Treatment of a ruptured blister aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery with telescoping Pipeline Flex embolization devices with Shield Technology

Abstract

Ruptured blister aneurysms have significant rates of morbidity and mortality, but evidence of positive results with use of flow-diverting stents such as the Pipeline embolization device (PED) is growing. The authors describe the staged endovascular treatment of a ruptured left internal carotid artery blister aneurysm in a patient with a Hunt and Hess grade IV subarachnoid hemorrhage. PED placement was done via the common femoral artery using a triaxial delivery system. The telescoping stent technique performed over 48–72 hours achieved sufficient coverage of the aneurysm neck while limiting treatment time during the acute presentation and allowing interim dual antiplatelet treatment. A staged approach allows the targeting of a second PED placement in patients whose aneurysm continues to fill on the first follow-up angiogram. The authors have not experienced increased thromboembolic complications with this approach. Complete occlusion was achieved by postbleed day 8. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2022.7.FOCVID2264