Stent placement for the treatment of complex internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms: a review of 16 cases.

AIM: Stent placements for the treatment of complex internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms are not well documented yet. In this article, we reported a series of 16 such cases to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of stent placement for these particular lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2001 and August 2011, 16 patients with 16 ICA bifurcation aneurysms were treated by stent assisted coiling at our institution. Their clinical data, treatment results and follow-up were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Sixteen stents, including 10 Enterprise, 4 Neuroform, 1 Solitaire and 1 one balloon-mounted coronary stent (BX), were successfully deployed in this series. Immediate angiogram showed complete occlusion in 5, neck remnant in 2 and residual sac in 9. No procedure-related complication occurred. Angiographic follow-up results (mean, 12.1 months) were available in 15 patients, 9 of the aneurysms were cured, 1 was improved, 3 were stable, 2 were recanalized, and 1 was retreated. Clinical follow-up (mean, 28.6 months) of all 16 patients demonstrated no neurologic deterioration or rebleeding.

CONCLUSION: Our result suggests that stent placement for the treatment of complex ICA bifurcation aneurysms is feasible and safe. However, its efficacy should be further evaluated by larger case series and more adequate follow-up.