Intra-aneurysmal Embolization for the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms Using Detachable Coils

Abstract

From October 1993 to February 1998, intraaneurysmal embolization by endovascular treatment with detachable coils was performed for 41 cases of cerebral aneurysm. As a detachable coil, interlocking detachable coils (IDC) were used in the initial 15 cases and Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC) were used in the subsequent 26 cases. As for 15 cases treated with IDC, complete occlusion was performed in 9 cases, subtotal occlusion in 4 cases and partial occlusion in 2 cases. In one of the partial occluded cases, a coil compaction occurred 6 months after embolization. Distal emboli were recognized on CT after embolization in 3 cases, however, only one case was symptomatic. Intra-operative bleeding occurred in one case, but no obvious hemorrhage after coil embolization in any case. As for 26 cases treated with GDC, complete occlusion was performed in 18 cases, subtotal occlusion in 8 cases. In one case of basilar-tip aneurysm, a mild coil compaction occurred 6 months after embolization. Distal emboli were recognized on CT after embolization in 3 cases, however, only one case was symptomatic (minor stroke). No intra-operative bleeding and no obvious hemorrhage after coil embolization occurred in any case. From our experiences, treatment for poor-grade ruptured aneurysm is still difficult, but intraaneurysmal embolization for cerebral aneurysms using detachable coils is possible and a useful alternative, especially for surgically difficult aneurysms. The results of treatment of aneurysm with GDC are much better than those with IDC, so the indications for intra-aneurysmal embolization with GDC might increase in the future.