Waffle-cone Technique Research Articles

Opposite L-configuration double stenting for rupture of an extremely wide-necked anterior communicating artery aneurysm at the acute stage: illustrative case.

Wide-necked aneurysms can be treated by double stenting in an X- or Y-configuration or by a double waffle-cone technique. However, some aneurysms remain untreatable. The rupture of a complex wide-necked anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm that caused acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was treated successfully using double stents with an opposite L-configuration as an alternative to the X-stent technique. The aneurysm involved both A1-A2 junctions in the aneurysm neck with acutely oriented A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery bilaterally. It was densely packed and completely obliterated angiographically with preserved blood flow by implanting each stent in the ipsilateral A1-A2 bilaterally. Blood flow from the left A1 to the right A2 was confirmed through the AcomA on injection of the left internal carotid artery immediately after the procedure without critical infarction in the subthalamic area. Although the AcomA was not demonstrated by injection of the left internal carotid artery on angiography at 3 months or 1 year later, no cerebral infarction was seen on magnetic resonance images at the final hospital visit. Opposite L-configuration double stenting was used successfully as rescue stent-assisted coiling for a rupture of a complex wide-necked AcomA aneurysm in a patient with acute SAH.

Endovascular treatment of wide-neck saccular renal artery aneurysm with waffle-cone technique.

In the past, treatment of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) was exclusively surgical. These aneurysms were rarely diagnosed in elective or emergency cases. Development of imaging techniques and endovascular procedures has changed the history of the therapeutic options for this pathology. Endovascular management of VAAs has arisen to advances in endovascular techniques and has achieved high efficacy.

Initial single centre experience with Barrel VRD stent in large neck aneurisms

Introduction. Despite the use of new techniques, such as Y-stenting, the waffle-cone technique and intrasaccular flow disrupters the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms is still challenging, especially for those where adjacent branches are arising at the neck level. Moreover, the use of flow diverter stents in bifurcation aneurysms has been proposed by several teams, although the results remain controversial.This study is reflecting initial experience in our department with a relatively new device available on the market: Barrel VRD stent. The unique design feature of the device is the “belly-like” central part of the stent which protects the adjacent branches.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom stenting with braided or laser-cut stents had been performed in our center. Three patients were identified and analyzed. Technical success, complications, immediate angiographic outcomes, procedural data, are reported here.Results. One MCA bifurcation and two basilar tip large neck aneurysms with one branch arising from the neck level have been identified. Technical success was achieved in all procedures. Overall procedure-related morbidity and mortality was 0%. In the immediate post-treatment angiography, adequate occlusion (neck remnant or total occlusion) was observed in all patients. Short- and mild-term follow-up angiography showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysms.Conclusions. In this small case series, retrospective single-center analysis we showed that Barrel VRD - stent assisted coiling is a safe and feasible technique. Moreover, it offers an elegant and effective endovascular solution for large neck basilar tip aneurysms on which the neurosurgical clipping remains challenging.

Y-stenting with braided stents for wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. A single-center initial experience

IntroductionThe treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms is still challenging despite the use of new techniques, such as Y-stenting, the waffle-cone technique and intrasaccular flow disrupters, in recent years. Moreover, the use of flow diverter stents in bifurcation aneurysms has been proposed by several teams, although the results remain controversial. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Y-stent assisted coiling of bifurcation aneurysms with braided stents. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom Y-stenting with braided stents had been performed in our center. Six patients were identified and analyzed. Technical success, complications, angiographic outcomes, procedural data, and follow-up controls are reported here. This study was approved by our local ethical committee. ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all procedures. Overall procedure-related morbidity and mortality was 0%. In the immediate post-treatment angiography, adequate occlusion (neck remnant or total occlusion) was observed in all patients. Short- and long-term follow-up angiography showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysms. ConclusionsIn this small, retrospective single-center analysis we showed that Y-stent assisted coiling with braided stents is a safe and feasible technique. Moreover, it has a high immediate occlusion rate and very good long-term stability.

Repeating enlargement, recanalisations, and subarachnoid haemorrhages after middle cerebral artery aneurysm embolisation using pCONus stent and coils - a case report.

PurposeLarge and wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms remain technically challenging to treat by the endovascular approach. Several endovascular strategies have been established in recent years for treating wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms, such as balloon-assisted coiling, stent-assisted coiling, waffle cone technique (WCT), and intrasaccular flow disruptors.Case reportA 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with three intracranial aneurysms of the right and left middle cerebral artery and right internal carotid artery. She was qualified for endovascular treatment of the left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) aneurysm because it posed the greatest risk of rupture. Due to complicated morphology, a pCONus stent and coils were chosen for treatment. Three months later the right middle cerebral artery aneurysm was embolised and the woman was scheduled for second-stage treatment of the LMCA aneurysm. One week before the planned admission the woman was diagnosed with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in the region of the previously treated LMCA aneurysm, and the second-stage treatment was conducted with a good result. The woman was discharged in improved condition. Three months later the woman was once again admitted with SAH – an enlarged LMCA aneurysm was observed and immediate third-stage embolisation was performed, but due to complications of SAH the woman eventually died.ConclusionsOn the basis of the presented case we would like to emphasise the importance of sufficient initial coil packing and frequent control of neck region of the aneurysm for the long-term stability and safety after pCONus-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms.

The effect of embolization assisted with varying stent release methods in the treatment of intracranial wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of embolization assisted with varying stent release methods in the treatment of intracranial wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients with WNBA treated with varying stent release methods at Department of Neuro-intervention, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2012 to May 2017. Among them, 14 patients were treated with waffle cone technique, 29 with double stents in Y configuration, 1 with double stents in X configuration and 18 with LVIS Barrel technique. Results Except 1 case that failed to be treated with Y configuration, the others underwent successful operations. According to the Raymond classification, the immediate procedural outcome was Class I in 30 (48.4%) patients, Class II in 21 (33.9%) and Class Ⅲ in 11 (17.7%). Perioperative ischemic complications occurred in 6 (9.68%) cases including intraoperative thrombosis in 2 cases and acute ischemic complications post operation in 4. Postoperative thalamic hemorrhage was reported in 1 (1.6%) case. Clinical follow-up lasted for 5-57 months, with an average of 11.9±1.7 months. For 59 cases, the mRS (modified Rankin scale) score was 0-1 in 55 (93.2%) cases, 2-3 in 2 (3.4%) and 4-5 in 5 (3.4%). Angiographic follow-up at 3-36 months in 33 cases showed that aneurysms were completely occluded in 18 (54.6%), improved in 5 (15.2%) and remained stable in 9 (27.3%). There was 1 (3.0%) case with aneurysm recanalization that needed retreatment. Conclusions The technical feasibility and safety of embolization assisted with varying stent release methods could be accepted for treatment of intracranial WNBA. However, further studies are needed for evaluation of its long-term efficacy. Key words: Intracranial aneurysm; Embolization, therapeutic; Stents; Bifurcation; Wide-neck

Current Treatment Strategies for Intracranial Aneurysms: An Overview.

Intracranial aneurysm is a leading cause of stroke. Its treatment has evolved over the past 2 decades. This review summarizes the treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms from 3 different perspectives: open surgery approach, transluminal treatment approach, and new technologies being used or trialed. We introduce most of the available treatment techniques in detail, including contralateral clipping, wrapping and clipping, double catheters assisting coiling and waffle-cone technique, and so on. Data from major trials such as Analysis of Treatment by Endovascular approach of Non-ruptured Aneurysms (ATENA), Internal Subarachnoid Trial (ISAT), Clinical and Anatomical Results in the Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (CLARITY), and Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) as well as information from other clinical reports and local experience are reviewed to suggest a clinical pathway for treating different types of intracranial aneurysms. It will be a valuable supplement to the current existing guidelines. We hope it could help assisting real-time decision-making in clinical practices and also encourage advancements in managing the disease.

Waffle Y technique: pCONus for tandem bifurcation aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery

Broad based bifurcation aneurysms are challenging. Various endovascular techniques aim at stabilizing the coil package in the aneurysm. Among these, the waffle cone technique provides a viable alternative to Y...

Reverse waffle cone technique in management of stent dislodgement into intracranial aneurysms

Stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) is a common method to manage intracranial wide-neck aneurysm. Using this technique, a stent must be successfully deployed into the parent artery to cross the aneurysm neck. We describe the reverse waffle cone technique in management of intra-procedural stent dislodgement during SACE of internal carotid artery (ICA) wide-neck aneurysms. Two patients with unruptured wide-neck ICA aneurysms underwent SACE. Intra-procedural forward stent migration occurred during catheterization with proximal stent dislodgement and migration into the aneurysm sac. Navigation of a second stent to bridge the aneurysm neck failed in one patient because the second stent was impeded by the dislodged stent. Using the reverse waffle cone technique, a microcatheter was navigated into the aneurysm sacs. Coils were safely detached into each aneurysm sac without any device assistance. The two wide-neck aneurysms were successfully treated with preservation of flow to the internal carotid arteries. The complication of intra-procedural distal stent migration and dislodgement, with proximal stent prolapse into an aneurysm sac, may not result in a failure to coil the aneurysm. The reverse waffle cone technique provides an effective treatment in the management of this complication.

Enterprise stent for waffle-cone stent-assisted coil embolization of large wide-necked arterial bifurcation aneurysms

Background:Large wide-necked arterial bifurcation aneurysms present a unique challenge for endovascular coil embolization treatment. One technique described in the literature deploys a Neuroform stent into the neck of the aneurysm in the shape of a waffle-cone, thereby acting as a scaffold for the coil mass. This case series presents four patients with large wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms treated with the closed-cell Enterprise stent using the waffle-cone technique.Case Description:Four patients (59 ± 18 years of age) with large wide-necked arterial bifurcation aneurysms (three basilar apex and one MCA bifurcation) were treated with the waffle-cone technique using the Enterprise stent as a supporting device for stent-assisted coil embolization. Three of the patients presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hunt-Hess 2-3; Fisher Grade 3-4). There was no procedural morbidity or mortality associated with treatment itself. One aneurysm was completely obliterated, and three had small residual necks. One patient developed an area of PCA infarct and visual field cut one month after the procedure and required recoiling of the residual neck. The flared ends of the Enterprise stent remodeled the aneurysm neck by conforming to the shape of the neck without any technical difficulty, resulting in a stable scaffold holding the coils into the aneurysm.Conclusion:The closed cell construction, flexibility, and flared ends of the Enterprise stent allow it to conform to the waffle-cone configuration and provide a stable scaffold for coil embolization of large wide-necked arterial bifurcation aneurysms. We have had excellent initial results using the Enterprise stent with the waffle-cone technique. However, this technique is higher risk than standard treatment methods and therefore should be reserved for large wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms where Y stenting is needed, but not possible, and surgical clip ligation is not an option.

E-046 Migration of enterprise self-expanding intracranial stent after successful deployment

IntroductionEnterprise stent is used for stent-assisted coiling of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. It is a self-expanding flexible stent and has a close cell design. There are reports of migration of the...

Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Complex Wide-Necked Bifurcation Cerebral Aneurysms Using the “Waffle Cone” Technique

Endovascular treatment of complex, wide-necked bifurcation cerebral aneurysms is challenging. Intra/extra-aneurysmal stent placement, the "waffle cone" technique, has the advantage of using a single stent to prevent coil herniation without the need to deliver the stent to the efferent vessel. The published data on the use of this technique is limited. We present our initial and follow-up experience with the waffle cone stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of aneurysms to evaluate the durability of the technique. We retrospectively identified ten consecutive patients who underwent SAC of an aneurysm using the waffle cone technique from July 2009 to March 2011. Clinical and angiographic outcomes after initial treatment and follow-up were evaluated. Raymond Class I or II occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in all cases with the waffle cone technique. No intraoperative aneurysm rupture was noted. The parent arteries were patent at procedure completion. Clinical follow-up in nine patients (median 12.9 months) revealed no aneurysm rupture. Two patients had a transient embolic ischemic attack at 18 hours and three months after treatment, respectively. Catheter angiography or MRA at six-month follow-up demonstrated persistent occlusions of aneurysms in seven out of eight patients. Another patient had stable aneurysm occlusion at three-month follow-up study. Our experience in the small series suggests the waffle cone technique could be performed on complex, wide-necked aneurysms with relative safety, and it allowed satisfactory occlusions of the aneurysms at six months in most cases.

Waffle-Cone Technique Using Solitaire AB Stent

The waffle-cone technique is a modified stent application technique, which involves protrusion of the distal portion of a stent into an aneurysm fundus to provide neck support for subsequent coiling. The authors report two cases of wide necked basilar bifurcation aneurysms, which were not amenable to stent assisted coiling, that were treated using the waffle-cone technique with a Solitaire AB stent. A 58-year-old woman presented with severe headache. Brain CT showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and angiography demonstrated a ruptured giant basilar bifurcation aneurysm with broad neck, which was treated with a Solitaire AB stent and coils using the waffle-cone technique. The second case involved an 81-year-old man, who presented with dizziness caused by brain stem infarction. Angiography also demonstrated a large basilar bifurcation unruptured aneurysm with broad neck. Solitaire AB stent deployment using the waffle-cone technique, followed by coiling resulted in near complete obliteration of aneurysm. The waffle-cone technique with a Solitaire AB stent can be a useful alternative to conventional stent application when it is difficult to catheterize bilateral posterior cerebral arteries in patients with a wide-necked basilar bifurcation aneurysm.

Modified 'Y-Configured Stents with Waffle Cone Technique' for Broad Neck Basilar Top Aneurysm

Stent assisted coiling on intracranial broad neck aneurysm has been considered as an effective technique and has made the complex aneurysms amenable to coiling. However, stent navigation and application themselves often have the problems especially when the parent vessel angle (entrance between afferent and efferent vessel) is over 90 degrees. We report here a case of a ruptured broad neck basilar top aneurysm that was successfully coiled using two self-expandable stents (Enterprise and Neuroform) placed in a fashion of modified Y-configured stents with waffle cone technique.

Waffle-cone technique with Solitaire™ AB Remodeling Device: endovascular treatment of highly selected complex cerebral aneurysms

To evaluate patients with complex aneurysms who underwent waffle-cone stent-assisted coil embolization. From February 2008 to February 2010, consecutive data were collected from 80 patients with aneurysms treated with the Solitaire™ AB Remodeling Device followed by a standard coiling procedure using bare or/and bioactive coils. Six of these patients were treated using the "waffle-cone-technique" placing the distal end of a stent directly into the base of a bifurcation aneurysm and coiling through the expanded and cone-shaped distal end of the stent allowing for preservation of parent artery patency. The aneurysms were located at the P3 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (n = 1), the middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n = 1), the basilar tip (n = 2), and the AComAnt (n = 2). Four patients underwent follow-up (2-7 months, mean 4.5 months). Waffle-cone positioning of the Solitaire™ AB Remodeling Device was obtained in all cases without technical problems. No permanent procedural morbidity was observed. In all patients, a Raymond class 2 occlusion was obtained and five patients left the hospital with a good clinical status (mRS0 n = 3, mRS1 n = 1) or no new neurologic deficits (mRS4 n = 1). One patient with SAH III died due to severe vasospasms. Due to major recanalization during follow-up, retreatment was necessary or is planned in four cases; one asymptomatic intimal hyperplasia was observed 8 weeks after initial treatment. The waffle-cone technique may enhance the possibilities of the endovascular treatment of these complex aneurysms. Due to the high rate of recanalization requiring endovascular retreatment, stringent angiographic and clinical follow-up is warranted.

Endovascular Treatment of a Large Aneurysm Arising From a Basilar Trunk Fenestration Using the Waffle-Cone Technique

Endovascular treatment of large intracranial aneurysms arising from a fenestrated parent vessel may prove particularly difficult. We present a case of a large, broad-based aneurysm arising from a proximal basilar artery (BA) fenestration treated with the waffle-cone technique. Technical nuances and indications for this treatment option are reviewed. A 38-year-old man presented with headache, blurred vision, and dizziness. Angiography demonstrated an 11 x 14-mm BA aneurysm associated with the proximal portion of a BA fenestration. A 28 x 4.5-mm Enterprise stent was placed from the right vertebral artery directly into the aneurysm. The stent tines were allowed to flare out in the aneurysm neck creating the "waffle cone." The aneurysm was then coiled with a series of Presidio coils. Use of the waffle-cone technique for stent placement resulted in nearly complete embolization of the aneurysm, retention of the entire coil mass in the dome, and preservation of flow through both vertebral arteries and both limbs of the fenestration.

“Waffle Cone” Technique for Intra/Extra-Aneurysmal Stent Placement for the Treatment of Complex and Wide-Necked Bifurcation Aneurysm

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by coiling has become an accepted alternative to surgical clipping (1). In cases of wide-necked and sidewall aneurysms, selective embolization is difficult because of the risk of coil protrusion into the parent vessel. The use of three-dimensional coils, stents (2), and balloon remodeling have all aided the attempt to adequately manage such lesions. However, compared with sidewall aneurysms, bifurcation aneurysms are more challenging from an endovascular standpoint. Because of their specific anatomy and hemodynamics, the tendency to recur and rerupture is higher. Several authors have reported successful treatment of these complex and wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms by using Yconfigured dual stent-assisted coil embolization (3,4), the double microcatheter technique (5), a more compliant balloon remodeling technique (6), the TriSpan neck-bridge device (7), or the waffle cone technique (8).We describe two cases of widenecked bifurcation aneurysms in which the waffle cone technique was used for coil embolization. The waffle cone technique was first described in 2006; however, the small number of published cases and the lack of follow-up prevent one from assessing this technique's durability and the probability of recanalization.We report the cases of two patients harboring unruptured wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms that were treated and followed-up for six months.

THE INCOME TAX INQUIRY

Broad based bifurcation aneurysms are challenging. Various endovascular techniques aim at stabilizing the coil package in the aneurysm. Among these, the waffle cone technique provides a viable alternative to Y stenting in selected cases, incorporating a less complex delivery, and the reduced inherent risk of a single stenting procedure compared with the use of two stents in Y configuration. Unlike conventional stents, the distal end of the new pCONus device opens like a blossoming flower inside of the aneurysm to facilitate the waffle cone technique. In a case with tandem unruptured broad based middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, the complex anatomical challenge was resolved by a unique combination of both techniques: two pCONus deployed in Y configuration, offering stable neck coverage for coiling both aneurysms. The angiographic results with complete occlusion of both aneurysms and the uneventful clinical course at 90 days with continued daily administration of dual antiplatelet therapy are encouraging.