The treatment of intracranial aneurysms by injection with a tissue adhesive

The authors have developed a technique of occluding intracranial aneurysms by the direct injection of a tissue adhesive. Previous work in our laboratory had revealed the unusual intravascular characteristics and physiological properties of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate (IBC). These findings had indicated the feasibility of utilizing IBC in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms by its direct injection. We have now treated twenty patients by this method. Eighteen aneurysms were injected during open craniotomy and two were treated by closed stereotactic injection utilizing electronic radiography. Follow-up data, ranging from 1 to 6 years after operation, are available on these patients. Sixteen patients (80% of the series) have had good to excellent results. Our experience and the application of this technique as a potential tool in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms are discussed.