Preliminary experience with the use of low profile visualized intraluminal support device in basilar artery for aneurysm treatment

Background The low profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is being increasingly used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Its application in the basilar artery (BA) has not yet been reported. Objective To evaluate the safety and early efficacy of the LVIS device for the treatment of BA aneurysms. Methods A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients with BA aneurysms treated by LVIS stents at our institution. Angiographic results were evaluated using the modified Raymond–Roy classification (mRRC). Results 23 patients (mean age 52.8 years) with a BA aneurysm that was treated by LVIS stent implantation, with (n=21) or without (n=2) adjunctive coiling, were included in our study. 7 aneurysms were treated in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). 10 aneurysms were located at the basilar tip, 10 at the basilar trunk, and 3 at the superior cerebellar artery. Procedure related complications developed in three patients (13%), including two perforator infarction and one worsening mass effect. Complications resulted in permanent morbidity (4%) in one case. One fatality was related to severe poor grade SAH. At a mean follow-up of 6.9 months, 13 of the 20 patients were mRRC I closure, 3 were mRRC II closure with an improvement from class IIIa, 3 were observed to be recanalized from class IIIa to IIIb, and 1 with stenting only was still patent similar to the immediate angiography. Conclusion The LVIS stent represents a feasible and safe option for endovascular embolization of BA aneurysms. Although recanalization may occur after LVIS treatment, the mid term complete occlusion rate was acceptable.