvement (P = .018) had significantly higher rates of neurologic deterioration. Our findings indicate that neurologic deterioration is relatively common after SCCD despite medical treatment in women, patients with bilateral vertebral artery involvement, and those with intracranial vessel involvement.

Factors and outcomes associated with early and delayed aneurysm treatment in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies from selected centers have shown that early surgical treatment of aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients can improve outcomes. These results have not been validated in clinical practice at large. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and outcomes associated with timing of ruptured intracranial aneurysm obliteration treatment in patients with SAH after hospitalization in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed the data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005-2008) for all patients presenting with primary diagnosis of SAH, receiving aneurysm treatment (endovascular coil embolization or surgical clip placement). Early treatment was defined as aneurysm treatment performed within 48 hours and delayed treatment if treatment was performed after 48 hours of admission. RESULTS: Of 32 048 patients with SAH who underwent aneurysm treatment, 24 085 (75.2%) underwent early treatment and 7963 (24.8%) underwent delayed treatment. Female sex (P = .002), endovascular embolization (P < .001), and weekday admission (P < .001) were independent predictors of early treatment. In the early treatment group, patients were more likely discharged with none to minimal disability (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.47) and less likely to be discharged with moderate to severe disability (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.67-0.87) compared with those in the delayed treatment group. The in-hospital mortality was higher in the early treatment group compared with the delayed treatment group (OR 1.36 95%CI 1.12-1.66). CONCLUSION: Patients with SAH who undergo aneurysm treatment within 48 hours of hospital admission are more likely to be discharged with none to minimal disability. Early treatment is more likely to occur in those undergoing endovascular treatment and in patients admitted on weekdays.

Long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with spontaneous cervico-cranial arterial dissections treated with stent placement.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with spontaneous cervico-cranial arterial dissection treated with stent placement. OBJECTIVE: To report the immediate and long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients who received stent placement for spontaneous cervico-cranial arterial dissection. METHODS: We reviewed clinical and angiographic data of consecutive patients with spontaneous, cervico-cranial arterial dissection treated with stent placement. Patients with recurrent ischemic symptoms or severe hemodynamic compromise despite maximal medical therapy, or those with compressive symptoms due to expanding pseudoaneurysms were considered for stent placement. Follow-up angiography and intravascular ultrasound (in select patients) was performed to detect in-stent restenosis, intimal flap, thrombus, or persistent pseudoaneurysm. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were identified, with complete resolution of stenosis achieved in 10 patients immediately post-procedure. Clinical follow-up ranged from 26-900 days, during which there was 1 (7%) TIA, 1 (7%) minor ischemic stroke, and 1 (7%) in hospital death (unrelated to stent placement). Stroke-free survival was 93% at both 1 month and 6 months after the procedure. Follow-up angiography did not reveal any in-stent restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and intermediate term effectiveness of endovascular stent reconstruction of spontaneous, cervico-cranial arterial dissection.

Low risk of intracranial and systemic hemorrhages in patients on dual antiplatelet treatment beyond 1 month following neuroendovascular angioplasty and/or stent placement.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin and clopidogrel treatment beyond 1 month in patients undergoing angioplasty and/or stent placement within the extra- and/or intracranial arteries is not defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of intracranial and systemic bleeding events, recurrent ischemic stroke, and death in patients treated with dual antiplatelets for greater than 1 month. METHODS: We determined rates of hemorrhage, stroke, or death in consecutive patients with extra- or intracranial lesions, treated with dual antiplatelets after angioplasty and/or stent procedures. RESULTS: Dual antiplatelet treatment was initiated in 110 patients following endovascular treatment with a median treatment time period of 3 months (364 person-months of exposure). There were two bleeding events (1 intracranial and 1 gastrointestinal), 1 ischemic stroke, and no deaths. The rate of intracranial and systemic bleeding events, recurrent ischemic stroke, death due to stroke, or premature discontinuation was 8.3 per 1,000 person-months (95%, CI [2.7-25.6]). There were no bleeding events after the first month of treatment. CONCLUSION: We did not find an increased risk of adverse events in patients treated with dual antiplatelet treatment beyond 1 month after endovascular procedure, supporting the safety of intermediate-term treatment as adjunct to intra- and extracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement.

Utility of pharmacologic provocative neurological testing before embolization of occipital lobe arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment is an established option for treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, embolization has been associated with postprocedural neurological complications. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of intra-arterial pharmacologic provocative (superselective Wada) testing before embolization of occipital lobe AVMs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of cases of occipital AVMs that were embolized at our institution (Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital) while the patient was under conscious sedation. Visual field testing was performed before and after superselective Wada testing and again after embolization. After microcatheterization of the target feeding pedicle, amobarbital (or, occasionally, methohexital) was administered, followed immediately by neurological testing. If the provocative test results were negative, the evaluated feeder was embolized with a liquid agent. Complications were categorized as transient or permanent neurological deficit, visual field loss, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and death. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with occipital AVMs underwent 39 Wada tests of 34 pedicles before embolization during 26 endovascular treatment sessions. Patients were treated under conscious sedation with local anesthesia. The mean age of these patients was 43.5 years (range 16-62 years); 6 were women. Testing induced a neurological deficit in six patients. A positive test result led us to abort embolization attempts in four pedicles. In the two remaining cases, advancement of the catheter tip distally within the feeding pedicle allowed us to proceed with embolization after initial test failure. Neither patient developed a visual field deficit after embolization. Despite passing the Wada test before embolization, one other patient had a visual deficit that was detected a few hours after the procedure; this deficit lessened but was permanent. No further ischemic complications and no hemorrhagic complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic provocative testing is a useful and effective method of determining the safety of occipital AVM embolization. Our results support the performance of these procedures under conscious sedation.

Intracranial aneurysms: review of current treatment options and outcomes.

Intracranial aneurysms are present in roughly 5% of the population, yet most are often asymptomatic and never detected. Development of an aneurysm typically occurs during adulthood, while formation and growth are associated with risk factors such as age, hypertension, pre-existing familial conditions, and smoking. Subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most common presentation due to aneurysm rupture, represents a serious medical condition often leading to severe neurological deficit or death. Recent technological advances in imaging modalities, along with increased understanding of natural history and prevalence of aneurysms, have increased detection of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Studies reporting on the risk of rupture and outcomes have provided much insight, but the debate remains of how and when unruptured aneurysms should be managed. Treatment methods include two major intervention options: clipping of the aneurysm and endovascular methods such as coiling, stent-assisted coiling, and flow diversion stents. The studies reviewed here support the generalized notion that endovascular treatment of UIA provides a safe and effective alternative to surgical treatment. The risks associated with endovascular repair are lower and incur shorter hospital stays for appropriately selected patients. The endovascular treatment option should be considered based on factors such as aneurysm size, location, patient medical history, and operator experience.