A 6F guide sheath for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

Introduction: Stable insertion of guide catheters via the femoral route can prove difficult because of tortuous vasculature leading to failure of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods and results: We report our experience using a long braided introducer sheath (6F Terumo Destination) with an inner diameter of 0.087 inches. It allowed the simultaneous use of multiple catheters or adjunctive techniques (balloon-assisted or stent-assisted coiling) while providing excellent support in 60 procedures involving coiling of anterior circulation aneurysms.

Conclusion: The use of a long introducer sheath, by enhancing stability in the aortic arch and supraaortic vessels, provides another solution to the problem of vascular tortuosity that hinders endovascular treatment of intracranial lesions.