Biodegradable flow-diverting device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysm: short-term results of a rabbit experiment

Abstract

One main complication of a flow-diverting device (FD) in treating intracranial aneurysm is stenosis of parent artery (PA) or occlusion of side branches. The use of a biodegradable device may satisfy the need for aneurysm occlusion and eliminate potential complications. Twenty elastase-induced aneurysm rabbit models were divided into three groups: in group 1 (n = 7), polyglycolic acid FDs (PGA-FDs) were implanted across the necks of aneurysms and the abdominal aortas (AA), covering the ostium of a lumbar artery; in group 2 (n = 7), the PGA-FDs were replaced by metal FDs; and in group 3 (n = 6), the PGA-FDs were only implanted across the necks of aneurysms. Animals in group 3 underwent angiography at 6weeks; those in groups 1 and 2 underwent angiography at 3months. The status of aneurysm embolization and patency of side branches were assessed. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates in groups 1 and 3 were 83.3 and 66.7%, respectively, compared with 0% in group 2. No side branch occlusions were noted. PA neointimal hyperplasia was minimal, and there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.233). The neointimal coverage ratio of the branch ostium in AA in group 1 was not significantly different from that in group 2 (P = 0.605). The neointima comprised predominantly smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers. The PGA-FD was an effective device for the treatment of aneurysms and was safe for side branches at the 3-month follow-up.