Cyanoacrylate embolization of experimental aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cyanoacrylates are effective occlusive agents in neurovascular interventions. To study their potential to improve long-term results of endovascular treatment of aneurysms, we conducted experimental studies in canine aneurysm models.

METHODS: Venous pouch carotid aneurysms were constructed in dogs. Results of coil embolization of lateral wall and bifurcation aneurysms were compared. A lateral wall model of embolization with gelatin sponges was used to study the effects of coating sponges with cyanoacrylate on angiographic results and neointima thickness at 3 and 12 weeks. These models were also used to investigate the control of endovascular cyanoacrylate deposition, alone or over a coil placed at the neck of the treated lesions. The results of endovascular cyanoacrylate embolization of bifurcation aneurysms were compared with those of coil embolization at 3 months.

RESULTS: Bifurcation aneurysms treated with coils showed more frequent recurrences (P <.01) and thinner neointimas (P <.01) at 3 months than did lateral wall aneurysms. Cyanoacrylate-coated sponges improved angiographic results (P <.05) and led to thicker neointimas at 3 and 12 weeks (P <.05) as compared with uncoated sponges. Endovascular cyanoacrylate deposition with microcatheters led to stray emboli in all cases. Cyanoacrylate delivery was improved by a single coil positioned at the neck of the aneurysm, but parent vessel embolization still occurred in 25% of the animals. Cyanoacrylate embolization of bifurcation aneurysms improved angiographic results at 3 months as compared with coil embolization (P <.01).

CONCLUSION: Cyanoacrylate embolization is currently difficult to control. It has the potential to decrease recurrences after endovacular treatment of aneurysms, but a safe method for endovascular delivery has yet to be developed.