Systematic Review of Woven EndoBridge for Wide-Necked Bifurcation Aneurysms: Complications, Adequate Occlusion Rate, Morbidity, and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Although the Woven EndoBridge (WEB [Sequent Medical, Aliso Viejo, California, USA]) is a highly innovative technique for the endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs), there are no studies available comparing this technique with surgical results or other endovascular results of stent-assisted coiling or balloon-assisted coiling for WNBAs. The purpose of this study was to assess complications, complete occlusion rate, and morbidity and mortality of the WEB in WNBA treatment.

METHODS: Published literature citing embolization results for WNBAs using the WEB was reviewed. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the complications, complete occlusion rate, and morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS: We identified 19 studies, including 935 patients. The most frequent aneurysm locations were the bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (42.8%), the anterior communicating artery (23%), and the basilar bifurcation (20.8%). The technical success rate of the WEB was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96%-98%). The thromboembolic complication rate was 8% (95% CI, 6%-11%). The thromboembolic complication rate was 10% (95% CI, 7%-13%) in cases before 2013, which was higher than in cases after 2013 (6%; 95% CI, 4%-9%; P = 0.045). MCA bifurcation aneurysm has a higher thromboembolic complication rate than posterior circulation aneurysm. The overall bleeding complication rate of the WEB was 2% (95% CI, 1%-3%). The adequate occlusion rate was 81% (95% CI, 76%-85%). Morbidity during follow-up was 3% (95% CI, 1%-4%) (I2  = 30.4%), and mortality was 2% (95% CI, 1%-3%).

CONCLUSIONS: Adequate aneurysm occlusion was found in 81% of WEB cases with low morbidity and mortality.