Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Clinical Interventional Radiology ISVIR
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810087
Original Article

Real-World Outcomes of Endovascular Management of Intracranial Aneurysms: Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

1   Department of Neuroradiology, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Aparna Tamaskar
3   Department of Anaesthesia, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Anivesh Jain
3   Department of Anaesthesia, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Saranya Ravi
4   Department of Radiology, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Vinayak Mahajan
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Amar Pratap Singh
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
› Author Affiliations

Funding None
 

Abstract

Purpose

Endovascular coiling has emerged as a preferred treatment for intracranial aneurysms (IAs), offering better functional outcomes than surgical clipping. This study examines the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with IAs, evaluates the success of various endovascular techniques, and reports associated complications in a publicly funded tertiary care hospital in Central India.

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 patients (103 aneurysms) treated from March 2021 to December 2023. Data on aneurysm morphology, rupture status, and treatment modality were analyzed. Procedures included simple coiling, balloon-assisted coiling, stent-assisted coiling, flow diverters, and braided stent monotherapy. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and angiographic Modified Raymond–Roy Classification. Complications like vasospasm and thromboembolic events were recorded, and linear regression was used to identify factors influencing outcomes.

Results

Aneurysms were mostly saccular (91%) and located in the anterior circulation (83.5%). Favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2) were achieved in 81.5% of patients at discharge, with 91.7% maintaining functional independence during follow-up (3 months to 2 years).

Complications included thromboembolic events (6.5%), intraoperative rupture (1.9%), and coil migration (1%). Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 74.4% of cases available for angiographic follow-up. Poor outcomes were associated with high World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, vasospasm, and thromboembolic events. Mortality was 14.1%.

Conclusion

Endovascular coiling is effective in achieving functional independence and aneurysm occlusion, comparable to global standards. However, complications like vasospasm and thromboembolic events emphasize the need for individualized care and long-term follow-up in resource-limited settings.


Introduction

Endovascular coiling has emerged as the preferred treatment for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in many countries, particularly following the landmark findings of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT).[1] This pivotal study demonstrated that endovascular coiling, compared with surgical clipping, reduced the absolute risk of death or dependency by 7.4% at 1 year. Furthermore, coiling was associated with significantly better functional outcomes, with fewer patients experiencing mortality or dependency. These findings firmly established coiling as the standard treatment for ruptured aneurysms in many clinical settings, driving the widespread adoption of endovascular techniques for aneurysm management.

Since the Food and Drug Administration approval of Guglielmi detachable coils in 1995, endovascular treatment for IAs has advanced rapidly.[2] Innovations in catheter and guidewire technology, coupled with the refinement of digital angiography, have significantly improved the precision and safety of these procedures. Once considered an alternative or adjunct to surgical intervention for treating complex or inaccessible lesions, endovascular coiling is now the frontline treatment for a broad range of aneurysms. It is particularly advantageous for patients with medical comorbidities, poor clinical grades, or aneurysms with favorable characteristics, such as narrow necks, high fundus-to-neck ratios, posterior circulation locations, and multiple aneurysms.[3]

Establishing neurointervention services in a Tier-2 city within a publicly funded hospital posed several challenges. These included a shortage of trained technicians to operate the biplane Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) laboratory, limited availability of nursing staff experienced in stroke care and cath laboratory procedures, and significant difficulties in setting up a reliable supply chain for neurointervention hardware. These challenges have been discussed in detail in our previous publication on developing neurointervention services at our center based on our initial experience.[4]

There is often a significant delay in patient referrals from peripheral centers, primarily due to a lack of awareness about appropriate treatment options. This has led to delays in timely management. However, with sustained efforts and targeted awareness campaigns, we have begun receiving referrals more promptly.

In this study, we present our experience with the endovascular management of IAs at a publicly funded hospital in Central India. Our primary objectives were to provide a detailed analysis of the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with IAs in our cohort, including aneurysm subtypes, locations, and sizes. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the success rates of various endovascular treatment modalities and document complications encountered in routine clinical practice. By conducting this real-world analysis, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges of endovascular treatment for managing IAs, particularly in resource-constrained settings.


Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent endovascular treatment for IAs at the Neuroradiology Department of our institute between March 2021 and December 2023. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee.

Data related to aneurysms, including size, shape, neck size, aspect ratio, rupture status, and location, were meticulously documented. For ruptured aneurysms, the severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was assessed using the modified Fisher grade, while the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grading scale was used to evaluate clinical status at presentation. Any incidents of re-rupture following the initial rupture were recorded, along with the presence or absence of co-existing aneurysms.

Endovascular procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Following catheterization of the vertebral or internal carotid artery, a contrast agent was injected to establish a navigational roadmap. Using a coiling microcatheter and appropriate guidewires, the aneurysm was cannulated. The treatment approach—whether simple coiling, balloon-assisted coiling, stent-assisted coiling, flow diverter placement, or braided stent monotherapy—was selected based on the aneurysm's size, morphology, and location. The number of coils and/or stents deployed was tailored to the specific characteristics of each aneurysm.

Patient outcomes at discharge were classified using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as follows: good outcome (mRS 0–2), poor outcome (mRS 3–5), or death. Procedure-related complications were thoroughly recorded. For ruptured aneurysms, particular attention was given to the occurrence of vasospasm and hydrocephalus during the hospital stay.

Follow-up angiographic outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Raymond–Roy Classification (MRRC) grading scale to assess the degree of aneurysm occlusion. Long-term functional outcomes were measured by mRS scores during follow-up. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes.


Results

A total of 103 IAs were treated in 100 patients, aged 2 to 75 years. The cohort comprised 59 females and 41 males. [Table 1] shows distributions across age groups for females and males. Clinical presentation and known co-morbidities are summarized in [Table 2].

Table 1

Distributions across age groups for females and males

Age group

Female

Male

0–20 years

1

1

20–40 years

4

8

40–60 years

35

26

60–80 years

19

6

>80 years

0

0

Total

59

41

Table 2

Clinical presentation and known comorbidities of patients

Presentation ruptured/unruptured

Symptoms

Frequency

Ruptured

Headache

92

Vomiting

32

Loss of consciousness at time of ictus

32

Epistaxis

1

Altered sensorium

26

Hemiparesis

11

Monoparesis

1

Aphasia

3

Seizures

3

Unruptured

Headache

3

Diplopia (giant cavernous ICA aneurysm)

1

Vision loss (giant supraclinoid ICA aneurysm compressing chiasma)

1

Ptosis (posterior communicating artery aneurysm)

1

Vertigo, quadriparesis (mass effect due to giant V4 segment aneurysm with brainstem compression)

1

Seizures (associated insular AVM)

1

Incidental detection with another ruptured aneurysm (patient included in ruptured presentation also)

1

Known comorbidities

Hypertension

35

Diabetes mellitus type 2

5

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

1

Hypothyroidism

1

Coronary artery disease

1

Retropositive status

1

Abbreviations: AVM, arteriovenous malformation; ICA, internal carotid artery.


Aneurysms were categorized by size as follows: tiny (<3 mm): 11; small (3–7 mm): 67; medium (7–10 mm): 19; large (10–25 mm): 5; giant (>25 mm): 1.

Of the 103 aneurysms, 86 were located in the anterior circulation and 17 in the posterior circulation. The anterior communicating artery was the most common site (n = 42/103; 42.7%). Aneurysm morphology included 94 saccular aneurysms, 7 dissecting aneurysms, 1 blister aneurysm, and 1 fusiform aneurysm. Among saccular aneurysms, 73 had a narrow neck, while 21 had a wide neck. Aneurysm size and locations are summarized in [Table 3].

Table 3

Size and location of aneurysms

Size of aneurysms

Number

 Tiny (<3 mm)

11

 Small (3–7 mm)

67

 Medium (7–10 mm)

19

 Large (10–25 mm)

5

 Giant (>25 mm)

1

Total aneurysms

103

Location of aneurysm

Number

Anterior circulation

 Anterior communicating artery

44

 Middle cerebral artery bifurcation

3

 M1 segment

3

 Distal anterior cerebral artery

10

 A1 segment of anterior cerebral artery

4

 Posterior communicating artery

8

 Supraclinoid internal carotid artery

5

 Superior hypophyseal

1

 Cavernous paraclinoid segment

4

 Terminal ICA

2

 Choroidal segment

1

 Supraclinoid ICA pseudoaneurysm

1

Total anterior circulation

86

Posterior circulation

 Posterior inferior cerebellar artery

3

 Vertebral artery V4 segment

7

 P1 segment of posterior cerebral artery

1

 Basilar top

5

 Superior cerebellar artery

1

Total posterior circulation

17

Total aneurysms

103

Abbreviation: ICA, internal carotid artery.


Ninety-two patients presented with SAH. In some cases, the exact rupture site could not be determined due to the presence of multiple aneurysms in the same vessel or on the ipsilateral side of dense SAH. There were two such patients (one with anterior communicating aneurysm and anterior choroidal aneurysm, and another patient with two aneurysms in A1 segment of anterior cerebral artery) and in both patients all these aneurysms were coiled at the same time. Vessel-wall magnetic resonance imaging could not be done as the vessel-wall imaging/black blood imaging sequence is not available in our hospital. A total of 94 ruptured aneurysms and 9 unruptured aneurysms were treated. The time from ictus to presentation ranged from 1 day to 1 month.

Among the 92 patients with ruptured aneurysms, WFNS grading and modified Fisher grade of SAH at presentation are summarized in [Table 4]. Poor neurological grade at presentation (WFNS grades 4 and 5) were observed in 27.1% of patients (n = 25/92). Furthermore, fifty patients (n = 50, 54.3%) had Modified Fisher grade 4 SAH, indicating severe hemorrhage.

Table 4

WFNS grade and Modified Fisher Grade at presentation for patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 92)

Grade at presentation

Number

WFNS grade

 WFNS grade 1

56

 WFNS grade 2

6

 WFNS grade 3

5

 WFNS grade 4

21

 WFNS grade 5

4

Modified Fisher grade

 Modified Fisher grade 1

15

 Modified Fisher grade 2

6

 Modified Fisher grade 3

21

 Modified Fisher grade 4

50

Abbreviation: WFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.


Out of total 103 aneurysms in 100 patients, two aneurysms (unruptured) spontaneously closed, and 6 patients died before any intervention. Total 92 patients underwent endovascular procedure for 95 aneurysms and the following procedures were performed: simple coiling: 60 cases, balloon-assisted coiling: 18 cases, double micro-coiling: 4 cases, flow diverter placement: 7 cases, braided stent monotherapy: 4 cases, and balloon occlusion followed by vascular sacrifice: 2 cases. Examples of few procedures are given in [Fig. 1].

Zoom
Fig. 1 (AC) Simple coiling of left superior hypophyseal aneurysm. Left ICA injection AP view shows left superior hypophyseal aneurysm. Panel (B) shows coil mass; (C) shows post-coiling subtracted image showing complete occlusion. (DF) Balloon-assisted coiling of left ICA communicating segment aneurysm. (D) Left ICA injection lateral view shows left ICA communicating segment aneurysm. Panel (E) shows coil mass with balloon inflation across neck of aneurysm; (F) shows post-coiling subtracted image showing occlusion with minimal filling near neck of aneurysm (MRRC grade IIIa). (G–I) Flow diverter stenting for left MCA M1 segment aneurysm. (G) Left ICA injection AP view shows left MCA M1 segment aneurysm. Panel (H) shows flow diverter stent in situ. (I) Follow-up image 10 months following intervention, Intravenous DynaCT image showing complete occlusion of aneurysm with patent flow diverter stent in situ. AP, antero-posterior; ICA, internal carotid artery; MCA, middle cerebral artery; MRRC, Modified Raymond–Roy Classification.

There were six deaths due to preintervention re-rupture of aneurysm. Seven patients experienced aneurysm re-rupture before endovascular treatment, with intervals of 6 to 20 days after ictus. Of these, six patients died, and one survived with an mRS score of 1.

For coiled aneurysms, postprocedure occlusion rates were: complete occlusion (RR1): 73.2% (n = 60), near-complete occlusion (RR2): 24.4% (n = 20), partial occlusion (RR3): 2.4% (n = 2).

Procedural complications included thromboembolic events: 6 cases, intraoperative aneurysm rupture: 2 cases, and coil migration requiring craniotomy: 1 case. Hydrocephalus developed in 15 patients, and angiographic vasospasm occurred in 48 patients. Vasospasm-related infarcts were observed in four patients, and transient neurological deficits in two.

At discharge following endovascular intervention (n = 92), 81.5% (n = 75) achieved favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2), indicating functional independence. Poor outcomes (mRS 3–5) were noted in 10 patients (10.8%), while 7 patients (7.6%) died. Two patients with spontaneous aneurysm closure remained stable. Types of endovascular procedures, outcome at discharge, and complications encountered are summarized in [Table 5].

Table 5

Types of endovascular procedures, outcome at discharge, and complications encountered

Grade at presentation

Number

Type of procedure

 Simple coiling

60

 Balloon-assisted coiling

18

 Double microcatheter coiling

4

 Flow diverter

7

 Braided stent monotherapy

4

 Balloon occlusion test followed by vascular sacrifice

2

 Spontaneous closure

2

 Conservative (death before any procedure could be performed)

6

 Total aneurysms

103

Outcomes at discharge for 92 patients who underwent endovascular procedure

 Favorable outcome mRS 0–2

75

 Poor outcome mRS 3–5

10

 Death mRS 6

7

Complications following endovascular procedure

 Thromboembolic events

6

 Intraoperative rupture

2

 Coil migration requiring craniotomy

1

Complications due to subarachnoid hemorrhage

 Hydrocephalus

15

 Angiographic vasospasm

48

 Vasospasm-related infarcts

4

 Vasospasm-related transient neurological deficits

2

Abbreviation: modified Rankin Scale.


Linear regression analysis identified the following significant correlations: poor outcomes associated with high WFNS grade SAH (p = 0.0007), presence of spasm (p = 0.0007), and thromboembolic events (p = 0.0011). Hydrocephalus correlated with poor WFNS grade (p = 0.0001) and posterior circulation aneurysms (p = 0.0381). Spasm was significantly linked to high Fisher grade SAH (p < 0.0001), poor WFNS grade SAH (p = 0.006), and wide-neck aneurysms (p = 0.0011). Linear regression analysis tables are summarized in [Tables 6] to [9].

Table 6

Linear regression analysis table for factors associated with poor patient outcomes

Variable

95% CI

p-Value

Significance

Neck size [wide]

−0.4224 to 0.06889

0.1558

Not significant

Aspect ratio

−0.1674 to 0.06322

0.3710

Not significant

WFNS grade [poor]

−0.5476 to −0.1520

0.0007

Significant[a]

Location [posterior]

−0.1463 to 0.3692

0.3915

Not significant

Fisher grade

−0.03584 to 0.1100

0.3142

Not significant

Size

−0.02989 to 0.2659

0.1161

Not significant

Spasm [yes]

−0.5096 to −0.1411

0.0007

Significant[a]

Hydrocephalus [yes]

−0.3903 to 0.05760

0.1431

Not significant

Thromboembolic event [yes]

−0.9253 to −0.2407

0.0011

Significant[a]

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; WFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.


a Statistically significant.


Table 7

Linear regression analysis table for factors associated with development of hydrocephalus

Variable

95% CI

p-Value

Significance

Neck size [wide]

−0.4680 to 0.01273

0.0631

Not significant

Aspect ratio

−0.1629 to 0.06855

0.4195

Not significant

Location [posterior]

0.01501 to 0.5186

0.0381

Significant[a]

WFNS grade [poor]

0.2538 to 0.6021

<0.0001

Significant[a]

Fisher grade

−0.02988 to 0.1162

0.2429

Not significant

Size

−0.05186 to 0.2409

0.2024

Not significant

Thromboembolic event [yes]

−0.1765 to 0.4853

0.3558

Not significant

Spasm [yes]

−0.3161 to 0.04651

0.1429

Not significant

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; WFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.


a Statistically significant.


Table 8

Linear regression analysis table for factors associated with development of vasospasm

Variable

95% CI

p-Value

Significance

Neck size [wide]

−0.7648 to −0.1986

0.0011

Significant[a]

Aspect ratio

−0.2457 to 0.03722

0.1463

Not significant

Location [posterior]

−0.2900 to 0.3491

0.8544

Not significant

WFNS grade [poor]

0.09817 to 0.5667

0.0060

Significant[a]

Fisher grade

0.1162 to 0.2750

<0.0001

Significant[a]

Size

−0.03754 to 0.3219

0.1193

Not significant

Hydrocephalus [yes]

−0.4815 to 0.07086

0.1429

Not significant

Thromboembolic event [yes]

−0.3379 to 0.4828

0.7261

Not significant

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; WFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.


a Statistically significant.


Table 9

Linear regression analysis table for factors associated with thromboembolic event

Variable

95% CI

p-Value

Significance

Neck size [narrow]

−0.2886 to 0.04201

0.1416

Not significant

Aspect ratio

−0.04377 to 0.1139

0.3784

Not significant

Location [posterior]

−0.2332 to 0.1191

0.5211

Not significant

WFNS grade [poor]

−0.2031 to 0.06713

0.3196

Not significant

Fisher grade

−0.04421 to 0.05628

0.8117

Not significant

Size

−0.09327 to 0.1085

0.8810

Not significant

Spasm [yes]

−0.1032 to 0.1474

0.7261

Not significant

Hydrocephalus [yes]

−0.08210 to 0.2257

0.3558

Not significant

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; WFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.


At follow-up (3 months to 2 years) of 85 surviving patients: 91.7% (n = 78) had an mRS score of 0 to 2, one patient had mRS score of 4. Six patients died due to causes including liver failure and myocardial infarction; the remaining deaths had incomplete records. All four of these patients had poor mRS at discharge. At 2 years posttreatment, among 92 patients who underwent endovascular treatment of some form, 84.7% (n = 78) of patients were functionally independent, and 14.1% (n = 13) had died.

Angiographic data for coiled aneurysms were available for 43 patients, which showed: complete occlusion (RR1): 74.4% (n = 32), near-complete occlusion (MRRC grade 2): 4 patients, and partial occlusion (MRRC 3A/3B): 3 patients (2 required repeat interventions). Spontaneous resolution on follow-up angiography was noted in one patient. Among four patients with flow diverters, three achieved occlusion (O'Kelly–Marotta [OKM] grade D), and one had a patent aneurysm at follow-up (OKM grade A2).


Discussion

The ISAT established endovascular coiling as a superior alternative to surgical clipping for ruptured aneurysms amenable to both treatment modalities. ISAT reported that 23.5% of patients treated with endovascular coiling were dead or dependent at 1 year, compared with 30.9% in the surgical group, yielding an absolute risk reduction of 7.4%.[1] Similarly, the Brain Aneurysm Treatment (BRAT) study demonstrated better outcomes with coiling, with 23.2% of patients in the endovascular group experiencing poor outcomes (mRS > 2), compared with 33.7% in the surgical group.[5]

A meta-analysis further confirmed these findings, showing that although coiling carries a slightly higher risk of early rebleeding, it remains associated with better functional outcomes compared with surgical clipping.[6] At our institution, the advent of neurointerventional facilities has allowed endovascular coiling to become the first-line treatment for ruptured aneurysms. Surgical clipping is reserved for patients requiring hematoma evacuation, those with complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms, or wide-neck aneurysms where stent-assisted coiling may not be economically feasible for all patients. Decision for type of endovascular modality was based on aneurysm morphology with narrow neck aneurysm (<4 mm) and aspect ratio >1.6 treated by simple coiling, and wide neck aneurysms treated by balloon/double microcatheter-assisted coiling. Flow diverter was chosen for blister aneurysm, fusiform/dissecting and giant aneurysms, and braided stent was chosen for dissecting aneurysm.

Angiographic outcomes revealed that 62% of aneurysms in our cohort achieved complete occlusion, while 33% showed small neck remnants, which is similar to findings reported in ISAT (66% complete occlusion, 26% neck remnant).[1] These findings highlight the potential for recurrence and the need for vigilant follow-up and occasional retreatment. ISAT similarly reported a retreatment rate of 17.4% due to residual or recurrent aneurysms following coiling.[7]

Thromboembolic complications occurred in 6.5% of our patients, consistent with rates reported in the literature (4.7–12.5%).[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] Factors contributing to thromboembolic events include large aneurysm size, wide necks, and smoking.[9] Intraoperative rupture, a known risk during coiling procedures, was observed in two cases in our cohort, falling within the reported range of 0.7 to 7.5%, depending on aneurysm complexity and location.[8] [9] [14] [15] [16] [17]

Cerebral vasospasm is a frequent and serious complication following SAH, affecting up to 50% of patients, with angiographic spasm rate as high as 70%.[18] [19] In our cohort, angiographic vasospasm was present in 52.1% of patients, aligning with the literature. Vasospasm can be asymptomatic, but in 20 to 30% of cases, it leads to significant neurological deficits, contributing to morbidity and mortality.[19] Risk factors include SAH severity, patient age, clinical grade, aneurysm size and location, and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage.[19] In our study, spasm was significantly linked to high Fisher grade SAH (p < 0.0001), poor WFNS grade SAH (p = 0.006), and wide-neck aneurysms (p = 0.0011).

Although delayed rebleeding rates are higher with coiling than clipping, especially within the first year, long-term rebleeding risks remain low. At end of follow-up, the cumulative risk of a rebleed from the target aneurysm was 0.0216 (95% confidence interval: 0.0121–0.0383) for patients in the endovascular group and 0.0064 (0.0024–0.0173) for patients in the neurosurgery group.[20] Thus, according to the literature, despite the higher early rebleeding risk, coiling is associated with better long-term functional outcomes. We did not document any evidence of rebleed post-procedure during the duration of follow-up. However, four patients died on follow-up for whom cause of death is not known. All these patients had poor mRS at discharge.

In our study, 84.7% of patients who underwent endovascular treatment achieved functional independence (mRS 0–2) at discharge, aligning closely with outcomes reported in ISAT.[1] However, the mortality rate in our cohort was 14.1%, slightly higher than ISAT's 8% at 1 year. This difference may be explained by the higher proportion of poor-grade SAH cases in our cohort (27.1%, compared with 12% in ISAT).[1]

Our findings are comparable to those from the BRAT study, which reported 87.2% of patients in the endovascular group achieving independence at 1 year.[5] Encouragingly, 91.7% of surviving patients in our cohort maintained functional independence at follow-up (3 months to 2 years), suggesting that long-term outcomes remain consistent with larger, multicenter trials.

In addition to larger studies, our findings are also comparable to other single-center experiences. For instance, Klompenhouwer et al reported outcomes from endovascular management of 230 patients, with good outcomes (mRS 0–2) observed in 87.2% of surviving patients.[21] Similarly, Gudelj et al documented favorable outcomes (mRS 0–1) in 79% of 33 treated patients.[22] Elewa reported outcomes in 31 patients who underwent endovascular treatment, with favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2) at discharge observed in 74.3% of cases, while 25.7% had unfavorable outcomes (mRS 3–6).[23]

Our study has several limitations. Follow-up irregularities remain a challenge, with angiographic follow-up data available for only 43 patients. Additionally, the dataset is heterogeneous in terms of aneurysm location, size, morphology, rupture status, and the type of endovascular treatment administered. Nonetheless, this analysis was conducted using the entirety of the dataset currently available to us. Future studies with larger, more homogeneous cohorts are warranted to enable more statistically robust conclusions.


Conclusion

Our findings align with the results of landmark studies such as ISAT and BRAT, reaffirming that endovascular coiling offers superior functional outcomes compared with surgical clipping, despite an elevated risk of early rebleeding and occasional need for retreatment. While the mortality rate in our cohort was slightly higher—likely attributable to the greater proportion of poor-grade SAH cases—the majority of patients treated with endovascular coiling achieved favorable outcomes, consistent with those reported in larger, multicenter trials.

Challenges such as vasospasm, thromboembolic complications, and aneurysm recurrence remain significant factors impacting patient outcomes. These underscore the importance of close monitoring, individualized patient management, and the refinement of treatment strategies.

As endovascular techniques continue to advance, further research is essential to enhance procedural safety, reduce complications, and optimize long-term outcomes for patients with ruptured IAs. A continued focus on innovation and evidence-based practice will further solidify the role of endovascular coiling as the preferred treatment modality.



Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Shubham Nema, Scientist, MDRU, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur for helping with statistical analysis.

Ethical Approval

The study has been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and has therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.


Informed Consent

Informed consent was gathered from the patient and consent to publish images was obtained.


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  • 8 Pierot L, Barbe C, Nguyen HA. et al. Intraoperative complications of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with coiling or balloon-assisted coiling in a prospective multicenter cohort of 1088 participants: Analysis of Recanalization after Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysm (ARETA) study. Radiology 2020; 295 (02) 381-389
  • 9 Pierot L, Cognard C, Anxionnat R, Ricolfi F. CLARITY Investigators. Ruptured intracranial aneurysms: factors affecting the rate and outcome of endovascular treatment complications in a series of 782 patients (CLARITY study). Radiology 2010; 256 (03) 916-923
  • 10 Pierot L, Spelle L, Vitry F. ATENA Investigators. Immediate clinical outcome of patients harboring unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by endovascular approach: results of the ATENA study. Stroke 2008; 39 (09) 2497-2504
  • 11 Cognard C, Pierot L, Anxionnat R, Ricolfi F. Clarity Study Group. Results of embolization used as the first treatment choice in a consecutive nonselected population of ruptured aneurysms: clinical results of the Clarity GDC study. Neurosurgery 2011; 69 (04) 837-841 , discussion 842
  • 12 White PM, Lewis SC, Nahser H, Sellar RJ, Goddard T, Gholkar A. HELPS Trial Collaboration. HydroCoil Endovascular Aneurysm Occlusion and Packing Study (HELPS trial): procedural safety and operator-assessed efficacy results. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29 (02) 217-223
  • 13 van Rooij WJ, Sluzewski M, Beute GN, Nijssen PC. Procedural complications of coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: incidence and risk factors in a consecutive series of 681 patients. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2006; 27 (07) 1498-1501
  • 14 Orrù E, Roccatagliata L, Cester G, Causin F, Castellan L. Complications of endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82 (10) 1653-1658
  • 15 Elijovich L, Higashida RT, Lawton MT, Duckwiler G, Giannotta S, Johnston SC. Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment (CARAT) Investigators. Predictors and outcomes of intraprocedural rupture in patients treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms: the CARAT study. Stroke 2008; 39 (05) 1501-1506
  • 16 Renowden SA, Beneš V, Bradley M, Molyneux AJ. Detachable coil embolisation of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single center study, a decade experience. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2009; 111 (02) 179-188
  • 17 Park YK, Yi HJ, Choi KS, Lee YJ, Chun HJ. Intraprocedural rupture during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm: clinical results and literature review. World Neurosurg 2018; 114: e605-e615
  • 18 Kassell NF, Sasaki T, Colohan AR, Nazar G. Cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke 1985; 16 (04) 562-572
  • 19 Harrod CG, Bendok BR, Batjer HH. Prediction of cerebral vasospasm in patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a review. Neurosurgery 2005; 56 (04) 633-654 , discussion 633–654
  • 20 Molyneux AJ, Birks J, Clarke A, Sneade M, Kerr RSC. The durability of endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping of ruptured cerebral aneurysms: 18 year follow-up of the UK cohort of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT). Lancet 2015; 385 (9969): 691-697
  • 21 Klompenhouwer EG, Dings JTA, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Oei S, Wilmink JT, van Zwam WH. Single-center experience of surgical and endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32 (03) 570-575
  • 22 Gudelj M, Bruyère PJ, Tebache M, Collignon L, Lubicz B. Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: initial experience in a low-volume center. J Belg Soc Radiol 2020; 104 (01) 19
  • 23 Elewa MK. Endovascular coiling for cerebral aneurysm: single-center experience in Egypt. Egypt J Neurol Psychiatr Neurosurg 2018; 54 (01) 33

Address for correspondence

Nishtha Yadav, MBBS, MD, DM (Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology)
Department of Neuroradiology, School of Excellence in Neurosurgery, Super Speciality Hospital, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482003
India   

Publication History

Article published online:
29 July 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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  • References

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  • 8 Pierot L, Barbe C, Nguyen HA. et al. Intraoperative complications of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with coiling or balloon-assisted coiling in a prospective multicenter cohort of 1088 participants: Analysis of Recanalization after Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysm (ARETA) study. Radiology 2020; 295 (02) 381-389
  • 9 Pierot L, Cognard C, Anxionnat R, Ricolfi F. CLARITY Investigators. Ruptured intracranial aneurysms: factors affecting the rate and outcome of endovascular treatment complications in a series of 782 patients (CLARITY study). Radiology 2010; 256 (03) 916-923
  • 10 Pierot L, Spelle L, Vitry F. ATENA Investigators. Immediate clinical outcome of patients harboring unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by endovascular approach: results of the ATENA study. Stroke 2008; 39 (09) 2497-2504
  • 11 Cognard C, Pierot L, Anxionnat R, Ricolfi F. Clarity Study Group. Results of embolization used as the first treatment choice in a consecutive nonselected population of ruptured aneurysms: clinical results of the Clarity GDC study. Neurosurgery 2011; 69 (04) 837-841 , discussion 842
  • 12 White PM, Lewis SC, Nahser H, Sellar RJ, Goddard T, Gholkar A. HELPS Trial Collaboration. HydroCoil Endovascular Aneurysm Occlusion and Packing Study (HELPS trial): procedural safety and operator-assessed efficacy results. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29 (02) 217-223
  • 13 van Rooij WJ, Sluzewski M, Beute GN, Nijssen PC. Procedural complications of coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: incidence and risk factors in a consecutive series of 681 patients. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2006; 27 (07) 1498-1501
  • 14 Orrù E, Roccatagliata L, Cester G, Causin F, Castellan L. Complications of endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82 (10) 1653-1658
  • 15 Elijovich L, Higashida RT, Lawton MT, Duckwiler G, Giannotta S, Johnston SC. Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment (CARAT) Investigators. Predictors and outcomes of intraprocedural rupture in patients treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms: the CARAT study. Stroke 2008; 39 (05) 1501-1506
  • 16 Renowden SA, Beneš V, Bradley M, Molyneux AJ. Detachable coil embolisation of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single center study, a decade experience. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2009; 111 (02) 179-188
  • 17 Park YK, Yi HJ, Choi KS, Lee YJ, Chun HJ. Intraprocedural rupture during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm: clinical results and literature review. World Neurosurg 2018; 114: e605-e615
  • 18 Kassell NF, Sasaki T, Colohan AR, Nazar G. Cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke 1985; 16 (04) 562-572
  • 19 Harrod CG, Bendok BR, Batjer HH. Prediction of cerebral vasospasm in patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a review. Neurosurgery 2005; 56 (04) 633-654 , discussion 633–654
  • 20 Molyneux AJ, Birks J, Clarke A, Sneade M, Kerr RSC. The durability of endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping of ruptured cerebral aneurysms: 18 year follow-up of the UK cohort of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT). Lancet 2015; 385 (9969): 691-697
  • 21 Klompenhouwer EG, Dings JTA, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Oei S, Wilmink JT, van Zwam WH. Single-center experience of surgical and endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32 (03) 570-575
  • 22 Gudelj M, Bruyère PJ, Tebache M, Collignon L, Lubicz B. Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: initial experience in a low-volume center. J Belg Soc Radiol 2020; 104 (01) 19
  • 23 Elewa MK. Endovascular coiling for cerebral aneurysm: single-center experience in Egypt. Egypt J Neurol Psychiatr Neurosurg 2018; 54 (01) 33

Zoom
Fig. 1 (AC) Simple coiling of left superior hypophyseal aneurysm. Left ICA injection AP view shows left superior hypophyseal aneurysm. Panel (B) shows coil mass; (C) shows post-coiling subtracted image showing complete occlusion. (DF) Balloon-assisted coiling of left ICA communicating segment aneurysm. (D) Left ICA injection lateral view shows left ICA communicating segment aneurysm. Panel (E) shows coil mass with balloon inflation across neck of aneurysm; (F) shows post-coiling subtracted image showing occlusion with minimal filling near neck of aneurysm (MRRC grade IIIa). (G–I) Flow diverter stenting for left MCA M1 segment aneurysm. (G) Left ICA injection AP view shows left MCA M1 segment aneurysm. Panel (H) shows flow diverter stent in situ. (I) Follow-up image 10 months following intervention, Intravenous DynaCT image showing complete occlusion of aneurysm with patent flow diverter stent in situ. AP, antero-posterior; ICA, internal carotid artery; MCA, middle cerebral artery; MRRC, Modified Raymond–Roy Classification.