Efficacy and safety of flow diverter combined with coil embolization and evidence-based antithrombotic regimen in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms

OBJECTIVE The use of a flow diverter (FD) in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms is limited due to the increased risk of perioperative ischemia and hemorrhagic complications. Adjunctive coil embolization and an evidence-based antithrombotic regimen may improve therapeutic safety, although evidence from relevant clinical research is limited. The authors' aim was to further assess the perioperative safety and long-term efficacy of this strategy. METHODS Data on patients with FD insertion and coil embolization were collected retrospectively at two centers. The perioperative antithrombotic regimen consists of intraoperative tirofiban and continues for 24 hours postoperatively, with the initiation of an orally administered dual-antiplatelet regimen 4 hours prior to tirofiban cessation, rather than purposeful preoperative antiplatelet therapy. Perioperative cerebral ischemia and hemorrhagic complications and long-term aneurysm occlusion rates were recorded to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the procedure, respectively. RESULTS In total, 67 cases were screened and 41 cases were ultimately included in this study. A total of 2 cases (4.9%) of perioperative cerebral hemorrhagic events occurred, 1 of which (2.4%) was attributable to rerupture of the aneurysm. Cerebral ischemic events were reported in 3 patients, including 1 with cortical thromboembolism and 2 with perforator occlusion of the basilar artery. A median 8-month follow-up was attained in 25 patients (61.0%), with a 92% complete or near-complete occlusion rate. CONCLUSIONS FD insertion combined with coil embolization is a potentially safe and effective therapeutic strategy for ruptured aneurysms when accompanied with perioperative evidence-based antithrombotic therapy.