Cerecyte coils in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a preliminary clinical study

Recanalization remains a major drawback in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, we report on our preliminary clinical experience with a new bioactive coil.

In a prospective study, 25 aneurysms were treated in 24 patients. Endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm was performed by using a novel polyglycol acid-loaded coil (Cerecyte). Mean aneurysm volume was 114.7 mm(3), with a mean dome height of 5.2 mm and a neck width of 2.8 mm. The primary goal of this study was to assess the safety of this new polymer-loaded coil in terms of periprocedural, technical, or angiographic complications. The secondary scope was to evaluate treatment efficacy regarding primary aneurysm occlusion, packing attenuation, and recanalization at follow-up angiography at 6 months.

There were no major technical or angiographic complications resulting in permanent morbidity. Complete initial occlusion of the aneurysm was accomplished in 17 patients, and a neck remnant was present in 8 patients. All aneurysms with complete initial occlusion remained stable at 6 months. Progression of a neck remnant without need for retreatment was noted in 2 patients, whereas 5 neck remnants turned to complete occlusion. Thus, complete occlusion rate at 6 months was 88%.

In this preliminary study the use of Cerecyte coils was safe, with an incidence of procedural complications comparable with that of bare platinum coils. Although most of the aneurysms in this study were small, the immediate and 6-month follow-up angiographic results are encouraging so that in our opinion, a larger clinical trial is warranted.