Chemical Angioplasty Research Articles

Chemical angioplasty vs. balloon plus chemical angioplasty for delayed cerebral ischemia: a pilot study of PbtO2 outcomes

BackgroundDelayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Chemical angioplasty (CA) and transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) are used to treat patients with refractory vasospasm causing DCI. Multi-modal monitoring including brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) is routinely used at this centre for early detection and management of DCI following aSAH. In this single-centre pilot study, we are comparing these two treatment modalities and their effects on PbtO2.MethodsRetrospective case series of patients with DCI who had PbtO2 monitoring as part of their multimodality monitoring and underwent either CA or TBA combined with CA. PbtO2 values were recorded from intra-parenchymal Raumedic NEUROVENT-PTO® probes. Data were continuously collected and downloaded as second-by-second data. Comparisons were made between pre-angioplasty PbtO2 and post-angioplasty PbtO2 median values (4 h before angioplasty, 4 h after and 12 h after).ResultsThere were immediate significant improvements in PbtO2 at the start of intervention in both groups. PbtO2 then increased by 13 mmHg in the CA group and 15 mmHg in the TBA plus CA group in the first 4 h post-intervention. This improvement in PbtO2 was sustained for the TBA plus CA group but not the CA group.ConclusionCombined balloon plus chemical angioplasty results in more sustained improvement in brain tissue oxygenation compared with chemical angioplasty alone. Our findings suggest that PbtO2 is a useful tool for monitoring the response to angioplasty in vasospasm.

Role of endovascular super selective intra-arterial injection of CA channel blocker agent (nimodipine) in management of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH: a single institution experience

BackgroundVasospasm is a grave complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with a significant rate of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular intra-arterial injection of Ca channel blocker agent (Nimodipine) may offer a promising solution in refractory vasospasm.ResultsDuring the period between April 2017 and May 2019, 120 patients who presented with SAH due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm were admitted to the neurosurgery department at Alexandria University Hospitals. Among them, 30 patients developed refractory vasospasm and were subjected to endovascular super selective intraarterial injection of nimodipine. The angiographic improvement was excellent in three (10%), good in 14 (46%) and poor in the remaining 13 procedures (43%). Clinical improvement was achieved in 15 cases while 15 cases showed no improvement on Modified Rankin Scale. No cases deteriorated following the injection.ConclusionsEndovascular chemical angioplasty using a ca channel blocker agent (Nimodipine) is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of refractory post aneurysmal SAH vasospasm. The quest is still needed for developing a better efficient agent to overcome the vasospasm dilemma.

Chemical Angioplasty with Nitroglycerin for Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review

Abstract Introduction Vasospasm is a common and potentially devastating complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing high morbidity and mortality. There is no effective and consistent way to prevent or treat cerebral vasospasm capable of altering the morbidity and mortality of this complication. Animal and human studies have attempted to show improvement in aneurysmal vasospasm. Some sought their prevention; others, the treatment of already installed vasospasm. Some achieved only angiographic improvement without clinical correlation, others achieved both, but with ephemeral duration or at the expense of very harmful associated effects. Endovascular techniques allow immediate and aggressive treatment of cerebral vasospasm and include methods such as mechanical and chemical angioplasty. These methods have risks and benefits. Objectives To analyze the results of chemical angioplasty using nitroglycerin (GTN). In addition, to perform a comprehensive review and analysis of aneurysmal vasospasm. Methods We describe our series of 77 patients treated for 8 years with angioplasty for vasospasm, either mechanical (with balloon), chemical (with GTN) or both. Results Eleven patients received only balloon; 37 received only GTN; 29 received both. Forty-four patients (70.1%) evolved with delayed cerebral ischemia and 19 died (mortality of 24.7%). Two deaths were causally related to the rupture of the vessel by the balloon. The only predictors of poor outcome were the need for external ventricular drainage in the first hours of admission, and isolated mechanical angioplasty. Conclusions Balloon angioplasty has excellent results, but it is restricted to proximal vessels and is not without complications. Chemical angioplasty using nitroglycerin has reasonable but short-lived results and further research is needed about it. It is restricted to vasospasm angioplasties only in hospitals, like ours, where better and more potent vasodilator agents are not available.

Dual intra-arterial vasodilators in the management of post-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage vasospasm

ObjectiveEndovascular chemical angioplasty has been in practice in patients with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm secondary to aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in many neurosurgical centres. However, the evidence base is derived from clinical case series and expert consensus. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the immediate and functional outcomes of endovascular intervention in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage cerebral vasospasm treated with a combination of vasodilators. MethodsA cohort of 25 patients was identified. Each patient underwent surgical clipping, and endovascular treatment for vasospasm. A combination of Verapamil and Nimodipine was intra-arterially administered. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the rate of response. The angiographic response and functional outcome on discharge (modified Rankin score - MRS) were used as markers of outcome. ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 25 patients with a mean age of 50.3 (SD 11.2). A total of 135 therapeutic DSA’s were performed. There was an associated between MRS outcomes and number of vasodilation’s each patient received. For each additional vasodilation episode, the odds of a poor outcome increased by 1.190. An angiographic response was demonstrated in 88% of patients, a clinical response in 27%. A good functional outcome was achieved in 17/25, 71% at discharge. ConclusionThe combination therapy of Intra-arterial nimodipine and verapamil in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage vasospasm appears to have a synergistic, if not comparable, outcome to from solitary vasodilatory treatment results and potentially promote future studies with prospective designs to measure the outcomes.

Hybrid microcatheter angioplasty for refractory cerebral vasospasm.

Cerebral vasospasm is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Intra-arterial chemical and mechanical angioplasty, performed alone or in combination, have been shown to ameliorate cerebral vasospasm and improve patient outcomes. Few options exist for patients who fail these traditional endovascular tactics. We propose a hybrid microcatheter technique that combines the mechanical benefit of transient high pressure induced by microcatheter fluid bolus with a low-dose vasodilator infusion. Five patients with moderate to severe symptomatic vasospasm who failed medical and traditional endovascular management were treated using a hybrid microcatheter technique. All angioplasty procedures were technically successful, and the degree of vasospasm improved following angioplasty. There were no complications related to the cerebral angioplasty procedures. None of the patients required repeat endovascular intervention. Hybrid microcatheter angioplasty may be a useful complement to mechanical or pharmacological techniques in the endovascular management of intractable cerebral vasospasm after aSAH.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors, Coverage and Access to Health on Heart Ischemic Disease Mortality in a Brazilian Southern State: A Geospatial Analysis.

Background:No other disease has killed more than ischemic heart disease (IHD) for the past few years globally. Despite the advances in cardiology, the response time for starting treatment still leads patients to death because of the lack of healthcare coverage and access to referral centers.Objectives:To analyze the spatial disparities related to IHD mortality in the Parana state, Brazil.Methods:An ecological study using secondary data from Brazilian Health Informatics Department between 2013–2017 was performed to verify the IHD mortality. An spatial analysis was performed using the Global Moran and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) to verify the spatial dependency of IHD mortality. Lastly, multivariate spatial regression models were also developed using Ordinary Least Squares and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to identify socioeconomic indicators (aging, income, and illiteracy rates), exam coverage (catheterization, angioplasty, and revascularization rates), and access to health (access index to cardiologists and chemical reperfusion centers) significantly correlated with IHD mortality. The chosen model was based on p < 0.05, highest adjusted R2 and lowest Akaike Information Criterion.Results:A total of 22,920 individuals died from IHD between 2013–2017. The spatial analysis confirmed a positive spatial autocorrelation global between IDH mortality rates (Moran’s I: 0.633, p < 0.01). The LISA analysis identified six high-high pattern clusters composed by 66 municipalities (16.5%). GWR presented the best model (Adjusted R2: 0.72) showing that accessibility to cardiologists and chemical reperfusion centers, and revascularization and angioplasty rates differentially affect the IHD mortality rates geographically. Aging and illiteracy rate presented positive correlation with IHD mortality rate, while income ratio presented negative correlation (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Regions of vulnerability were unveiled by the spatial analysis where sociodemographic, exam coverage and accessibility to health variables impacted differently the IHD mortality rates in Paraná state, Brazil.HighlightsThe increase in ischemic heart disease mortality rates is related to geographical disparities.The IHD mortality is differentially associated to socioeconomic factors, exam coverage, and access to health.Higher accessibility to chemical reperfusion centers did not necessarily improve patient outcomes in some regions of the state.Clusters of high mortality rate are placed in regions with low amount of cardiologists, income and schooling.

The first experience of chemical angioplasty in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the postoperative period

Objective. The study objective is to assess the results of chemical angioplasty results in patients after clipping of ruptured aneurism of cerebral arteries complicated by cerebral vasospasm.Methods: We have examined 18 patients aged from 24 to 66 y.o. with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by aneurism rupture, who after cerebral vessels clipping received the treatment of cerebral vasospasm by chemical angioplasty with nimodipine.Results: The number of chemical angioplasty sessions ranged from 1 to 9. In three cases, there was a fatal outcome pathogenetically not associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most of discharged patients had no deficit in the level of consciousness; only one patient was transferred to rehabilitation stage with its low level (10 points, Glasgow coma scale). Lindegaard ratio decreased on average from 3.8 to 2.7 after the completion of chemical angioplasty.Conclusions: Chemical angioplasty with nimodipine allows reducing the development rate of significant vasospasm complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Management of cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been shown to result in cerebral vasospasm at day 4 to day 14, which is the main cause of mortality and morbidity after SAH. Outcome after SAH depends on many factors, including the severity of the event, medical management, and prevention of several serious complications. The principal goal in management of vasospasm after SAH is to prevent delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) by decreasing intracranial pressure (ICP), optimizing cerebral oxygen demand rate and improving cerebral blood flow (CBF). Therapeutic management has been applied to prevent or treat vasospasm, including hemodynamic therapy, and endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapies, including mechanical angioplasty and chemical angioplasty with administration of intra-arterial (IA) vasodilator, have been widely used and given a good outcome. The purpose of this article is to describe the management of vasospasm including medical management and endovascular treatment. This review will describe the treatment modalities and management strategies to treat vasospasm.Abbreviations: SAH – subarachnoid hemorrhage; aSAH – aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; TCD – transcranial Doppler; ROS – reactive oxygen species; ICAM – intercellular adhesion molecule; VCAM – vascular cell adhesion molecule; IL – interleukin; CTA – computed tomography angiography; MRA – magnetic resonance angiography; CBF – cerebral blood flow; DIND – delayed ischemic neurological deficit; RCT - randomized controlled trialsCitation: Prahaztuti D, Hidayati HB, Sani AF. Management of cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage. Anaesth Pain &amp; Intensive Care 2018;22(3 Suppl 1):S58-S66.Received: 19 Oct 2018 Reviewed: 4, 11 Nov 2018 Accepted: 12 Nov 2018

Possibilities of using the method of chemical angioplasty of cerebral vasospasm as complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage of aneurysmatic etiology to reduce poor outcomes

Possibilities of using the method of chemical angioplasty of cerebral vasospasm as complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage of aneurysmatic etiology to reduce poor outcomes

Distal Balloon Angioplasty of Cerebral Vasospasm Decreases the Risk of Delayed Cerebral Infarction.

Conventional angioplasty of cerebral vasospasm combines proximal balloon angioplasty (up to the first segment of cerebral arteries) with chemical angioplasty for distal arteries. Distal balloon angioplasty (up to the second segment of cerebral arteries) has been used in our center instead of chemical angioplasty since January 2015. We aimed to assess the effect of this new approach in patients with aneurysmal SAH. The occurrence, date, territory, and cause of any cerebral infarction were retrospectively determined and correlated to angioplasty procedures. Delayed cerebral infarction, new angioplasty in the territory of a previous angioplasty, angioplasty complications, 1-month mortality, and 6- to 12-month modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2 were compared between 2 periods (before-versus-after January 2015, from 2012 to 2017) with adjustment for age, sex, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score, and the modified Fisher grade. Three-hundred-ninety-two patients were analyzed (160 before versus 232 after January 2015). Distal balloon angioplasty was associated with the following: higher rates of angioplasty (43% versus 27%, P < .001) and intravenous milrinone (31% versus 9%, P < .001); lower rates of postangioplasty delayed cerebral infarction (2.2% versus 7.5%, P = .01) and new angioplasty (8% versus 19%, P = .003) independent of the rate of patients treated by angioplasty and milrinone; and the same rates of stroke related to angioplasty (3.6% versus 3.1%, P = .78), delayed cerebral infarction (7.7% versus 12.5%, P = .12), mortality (10% versus 11%, P = .81), and favorable outcome (79% versus 73%, P = .21). Our study suggests that distal balloon angioplasty is safe and decreases the risk of delayed cerebral infarction and the recurrence of vasospasm compared with conventional angioplasty. It fails to show a clinical benefit possibly because of confounding changes in adjuvant therapies of vasospasm during the study period.

Chemical angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aim. To evaluate the hospital outcomes of chemical angioplasty in patients with vasospasm secondary to the clipping of the ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm.Methods. 18 patients who underwent chemical angioplasty were included in the study. Patients’ age ranged from 24 to 66 years old, the mean age was 46.6±13.2 years. Indications for chemical angioplasty and the criteria for its termination were determined by the neurosurgeon based on clinical signs and symptoms, and the data of the non-invasive examination.Results.The sessions of chemical angioplasty were performed an average of 4.7±2.3 days after the aneurysm clipping and 6.5±3 days after the onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The number of sessions was 4.8±2.2 and varied from 1 to 9 sessions. The baseline Lindergard index was 3.82±0.6. Three patients (16.6%) died in the in-hospital period. The Lindergard index after the end of chemical angioplasty was 2.75±0.84, which is unreliably lower (p = 0.31) than that at the baseline.Conclusion. Timely chemical angioplasty can reduce the development of significant vasospasm complications, particularly ischemic neurologic deficit.

A Case of Delayed Symptomatic Vasospasm after Surgical Clipping of an Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm

Although intracranial arterial vasospasm commonly occurs after subarachnoid hemorrhage, delayed symptomatic vasospasm rarely occurs after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic vasospasm 10 days after surgical clipping of an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. On the 10th operative day, the patient presented mild aphasia. Angiography revealed a vasospasm at the left middle cerebral artery. We performed chemical angioplasty and observed an immediate anatomical improvement and clinical recovery. The patient was discharged without deficit.

ICA Bifurcation Aneurysms: Clinical Features and Surgical Outcome in a Tertiary Referral Center in South India.

To study the clinical profile, imaging features, intra-operative findings, post-operative outcome at discharge and at 6 months in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysm. Present study is a retrospective analysis of data of patients who underwent surgery for ICA bifurcation aneurysm between the period of 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2015 at our institute. Demographic variable, clinical grade, radiological finding was assessed. Outcome was measured using modified Rankin score (mRs) at discharge and at 6 months follow up. All ICA bifurcation aneurysms were clipped using a standard pterional craniotomy. A total of 28 patients were included in the study out of which 4 had bilateral ICA bifurcation aneurysms. Mean age was 44.15 (age range 14-65) years, with 43.75% of patient were < 40yrs. Multiple aneurysms were seen in 11 (39.28%) patients, with superior projection being the most common in 53.12%. Vasospasm was seen in 12 (42.85%) with 4 patients undergoing chemical angioplasty. At discharge good outcome (mRs < 3) was seen in 4/5 (80%) patients in the un-bled category, whereas 18/23 (78.2%) in bled category. At 6 months follow up, mRs < 3 was seen 4 (100%) patients in unbled category, and 84.21% (16 of 19) patients in bled group. The findings of the present study have shown an increased incidence of bilaterality and multiplicity for ICA bifurcation aneurysms. The direction of the dome of aneurysm and temporary clipping do not affect the treatment outcomes. These aneurysms have excellent outcomes following surgery.

Chemical angioplasty for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysm

Vasospasm of cerebral arteries is considered to be the main reason of unfavorable outcomes in patients in acute period of ruptured arterial aneurysms. Despite of availability of various therapeutic approaches, there is no effective way to prevent and to treat vasospasm so far. However, according to recently published works chemical angioplasty in considered as a promising technique for the treatment of vasospasm. This approach implies invasive drug administration in the narrowed segments of cerebral arteries which allows medicine to affect endothelium of cerebral arteries directly. This route of administration prevents development of systemic effects of a drug and decrease of plasma drug concentration because of its metabolism in liver. Chemical angioplasty is used not only in proximal but also in distal parts of the constricted cerebral artery. In this review, we touch upon the use of chemical angioplasty for the treatment of vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The most widely used drugs for chemical angioplasty include papaverine, verapamil, nimodipinе, nicardipine, fasudil hydrochloride, and milrinone. Studies of this treatment approach show promising results confirming its efficacy in the management of vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of intracranial aneurysms.

Chemical angioplasty with spasmolytics for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Clinically symptomatic vasospasm leading to delayed ischemic neurological deficits occurs in up to 30% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Vasospasm can result in a serious decline in clinical conditions of patients with SAH, yet the algorithm for vasospasm treatment and prevention remains unclear. Intra-arterial administration of vasodilators is one of the modalities used for vasospasm therapy. Over the last 7years, we have treated 27 female and 7 male patients with vasospasm using intra-arterial administration of either nimodipine or milrinone; all had suffered aneurysm rupture. Of these patients, 28 were treated surgically (clip), and 6 patients had their aneurysm coiled. Spasmolytics were applied from day 2 to day 18 after rupture. Of the 53 procedures, angiographic improvement was documented in 92% of cases with a mean flow velocity decrease of 65cm/s. Brain metabolism changes were monitored after the procedure. The highest level of immediate clinical improvement was observed in conscious patients with a focal neurological deficit (aphasia, hemiparesis). Overall clinical outcomes (Glasgow outcome scale, GOS) were as follows: GOS 5 (12 patients), GOS 4 (5 patients), GOS 3 (5 patients), GOS 2 (6 patients), and GOS 1 (6 patients). Intra-arterial administration of spasmolytics is a safe and potent method of vasospasm treatment. It is most effective when applied to conscious patients with a focal deficit. For unconscious patients, its therapeutic benefits are inconclusive. Patients in severe clinical states would further require use of other diagnostic tools such as multimodal brain monitoring to complement vasospasm therapy.

SELECTIVE CHEMICAL ANGIOPLASTY FOR TREATING CEREBRAL VASOSPASM WITH RUPTURED SACCULAR ANEURISM AT BIFURCATION OF THE ANTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERY

The present article describes the case of a 53-year-old patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by the rupture of the saccular aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery, complicated by persistent cerebral vasospasm, who has undergone successful chemical angioplasty. This treatment strategy allowed to maintain effective cerebral perfusion and prevent severe brain injury. The improvement of the patient’s clinical state resulted in restored consciousness and regressed focal neurological symptoms.

C-arm flat detector computed tomography parenchymal blood volume imaging: the nature of parenchymal blood volume parameter and the feasibility of parenchymal blood volume imaging in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.

C-arm flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) parenchymal blood volume (PBV) measurements allow assessment of cerebral haemodynamics in the neurointerventional suite. This paper explores the feasibility of C-arm computed tomography (CT) PBV imaging and the relationship between the C-arm CT PBV and the MR-PWI-derived cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) parameters in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) patients developing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Twenty-six patients with DCI following aneurysmal SAH underwent a research C-arm CT PBV scan using a biplane angiography system and contemporaneous MR-PWI scan as part of a prospective study. Quantitative whole-brain atlas-based volume-of-interest analysis in conjunction with Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman tests was performed to explore the agreement between C-arm CT PBV and MR-derived CBV and CBF measurements. All patients received medical management, while eight patients (31%) underwent selective intra-arterial chemical angioplasty. Colour-coded C-arm CT PBV maps were 91% sensitive and 100% specific in detecting the perfusion abnormalities. C-arm CT rPBV demonstrated good agreement and strong correlation with both MR-rCBV and MR-rCBF measurements; the agreement and correlation were stronger for MR-rCBF relative to MR-rCBV and improved for C-arm CT PBV versus the geometric mean of MR-rCBV and MR-rCBF. Analysis of weighted means showed that the C-arm CT PBV has a preferential blood flow weighting (≈ 60% blood flow and ≈ 40% blood volume weighting). C-arm CT PBV imaging is feasible in DCI following aneurysmal SAH. PBV is a composite perfusion parameter incorporating both blood flow and blood volume weightings. That PBV has preferential (≈ 60%) blood flow weighting is an important finding, which is of clinical significance when interpreting the C-arm CT PBV maps, particularly in the setting of acute brain ischemia.

Cerebral vasospasm pharmacological treatment: an update.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage- (aSAH-) associated vasospasm constitutes a clinicopathological entity, in which reversible vasculopathy, impaired autoregulatory function, and hypovolemia take place, and lead to the reduction of cerebral perfusion and finally ischemia. Cerebral vasospasm begins most often on the third day after the ictal event and reaches the maximum on the 5th–7th postictal days. Several therapeutic modalities have been employed for preventing or reversing cerebral vasospasm. Triple “H” therapy, balloon and chemical angioplasty with superselective intra-arterial injection of vasodilators, administration of substances like magnesium sulfate, statins, fasudil hydrochloride, erythropoietin, endothelin-1 antagonists, nitric oxide progenitors, and sildenafil, are some of the therapeutic protocols, which are currently employed for managing patients with aSAH. Intense pathophysiological mechanism research has led to the identification of various mediators of cerebral vasospasm, such as endothelium-derived, vascular smooth muscle-derived, proinflammatory mediators, cytokines and adhesion molecules, stress-induced gene activation, and platelet-derived growth factors. Oral, intravenous, or intra-arterial administration of antagonists of these mediators has been suggested for treating patients suffering a-SAH vasospam. In our current study, we attempt to summate all the available pharmacological treatment modalities for managing vasospasm.

E-015 Mechanical and chemical angioplasty for sah induced cerebral vasospasm: experience at the university of Michigan 1997–2005

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of chemical and mechanical angioplasty in the treatment of medically refractory cerebral vasospasm toward the goal of identifying factors predicting clinical outcome.MethodsAll patients undergoing...

Embolization of ruptured aneurysms in the acute stage: experience at a single institute

Background Recently, several reports have shown embolization to be more beneficial than surgical clipping for the treatment of ANs, because the former is less invasive. In our department, GDCE has been the first choice of treatment for ANs since 1977. In this work, we present our clinical results with GDCE and suggest this approach as an alternative treatment of ruptured ANs in the acute stage. Methods We treated 247 consecutive patients with acute-stage AN ruptures using GDC. To prevent symptomatic vasospasm, continuous lumbar drainage was performed before GDCE. If blood clots in the basal cisterns were dense on computerized tomography, TPA was administered through a lumbar spinal drainage tube. Results Of the 247 patients, 196 (79%) had excellent or good outcomes at 3 months after treatment. Symptomatic vasospasm occurred in 27 patients (13.9%), and 25 required chemical or mechanical angioplasty. Permanent morbidity due to vasospasm occurred in 8 patients (4.1%), and 3 patients died (1.5%). Conclusion Subjects, perioperative treatment methods, and outcomes were assessed consecutively and prospectively in a single institution, making the results of this study particularly valuable. Although very long-term results of treating ANs with GDCE have yet to be obtained, our results suggest that embolization of ruptured ANs in the acute stage with GDC is a safe, feasible method of treatment.