PLACEMENT OF MECHANICALLY DETACHABLE SPIRAL COILS IN THE ENDOVASCULARTREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS - WORK-IN-PROGRESS

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of mechanically detachable spiral tungsten coils (MDSs) in the endovascular endosaccular occlusion of i ntracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anterior communicating a rtery aneurysms shown at angiography in two patients and a basilar tip aneurysm shown in one patient were treated with MDSs. RESULTS: In the basilar artery aneurysm, eight coils were delivered. Two additional c oils were placed at 3 months because of filling of the residual aneury sm neck. Angiography at 1 year showed no recanalization. The smaller a neurysm in the anterior communicating artery was totally occluded by a single coil. Angiography at 6 months showed no recanalization. The ot her aneurysm was occluded by two coils, with a small amount of residua l filling. A third coil was withdrawn before detachment. The patient h ad aspiration pneumonia and electrolyte imbalance, but he was in stabl e condition 3 weeks later and was discharged. CONCLUSION: The pliable, soft, retrievable MDS system provides instantaneous release of a spir al coil.