AIM: The present stent-assisted coil technique has many limitations especially in treating fusiform aneurysms. We aimed to introduce stenting following coiling technique to treat fusiform aneurysms.

MATERIAL and METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, we treated 6 patients with fusiform aneurysms in basilar artery (BA) by stenting following coiling technique. The 6 patients included four men and two women (age from 20 to 78 years, mean age 51 years). Two patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas 4 had unruptured aneurysms with progressive brainstem symptoms. In the procedure of endovascular treatment, the stent was delivered after coiling to compress the coils against the aneurysm wall and form a lumen in basilar artery.

RESULTS: Five patients had an excellent recovery with a satisfactory clinical result with an average 15.4 months follow-up. Four patients received follow-up angiographic imaging with an average 13 months, whereas 3 patients demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion with reconstructive BA patency. Re-growth occurred in one patient, although clinically stable. None had angiographic evidence of in-stent stenosis.

CONCLUSION: Stenting following coiling technique may be a feasible and effective method to reshape parent arteries and to embolize fusiform aneurysms safely. However, this technique may be considered in selected patients.