Micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms that are inaccessible by microcatheterization: a case series and review of the literature

Background The use of traditional endovascular techniques for aneurysms that are difficult to catheterize is challenging. We present our experience of using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms that were inaccessible by a microcatheter. Methods Seven consecutive patients who underwent endovascular electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms between January 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively included. Patient demographics, treatment procedures, and follow-up outcomes were assessed. A review of the literature was also performed. Results All of the seven treated aneurysms were ruptured, and micro-guidewire electrocoagulation was only conducted if the microcatheter could not advance into the aneurysm or parent artery. After electrocoagulation for 1-4 min, all seven aneurysms disappeared on contrast angiography. Parent artery occlusion was observed in six cases, and post-procedure infarctions of the operating region were identified in three patients. The 3-month follow-up modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in all except one patient. Follow-up angiography was available in six patients, and complete obliteration of the aneurysm was observed in all of them. With a mean follow-up time of 13.6 months, there was no rebleeding in any of the cases. To date, there are only eight published cases of aneurysms treated using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation, and seven of them achieved total occlusion of the aneurysm without neurological deficits. Conclusions Endovascular electrocoagulation is practicable and effective for the treatment of aneurysms that are inaccessible by a microcatheter during short-term observation. Studies on larger populations are needed to further confirm the safety and long-term outcomes for this technique.