Vorapaxar as an Alternative for Ticagrelor Resistance in Neuroendovascular Intervention

Abstract

Background Perioperative dual‐antiplatelet therapy for flow diversion limits thromboembolic complications. However, resistance to dual‐antiplatelet therapy medications remains a concern for neuroendovascular intervention. To date, there is no standardized approach for resistance to ADP receptor antagonists. Methods We report a case of ticagrelor resistance for flow diversion of an intracranial aneurysm treated with vorapaxar, as well as a narrative review of the literature for previous cases of ticagrelor resistance. Results Flow diversion with the Pipeline embolization device was deployed for a left internal carotid artery blister aneurysm and bilateral internal carotid artery dissecting pseudoaneurysms. The patient had 3 thromboembolic complications while on dual‐antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor or prasugrel, leading to transition of antiplatelet therapy to vorapaxar. At 84 days follow‐up, the patient was fully recovered with complete occlusion of the aneurysms. Conclusion Our case suggests that vorapaxar is a promising alternative for patients with ticagrelor resistance in flow diversion–treated intracranial aneurysms. High‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the safety and efficacy of vorapaxar in neuroendovascular procedures.

Keywords

• aneurysm
• flow diversion
• pipeline
• ticagrelor resistance
• vorapaxar