Rescue of migrated Woven Endobridge devices using a stent-retriever-technique in a porcine model

The Woven Endobridge device (WEB) has become widely applied for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Complications are rare, however, especially dislocations and migrations can potentially increase poor clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of rescuing migrated Woven Endobridges using different stent retrievers.

In a porcine model, Woven Endobridges of different sizes (SLS 4, SLS 7, SL 5 × 3, SL 4 × 3) were placed into the axillary arteries. By means of two different stent retrievers (Solitaire Platinum and 3D Revascularization Device), a total of 20 rescue maneuvers were performed. For this purpose, the retrievers were deployed distally of the migrated Woven Endobridges. After retracting the stent retrievers partially, the Woven Endobridges were trapped within the microcatheter. Rescue rates, time, attempts and complications were assessed.

Successful rescue of the migrated Woven Endobridges was observed in all cases (100%). Rescue was slightly faster (177.8 ± 72.8 s vs. 223.4 ± 104.1 s) with fewer attempts (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9) when using the 3D Revascularization Device compared to the Solitaire Platinum. However, there were no significant differences (p = 0.327; p = 0.554). Migration of the Woven Endobridges during rescue was seen with both stent retrievers in a comparable frequency (p = 0.642). Further complications, such as entrapment of the stent-retriever-WovenEndobridge-complex at the intermediate catheter, vasospasm, perforation or dissection, were not observed.

Rescue of migrated Woven Endobridges using stent retrievers is a feasible and effective method. Rescue rates, times and attempts with the Solitaire Platinum and 3D Revascularization Device are comparable with each other.