ENDOSACCULAR TREATMENT OF INOPERABLE INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS WITH PLATINUM COILS

Endosaccular packing of inoperable aneurysms with electrolytic platinu m coils was performed in 50 patients. Complete embolization of the ane urysms was achieved in 100% of small, 95% of large and 85% of giant an eurysms, with combined procedural and periprocedural morbidity and mor tality rates of 6 and 4%, respectively. Follow-up angiography of 42 an eurysms demonstrated some degree of refining in 17% of small, 19% of l arge and 50% of giant aneurysms. The risks associated with the procedu re were similar in aneurysms of the carotid and vertebrobasilar circul ations. This treatment should therefore be considered for all inoperab le aneurysms and particularly for aneurysms involving the posterior ci rculation. Its long-term efficacy remains uncertain.