Large and giant aneurysms are some of the most challenging vascular pathologies in the central nervous system. Their peculiarities make the surgical and endovascular approaches difficult and frequently limit them by posing risks and complications. Endovascular coil embolization of these lesions is being used increasingly as an alternative. Here we report the clinical experience and follow-up results of the endosaccular packing of 102 consecutive patients with 106 large or giant aneurysms to assess the efficacy and safety of this method. Embolization was completed by packing the aneurysm sac with a variety of commercially available coils. Primary endosaccular coiling, balloon-assisted coiling and stent-assisted coiling were used. The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, clinical outcome and follow-up angiography were evaluated. During admission, immediate angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 48.1%, neck remnant in 28.3%, and incomplete occlusion in 23.6%. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality was 7.5% and 2.8%, respectively. A favorable clinical outcome (Modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) was observed in 88.2% of patients (average follow-up time, 56.5 months). No re-hemorrhage of a treated aneurysm occurred. Angiography follow-up was obtained in 77.5% (79/102) patients (average follow-up time, 38.1 months). The overall recanalization rate was 29.6%. Comparison of occlusion class immediately after treatment and at last follow-up showed that 80.2% of the 81 aneurysms (in 79 patients) were stable or had improved. Five stent-assisted aneurysms that were not completely occluded initially had converted to complete occlusion on last follow-up. Nineteen recanalized aneurysms underwent successful re-embolization. No procedural complication was seen at retreatment. We conclude that in treating large and giant intracranial aneurysms, endovascular coiling with parent vessel preservation is a safe and effective technique.
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