Mid-Term Outcome Following Pipeline Embolization of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Background: As an advanced generation of flow diverters (FD), pipeline embolization device (PED) is introduced for endovascular aneurysm occlusion. In the present study, we aimed to present the mid-term results after endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms using PED.
Patients and Methods: A total of 20 patients with 20 intracranial wide neck aneurysms were treated with PED between July and October 2010. Patients were followed up 4 to 8 months after the procedure. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was carried out to assess stent integrity, displacement, and the presence of residual aneurysm.
Results: Out of 20 participants, PED deployment was successful in 19; whereas, intervention failed in one patient due to technical factors in device deployment. No severe acute complications were observed. One patient died after three months as a result of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Out of the remaining patients, DSA showed complete occlusion of aneurysms in 14 individuals (77.8%), while in four patients (22.2%), residual aneurysm was noted. Stent migration was not observed in any patients. Intra-stent stenosis (25% - 50%) was visualized in only one patient (5.5%).
Conclusion: This study showed promising mid-term results for the pipeline embolization device in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Larger studies with longer follow-up duration are warranted.