Efficacy of Pipeline embolization device in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms

Objective To summarize the safety and efficacy of Pipeline embolization device in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms (maximum diameter ≥ 10 mm). Methods The clinical and imaging data of 22 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated by Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) from February 2015 to July 2016 in the Zhengzhou University People′s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The results about postoperative clinical and imaging follow-up and complications were evaluated. Results The PED were successfully implanted in 22 patients with 22 intracranial aneurysms. Two aneurysms were treated with PED alone, and 20 aneurysms were treated with PED assisted coil embolization. Perioperative complications occurred in 3 patients (13.6%), and 1 patient died because aneurysm ruptured 3 days after operation. Nineteen patients (19 aneurysms) obtain imaging follow-up visit 3-17 months after operation, 13 of the 19 aneurysms (68.4%) received complete and subtotal occlusion, with no aneurysm recurrence. Eighteen patients obtain clinical follow-up visit 16-32 months after operation, with mRS (modified Rankin scale) score 1 in 5 patients, mRS score 0 in 13 patients, none developed new neurologic symptoms. Conclusions PED has showed the high rate of obliteration for the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms. But the complications needs to be further studied. Key words: Flow Diversion; Large and giant intracranial aneurysms; Interventional therapy