Stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked renal artery bifurcation aneurysms

To report preliminary results of stent-assisted coil embolization in the treatment of wide-necked renal artery bifurcation aneurysms.

Four patients (three women, one man; mean age, 54 years; range, 49-67 y) with wide-necked renal artery aneurysms were treated with dedicated neurointerventional self-expanding nitinol stent-assisted coil embolization during a 2-year period. The stent was delivered over the neck of the aneurysm, after which the aneurysm was filled with detachable coils through a microcatheter placed into the aneurysm through the stent mesh.

Stent delivery and coil embolization was successfully completed in all cases. Complete aneurysm occlusion without coil protrusion or arterial flow compromise was obtained in all patients. A small peripheral subsegmental renal infarction necessitating no therapy was registered in one patient on postembolization computed tomography. At follow-up angiography 1 year after embolization, no aneurysm recanalization or arterial obstruction was registered.

Our preliminary experience indicates that stent-assisted coil embolization is technically feasible and effective for the exclusion of challenging renal artery bifurcation aneurysms without the sacrifice of any branch arteries.