Contribution of the straightening effect of the parent artery to decreased recanalization in stent-assisted coiling of large aneurysms.

OBJECTIVEThe durability of embolization of large aneurysms is enhanced by use of the neck-bridging stent. However, it remains unclear what factors contribute to decreased recanalization. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the contribution of the straightening effect of the parent artery to the durability of stent-assisted coiling for large aneurysms.METHODSOf the 182 aneurysms treated by embolization since the introduction of the neurovascular stent, 82 consecutive unruptured aneurysms with a diameter greater than 7 mm were selected. There were 52 aneurysms treated with a stent (Group S) and 30 treated without a stent (Group NS). Occlusion status was evaluated 12 months after embolization with digital subtraction angiography. The vascular angle of the parent artery was measured before, immediately after, and 12 months after embolization. The rates of recanalization were compared between Group S and Group NS. In Group S, the rates of recanalization were further compared between those aneurysms wi...