• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.455-459
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• 2015

Objective : A cost comparison of the surgical clipping and endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), and the identification of the principal cost determinants of these treatments. Methods : This study conducted a retrospective review of data from a series of patients who underwent surgical clipping or endovascular coiling of UIAs between January 2011 and May 2014. The medical records, radiological data, and hospital cost data were all examined. Results : When comparing the total hospital costs for surgical clipping of a single UIA (n=188) and endovascular coiling of a single UIA (n=188), surgical treatment [$mean{\pm}$standard deviation (SD) : \$8,280,000{\pm}1,490,000$] resulted in significantly lower total hospital costs than endovascular treatment ($mean{\pm}SD$ : \$11,700,000{\pm}3,050,000$, p<0.001). In a multi regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with the total hospital costs for endovascular treatment were the aneurysm diameter (p<0.001) and patient age (p=0.014). For the endovascular group, a Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.77) between the aneurysm diameter and the total hospital costs, while a simple linear regression provided the equation, y (\)=6,658,630+855,250x (mm), where y represents the total hospital costs and x is the aneurysm diameter. Conclusion : In South Korea, the total hospital costs for the surgical clipping of UIAs were found to be lower than those for endovascular coiling when the surgical results were favorable without significant complications. Plus, a strong positive correlation was noted between an increase in the aneurysm diameter and a dramatic increase in the costs of endovascular coiling.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2013

Objective : The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the incidence of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesions between the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) and the Target coil for treating unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Methods : From 2010 to 2011, consecutive 222 patients with an intracranial aneurysm underwent coil embolization. Inclusion criterias were : 1) unruptured intracranial aneurysm, 2) one or more GDC or Target coils used with or without other coils, 3) DWI examination within 24 hours after coiling, and 4) coiling performed without a balloon or stent. Results : Ninety patients (92 cases) met the inclusion criteria. DWI lesions were detected in 55 (61.1%) of 90 patients. In the GDC group (n=44), DWI lesions were detected in 31 (70.5%). The average number of DWI lesions was $5.0{\pm}8.7$ (mean${\pm}$SD; range, 1-40) in aneurysm-related territory. In the Target coil group (n=48), DWI lesions were detected in 24 (50.0%). The number of DWI lesion was $2.1{\pm}5.4$ (range, 1-32) in aneurysm-related territory. There was no significant correlation between a number of coils and DWI lesions. No significant differences were also observed in the number of DWI lesions in each group. Conclusion : The GDC and Target coils, which have an electrolytic detachable system, showed no differences in the incidence of DWI lesion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.531-538
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• 2022

Objective : Anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysm is one of the most common intracranial aneurysms, constituting approximately 30-35% of all aneurysm formation in the brain. Anatomically, the H-complex (the anatomic morphology of both A1 to A2 segments) is thought to affects the nature of the Acom aneurysm due to its close relationship with the hemodynamics of the vessel. Therefore, we investigated the relative risk factors of aneurysmal rupture, especially focusing on H-complex morphology of the Acom. Methods : From January 2016 to December 2020, a total of 209 patients who underwent surgery, including clipping and coiling for Acom aneurysm in our institution were reviewed. There were 102 cases of ruptured aneurysm and 107 cases of unruptured aneurysm. The baseline morphology of aneurysms was investigated and the relationship between the H-complex and the clinical characteristics of patients with Acom aneurysms was assessed. Results : Of the 209 patients, 109 patients (52.1%) had symmetrical A1, 79 patients (37.8%) had unilateral hypoplastic A1, and 21 patients (10.0%) had aplastic A1. The hypoplastic A1 group and the aplastic A1 group were grouped together as unilateral dominancy of A1, and were compared with the symmetrical A1 group. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and radiological findings of Acom aneurysms between two groups. However, when dichotomizing the patients into ruptured cases and unruptured cases, unilateral dominance of the A1 segment was associated with aneurysmal rupture with statistical significance (p=0.011). Conclusion : These results suggest that the unilateral dominance of the A1 segment does not have a significant effect on the morphology of Acom aneurysms, but contributes to aneurysmal rupture. Thus, we can better understand the effects of hemodynamics on Acom aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.891-900
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• 2021

Objective : Vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) is a very rare subtype of intracranial aneurysms; when ruptured, it is associated with significantly high rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite several discussions and debates, the optimal treatment for VADA has not yet been established. In the last 10 years, flow diverter devices (FDD) have emerged as a challenging and new treatment method, and various clinical and radiological results have been reported about their safety and effectiveness. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results with the use of FDD in the treatment of unruptured VADA. Methods : We retrospectively evaluated the data of all patients with unruptured VADA treated with FDD between January 2018 and February 2021 at our hybrid operating room. Nine patients with unruptured VADA, deemed hemodynamically unstable, were treated with FDD. Among other parameters, the technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results : Successful FDD deployment was achieved in all cases, and the immediate follow-up angiography showed intra-aneurysmal contrast stasis with parent artery preservation. A temporary episode of facial numbness and palsy was noted in one patient; however, the symptoms had completely disappeared when followed up at the outpatient clinic 2 weeks after the procedure. The 3-6 months follow-up angiography (n=9) demonstrated complete/near-complete obliteration of the aneurysm in seven patients, and partial obliteration and segmental occlusion in one patient each. In the patient who achieved only partial obliteration, there was a sac 13 mm in size, and there was no change in the 1-year follow-up angiography. In the patient with segmental occlusion, the cause could not be determined. The clinical outcome was modified Rankin Scale 0 in all patients. Conclusion : Our preliminary study using FDD to treat hemodynamically unstable unruptured VADA showed that FDD is safe and effective. Our study has limitations in that the number of cases is small, and it is not a prospective study. However, we believe that the study contributes to evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of FDD in the treatment of unruptured VADA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.336-339
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• 2007

Traumatic intracranial aneurysm rarely occurs after a head injury. The authors report a case of a 51-year-old man in whom subarachnoid hemorrhage was developed as a result of delayed traumatic aneurysmal rupture of the distal portion of the middle cerebral artery following a minor, closed-head injury. The unruptured aneurysm had been evident on the magnetic resonance image taken two days prior to onset of the subarachnoid hemorrhage. The clinical presentation and possible underlying mechanism are discussed with a review of pertinent literature.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.133-142
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• 2009

The advent of endovascular therapy for intracranial aneurysms and the rapid advances in that field have supplanted microsurgical treatment for many intracranial aneurysms. Applying current outcome data and other parameters, nuances of selecting the modality of treatment for intracranial aneurysms are reviewed. Patient factors, such a age, co-morbidities, vasospasm and other medical conditions, are addressed. A custom-tailored multimodality treatment paradigm for the management of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms will maximize the favorable results seen in this difficult patient population.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.772-778
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• 2022

Objective : Endovascular treatment of large, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms by coil embolization is often complicated by low rates of complete occlusion and high rates of recurrence. A flow diverter device has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of not only large and giant unruptured aneurysms, but small and medium aneurysms. However, in Korea, its use has only recently been approved for aneurysms <10 mm. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of flow diversion and coil embolization for the treatment of unruptured aneurysms ≥7 mm. Methods : The participants will include patients aged between 19 and 75 years to be treated for unruptured cerebral aneurysms ≥7 mm for the first time or for recurrent aneurysms after initial endovascular coil embolization. Participants assigned to a flow diversion cohort will be treated using any of the following devices : Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), Surpass Evolve (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA), and FRED or FRED Jr. (MicroVention, Tustin, CA, USA). Participants assigned to a coil embolization cohort will undergo traditional endovascular coiling. The primary endpoint will be complete occlusion confirmed by cerebral angiography at 12 months after treatment. Secondary safety outcomes will evaluate periprocedural and post-procedural complications for up to 12 months. Results : The trial will begin enrollment in 2022, and clinical data will be available after enrollment and follow-up. Conclusion : This article describes the aim and design of a multi-center, randomized, open-label trial to compare the safety and efficacy of flow diversion versus traditional endovascular treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms ≥7 mm.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.240-247
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• 2017

The increased investigation of the cerebral arteries with magnetic resonance angiography has resulted in an increase in the identification of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Knowledge of the distribution and factors associated with UIAs might be helpful for understanding the pathological mechanism of unruptured aneurysms. This study examined patients who visited a health care center and had a health examination from January 2007 to December 2016. Subjects who underwent magnetic resonance angiography with a health examination at the Health Screening were enrolled in this study. The incidence and risk factors of UIAs (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol, and coronary artery disease) were investigated by comparing the size (more than 3 mm vs. less than 3 mm) and multiple aneurysm (single vs. multiple aneurysms). The frequency of aneurysm according to the site was also analyzed. Among the 187166 subjects, who received a health examination, 18954 underwent magnetic resonance angiography. Of them, 367 (1.93%) had UIAs. A comparison of the size of more than 3 mm and less than 3 mm showed that the mean age of the more than 3 mm group of patients was significantly higher than the other size groups (more than 3 mm $57.16{\pm}8.47$ vs. less than 3 mm $55.12{\pm}8.19$; p=0.07). High-density lipoprotein was significantly higher in the more than 3 mm group than in the less than 3 mm($55.95{\pm}16.03$ vs. less than 3 mm $50.85{\pm}13.65$; p=0.007). Hypertension was significantly higher in the multiple aneurysm group (single 153 in 399 (38.3%) VS multiple 19 in 35 (54.3%); p=0.065). An aneurysm of less than 3 mm in size was frequent in the distal internal carotid artery (34.3%) and MCA-bifurcation (16.4%) (p=0.003). Aneurysms of more than 3 mm were frequent in the distal internal carotid artery (43.4%) and MCA-bifurcation (13.4%), and anterior communicating artery (13.4%) (p=0.003). The difference in size and single or multiple aneurysm revealed other risk factors. These risk factors suggest that degenerative and hemodynamic disorders may lead to the presence of aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.564-569
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• 2016

Objective : This study used the intradural procedural time to assess the overall technical difficulty involved in surgically clipping an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm via a pterional or superciliary approach. The clinical and radiological variables affecting the intradural procedural time were investigated, and the intradural procedural time compared between a superciliary keyhole approach and a pterional approach. Methods : During a 5.5-year period, patients with a single MCA aneurysm were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selection criteria for a superciliary keyhole approach included : 1) maximum diameter of the unruptured MCA aneurysm <15 mm, 2) neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm <10 mm, and 3) aneurysm location involving the sphenoidal or horizontal segment of MCA (M1) segment and MCA bifurcation, excluding aneurysms distal to the MCA genu. Meanwhile, the control comparison group included patients with the same selection criteria as for a superciliary approach, yet who preferred a pterional approach to avoid a postoperative facial wound or due to preoperative skin trouble in the supraorbital area. To determine the variables affecting the intradural procedural time, a multiple regression analysis was performed using such data as the patient age and gender, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm neck diameter, and length of the pre-aneurysm M1 segment. In addition, the intradural procedural times were compared between the superciliary and pterional patient groups, along with the other variables. Results : A total of 160 patients underwent a superciliary (n=124) or pterional (n=36) approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm. In the multiple regression analysis, an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm neck (p<0.001) was identified as a statistically significant factor increasing the intradural procedural time. A Pearson correlation analysis also showed a positive correlation (r=0.340) between the neck diameter and the intradural procedural time. When comparing the superciliary and pterional groups, no statistically significant between-group difference was found in terms of the intradural procedural time reflecting the technical difficulty (mean${\pm}$standard deviation : $29.8{\pm}13.0min$ versus $27.7{\pm}9.6min$). Conclusion : A superciliary keyhole approach can be a useful alternative to a pterional approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm with a maximum diameter <15 mm and neck diameter <10 mm, representing no more of a technical challenge. For both surgical approaches, the technical difficulty increases along with the neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2019

Objective : Stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial wide-necked aneurysm requires long-term postoperative antiplatelet therapy to prevent in-stent thrombosis. This study aimed to demonstrate results of temporary stent placement for coiling wide necked small intracranial aneurysms, which eliminated need for antiplatelet agents, and to discuss its feasibility and safety. Methods : Data of 156 patients who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization between 2011 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen cases of temporary stent-assisted coil embolization were included, and their clinical and radiological results were evaluated. Results : The aneurysms treated were all unruptured except one case. All of them had wide neck with mean dome-to-neck ratio of 0.96 and were small-sized aneurysms with mean maximal diameter of 4.2 mm. There was no technical failure in retrieval of stent after completion of embolization of the target aneurysm. Immediate angiography revealed 11 complete and two partial embolization (one residual neck and one residual aneurysm). Two cases encountered thrombosis complication, and they were managed without neurological sequelae. The mean follow-up period was 43 months, angiographic follow-up revealed two cases with minor recurrence, and clinical outcome was good with modified Rankin scale score of 0. Conclusion : Temporary stent-assisted coil embolization of small wide-necked intracranial aneurysm using fully retrievable stent appears safe and effective. Further application and evaluation of this technique in more cases with larger size aneurysm is warranted.