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Case series
Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the Pipeline Flex embolization device: a case series of 30 consecutive patients
  1. M Martínez-Galdámez1,
  2. S Pérez1,
  3. A Vega2,
  4. P Ruiz2,
  5. J L Caniego3,
  6. E Bárcena3,
  7. P Saura4,
  8. J C Méndez5,
  9. F Delgado6,
  10. S Ortega-Gutierrez7,
  11. A Romance8,
  12. T Diaz8,
  13. E Gonzalez9,
  14. A Gil9,
  15. E Murias10,
  16. P Vega10
  1. 1Interventional Neuroradiology/Endovascular Neurosurgery, Radiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
  2. 2Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
  3. 3Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
  4. 4Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Fundación Jiménez-Díaz, Madrid, Spain
  5. 5Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
  6. 6Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
  7. 7Interventional Neuroradiology/Endovascular Neurosurgery Division, Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Radiology and Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
  8. 8Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain
  9. 9Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital de Cruces, Bilbao, Spain
  10. 10Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario de Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
  1. Correspondence to Dr Mario Martínez-Galdámez, Interventional Neuroradiology/Endovascular Neurosurgery, Radiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avenida Ramón y Cajal, 3. PC, Valladolid 47003, Spain; mariomgaldamez{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

Background The Pipeline Flex embolization device has some peculiarities in comparison with the previous generation device. Despite recent reports of the modified delivery system, its safety is still unknown.

Objective To illustrate the intraprocedural and periprocedural complication rate with this new device in 30 consecutive patients.

Material and methods Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data, including aneurysm size and location, device or devices used, angiographic and clinical data were analyzed.

Results 30 patients harboring 30 aneurysms were analyzed. 39 devices were placed properly. Multiple Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) were used in 7 cases. In 28 devices the distal end opened fully from the beginning with a complete wall apposition. In the remaining 11 devices, distal-end opening of the devices was instant but partial, but fully opened easily after recapture. Among the 30 procedures, recapture and reposition of the Pipeline Flex was performed four times owing to proximal migration/malposition of the device during delivery. Four intraprocedural/periprocedural complications occurred, of which 2 resulted in major complications, with neurologic deficits persisting for longer than 7 days. The 30-day morbidity rate was 6.6%, with no deaths. No aneurysm rupture or parenchymal hemorrhage was seen.

Conclusions The Pipeline Flex embolization device allows more precise and controlled deployment than the first-generation device. The number of devices and the complication rate during the learning curve are lower than reported with the first-generation PED. The new delivery system and the resheathing maneuvers do not seem to increase the intraprocedural complication rate in comparison with the first-generation PED.

  • Aneurysm
  • Flow Diverter

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