Effect of Guglielmi Detachable Coils on Experimental Carotid Artery Aneurysms in Primates

Abstract
Background and Purpose Clinical experience has established that intravascularly placed metal coils can be a useful treatment for cerebral vascular aneurysms. However, the mechanism by which the coils induce occlusion of the aneurysm is unclear. Appropriate use of this promising treatment modality requires basic understanding of the occlusive process. We used an animal model system of experimentally induced carotid aneurysms to investigate the initial events induced by Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), as well as the subsequent vascular changes induced by the coils over time. Methods We induced 23 aneurysms in the carotid arteries of 16 Japanese monkeys. Nineteen aneurysms were then occluded with GDCs placed via endovascular surgery; 4 aneurysms served as controls. We then used gross and microscopic pathological examination, angiography, and scanning electron microscopy to assess the effects of the GDC. Results In the first few hours after placement of the GDC in the experimental aneurysms, we observed le...