Endosaccular Approaches to Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstract

Intracranial aneurysms are local dilatations or “weaknesses” in cerebral artery walls, which are prone to growing and rupturing, causing intracranial bleeding. The endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms encompasses many techniques, all of which had origins of development with direct endosaccular approaches. Endosaccular treatment involves direct catheterization of the aneurysm dome. The scope of this chapter will focus on endovascular treatment modalities including primary coil embolization coiling, balloon-assisted coil embolization and stent-assisted coil embolization. Basic endosaccular approaches to cerebral aneurysms will continue to be important as viable treatment options, as well as benchmarks to compare newer technology.