Background Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) are increasingly used in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Yet, major ischemic or hemorrhagic complications after PED treatment associated with antiplatelet regimens are not well-established.

Objective To investigate the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications associated with common antiplatelet regimens following PED treatment, and to examine whether platelet function testing (PFT) is associated with a lower risk of these complications.

Methods We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane from 2009 to 2017. Twenty-nine studies were included that had reported a uniform antiplatelet regimen protocol and had provided data on major ischemic and hemorrhagic complications following PED treatment. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool overall ischemic and hemorrhagic event rates across studies. The rate of these complications with respect to the antithrombotic regimen and PFT was assessed by χ² proportional tests.

Results Overall, 2002 patients (age 55.9 years, 76% female) were included. A low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) regimen before and after PED treatment was associated with a higher rate of late ischemic complications than with high-dose ASA therapy (2.62 (95% CI 1.46 to 4.69) and 2.56 (1.41 to 4.64), respectively). Duration of post-procedure clopidogrel therapy <6 months was associated with greater rates of ischemic complications (1.56, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.20) than a clopidogrel regimen of ≥6 months. Performing PFT before PED treatment was not associated with the risk of ischemic complications (1.27, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.10).

Conclusion High-dose ASA therapy and clopidogrel treatment for at least 6 months were associated with a reduced incidence of ischemic events, without affecting the risk of hemorrhagic events.