An update on intrasaccular flow disruption for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

Introduction: Intrasaccular flow disruption is an innovative technique for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Among flow disrupting devices, the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is currently the only flow disrupter on the market and has seen an extensive scientific evaluation. It was shown that the device provides a safe and effective treatment particularly for wide-neck aneurysms of proximal bifurcations.

Areas covered: We describe the principal concept and the technical evolution of intrasaccular flow disruption and discuss all devices that have to date been presented, with a special focus on the WEB. Key results of the literature are summarized, and we review possible future indications for this innovative treatment concept.

Expert commentary: The tools for the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms continue to evolve rapidly with intrasaccular flow disruption being the most recent innovation in the field. The WEB is currently the only device on the market. Compared to competing techniques, intrasaccular flow disruption offers several advantages and it is likely that given the technically straightforward nature of the procedure and the high-quality scientific evidence of its safety and efficacy, the device will see a progressive expansion of its indications and will replace standard coiling in an increasing number of cases.

Keywords: Intracranial aneurysm; WEB device; endovascular treatment; intrasaccular flow disruption; neurointerventional.