The Pipeline Versus Telescoping Stents: In Vitro Flows in a Treated Cerebral Aneurysm Model

Cerebral aneurysms are a significant concern; they are found in 2% of the world population [1]. While endovascular treatments have become a successful option for patients with cerebral aneurysms, recurrence rates remain as high as 50% [2]. Accordingly, many interventional devices are being developed with the hope of increasing the success rate of endovascular aneurysm occlusion. One of these devices is the low-porosity Pipeline emboilzation device (PED). Compared to more traditional intracranial stents, the PED contains a higher ratio of metal to surface area. Previously, similar reductions in porosity were obtained by sequentially deploying multiple high-porosity stents inside of one another, which is known as “telescoping.” The hemodynamic effects of using a single low-porosity device, versus telescoped high-porosity stents, have not been investigated thoroughly. In this study flow was quantified for idealized and anatomical basilar tip aneurysm models. The models were treated with sequentially placed high-porosity stents and a single low-porosity PED.