Introduction: Treatment of basilar apex aneurysms will remain challenging regarding the nobility of the parent vessel and their often wide-necked configuration. With endovascular techniques being the treatment approach of choice, novel intrasaccular flow-disruption devices constitute an endovascular embolization option. In this research, we report our experiences in embolizing basilar tip aneurysms with the novel Contour device.
Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of eight patients after Contour implantation into a basilar apex aneurysm. Periprocedural data on intervention times, radiation dose, procedural success and complications were gathered. All patients received follow-up digital subtraction angiography after six months. Further follow-up examination results were analysed given their availability.
Results: Contour implantation was successful in all patients. The mean device instrumentation time was 18.8 ± 7.7 min with a mean full intervention time of 100 ± 65.8 min. The mean full procedure radiation dose was 1917 (421-5107) cGy/cm2. After six months, six aneurysms were occluded (Raymond Roy Scale (RRS) 1/2), one showed perfusion inside the device (RRS 3a) and one patient had undergone reintervention due to progression. The aneurysm with constant perfusion at six months was seen to be occluded after 24 months.
Conclusion: Contour device implantation is a promising feasible alternative endovascular method for embolization of intracranial aneurysms located in the basilar tip with short intervention times and low radiation dosages. Short- and medium-term follow-ups show promising results concerning aneurysm occlusion and reinterventions, however further research is needed to show long-term stability.
Keywords: Contour Neurovascular System; Contour device; Endovascular intracranial aneurysm embolization; basilar tip; intrasaccular flow-disruption.