Ion Implantation Modifies the Surface of GDCs. An Experimental Study in Swine Aneurysms

Ion implantation and protein-coatings were utilized to alter the surface properties (endothelial cellular adhesion) and enhance the thrombogenicity of Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. These modified GDCs were compared with standard GDCs in the treatment of experimental swine aneurysms. Standard GDCs and ion-implanted protein coated GDCs were used to treat 32 aneurysms in 16 swine. GDCs were coated with either proteins, collagen (n=5), vitronectin (n=4), fibrinogen (Fn=3), laminin (n=2), or fibronectin (n=2) and underwent Ne(+) or He(+) implantation with a fluence of 1 x 10(14--) 10(15) ions/cm(2) at an energy of 150 keV. Bilateral experimental swine aneurysms were embolized with standard GDCs (n=16) on one side and with ion-implanted proteincoated GDCs (n=16; total) on the other side. The necks of aneurysms were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically at autopsy using day 14 posttreatment specimens. Greater fibrous coverage of the necks of aneurysms were observed in the ion-implanted coil group. The results of this experimental study indicate that Ion implantation combined with protein coating of GDCs improved cellular adhesion and proliferation. Future application of this technology may provide early wound healing at the necks of embolized widenecked cerebral aneurysms.