Utility of catheter-assisted Guglielmi detachable coiling in the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms

BACKGROUND: Catheter-assisted Guglielmi detachable coiling (CAGDC) is a technical option that was developed to allow the endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms. We report upon our experiences of the CAGDC in treating aneurysms with an assessment of its efficacy and safety. METHODS: The effect of CAGDC of wide-necked aneurysms was retrospectively evaluated in 10 patients (5 females, 5 males, mean age 56, range 40-76 yrs) who underwent the procedure. FINDINGS: All the aneurysms were successfully embolized with CAGDC. Eight patients presented with SAH from an acutely ruptured aneurysm. Six patients were available for an angiographic follow up (mean: 10.3 months, range: 6-12 months). At the angiographic follow-up, all the aneurysms were stable and occluded (3 aneurysms with complete and 3 with near complete packing of the sac and neck). Complications directly related to the procedure were encountered in two patients (one coil migration, one thrombo-embolism). Three patients died as a result of complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: CAGDC is a viable option for the treatment of wide neck aneurysms prior to balloon (or stent) assisted coil embolization.ope