WEB embolization of very broad-based intracranial aneurysms with a dome-to-neck ratio ≤ 1.1

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a well-studied intrasaccular device for endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the WEB for the treatment of very broad-based aneurysms with a dome-to-neck ratio ≤ 1.1.

Thirty-four aneurysms treated at three neurovascular centers were retrospectively identified. The mean aneurysm size was 5.5 ± 1.6 mm with a mean neck width of 4.7 ± 1.5 and a mean dome-to-neck ratio of 1.0 ± 0.1. The primary outcome measures were immediate technical treatment success by WEB only, complete or near-complete occlusion at 6-month follow-up and ischemic stroke.

Aneurysm embolization by WEB only was technically feasible in 79.4%. Additional stenting was required in 14.7%. In two aneurysms (5.9%), WEB implantation failed, and the aneurysm was treated by stent- and balloon-assisted coiling, respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred during 5 interventions (14.7%), all of these performed in ruptured aneurysms. One patient (2.9%) remained asymptomatic (follow-up modified Rankin scale [mRS] score: 0), 2 patients (5.9%) had a transient deficit (mRS 0 and 1, respectively), and 2 (5.9%) had a disabling ischemic stroke (mRS 3, respectively). Mid-term angiographic follow-up of 29 patients (4.0 ± 2.6 months, range: 2-9 months) showed complete occlusion (WEB occlusion scale [WOS] A) in 41.4%, near-complete occlusion (WOS B) in 34.5%, a neck remnant (WOS C) in 10.3%, and aneurysm remnants (WOS D) in 13.8%.

WEB embolization of very broad-necked aneurysms was technically feasible and could be achieved by WEB only in the majority of cases. Considering the challenging anatomy of very broad-based aneurysms, the WEB procedure was reasonably safe and efficient.