Endovascular treatment with GDCs: results in 100 patients

Abstract

Background: In this paper we review the clinical and morphological results of intracranial aneurysms treated with Guglielmi Detachable Coils.

Methods: We report our experience in 100 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with GDC. Since February 1993 we have treated 70 females and 30 males, with a mean age of 57 years old, for a total of 118 intracranial aneurysms. Sixty-five patients had a recent history of ruptured aneurysm, 10 suffered from a previous subarachnoid hemorrhage and 25 patients had never bled. In the choice of treatment for subarachnoid aneurysm, in accordance with our neurosurgeons, we have not applied a protocol, rather we have followed guidelines in relation to: age, neurological clinical conditions, systemic disease and location of aneurysm. Morphological aspect of immediate aneurysm occlusion was: 60% more or less complete occlusion, 30% loose packing with 10% failures.

Results and conclusions: The clinical outcome at follow-up (1 month-3 years) was: 72 patients without neurological deficits, 19 patients improved pre-existing neurological deficits, 3 patients worsened for procedural complications; 6 patients died (1 patient unrelated).