The use and limitations of flow diverters in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

Flow diverters (FDs) have recently been developed as innovative endovascular devices to treat intracranial aneurysms. FDs can alter and reduce the blood flow into the aneurysmal sac, and subsequently induce progressive aneurysmal thrombosis while preserving the patency of the surrounding small vessels and perforators. Because FD therapy is superior to conventional endosaccular coil embolization with its high complete occlusion rate and low risk of recurrence, it is expected to be one of the most important breakthroughs in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms. But because there are the continuing risks of morbidity and neurological mortality, appropriate case selection is mandatory for the effective use of FDs.