Endovascular packing of carotid bifurcation aneurysm with polyester fiber-coated platinum coils in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE To assess the value of endovascular packing of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms with commercially available coils.

METHODS Carotid bifurcation aneurysms were surgically created in 12 New Zealand rabbits with subsequent assessment of the extent of aneurysm ablation following endovascular packing with polyester fiber-coated platinum coils.

RESULTS Follow-up angiograms obtained from 29 to 108 days postprocedures showed various degrees of aneurysm ablation. Complete obliteration of aneurysm dome occurred in seven out of eight rabbits, while ablation of aneurysm neck was successful in only one out of eight. No spontaneous thrombosis was observed in seven control animals over a 3-month period. Coils of various configurations used in this experiment all maintained stable intraaneurysmal position. Histologic examination of treated aneurysms consistently demonstrated extensive proliferation of spindle cells on the coil surface and in interstices between coils with channels lined by cells resembling endothelial cells. Organized thrombus was not a prominent feature.

CONCLUSION Endovascular packing of human bifurcation aneurysms with current commercially available polyester fiber-coated platinum coils may not result in complete obliteration of the aneurysm with reendothelialization occurring across the aneurysm neck.