Remnants and recurrences after the use of the WEB intrasaccular device in large-neck bifurcation aneurysms

Abstract

Background: Flow disruption with the WEB technique has been developed to treat large-neck bifurcation aneurysms.

Objective: To report our anatomic angiographic results at first (3-6 months) and second (18 ± 3 months) angiographic follow-up in a series of 15 patients.

Methods: Fifteen patients (15 aneurysms) were consecutively treated in our center by 2 operators for a large-neck bifurcation aneurysm between March 2012 and February 2014. Results were evaluated by assessing WEB cage position at the aneurysm neck on angiography and high-resolution contrast-enhanced flat-panel detector computed tomography, contrast medium stagnation within the WEB and aneurysm on intraprocedural angiography, and 1-day time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. All aneurysms were followed up by angiography. Results at follow-up were graded as complete occlusion, neck remnant, or residual aneurysm. The 2 operators compared postprocedural and follow-up images and classified them as better, same, or worse. Subtracted images were compared in different projections to assess any WEB device compression or shape changes.

Results: A worsening was observed between the postprocedural and first follow-up angiography in 10 of 14 (71.5%) and in 4 of 7 (57.2%) between the first and second control angiography. Compression of the WEB cage was observed at first follow-up in 8 of 14 (57.2%) and in an additional 3 of 7 cases (42.8%) at second control. Last angiography showed complete occlusion in 1 of 14 (7.2%), neck remnant in 8 of 14 (57.2%), and residual aneurysm in 5 of 14 (35.7%) cases.

Conclusion: This article draws attention to the risk of WEB compression and aneurysm recanalization. Future prospective studies should evaluate delayed WEB shape changes with different types of WEB devices (dual layer, single layer, single layer spherical).

Abbreviations: CO, complete occlusionNR, neck remnantRA, residual aneurysm.