Immediate procedural outcomes in 35 consecutive pipeline embolization cases: a single-center, single-user experience

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Endovascular Therapy
• Cerebrovascular Disease

Background:

• Flow diverters represent a novel endovascular approach for aneurysm treatment.
• The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is the first FDA-approved intracranial flow diverter in the USA.
• This study evaluates the initial outcomes of PED treatment for cerebral aneurysms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the periprocedural results of using the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for intracranial aneurysms.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of PED in a consecutive series of cases.
• To analyze technical and clinical outcomes following PED implantation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 consecutive patients treated with PED for intracranial aneurysms.
• Inclusion criteria: patients treated after FDA approval in April 2011.
• Data collected: demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Successful treatment in 97% of 35 cases involving 41 aneurysms.
• High rate of immediate flow disruption (97%).
• Low rate of major stroke or mortality (3%); minor complications occurred in 12% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Treatment of cerebral aneurysms with the PED demonstrates an acceptable risk profile when employing a rigorous technique.
• Immediate procedural outcomes appear promising, though long-term results require further analysis.
• The Pipeline Embolization Device is a viable option for selected intracranial aneurysms.