Large Single-Center Experience with Short-Term Follow-up of Neqstent-Assisted Coiling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Endovascular treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms has historically proved difficult with variable outcomes. Different endovascular techniques such as balloon-assisted coiling, stent-assisted coiling, or intrasaccular devices provide a varied range of efficacy and safety. Neqstent-assisted coiling is a new device and technique that aim to provide a maximum of both. We analyzed the early clinical and radiologic outcomes after the use of this new technique and device in our practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a retrospective analysis of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with the Neqstent. The primary radiologic outcomes were quantified on DSA, CTA, or MRA using the modified Raymond-Roy criteria. The outcomes were defined as immediate complete occlusion (modified Raymond-Roy criteria 1) and complete (modified Raymond-Roy criteria 1) and adequate occlusion (modified Raymond-Roy criteria 1 and modified Raymond-Roy criteria 2) at 6 months posttreatment. The primary safety outcome was the rate of device-related adverse events. Secondary safety outcomes included time to discharge and change in the mRS score at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients were treated with the Neqstent from November 2020 to January 2023. Nine had unruptured aneurysms, and 11 were patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage due to ruptured aneurysms. Eighteen of 20 aneurysms (90%) treated demonstrated complete occlusion (modified Raymond-Roy criteria 1) on immediate postembolization angiograms. Sixteen of 17 aneurysms treated (94.1%) remained adequately occluded on 6-month follow-up (modified Raymond-Roy criteria 1 and modified Raymond-Roy criteria 2). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients; only 1 patient had residual neurologic deficits at 6 months (mRS = 2).

CONCLUSIONS:

Management of large, wide-neck aneurysms remains difficult, with high rates of recurrence and complications. The use of the Neqstent shows promising short-term results for the treatment of complex wide-neck aneurysms. Initial complication rates for our cohort were relatively high. However, this result is likely related to the initial learning experience of device deployment and the use of antiplatelets.