Complications, imaging results, and midterm clinical outcomes of pipeline embolisation device in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms

Background: The introduction of pipeline embolisation device (PED) has improved the feasibility of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The device allows for endoluminal reconstruction across the aneurysm neck but is permeable enough that flow is preserved across the pressure gradients into sidebranch arteries. In spite of higher rates of aneurysm occlusion, there is lack of data concerning medium to long-term clinical and imaging results. Methods: This study was a prospective single center analysis of complications, imaging results, and medium term clinical outcomes after PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms. We included cases over a 17-month period in a tertiary interventional neuroradiology center. We collected data on demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic results post treatment, angiographic follow-up and clinical follow-up. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, 25 females and 8 males, with mean age of 55 years; 3 presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and 30 for elective treatment. Thirty-seven aneurysms were treated: 35 Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), 1 basilar trunk fusiform, and 1 vertebral artery intradural dissecting aneurysms. No deaths have occurred. Five patients suffered transient neurological complications (15%). Overall aneurysm occlusion was demonstrated in 85% of patients at the end of one year. Discussion: Overall, the technique of flow diversion and endoluminal reconstruction differs greatly from the established endosaccular packing techniques of standard coiling, balloon remodeling, or stent assisted coiling. Our midterm follow-up confirms that, the rates of clinically significant complications compare favorably with published data on stent assisted coiling, potentially making these devices a truly revolutionizing technique.